Whether you’re in the mood for some laughs with your loved ones, or you’re tired of the stresses of everyday life and want to escape into a more joyous realm for a while, or you’re just looking for a fun way to spend your weekend evening, there’s hardly a bad reason to sit back and enjoy some comedy! Fortunately, there are a ton of options out there, and there are a range of funny black movies to choose from, amazing comedies that star black artists, are created by black creators and explore black issues. If you’re wondering where to even start, read on. Here are some of the funniest black movies to stream right now.

Friday (1995)

“Friday,” directed by Felix Gary Grey, and starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Regina King, and Bernie Mac, among others, is a hilarious and sometimes irreverent comedy that quickly won over viewers and is now a cult classic. This story about a couple of best friends who must face daunting odds and pay off a debt has become a beloved classic story, and a great way to spend a Friday evening.

The best part? This is one of the few funny Black movies available to stream for free right now on Tubi! 

Dope (2015)

“Dope,” directed and written by Rick Famuyiwa, and starring Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, and Shameik Moore, is a suspenseful—but at many times hilarious—coming of age story about a group of friends living in Inglewood who must contend with unexpected challenges as they navigate their formative years. The movie won over audiences with its charm, gripping story, and thoughtful exploration of heavy themes related to growing up—all amid the levity that the incredible cast was able to weave on screen.

Viewers can find “Dope” available to stream on Netflix.

Coming To America (1988)

“Coming To America” directed by John Landis, and starring Eddie Murphy, Paul Bates, and Garcelle Beauvais is an irreverent comedy and a widely beloved cult classic. Audiences often love the wild humor and Eddie Murphy’s impressive performance as Prince Akeem who is searching for love in an unfamiliar environment.

Viewers can find “Coming to America” for rental or purchase on several platforms, including Apple TV, Youtube, Prime Video, and Google Play.

Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008)

“Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins,” written and directed by Malcom D. Lee, and starring Martin Lawrence, Mike Epps, Joy Bryant, Cedric the Entertainer, and James Earl Jones among others, tells the story of Roscoe Jenkins, who is now a well-respected talk show host, who must face one of his greatest challenges yet—returning home to celebrate his parents’ 50-year wedding anniversary. As Roscoe faces his family, audiences are treated to laugh after laugh.

Viewers can find “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” on Tubi to stream. 

About Last Night (2014)

“About Last Night,” written by Leslye Headland, directed by Steve Pink, and starring Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant, Christopher Mcdonald and Paula Patton, follows four people as they navigate the complexity of relationships, growth, and love. It’s the second film iteration of David Mamet’s play, “Sexual Perversity in Chicago.” Audiences are often enamored with the lively and hilarious cast, and enjoy the way the film is able to merge the important topics it explores with humor and levity.  

Viewers can stream “About Last Night” on Netflix.

Sorry to Bother You (2018)

“Sorry To Bother You,” written and directed by Boots Riley, and starring LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, David Cross, Terry Crews, and Jermaine Fowler, among others, is a hilarious and at many times poignant satire comedy that follows Cassius “Cash” Green, who works as a telemarketer and discovers that by adopting a “white voice,” his job becomes much easier. When he is unknowingly thrust into a dark web of conspiracy, unethical dealings, and human rights violations, he must reconsider his station. Viewers will find thought-provoking humor, unexpected plot twists, and poignant messages.

“Sorry to Bother You”  is available to purchase or rent on several platforms now, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Death at a Funeral (2010)

“Death at a Funeral,” directed by Neil LaBute, and starring Chris Rock, Peter Dinklage, James Marsden, Danny Glover, Zoe Saldana and Tracy Morgan, is a hilarious and sometimes irreverent comedy with some somber plot points. The movie follows Aaron, played by Chris Rock who must navigate many unexpected complex situations that arise around his father’s funeral. Audiences often love the somewhat chaotic humor and the incredible cast that deliver a powerfully funny performance.

“Death at a Funeral” is available to stream on Netflix, as well as for purchase on Youtube.

Car Wash (1976)

“Car Wash,” directed by Michael Schultz, and starring Richard Pryor, Franklyn Ajaye, Bill Duke, Ivan Dixon, Tracy Reed, James Spinks, and George Carlin, shows  a slice of life for the workers of a car wash in Los Angeles. This 1976 comedy was immediately loved for its interesting characters, warm humor, and wonderful cast. Now a cult classic, audiences often love the lively feel of the world that the film explores.

Car Wash is available to stream for free on Tubi.

The Bottom Line

There’s a ton of amazing and hilarious black movies out there to enjoy! While this is a short list that’s a great place to get started, there are tons more amazing films out there created by black artists that explore black issues. Whether you’re looking for a worry-free night in on a weekend, or you’re just kicking off some quality time with loved ones, sometimes a great comedy movie is the perfect way to enjoy yourself.

Watch on BlackOak.TV

Don’t forget—whether you’re looking for amazing black comedies, or you’re interested in taking in some incredible dramatic stories from black voices, or even if you’re looking for a solid action movie, or a warm fuzzy romance, BlackOakTV has some amazing options, and something for everyone. Be sure to check out just a few titles from our catalog here, some more from our blog where we explore everything from the best black Christmas movies to the best black sitcoms of the ‘70s.