Whether it’s a romantic comedy, action or even a thriller, we love to see Black actresses have a romance storyline in a movie. So many actresses have nailed this on the big screen, but here are 21 we love to see.
21. Thandiwe Newton
Thandiwe starred alongside Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 2, where she played a professional thief. Her chemistry with Tom made this her memorable performance, but some of her other works include Yellow Sun and The Truth About Charlie.
20. Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson was charming in Sylive’s Love but is more widely known for her performances in Creed and Creed 2 with Michael B Jordan. Amidst the boxing, they’re able to draw us into the relationship between their characters and their independent struggles.
19. Tika Sumpter
Make sure the kids are asleep because Nobody’s Fool starring Tika Sumpter, is a funny yet steamy watch. She also played the one and only Michelle Obama in Southside with You, a sweet biographical romance drama.
18. Lupita Nyong'o
We haven’t seen Lupita in many romance roles but playing Nakia in Black Panther alongside Chadwick Boseman is enough to get her on this list. Hopefully, we’ll see her be in a romance movie in the future.
17. Paula Patton
Jumping the Broom and Baggage Claim are two of Paula Patton’s prominent romance movies, but she has also played supporting characters in romance movies like The Perfect Match.
16. Issa Rae
We know she can play the awkward girl, but she proved that’s not all she can do in the romantic drama The Photograph. You can also watch her in the romantic comedy The Lovebird.
15. Amandla Stenberg
She captured our hearts as a young actress in The Hunger Games and has continued acting, building an impressive resume. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that she still captures our hearts with performances in Where Hands Touch, The Darkest Minds and Everything Everything.
14. Zendaya
Speaking of growing up, Zendaya has come a long way from her Disney Channel days, starring in works like the black and white romantic drama Malcolm & Marie. She also played the prominent role of MJ in Spiderman and Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman.
13. Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Beyond the Lights and Belle are two underrated romance movies both staring the talented Gugu Mbatha-Raw. She’s able to work with her fellow actor to create vulnerable and intense romantic moments that leave lasting impressions. Also worth checking out is the Netflix movie Irreplaceable You.
12. Regina Hall
Whether it’s a romantic comedy or a comedy horror film, Regina Hall is always there to make us laugh. She’s been in several movies where her character has been in a romantic relationship, including films such as Think Like a Man, The Best Man and Naked.
11. Nia Long
Did we just mention The Best Man? Because Nia Long starred in that movie too. Not to mention Love Jones, Friday, Are We There Yet, and Fatal Affair. She has a history of being the heroine or love interest in classic Black movies.
10. Christina MIlian
Christina Milian, singer, actress and cheerleader, or at least she likes playing one in her movies. Love Don’t Cost a Thing was one of our first opportunities to really see her acting chops. She went on to be the leading lady in films like Falling Inn Love, Memories of Christmas and Resort to Love.
9. Kat Graham
Kat Graham’s romance catalogue continues to grow with the Hallmark movie Fashionably Yours and Honey 2. We’re also coming to expect her presence on our screens during winter with Christmas movies such as The Holiday Calendar and Operation Christmas Drop.
8. Zoe Saldana
There’s no doubt Zoe Saldana kills in an action movie, and in those films, she nails the romantic storyline, whether that’s in Star Trek, Avatar or Guardians of the Galaxy. She also stars in the popular romantic comedy Guess Who and Drumline.
7. Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson has been on our radar since Baby Boy. She finally broke through to mainstream Hollywood and has been on a roll since then. She delivers hilarious performances in Think Like A Man and What Men Want. One of her most prominent roles is playing Katherine Johnson in the biographical drama Hidden Figures.
6. Angela Bassett
Acting Legend Angela Bassett has done her fair share of romance movies with classics like How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Meet the Browns and Waiting to Exhale. It’s safe to say she slays every single one of them.
5. Vivica A. Fox
Legend in the game Vivica A. Fox can always be relied on to deliver an entertaining romance movie. Whether it’s Two Can Play Game, BootyCall or several others (the list really does go on), she’s got a movie for every occasion.
4. Meagan Good
Meagan Good has been a popular romance movie protagonist/love interest for several years and the subject of many male crushes. Waist Deep, Roll Bounce, and Love By The 10th Date are a few in her filmography.
3. Queen Latifah
She’s not called Queen Latifah for nothing! It’s always a good time when she’s on the screen. We love it when she’s a supporting character in a romance movie, but it’s doesn’t compare to when she’s the lead. Just Wright and Last Holiday are two absolute favourites. Plus, it’s nice to see a thicker woman starring in romance movies; love doesn’t discriminate based on body shape.
2. Gabrielle Union
From Bad Boys to Deliver Us from Eva, Daddy’s Little Girls to The Perfect Holiday, watching Gabrielle Union on screen is a no brainer.
1. Sanaa Lathan
The one number one has to go to Sanaa Lathan. She is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to romance movies. Let’s just let her movie list speak for themselves: Love and Basketball, Brown Sugar, Something New, Nappily Ever After, Disappearing Acts, The Best Man and The Best Man Holiday.
There we have it, 21 Black Actresses we love to see in movies. Do you agree with this list? Who do you think is missing? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you liked this article, please follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.
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