Hollywood Spotlight: 10 Must-Watch Films Showcasing Black Talent This April
- BFW Staff
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
As April 2025 unfolds, there’s a wealth of exciting films and series highlighting the undeniable talent of Black actors, directors, and producers. Whether you're in the mood for an animated adventure, a historical thriller, or a captivating documentary, this month is brimming with content that not only entertains but also champions Black artistry across the screen. Here are the must-watch titles to add to your list:
Sneaks
Release Date: April 18, 2025 (Theatrical)
This animated gem from director Rob Edwards tells the story of Ty, a designer sneaker voiced by Anthony Mackie, who embarks on a high-stakes adventure to rescue his sister, Maxine (voiced by Chloe Bailey), from a shady collector. As Ty navigates the streets of New York City, he’s joined by a colorful cast of footwear friends. The film showcases Black talent, with Mackie and Bailey leading the voice cast, alongside a supporting ensemble that includes Laurence Fishburne and Martin Lawrence. With its family-friendly plot and a deep dive into the vibrant world of sneaker culture, Sneaks is set to be a standout in animated films this year.
G20
Release Date: April 10, 2025 (Amazon Prime Video)
In this high-stakes action thriller, G20 follows U.S. President Danielle Sutton, played by Viola Davis, as she defends global leaders and her family when the G20 summit in Cape Town is overtaken by terrorists. Davis brings her unparalleled gravitas to this role, making it one of her most riveting performances to date. The film also features Marsai Martin and Anthony Anderson in pivotal roles, blending suspense with political drama. With Davis at the helm, G20 is poised to captivate audiences with both its action-packed storyline and strong Black leads.
Number One on the Call Sheet
Release Date: March 28, 2025 (Apple TV+)
Released at the end of March, this definitely still qualifies as a must-watch in April. This two-part documentary series, available on Apple TV+, delves into the experiences of Black actors in Hollywood. The first part highlights Black leading men, while the second part shifts focus to Black women who have broken barriers in the entertainment industry. Featuring interviews with some of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, including Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Foxx, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, and Kevin Hart, Number One on the Call Sheet offers an insightful and powerful look at the challenges and triumphs of Black talent in front and behind the camera.
Iyanu
Release Date: April 5, 2025 (Cartoon Network)
Iyanu is an afrofuturist animated superhero series set in a Yoruba-inspired world. The story follows a young heroine who discovers her divine powers and embarks on a quest to save her people. Created by Roye Okupe, this series boasts a predominantly Black cast and creative team, shining a light on African culture and mythology. With its engaging plot and stunning animation, Iyanu is an exciting addition to the growing world of Black-led animated storytelling, offering a fresh take on superhero narratives.
A Minecraft Movie
Release Date: April 4, 2025 (Theatrical)
A Minecraft Movie, released on April 4, 2025, brings the beloved video game to life with a diverse ensemble cast. Among the standout performances is Danielle Brooks as Dawn, one of the four misfits transported into the game's Overworld. Brooks, renowned for her role in Orange Is the New Black, adds depth and charisma to her character, highlighting the film's commitment to showcasing Black talent. Her portrayal, alongside a cast that includes Jason Momoa and Jack Black, contributes to the movie's dynamic energy and appeal. A Minecraft Movie is currently playing in theaters.
Sinners
Release Date: April 18, 2025 (Theatrical)
Sinners is a powerhouse of Black talent, led by Michael B. Jordan, who takes on the challenge of playing twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, bringing depth and intensity to both roles. His performance is set to be a standout, blending vulnerability with raw power as the brothers face supernatural horrors in the 1930s South. Delroy Lindo, a legend in Black cinema, adds gravitas to the story, while Wunmi Mosaku delivers a compelling performance, further cementing her reputation as a force to watch. With Ryan Coogler at the helm, Sinners isn’t just a horror film—it’s a cinematic celebration of Black excellence, both on and off the screen.
Beauty in Black
Release Date: October 24, 2024 (Netflix)
Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black is a gripping drama that continues to be a must-watch even months after its release. Set in Chicago, it follows Kimmie (Taylor Polidore Williams), a struggling dancer who becomes entangled with the wealthy Bellarie family, uncovering deep secrets that threaten their empire. With standout performances from Crystle Stewart, Debbi Morgan, and Richard Lawson, the show highlights Black excellence both on-screen and behind the scenes. Since its October 2024 debut, Beauty in Black has remained a fan favorite, topping Netflix charts. A second season is confirmed, with filming already underway and an expected release later in 2025. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the perfect time to catch up!
The Order (Hulu)
Release Date: August 31, 2024 (Netflix)
In "The Order", Jurnee Smollett delivers a compelling performance as FBI agent Joanne Carney, who, alongside Terry Husk (Jude Law) and Jamie Bowen (Tye Sheridan), works to dismantle a violent white supremacist group in 1980s America. The film, inspired by true events, delves into the complexities of domestic terrorism and law enforcement's efforts to combat it. Smollett's portrayal adds depth and resilience to the narrative, highlighting the critical role of Black talent in bringing such powerful stories to the screen. "The Order" premiered in theaters on December 6, 2024, and is slated for streaming on Amazon Prime Video around May 2025. This is still a definite must-watch in April 2025.
Shirley (Netflix)
Release Date: March 15, 2024 (Theatrical)
Shirley is a gripping biographical drama following Shirley Chisholm’s historic 1972 presidential campaign, with Regina King delivering a powerhouse performance as the fearless trailblazer. Directed by John Ridley, the film highlights the barriers Chisholm faced as the first Black woman to run for a major party nomination, with strong supporting performances from André Holland, Terrence Howard, and Christina Jackson. Though it had a limited theatrical release on March 15, 2024, Shirley is now streaming on Netflix, making it a must-watch this April for its riveting storytelling and celebration of Black political history.
Widows (Hulu/Prime Video/Apple TV)
Release Date: November 16, 2018 (Theatrical)
Though Widows premiered in 2018, it remains a must-watch thriller, especially for those craving powerful Black performances. Directed by Steve McQueen, the film stars Viola Davis as Veronica, a woman forced to complete a heist after her husband’s criminal plans go awry. Cynthia Erivo shines as Belle, a determined single mother who gets drawn into the high-stakes operation. With an intense, socially charged storyline and standout performances, Widows is still as gripping today as it was at release. If you missed it, April 2025 is the perfect time to catch up on this bold, character-driven heist drama!
Why These Films Matter
These titles exemplify the richness of Black talent and storytelling in entertainment. From animated adventures to hard-hitting dramas and so on, April 2025 is shaping up to be a month where Black voices take center stage, making it a great time to tune in and celebrate the diverse stories that are being told.
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