Ballerific Films: 5 Slept-On Black Movies That Deserve a Second Look

Year after year, Black cinema makes a splash in Hollywood, with timeless productions giving us much to look forward to and classics for the ages. With the massive success of “Sinners” and the new action thriller “Shadow Force” hitting theaters this week, there is certainly a spotlight on Black-led films. However, in recent years, some iconic movies haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. 

Reasons for some films not receiving their proper due vary. Whether a lax in marketing or a general misunderstanding of the plot, several flicks with all-star casts and exciting storylines have gone grossly underrated. 

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit these game-changing films that undoubtedly deserve a second look.

The Book of Clarence (2024)

Released on January 12th, 2024, this biblical-era dramedy stars LaKeith Stanfield as Clarence, a down-on-his-luck Jerusalem hustler who sees a chance for fame by claiming to be the new Messiah. Written and directed by Jeymes Samuel, the film blends satire, faith, and social commentary with a bold reimagining of ancient stories.

Nope (2022)

Directed by Jordan Peele and released on July 22th, 2022, this sci-fi horror film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, and Steven Yeun. It centers on two siblings who run a California horse ranch and discover a mysterious, possibly alien presence in the sky. As they attempt to capture evidence, they confront trauma, spectacle, and survival. While this movie was a box office hit, raking in over $171 million on a $68 million budget, many believe “Nope” remains underappreciated in the grand scheme of sci-fi movies. 

Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. (2022)

Released on September 2nd, 2022, this satirical comedy stars Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown as Trinitie and Lee-Curtis Childs, a disgraced megachurch couple trying to rebuild their congregation after an adulterous scandal. The film blends mockumentary and drama to critique religious hypocrisy and the performance of faith. Many took issue with “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul” for its depiction of Black megachurches, especially those within the South.  

Concrete Cowboy (2020)

Starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin, this coming-of-age drama was released on Netflix on April 2nd, 2021. It tells the story of a troubled teen sent to live with his estranged father in Philadelphia, where he discovers the real-life urban cowboy subculture and learns responsibility through horseback riding and community. This powerful story may have been slightly overlooked, considering that it was initially released during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was slated to premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2020, before its cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It would debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 13th, 2020.

Clemency (2019)

Alfre Woodard delivers one of her most powerful performances to date in “Clemency,” yet this production went largely overlooked. Woodard stars as prison warden Bernadine Williams, grappling with the emotional toll of capital punishment. Theatrically released on December 27th, 2019, the film follows her inner conflict as she prepares to oversee another execution, particularly that of a man she begins to believe may be innocent. The film delves deeply into themes of justice, guilt, and humanity. “Clemency” was likely another victim of the pandemic, with its theatrical release coinciding with the onset of COVID-19.