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Jingle Bells: Our 10 Favorite Black Holiday Movies

The holiday season is upon us and with that comes a wealth of feel-good films to enjoy with family and friends. From The Best Man Holiday to The Last Holiday, there's something for everyone. Check out our 10 favorite Black holiday movies.

By Essence · Updated October 27, 2020

‘The Best Man Holiday’ (2013)

The holiday season is upon us and with that comes a wealth of feel-good films to enjoy with family and friends. From The Best Man Holiday to The Last Holiday, there’s something for everyone. Check out our 10 favorite Black holiday movies.

Fifteen years after we first met this loving gang, they’ve reunited to settle a few differences and spread holiday cheer. Although they’ve all grown up, some of their old habits return to cause drama. Above all, the spirit of the holiday season and this film’s charming message will have you holding your loved ones closer.

Universal Pictures/ Michael Gibson

‘The Last Holiday’ (2006)

Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) lives a quiet life, until she is told she may only have a few weeks left to live. From then on, Georgia spends her life doing all the things she was always too afraid to do. The lesson? Live your life honestly and follow your heart. It doesn’t hurt that LL Cool J lends a helping a hand in the process.

‘The Preacher’s Wife’ (1996)

What has now become a holiday classic, this remake of Carey Grant’s The Bishop’s Wife starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston is filled with soul-stirring music and a heartwarming tale of a dejected pastor trying everything to keep his church open and his family together.

‘The Kid Who Loved Christmas’ (1990)

In this ’90s feel-good movie produced by Eddie Murphy, and starring Cecily Tyson and Sammy Davis, Jr., a young orphan has to fight to stay with his adopted father. We are reminded of the importance of not only biological family, but the kindness of strangers.

‘A Madea Christmas: The Play’ (2011)

What’s Christmas without everyone’s favorite gun-toting, loud mouth, Bible-misquoting Grandma ringing in the holiday cheer? In this Tyler Perry Christmas play, we look to Madea to save Christmas! But, don’t expect it to be a “silent night” with Madea around.

‘A Diva’s Christmas Carol’ (2000)

A new twist on an old classic, actress and R&B singer Vanessa Williams plays “Ebony Scrooge” who gets a visit by four spirits that scare her straight and rid her of those diva antics!

‘This Christmas’ (2007)

Starring Loretta Devine, Regina King and Idris Elba among others, this comedy brings the Whitfield family together for Christmas after years apart. But along with the Christmas spirit, they all bring their baggage too. While it’s a great holiday film, just make sure you’re drama-free before you watch this one!

‘The Perfect Holiday’ (2007)

Starring two of Black Hollywood’s hottest actors, Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut, one would think love would be easy to find. Well, not in this holiday movie! As the two singles find each other, falling in love is harder than expected with so many disruptions. But in the end, love wins right in time for Christmas!

‘A Perfect Gift’ (2011)

In this holiday film, American Idol winner Ruben Studdard stars in his first lead role alongside Girlfriends’ Golden Brooks. This Christmas movie shares what happens when both sets of parents stop by for an extended holiday visit and all hell breaks loose!

‘Fat Albert’s Christmas Special’ (1977)

This movie is an oldie but goodie. Fat Albert and gang encounter trouble while rehearsing their Christmas play. Things get tense when mean old Mr. Tyrone threatens to shut it down. But it takes a host of happenings, a new born baby and more to warm his icy heart.