10 Black Romance Movies You Need To Watch This Valentine's Day

Because Love Jones hits different during Black History Month.

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and whether you're single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, February 14th has always been my favorite excuse to get cozy and watch romantic movies for hours on end.

NIckelodeon / Via giphy.com

Because February is also Black History Month, I've compiled a list of new and seriously underrated films that vary widely in tone and feature Black couples falling hopelessly in love.

BET / Via giphy.com

So, let's bust out our fuzziest pajamas, park it on the couch, and get swept up in some amazing Black romance movies this V-Day!

1. Malcolm & Marie

Netflix

Behind closed doors, things get real. Returning home from Malcolm's (John David Washington) latest movie premiere, he and his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) have a tumultuous evening as hidden truths about their relationship bubble to the surface. Not only romantic but also historic, Malcolm & Marie is the first film ever credited with being shot during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

You can stream it on Netflix.

2. Sylvie's Love

Amazon Studios

Across time and space, real love doesn't change. Set in 1950s Harlem, Sylvie (Tessa Thompson) and Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha) have a summer of love after meeting by chance in her father's record shop. Despite an extended period of separation, their burning love prevails throughout the obstacles to come. 

You can stream it on Prime Video.

3. If Beale Street Could Talk

Stage 6 Films

Can love truly conquer all? Childhood friends turned lovers Clementine (Kiki Layne) and Alonzo (Stephan James) navigate young parenthood as Alonzo faces charges for a crime he didn't commit. Set in 1970s Harlem, this film explores the ups and downs of being Black in America and nevertheless daring to love and dream of a better life. 

You can stream it on Hulu.

4. Premature

IFC FIlms

To be young and in love... During one glorious NYC summer, seventeen year old Ayanna's (Zora Howard) life changes when she meets Isaiah (Joshua Boone). The two fall deeply in love as summer's end threatens to tear them apart and Ayanna prepares to leave for college. 

You can stream it on Hulu.

5. Moonlight

A24

Love is a luxury that some cannot afford. Chiron's (Trevante Rhodes) traumatic childhood in Liberty City, Miami has denied him the safety to fully embrace his sexuality and his first love Kevin (Andre Holland). Years later, Chiron returns home to confront his past.

You can stream on Showtime.

6. Seriously Single

Netflix

I've rewatched this film twice now, and so will you! Boy-crazy Dineo (Fulu Mugovhani) is on the hunt for a husband, but constantly finds herself being denied the wedding ring she desperately dreams of. Her bestie Noni (Tumi Morake) on the other hand doesn't believe in commitment and does everything she can to shoo away potential bachelors. Together, the friends crash weddings, party hard, and lift one another up through broken hearts. 

You can stream it on Netflix.

7. The Photograph

Universal Pictures

A picture says 1,000 "I love you's." This film explores two separate, but parallel love tales: that of Mae Morton's (Issa Rae) estranged mother Christina (Chante Adams), and of Mae's present-day budding romance with Michael (LaKeith Stanfield), a reporter who seeks to chronicle her late mother's photography career. As Mae and Michael fall for one another, she must grapple with the family secrets that are unveiled by Michael's investigation.

You can stream it on HBO Max.

8. Bessie

HBO Films

For better or worse. For richer or poorer. This film chronicles the life of the legendary Bessie Smith, an early 20th century entertainer and blues music pioneer. Openly bisexual, Bessie (Queen Latifah) experiences several intense, loving relationships that influence her rise to stardom and anchor her when she loses it all. 

You can stream it on HBO Max.

9. The Forty-Year-Old Version

Netflix

Romance isn't just for folks in their 20s. B-list playwright Radha (Radha Blank) rediscovers her childhood love for battle rap and embarks on a journey to record a mixtape that explores the forty-something-year-old experience. Sparks fly when she meets a young producer by the name of D (Oswin Benjamin). 

You can stream it on Netflix.

10. And Nappily Ever After

Netflix

For the folks who need something to watch as they twist up their crowns for the evening. Nappily Ever After chronicles Violet Jones' (Sanaa Lathan) respective hair love and romantic love journeys. Violet's perfect life comes crashing down after a bad breakup and, in an act of defiance, she shaves her head, rediscovers her confidence, and finds a new love. 

You can stream it on Netflix.

Make sure you head here for more of our Black History Month coverage!

Kathy Hoang / BuzzFeed