In a year when there’s less Black representation on screen (compared to the previous year), three themes stand out in the new Black-oriented movies and TV shows releasing in the fall of 2025: family, sports, and Black horror.
Black families in turmoil or seeking justice are the focus of documentaries (“The Perfect Neighbor,” “Unlocked: Family Secrets”) and dramas (“Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie,” “War Dawgz”). But there’s also room for laughter, with Black family comedies such as “Crutch” and “An Unexpected Christmas.”
Sports fans who love Black culture have the talk show “106 & Sports” to watch. Black women roller skaters are the main characters of the drama series “G.R.I.T.S.” Meanwhile, there are documentaries about sports celebrities Allen Iverson, Saquon Barkley, and Roberto Clemente.
The movie “Him” marks the intersection of sports and horror, joining other Black horror options this autumn season, such as “IT: Welcome to Derry,” “Stay,” and “Fatal Detour.”
At the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival, actress/executive producer Issa Rae appeared on an Aug. 9 panel discussion for her HBO documentary “Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television.” A panel moderator asked Rae if the current anti-DEI political climate is one of the main reasons why there’s been an increasing erasure of Black people on screen. Rae answered, “Yeah. We go through these waves, and we’re always talking about the change … I still feel optimistic.” She added, “We [Black people] have constantly created culture, and we need to be better gatekeepers about it.”
Movies
Directed by David Altrogge, this documentary (which has LeBron James as one of the executive producers) tells the life story of Black Puerto Rican baseball athlete Roberto Clemente, who was best known for playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After dying in a 1972 plane crash at age 38, Clemente became the first Caribbean-born athlete to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Released in theaters on Sept. 12. Premiered on History Channel on Sept. 23.
Best friends Donna (played by D’Kia Anderson) and Laren (played by Shanica Knowles) get trapped inside a mansion, where social media influencers have been kidnapped. B. Harrison Smith wrote and directed this BET+ horror film. Premiered on Sept. 18.
Nia DaCosta wrote and directed this drama, based on Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 “Hedda Gabler” play that has had several movie adaptations. Amazon MGM Studios’ “Hedda” stars Tessa Thompson as the title character, a demanding socialite who manipulates her husband, George Tesman (played by Tom Bateman), and her ex-lover, Eileen Lovborg (played by Nina Hoss), in 1950s England. DaCosta and Thompson are two of the movie’s producers. Releasing in theaters on Oct. 22. Premiering on Prime Video on Oct. 29.
NFL hopeful Cameron “Cam” Cade (played by Tyriq Withers) is mentored by his longtime idol Isaiah White (played by Marlon Wayans), a Super Bowl champion quarterback. Isaiah invites Cam to train at Isaiah’s isolated compound, where sinister things start to happen. Justin Tipping directed and co-wrote this Universal Pictures horror movie, which has Jordan Peele as one of the producers. Released in theaters on Sept. 19 and on digital/video on demand on Oct. 7.
“Hunted by My Husband: The Untold Story of the DC Sniper”
Mildred Muhammad, the ex-wife of convicted serial killer John Muhammad (also known as the DC Sniper), tells her story in this Investigation Discovery documentary. She describes years of abuse from him and says his murder spree in 2002 (when he killed several people by sniper shootings in the Washington, D.C., area) was motivated by his desire to murder her. Premiering on Oct. 28.
Filmed over six years by director Nico Ballesteros, this documentary from AMSI Entertainment takes a candid look at the troubled life and mental health struggles of Kanye “Ye” West during his divorce from Kim Kardashian and his various controversies. Released in theaters on Sept. 19.
Unemployed and debt-ridden bachelor Charles Blakey (played by Corey Hawkins) is close to losing his longtime family house in Sag Harbor, New York. A mysterious stranger named Anniston Bennet (played by Willem Dafoe) offers to pay Charles at least $65,000 to secretly live in Charles’ basement for 65 days. This horror-tinged psychological drama from Hulu was directed by Nadia Latif and co-written by Latif and Walter Mosley, who wrote the 2004 novel The Man in My Basement. Released in theaters on Sept. 12. Premiered on Sept. 25.
Using mostly police body cam footage, this Netflix documentary directed by Geeta Gandbhir shows what happened when Susan Lorincz, a white woman in Ocala, Florida, repeatedly called the cops on Black kids playing in the neighborhood. Her accusations of harassment escalated into a feud where Black mother Ajike Owens was shot dead in 2023. Releasing in theaters on Oct. 10. Premiering on Oct. 17.
“Quiet Voices in a Noisy World”
In this First Run Features documentary directed by Alan Govenar, the spotlight is on a group of Black social justice volunteers in Jasper, Texas—a city where Black people are the majority but Black people are underrepresented in Jasper’s government. Releasing in theaters on Nov. 14.
R&B singer Ruth Moably (played by Serayah McNeill) relocates from Atlanta to rural Tennessee with her late boyfriend’s mother Naomi (Phylicia Rashad) and gets a job at a vineyard. Ruth finds love again with the vineyard’s kind owner, Boaz (played by Tyler Lepley), but Ruth’s past catches up to her. Tyler Perry is one of the producers of this Netflix drama, which was directed by Alanna Brown and written by Michael Elliot and Cory Tyan. Premiered on Sept. 26.
This Prime Video documentary chronicles Saquon Barkley’s journey to the Super Bowl LIX championship as a running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. Martin Scorsese is one of the executive producers of the movie, which was directed Alexander Pappas and includes five years of footage. Premiered on Oct. 9.
Based on Tonya Bolden’s 2014 nonfiction book, “Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America,” this drama from Amazon MGM Studios follow the life of Sarah Rector (played by Naya Desir-Johnson), who became a millionaire at 11 years old because she was allotted oil-rich land in the Oklahoma Indian Territory, where she was born in the early 1900s. Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh and written by Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh, “Sarah’s Oil” has a cast that includes Sonequa Martin-Green and Kenric Green as Sarah’s parents. Releasing in theaters on Nov. 7.
In this Fathom Entertainment documentary, Tony-winning “Hamilton” co-star Renée Elise Goldsberry opens up about juggling motherhood, marriage, and her busy career. She also reveals how she coped with the heartbreak of having several miscarriages. Melissa Haizlip and Chris Bolan directed the movie. Released in theaters on Sept. 30.
Written and directed by Jas Summers, this Hulu horror movie follows the story of spirituality author Kiara (played by Megalyn Echikunwoke) and former MMA fighter Miles (played by Mo McRae), who are struggling through a crumbling marriage when they find out that supernatural forces have trapped them in their house. The estranged spouses put aside their differences to try and solve the mystery and free themselves. Premiered on Oct. 8.
“Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie”
In this Lifetime drama, Kai (played by Garcelle Beauvais) is a tough trucker who takes law enforcement matters into her own hands when her neurodivergent niece Toy (played by Sierra Sidwell) is abducted by an online predator. Beauvais is one of the executive producers of this movie, which was directed by Kailey Spear and Sam Spear, and written by Francesca Gailes and Jacqueline J. Gailes. Premiering on Oct. 25.
“Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours”
In this Lifetime drama, romantic sparks fly between single parents Darius Stone (played by Taye Diggs) and Kelly Pellman (played by Lesley-Ann Brandt) after Darius disapproves of his teenage daughter dating Kelly’s son. Diggs, Brandt, and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” author Terry McMillan are among the executive producers of this movie, which was directed by Patricia Cuffie-Jones and written by Bart Baker. Premiering on Nov. 1.
“Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love”
Opposites attract in this Lifetime drama about a controversial romance between famous rapper Charlisa “Charlie” Jones (played Karrueche Tran) and charismatic pastor Kyrus Owens (played by Mark JP Hood), who meet and fall in love after Charlie is released from prison and does court-ordered community service. The movie’s co-stars include Da Brat, B. Simone, Tobias Truvillion, and Reginae Carter. McMillan, Tran, and director Damon Lee are among the executive producers of the movie, which was written by Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan. Premiering on Nov. 8.
Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough”
The Lifetime network continues its franchise of movies executive produced by Toni Braxton and inspired by titles of her hit songs. In this drama, Braxton stars as best-selling author Mel Montgomery, who teams up with her former best friend Monica (played by Essence Atkins) and Mel’s best friend Candy (played by Yvette Nicole Brown) to get revenge on Mel’s deceitful boyfriend Richard (played by Thomas Cadrot). Aireka Muse, Tara Knight, and Angela Nissel wrote the movie, which was directed by Stan Brooks. Premiering on Nov. 22.
This comedy from 3 Diamond Films is about a volatile family Christmas gathering. Marissa Scott (played by Dominique Perry) finds out that her estranged stepsister Kerry (played by Reagan Gomez-Preston) has brought Marissa’s ex-boyfriend, Richard (played by Lil Rel Howery), as Kerry’s date. Meanwhile, Marissa’s mother (played by Anna Maria Horsford) tries to keep the peace. Directed by Michael Vaughn Hernandez and written by Cassandra Mann. Releasing in theaters on Nov. 7.
Raven-Symoné, Michael Beach, Kadeem Hardison, Golden Brooks, and Jill Marie Jones star in this BET+ action film about community members in Compton California, who fight against a foreign invasion. Written and directed by Kevin Grevioux. Premiering on Oct. 16.
In this Lifetime drama, Amanda Bibbs (played by Bianca Lawson) is a widow who goes undercover to expose criminal Percy “Slide” Daye (played by Kheon Clarke), who she believes is responsible for her husband’s death. Directed by Steve Adelson and written by Avery O. Williams. Premiering on Oct. 18.
TV Series
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is the host and an executive producer of this Fox Nation true-crime docuseries that examines the crime-solving process in a different murder case per episode. Premiered on Sept. 16.
BET is reimagining its 106 & Park brand with “106 & Sports,” hosted by Cam Newton and Ashley Nicole Moss. The talk show is aimed at being the “definitive home for culturally-driven sports commentary,” according to a press release. LeBron James and Tiffany Lea Williams are two of the executive producers of the show. Premiering on Oct. 15.
Basketball legend Allen Iverson (best known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers) and his life story are the focus of this three-episode Prime Video docuseries from Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Legends (a division of Authentic Studios) and Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton’s Unanimous Media. One9 is the series director. Premiering on Oct. 23.
Hip-hop artist Lady London gives an inside look at the making of her album “To Whom It May Concern” and her preparations for a tour in this three-episode Tubi docuseries, directed and executive produced by Erika Bryant. Lady London is also one of the executive producers. Premiering Oct. 10.
Directed by Anthony Molyneaux, this three-episode Netflix docuseries chronicles the notorious South African case of former celebrity medical doctor Nandipha Magudumana and convicted rapist Thabo Bester, a couple accused of committing fraud and planning Bester’s escape from prison. Premiered on Sept. 12.
Tracy Morgan stars in this Paramount+ comedy series as Francois “Frank” Crutchfield, “a brash yet beloved Harlem shop owner whose world is turned upside down when his highbrow son and free-spirited daughter move back into the family home,” according to a press release. The show’s co-stars include Jermaine Fowler, Kecia Lewis, Adrianna Mitchell, Adrian Martinez, Braxton Paul, and Finn Maloney. Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, and showrunner Owen Smith are among the executive producers. Premiering on Nov. 3.
“Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers”
Based on Eric Jerome Dickey’s popular 1997 novel “Friends and Lovers,” this two-part Lifetime drama is about the entanglements of four people: ambitious doctor Debra (played by Naturi Naughton), her sassy best friend Shelby (played by Simone Missick), aspiring comedian Leonard (played by Kendrick Sampson), and Leonard’s best friend Tyrese (played by RonReaco Lee). Directed by D’Angela Proctor and written by Aireka Muse. Premiering on Nov. 15.
This ALLBLK drama follows the friendship of three young Memphis women whose love of roller skating helps them get through tough times. Deji LaRay is the creator/showrunner of “G.R.I.T.S.,” which stands for Girls Raised in the South. The stars of the series are Jasmine Sargent as hair stylist Keisha, Ashanti Harris as single mother/aspiring model Ty, and Aja “Slimeroni” Canyon as rebel Francis. Premiering on Oct. 30.
In this four-episode BET comedy series, creator/executive producer/star Kevin Fredericks and other comedians mix improv with scenarios about medical negligence at a hospital. Premiered on Sept. 10.
This HBO series is part of the “IT” horror franchise that began with Stephen King’s 1986 “IT” novel about a killer clown. “IT: Welcome to Derry” is a prequel taking place in Derry, Maine, in 1962. Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Chris Chalk lead the ensemble cast for the series, whose showrunners are Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane. Premiering on Oct. 26.
“Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television”
Issa Rae is an executive producer of this two-part HBO docuseries about the most influential Black people and Black shows in television, as well as the struggles for Black representation. Directed and executive produced by Giselle Bailey, the series includes interviews with notables such as Rae, Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Tyler Perry, Lena Waithe, Byron Allen, Tracee Ellis Ross, Ava DuVernay, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Debbie Allen, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Kenya Barris, Debbie Allen, Cord Jefferson, and Mara Brock Akil. Premiered on Sept. 9.
In this OWN docuseries, each episode is about a family disrupted by a scandalous family secret that was exposed. The show includes interviews with family members about how they coped with the trauma and whether they have healed. Produced by Lion TV, an All3Media company. Premiered on Sept. 27.
