01
“Think Like A Man” (2012)
This group of charming and sexy men (Terrence Jenkins, Michael Ealy, Romany Malco, Jerry Ferrara and Kevin Hart) turn the tables on their lovely ladies (Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good and Regina Hall) when they discover they’ve been using Steve Harvey’s hit relationship book, Think Like A Man. It’s not just important relationship lessons these couples learn, they also learn a number of important lessons about themselves too.
02
“Jumping the Broom” (2011)
We all took the plunge when the Watsons and Taylors collided on screen. Sabrina (Paula Patton) and Jason (Laz Alonzo) made their love work, despite coming from two totally different backgrounds. Luckily, love saves the day despite the family drama, headaches and more. Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine do a pretty great job playing total opposites despite their kids’ intense love for each other.
03
“Just Wright” (2010)
Leslie (Queen Latifah) is a physical therapist who falls for her pro NBA client Scott (Common) in this 2010 comedy. He realizes he’s in love with her after she helps him get back into the game. Leslie does more for Scott than just heal his injuries.
04
“Daddy’s Little Girls” (2007)
The story follows single dad, Monty (Idris Elba), as he tries to obtain custody from his crazy ex-wife. He enlists the help of fancy lawyer Julia (Gabrielle Union) in the process. Their working relationship goes from cold and simple to warm and fuzzy. Monty not only manages to win custody of his little ladies, but he wins over the beautiful ice queen and new found love, Julia.
05
“Something New” (2006)
A beautiful love affair blossomed between type-A executive Kenya McQueen (Sanaa Lathan) and free-spirit landscaper Brian Kelly (Simon Baker) in 2006’s Something New. This film pushed the envelope in Hollywood by tackling interracial relationships and the Black class division. It also reminded us that true sparks don’t recognize color or clout.
06
“Deliver Us from Eva” (2003)
Eva’s (Gabrielle Union) family pays Ray (LL Cool J) to date her so she can get out of their business. Although it begins as an arrangement, things quickly turn around and the two fall madly in love over a short period of time. What was even more impressive is how he confessed the business dealings and still managed to keep the girl—despite her sometimes icy ways.
07
“Brown Sugar” (2002)
Sidney (Sanaa Lathan) and Dre (Taye Diggs) have shared a love of hip hop since their colorful childhood in Brooklyn. In the end, they realize it’s not just the music, but also their mutual love for each other that holds them together. Their besties Francine (Queen Latifah) and Chris (Mos Def) also find love with each other while nudging their friends closer together.
08
“Two Can Play That Game” (2001)
Shante (Vivica A. Fox) always knows how to keep a man in check—she has a set of amazing rules she plays by. But Keith (Morris Chestnut), the man of her dreams, doesn’t play by her rules. Shante and Keith keep surprising each other and outdoing each other in the game called love in this 2001 classic.
09
“Love and Basektball” (2000)
We love that Monica (Sanna Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) bonded over basketball. These two were never afraid to compete for each other’s hearts. In the end love and basketball conquers all despite the drama that tore them apart in their younger years.
10
“The Best Man” (1999)
When you bring college friends together for a wedding, old lustful memories and new rendezvouses are sure to enter. In this 1999 comedy, the all-star cast delivers as Mia (Monica Calhoun) and Lance (Morris Chestnut) make their bond official.
11
“How Stella Got Her Groove Back” (1998)
We all wanted to be Stella (Angela Bassett) when she headed down to Jamaica and brought back pretty-young-thing Winston (Tae Diggs) in this cult favorite. Despite their age and cultural differences Winston finally got Stella to let her guard down and keep her new groove.
12
“Love Jones” (1997)
Art and love can sometimes go seamlessly together. And in this case, it made our hearts melt. Who could forget the undeniable chemistry between Darius (Larenz Tate) and Nina (Nia Long)? Their Chicago-brewed romance only grew to greater heights once they could figure out if their connection was more friendly or romantic.
13
“Hav’ Plenty” (1997)
In this 1997 indie classic, Lee Plenty (Christopher Cherot), a broke novelist, wants to win over Havilland Savage’s (Chenoa Maxwell) heart, except he doesn’t have the means to support her high-maintenance lifestyle.
14
“Boomerang” (1992)
New Line Cinema
15
“Claudine” (1974)
Claudine (Diahann Carroll) is a single mother of six in Harlem, living on welfare, who falls for Rupert (James Earl Jones) in this 1974 classic. Although this couple faces adversity from the system and from Claudine’s kids, it’s happily ever after in the end.
