Black Buddy Movies: Ranking Top Films In Black Cinema History

From left: Queen Latifah, Kimberly Elise, Vivica Fox and Jada Pinkett film “Set It Off” in 1996. | Source: Archive Photos / Getty

The power of a Hollywood blockbuster starring two equally entertaining lead stars is a sort of cinematic magic that can’t be compared. Thus, we have the age-old tradition of the “buddy film.”

Over time we’ve seen tons of different actors paired together on the big screen, but you’d be surprised how far in between the number of times that you’ll look up and see two Black co-stars. The odds get even slimmer for those looking to find a pair of women spearheading the film. A rarity of its kind is the 1997 Black female-led cult classic film, B.A.P.S., starring Halle Berry and the late Natalie Desselle. In all of its ghetto fabulosity, the Townsend-directed comedy proved to be a project appreciated more in the decades following its initial release.

The film’s popularity has grown so much so that even rap queens Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are now reportedly interested in giving the film a remake with the “WAP” emcees co-starring.

https://twitter.com/CardiNewss/status/1631447256908931072

While Cardi and Megan both have a natural look to pull off the gaudy ratchetness of Decatur darlings Nisi and Mickey, their lyrical chemistry would surely have to translate on film in order to make it an honorable reboot. They’d surely be in good company if the project actually does end up making it to the production phase, especially when considering some of the talented actors and actresses that broke barriers on film before them to show us the true definition of Black star power. Fingers crossed we start seeing more people of color, particularly women, in these leading roles in the future!

Keep scrolling for a look at 20 of our favorite Black buddy films over the years, and let us know if you think Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are a good fit for a B.A.P.S. remake.

1. Will Smith & Martin Lawrence, 'Bad Boys' (1995)

2. Samuel L. Jackson & Bernie Mac, 'Soul Men' (2008)

3. Shawn Wayans & Marlon Wayans, 'White Chicks' (2004)

4. Eddie Murphy & Martin Lawrence, 'Life' (1999)

5. Ice Cube & Kevin Hart, 'Ride Along' (2014)

6. Halle Berry & Natalie Desselle, 'B.A.P.S.' (1997)

7. Ice Cube & Chris Tucker, 'Friday' (1995)

8. Ice Cube & Mike Epps, 'Next Friday' (2000)

9. Kid 'N Play, 'House Party' (1990)

10. Kenan & Kel, 'Good Burger' (1997)

11. Vivica A. Fox, Kimberly Elise, Queen Latifah & Jada Pinkett-Smith, 'Set It Off' (1996)

12. Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah & Jada Pinkett-Smith, 'Girls Trip' (2017)

13. Method Man & Redman, 'How High' (2001)

14. Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg, 'The Wash' (2001)

15. Eddie Murphy & Arsenio Hall, 'Coming To America' (1988)

16. Key & Peele, 'Keanu' (2016)

17. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson & Kevin Hart, 'Central Intelligence' (2016)

18. Tyrin Turner & Larenz Tate, 'Menace II Society' (1993)

19. Nas & DMX, 'Belly' (1998)

20. Marsai Martin & Issa Rae, 'Little' (2019)