Black TV and Movie Classics to Watch as a Family

Last updated: August 2, 2024

From Will Smith to Queen Latifah, many celebrities we know and love today launched their careers by starring in a TV series or a movie. Below you'll find the best upbeat, throwback picks that feature inspiring Black families and stories from the '70s to the '00s currently available to stream or buy. Whether you want to share a piece of your childhood with your kids or you're looking to catch up on the feel-good classics, the whole family can enjoy these shows that will make you laugh, cry, or both! When you're done here, check out our other lists that feature strong Black representation: TV Shows with Black Leads and Great Movies with Black Characters.

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Little Bill Poster Image

TV

Little Bill

age 4+

Little Bill knows a whole lot about love & laughs.

Nick Jr. Kids' Animation (1999)

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Cinderella (1997) Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Cinderella (1997)

age 5+

Musical take on classic fairy tale is an inclusion landmark.

November 2, 1997 1997 G (99 minutes)

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Class of 3000 Poster Image

TV

Class of 3000

age 6+

OutKast star inspires music students in fun 'toon.

Cartoon Network Kids' Animation (2006)

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Webster Poster Image

TV

Webster

age 6+

Endearing '80s sitcom celebrates family, embracing change.

ABC Comedy (1983)

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Like Mike movie poster

MOVIE

Like Mike

age 7+

Lil Bow Wow in family-friendly fantasy.

July 3, 2002 2002 PG (100 minutes)

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Space Jam Poster Image

MOVIE

Space Jam

age 7+

'90s live-action-animation mix has some cartoon violence.

November 15, 1996 1996 PG (88 minutes)

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The Proud Family Poster Image

TV

The Proud Family

age 7+

Relatable stories, good role models, zany comedy.

ABC Kids' Animation (2001)

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Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her

MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

April 28, 2006 2006 PG (112 minutes)

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Family Matters Poster Image

TV

Family Matters

age 8+

Urkel and company still offer lots of family fun.

Freeform , Nickelodeon , Syndicated Comedy (1989)

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Kenan & Kel Poster Image

TV

Kenan & Kel

age 8+

Mischievous adventures of two teens is all about the laughs.

Nickelodeon Comedy (1996)

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That's So Raven Poster Image

TV

That's So Raven

age 8+

Clairvoyant teen will have kids seeing Raven!

Disney Channel Comedy (2003)

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The Wiz Poster Image

MOVIE

The Wiz

age 8+

1970s all-Black remake has positive messages, violence.

October 24, 1978 1978 G (135 minutes)

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Dr. Dolittle (1998) Poster Image

MOVIE

Dr. Dolittle (1998)

age 9+

Gimmicky animal tale with Eddie Murphy is crude but funny.

June 26, 1998 1998 PG-13 (85 minutes)

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Sister, Sister Poster Image

TV

Sister, Sister

age 9+

Separated twins reunite as teens -- tweens OK.

Disney Channel Comedy (1994)

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Good Burger movie poster: Ed and Dexter wearing Good Burger uniforms surf a giant burger

MOVIE

Good Burger

age 10+

Good-natured 1990s comedy loaded with silly, low-brow humor.

July 25, 1997 1997 PG (95 minutes)

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Good Times Poster Image

TV

Good Times

age 10+

Dy-no-mite '70s sitcom with a social message.

Syndicated , TV Land Comedy (1974)

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Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Poster Image

TV

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper

age 10+

Hanging out with this gang is good family fun.

Syndicated Comedy (1992)

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In the House: TV Poster

TV

In the House

age 10+

Sexist jokes kinda cringey despite A+ Black representation.

Max Comedy (1995)

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Martin TV show: Poster image

TV

Martin

age 10+

Iconic 1990s show features mild sex, violence.

Fox Comedy (1992)

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Remember the Titans movie poster: Silhouetted football players overlaid against a large image of Denzel Washington's face

MOVIE

Remember the Titans

age 10+

Inspiring football drama brings history to life.

September 29, 2000 2000 PG (113 minutes)

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