20 Movies That Featured Plus-Size Black Women as Main Love Interests

As a movie fan, it’s been amazing to see how representation is changing! For so long, plus-size Black women were often stuck playing the funny best friend or just weren’t seen as romantic interests at all. But lately, we’re seeing more and more films where they are the leads, finding love and having real relationships. It’s so refreshing to see stories where their size isn’t the joke or something they have to overcome to be happy. Whether it’s a sweet rom-com or a powerful historical drama, it just proves that everyone deserves to see themselves fall in love on screen.

‘Last Holiday’ (2006)

Queen Latifah delivers a wonderful performance as Georgia Byrd, a kind department store worker who decides to embrace life after receiving difficult news. She travels to a beautiful hotel in Europe, where her friendly personality and talent for cooking win everyone over. Meanwhile, a man she’s always liked follows her to Europe to finally tell her how he feels. The movie is notable for showing a confident, Black woman as the glamorous star of a heartwarming love story with a satisfying conclusion.

‘Just Wright’ (2010)

Queen Latifah stars as Leslie Wright, a physical therapist who begins a romance with a basketball player she’s helping recover from a serious injury. Things get tricky when he starts dating Leslie’s more traditionally attractive cousin, but he eventually realizes he has a stronger connection with Leslie. The movie is a refreshing romantic comedy that openly discusses beauty standards and celebrates Leslie as a desirable and worthy partner. Queen Latifah and Common have great chemistry, making their love story genuinely heartwarming.

‘Phat Girlz’ (2006)

Mo’Nique plays Jazmin Biltmore, a talented fashion designer who feels pressure to fit into a society that favors thinness. Everything changes when she travels to a resort and meets a Nigerian doctor who finds her curves beautiful. The movie boldly questions traditional Western ideas of beauty by showing how other cultures celebrate all body types. Through this experience, Jazmin learns to love herself and finds a partner who appreciates her for who she is.

‘Why Did I Get Married?’ (2007)

Jill Scott gives a compelling performance as Sheila, a woman stuck in a damaging marriage where her husband repeatedly puts her down. At a couples retreat, she finally finds the courage to leave and begins a new relationship with a kind and understanding man who has lost his spouse. Sheila’s transformation from someone who is mistreated to a cherished partner is one of the most rewarding parts of the film, and her story emphasizes the value of self-respect and the chance to find real love even after experiencing emotional pain.

‘Beauty Shop’ (2005)

This new movie features Queen Latifah as Gina Norris, a talented hairstylist who relocates to Atlanta to start her dream salon. As she navigates the challenges of launching a business and raising a teenage daughter, she finds herself drawn to a kind and attractive electrician, played by Djimon Hounsou. Their connection grows organically through respect and everyday interactions at the salon. Importantly, the film celebrates Gina’s success as a businesswoman and her romantic life without focusing on her weight.

‘The Single Moms Club’ (2014)

Cocoa Brown stars as Lytia, a strong and witty single mom determined to raise her kids right. She unexpectedly finds herself falling for a persistent suitor played by Terry Crews, even though she’s hesitant at first. This storyline is both funny and sweet, showing a woman learning to open up and accept love. Their connection is one of the most endearing parts of the movie.

‘Dreamgirls’ (2006)

Jennifer Hudson delivers a stunning performance as Effie White, a talented singer who experiences both professional and personal setbacks. A romance with her group’s manager creates early tension, and she’s eventually replaced by someone considered more marketable. Despite the heartbreak, Effie remains the heart of the story as she struggles to reclaim her career and care for her daughter. The film powerfully examines how bias based on appearance and skin color affects artists in the music industry.

‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)

I was really moved by Octavia Spencer’s performance as Dorothy Vaughan, a fantastic mathematician working at NASA during the Space Race. The film doesn’t just focus on her incredible professional life, though. We also see her fall in love with a wonderful character brought to life by Mahershala Ali. It’s so refreshing to see these historical figures as people – with full, romantic lives happening alongside their groundbreaking work. Their relationship is beautifully portrayed, full of warmth and dignity, and it honestly adds a lovely, hopeful layer to her already inspiring story of success.

‘Spirited’ (2022)

Octavia Spencer plays Kimberly, a successful executive who finds herself falling for the Ghost of Christmas Present. She gets to sing and dance in this fun, musical comedy and develops a charming relationship with Will Ferrell’s character. Importantly, the film features her as a leading lady without focusing on her body shape, instead highlighting her character’s warmth and the difficult choices she faces.

‘Almost Christmas’ (2016)

Mo’Nique is a standout as Aunt May, a globe-trotting backup singer who injects a lot of fun and energy into the family’s holiday celebration. She shares a playful and confident connection with Danny Glover’s character, and the film portrays her as a self-assured and desirable woman. Her humor and romantic spark are among the highlights of this heartwarming holiday movie.

‘Tower Heist’ (2011)

I was so thrilled to see Gabourey Sidibe as Odessa in this movie! She plays a really cool safecracker who teams up with a group of ex-employees to get back at this rich guy who did them wrong. What I loved most was the chemistry she had with Eddie Murphy’s character – their little romance felt so natural and was apparently a lot of improvisation on set! It was great seeing her as a capable, funny member of the team and as someone who actually gets the guy’s attention. Honestly, this role felt groundbreaking, putting her right in the middle of a mainstream action-comedy with a romantic angle, which was awesome.

‘Joyful Noise’ (2012)

Queen Latifah plays a choir director determined to keep her church’s gospel choir alive. The movie also focuses on her marriage to Courtney B. Vance’s character, showing a long-lasting relationship with both its joys and difficulties. It’s a realistic portrayal of a couple dedicated to their family and community, and a celebration of Black love and faith.

‘The Butler’ (2013)

As a movie fan, I was really struck by Oprah Winfrey’s performance in this film. She plays Gloria Gaines, the wife of a White House butler, and it’s a beautifully complex portrayal. The movie follows their marriage over many years, and you really feel the tension and the deep love they share as his job demands so much of him. What I loved most is that Gloria wasn’t just there to support her husband – she felt like a fully fleshed-out person with her own dreams and imperfections. Their relationship is truly the heart of the film, and it’s fascinating to see how they cope with everything happening around them as American history unfolds.

‘Mad Money’ (2008)

Queen Latifah stars as Nina, a mother who gets involved in a plan to steal money that’s about to be destroyed by the Federal Reserve. Along the way, she finds both a romantic connection and a strong bond with her fellow thieves, played by Ted Danson. While the movie centers around the heist itself and the teamwork between the women, a developing romance shows Nina deserving of happiness, financial security, and love.

‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ (2010)

Jill Scott reprises her role as Sheila, now happily married to the man who helped her escape an abusive relationship. The new film delves into the difficulties of building a strong marriage when old wounds and outside forces create challenges. Sheila struggles with self-doubt and jealousy, but ultimately works to safeguard the loving relationship she’s found. The story continues to follow her path towards self-assurance and finding lasting love.

‘The Color Purple’ (2023)

Danielle Brooks delivers a stunning performance as Sofia, a strong-willed woman who won’t let anyone control her. Her complicated and fiery relationship with Harpo is a key part of the musical’s story. Sofia is a commanding presence who insists on being treated with respect and loved for who she is. The film beautifully showcases her strength and spirit as she deals with both love and hardship in the American South.

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020)

As a movie fan, I was completely blown away by Viola Davis in this film. She becomes Ma Rainey, a true blues legend. They even used a padded suit to really capture her iconic figure. What I loved most was how unapologetic Ma was – about everything! She openly had a relationship with a younger woman, Dussie Mae, and she was totally in control of her own life, both professionally and romantically. She didn’t let anyone tell her who to be, and her sheer power forced everyone around her to just accept her for exactly who she was. It’s a really compelling performance.

‘Corrina, Corrina’ (1994)

Corrina Washington, played by Whoopi Goldberg, is a housekeeper who helps a family heal after a loss in the 1950s. As she works, a sweet and unexpected love story blossoms between her and her employer, played by Ray Liotta. The film explores the racial prejudices of the time, but at its heart, it’s about the real and powerful connection between these two people. Goldberg shines as a strong, admirable, and truly endearing romantic lead.

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ (1986)

Whoopi Goldberg stars as Terry Doolittle, a computer programmer unexpectedly caught up in a world of international spies. While navigating this crazy situation, she develops a romantic connection with a British spy who’s also in trouble. The movie ends happily with them finally meeting, and it’s a great example of Whoopi Goldberg leading a film and finding love along the way.

‘Bessie’ (2015)

This biographical film stars Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith, the iconic blues singer. It tells the story of her life, including her intense and complex relationships and her journey to becoming a star. Latifah powerfully portrays Smith’s strong presence and confident sensuality. The movie offers a candid and unflinching look at a woman who lived and loved on her own terms, defying the norms of her time.

Share your favorite movie from this list or suggest one we missed in the comments.

2025-12-08 06:46