In the early 1970s, a wave of films known as Blaxploitation dramatically changed American cinema. These movies, released both by small independent theaters and major studios, put Black actors and communities at the heart of exciting, fast-paced stories. They blended action with humor, love, scares, and the feel of classic westerns, showcasing the energy of urban life, resourceful hustling, and everyday resistance. These films were known for their bold style, skillful filmmaking, and innovative music.
The music in blaxploitation films was just as important as the visuals. Iconic soul and funk soundtracks not only drove the movies but also became popular on the radio and in record stores. The films’ distinctive style – from the clothes to the language and city settings – quickly moved from local communities into mainstream culture. The movies listed below cover a range of genres – crime stories, martial arts action, horror, and revenge thrillers – and demonstrate how this movement redefined what big-studio filmmaking could be.
‘Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song’ (1971)
Melvin Van Peebles independently created this film – he wrote, directed, composed the music, and acted in it. The story follows an artist who flees after coming to the defense of a young man facing police brutality. Van Peebles funded the project himself, with a loan from Bill Cosby, and relied on independent theaters to get it seen by large audiences.
The film’s soundtrack includes some of Earth, Wind & Fire’s earliest recordings. Despite initially receiving an X rating, the marketing team cleverly used this to generate buzz. The movie’s success at the box office proved to studios that action films starring Black actors could attract a wide audience, paving the way for similar films to be made in the years that followed.
‘Shaft’ (1971)
Gordon Parks’ film features Richard Roundtree as John Shaft, a private detective who solves cases throughout New York City, from the bustling Times Square to the streets of Harlem. The movie is based on a novel by Ernest Tidyman and launched a popular character who appeared in multiple follow-up films and remakes.
Isaac Hayes wrote the music and sang the theme song, which won an Oscar. Metro Goldwyn Mayer released the film widely, helping the character become popular in books, on TV, and through home video for years to come.
‘Super Fly’ (1972)
Gordon Parks Jr.’s film features Ron O’Neal as Youngblood Priest, a drug dealer trying to pull off one final deal before leaving the life. Filmed quickly and affordably on the streets of New York City, the movie follows Priest as he navigates threats from both competing dealers and the police.
Curtis Mayfield’s music for the film was a commercial success, with popular songs that boosted the movie’s impact on culture. Warner Bros. distributed the film, and its popularity led to sequels that continued the story and world created by the original author.
‘Coffy’ (1973)
Pam Grier stars as a nurse who seeks revenge after drug dealers hurt her family. The film, directed by Jack Hill, starts with local criminals and gradually uncovers a larger conspiracy reaching into politics. It was produced by American International Pictures and helped launch Grier to stardom.
The exciting action sequences and clever disguises in the movie became hallmarks of Grier and Hill’s teamwork. Because the film did so well, the studio decided to make another one starring Grier, blending action with a similar focus on secret identities and strategy.
‘Foxy Brown’ (1974)
Pam Grier is back in a Jack Hill-directed film about a woman who goes undercover as a model to expose a criminal operation dealing in drugs and other vices. The story follows her dangerous mission from within the organization, as she works to protect her friends on the outside.
Willie Hutch, a Motown artist, created the film’s soundtrack, blending funky orchestral music with songs that also became popular on the radio. The movie made Pam Grier a major star and had a lasting impact on action movie fashion and hairstyles.
‘Cleopatra Jones’ (1973)
I recently watched a film starring Tamara Dobson, and she’s fantastic as a secret agent! She’s basically taking down international crime rings while also working to support local community initiatives back home. The movie really gives her character everything she needs to succeed – a sleek sports car, some seriously cool gadgets and weapons, and a whole team to help her operate beyond the city. It’s a really dynamic role and she pulls it off brilliantly.
Warner Bros. heavily promoted the film, and audiences loved Tamara Dobson’s powerful performance. A follow-up movie, ‘Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold,’ continued the character’s exciting adventures around the world.
‘Blacula’ (1972)
In this film, William Marshall stars as an African prince who is cursed by Dracula and brought back to life in present-day Los Angeles. Directed by William Crain, the movie combines elements of classic gothic horror with a modern police investigation, moving between lively nightclubs and the grim reality of the city morgue as the count desperately searches for a long-lost love.
American International Pictures released the film along with a sequel called ‘Scream Blacula Scream’. The music, composed by Gene Page, and performances by the Hues Corporation connected the movie to the popular club scene of the time.
‘Black Caesar’ (1973)
Fred Williamson stars as Tommy Gibbs, a shoeshine man who climbs the ranks of New York’s criminal underworld. He uses his knowledge of finances and ability to manipulate others to turn crime bosses against each other. The film, written and directed by Larry Cohen, was shot on location, capturing the energy of crowded streets and tight workspaces.
James Brown and his band, The JBs, transformed the music cues into a complete studio album. The next chapter unfolds in ‘Hell Up in Harlem,’ where we see the consequences of the discovered ledgers and how they changed everyone’s relationships.
‘The Mack’ (1973)
In the film, Max Julien stars as Goldie, a resourceful man recently released from prison who creates a security business. He navigates complex relationships with competing figures and a local community group. Directed by Michael Campus and filmed in Oakland, the movie also features Richard Pryor as Slim, Goldie’s ally in both business and staying safe on the streets.
The filmmakers collaborated with community organizations to find suitable filming locations and prevent any problems. Willie Hutch’s music for the film, along with its distinctive clothing styles, heavily influenced music videos and became popular sources for samples in hip hop music in the years that followed.
‘Across 110th Street’ (1972)
In this tense crime drama directed by Barry Shear, Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Kotto star as New York detectives investigating a robbery that sparks a conflict between Italian and Black criminal gangs. The film alternates between the police investigation and the violent consequences within the criminal underworld, unfolding across Harlem and Manhattan.
United Artists released the film, and Bobby Womack sang the theme song, which was later featured in movies like ‘Jackie Brown’. Its realistic setting and story focusing on a group of characters made it popular for repeated showings on TV.
‘Shaft’s Big Score!’ (1972)
Private detective John Shaft investigates the murder of a friend, uncovering a connection to an illegal gambling operation and a power struggle for control of Harlem. The film expands on the original with action taking place in warehouses by the water, upscale offices, and a thrilling final chase involving both speedboats and helicopters.
This new film brought back Gordon Parks as director and Richard Roundtree as the iconic lead. The studio broadened the scope of filming locations and gave it a wide release, which was followed by another sequel set in a foreign country.
‘Shaft in Africa’ (1973)
John Shaft takes on a dangerous undercover assignment: stopping a human trafficking network operating between North Africa and Europe. His mission takes him from rigorous desert training to secure locations in Paris, where he collaborates with informants to dismantle the criminal enterprise.
This movie expanded the story with new characters-both friends and enemies-and moved the action from New York to locations around the world. A song by The Four Tops was included on the soundtrack and used in radio ads to promote the film.
‘Hell Up in Harlem’ (1973)
After surviving a murder attempt, Tommy Gibbs is forced to move his operation and focus on two critical goals: keeping his father alive and staying one step ahead of his enemies. The story revolves around hidden betrayals and ever-changing partnerships as valuable information and people are traded between different groups.
Larry Cohen once again wrote and directed, with Fred Williamson starring alongside Gloria Hendry and Julius Harris. Edwin Starr created the film’s music, and the distributors used it in trailers to make it clear the movie was a sequel to ‘Black Caesar’.
‘Slaughter’ (1972)
Driven by the murder of his parents, a retired Special Forces operative hunts down those responsible. His pursuit takes him from high-level government meetings to secret locations in South America, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the people who ordered the killings.
As a movie fan, I always appreciate when a film really *feels* real, and this one definitely delivered. American International Pictures put Jim Brown front and center, and Jack Starrett directed. What I especially loved was how they did things the old-fashioned way – tons of practical stunts and actual location shooting. It really helped the action pop as they moved between airports, fancy homes, and right onto the city streets. It wasn’t just sets; you could *feel* the environment.
‘Slaughter’s Big Rip-Off’ (1973)
Slaughter is back in Los Angeles, investigating a dangerous new conspiracy that connects the worlds of business and music. His investigation puts him at odds with a wealthy and ruthless financier who isn’t afraid to use violence to protect his interests.
As a big fan of the original, I was excited to see Gordon Douglas return to direct the sequel, bringing back Jim Brown in the starring role. They even cast Ed McMahon as the villain, which was a fun choice! The studio clearly wanted to capitalize on the first film’s success, so they kept everything consistent and released it quickly while the audience was still buzzing.
‘Black Belt Jones’ (1974)
A martial arts teacher joins forces with a gym owner’s daughter to protect their community school from ruthless developers with ties to organized crime. The movie features intense training, exciting club fights, and culminates in a showdown at a car wash.
Following his success in ‘Enter the Dragon’, Jim Kelly starred in a film directed by Robert Clouse. Warner Bros. released the movie, and the soundtrack, composed by Lalo Schifrin, uniquely combined funk music with sounds that matched Kelly’s impressive martial arts moves.
‘Bucktown’ (1975)
A man goes to a quiet town to take care of things after his brother’s death and decides to open a nightclub. He quickly discovers the local police are corrupt, shaking down businesses for money. He brings in some allies to help fix the problem, but their actions create a new conflict for control of the town.
Arthur Marks directed the film, starring Fred Williamson and Pam Grier, alongside Thalmus Rasulala. American International Pictures distributed it, and filming took place in the Midwest, utilizing local courthouse squares, country roads, and town main streets for a realistic setting.
‘Black Gunn’ (1972)
When a robbery targets a mob-owned business, a Los Angeles nightclub owner finds himself caught in a violent conflict between a Black activist group and the criminal underworld. The situation quickly spirals into drive-by shootings and culminates in a final showdown at an industrial site.
Jim Brown, Martin Landau, and Luciana Paluzzi lead the cast of this film, directed by Robert Hartford Davis. Columbia Pictures released it, highlighting its blend of crime and exciting city-based action.
‘Hit Man’ (1972)
I’m really hooked on this neo-noir thriller. It follows a tough guy from the West Coast who’s trying to figure out what happened to his brother. Turns out, his brother’s death is connected to a really nasty pornography operation run by a powerful crime boss. The story takes you through all these interesting locations – smoky pool halls, fancy art galleries, and sprawling mansions in the hills – as he strong-arms people to start talking and reveal the truth. It’s a classic setup, but the atmosphere is what’s really grabbing me.
George Armitage’s film is a fresh take on ‘Get Carter,’ starring Bernie Casey as the lead and featuring Pam Grier. It moves the story to Los Angeles, using real city locations to update the original plot for a modern audience.
‘The Black Godfather’ (1974)
A local entrepreneur starts his own criminal network and tries to take over the drug trade from the Italian mafia. While building his business, he also attempts to invest in community initiatives and resists demands for bribes from crooked police officers.
John Evans directed the film, starring Rod Perry as a powerful new leader and Don Chastain as his opponent. Made independently with a low-budget, on-location shooting style in Los Angeles, the film found success in city theaters through targeted distribution.
‘Sheba, Baby’ (1975)
When a loan company attracts the attention of a dangerous criminal group, a private investigator goes back to her hometown to help her father. Her investigation takes her from small offices to the city’s marinas as she tries to uncover the mastermind behind the trouble by questioning those involved.
William Girdler directed the film, starring Pam Grier as Sheba Shayne, alongside Austin Stoker and D’Urville Martin. The studio marketed the movie by highlighting Grier’s skills in action roles, and filmed scenes in both Louisville and Chicago to represent the different aspects of the story.
‘The Candy Tangerine Man’ (1975)
A prominent figure on the Sunset Strip leads a double life: by night, he runs an escort service, and by day, he’s a family man in the suburbs. Facing challenges from competitors and police, he must protect his business and keep his two worlds separate.
Matt Cimber directed the film, starring John Daniels and Marlo Monte. Crown International Pictures handled distribution, and filming took place extensively in Los Angeles, showcasing both its nightlife and the famous Las Vegas Strip for driving scenes.
‘Abby’ (1974)
When a church counselor is possessed by a demonic force after a mysterious artifact is unleashed during a mission, a specialist is brought in to help. The story unfolds through intense exorcism scenes in everyday locations like apartments, churches, and hospitals, and explores how this possession impacts the counselor’s family.
William Girdler directed the film, starring Carol Speed and William Marshall. It faced a lawsuit from a large studio claiming it was too similar to another popular possession movie, and as a result, many theaters stopped showing it while it was still in cinemas.
‘Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde’ (1976)
A well-known doctor creates a serum intended to make people stronger and change their skin color, but it unexpectedly causes aggressive behavior. When a series of attacks erupt in Watts, police hunt a suspect who can seemingly vanish into the crowd.
William Crain directed the film, starring Bernie Casey and Rosalind Cash. Dimension Pictures distributed it, and filmmakers shot action sequences – including chases and fights – at night on the streets and in the alleys of South Los Angeles.
‘Ganja & Hess’ (1973)
A quiet anthropologist finds his life turned upside down after being wounded with an old dagger, which creates a secret craving for blood. He forms a close connection with Ganja, the wife of his vanished research assistant, and their relationship drives the narrative.
Bill Gunn wrote and directed the film, starring Duane Jones and Marlene Clark. It was later re-edited and released as ‘Blood Couple’ to reach a larger audience, but the original version has since been restored and shown at museums and film festivals.
‘Petey Wheatstraw’ (1977)
A comedian is murdered during a gang conflict and, to get a second chance at life, agrees to marry the Devil’s daughter. He uses a magical cane to get revenge on a competing club owner, all while desperately trying to avoid his wedding day.
Cliff Roquemore directed the film, starring Rudy Ray Moore and Jimmy Lynch. They filmed in Los Angeles nightclubs and on location, building the story and humor around Moore’s established stage performances.
‘The Human Tornado’ (1976)
Dolemite escapes a corrupt sheriff and starts over in a new town, where he helps a friend protect his nightclub from threats. The movie then shows how Dolemite and his friends cleverly deal with both the local police and a dangerous gang trying to take over the club.
Cliff Roquemore directed the follow-up film, bringing back Rudy Ray Moore as Dolemite and Lady Reed as Queen Bee. Dimension Pictures released the movie, which featured quick, energetic fight scenes mixed with stand-up comedy routines inspired by Moore’s original albums.
‘Blackenstein’ (1973)
A veteran injured in service undergoes cutting-edge limb replacement surgery at a Beverly Hills clinic. However, a resentful staff member interferes with the procedure, causing the patient to become aggressive. As a string of violent incidents occur, police investigations point back to the clinic.
William A. Levey directed the film, with Ivory Stone and John Hart playing supporting characters. They filmed the laboratory scenes inside a mansion and released the movie through independent distributors, often showing it late at night.
‘Thomasine & Bushrod’ (1974)
A couple of bank robbers roam the Southwest, giving their loot to struggling communities, all while being relentlessly pursued by a determined lawman. They’re constantly trying to outrun capture, managing their growing reputation and their own personal hopes for the future.
Gordon Parks Jr. directed this film, again working with stars Max Julien and Vonetta McGee, who previously appeared together in ‘The Mack’. Released by Columbia Pictures, the movie blends desert scenery with town settings to create a Western story that feels reminiscent of folk tales from the Depression era.
‘Detroit 9000’ (1973)
A daring robbery takes place at a political event, and two Detroit detectives, despite their different approaches, must work together to catch the thieves. Their investigation leads them through the worlds of political campaigns, car factories, and historic music venues, where they discover suspects who are trying to deceive everyone.
Arthur Marks directed the film, with Hari Rhodes and Alex Rocco heading up the detective work. Filmed on location in Detroit with help from the city, it was later released nationally to theaters after its initial release, giving it a second life.
‘Dolemite’ (1975)
Rudy Ray Moore plays himself – his iconic stage character, Dolemite – in this film. Dolemite is a nightclub owner and local hero who gets wrongly accused by crooked officials. He has to use his martial arts skills and rapping ability to save his city. D’Urville Martin directed the movie and also stars as Dolemite’s enemy, Willie Green.
Dimension Pictures distributed the film, and its popularity spawned sequels like ‘The Human Tornado’ and ‘Petey Wheatstraw’. Lines from the movie and its comedic bits became popular in stand-up routines and were later sampled in music.
‘Truck Turner’ (1974)
Isaac Hayes plays Mack Truck Turner, a tough bounty hunter and ex-athlete, in this action-packed film. When he goes after a fugitive, he gets caught in a power struggle between rival gang leaders and the women who run the city’s underworld. Director Jonathan Kaplan delivers exciting chases through city streets and buildings, filled with impressive stunts.
Hayes wrote the music and songs for the film, creating a soundtrack similar to his other work from that time. Yaphet Kotto and Nichelle Nichols played compelling villains who challenge Turner, leading to a climactic confrontation.
‘Three the Hard Way’ (1974)
In this action film, stars Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, and Jim Kelly join forces to prevent a dangerous attack on water supplies in Black communities. Directed by Gordon Parks Jr., the movie features a thrilling chase across the country, packed with secret locations, intense gun battles, and impressive martial arts sequences.
The film highlights each main character’s unique talent and cleverly combines those skills during the action sequences. Because the movie did so well, the three actors went on to star together in several more successful films, increasing their popularity and box office revenue.
‘Trouble Man’ (1972)
Robert Hooks stars as Mr. T, a resourceful problem-solver in South Central Los Angeles who charges for his services. When he’s framed, he must cleverly evade both criminals and the police. Ivan Dixon directs this stylish thriller, filmed in locations like pool halls, offices, and nightclubs.
Marvin Gaye created an album to accompany the film, with songs that reflected the main character’s personality and habits. Twentieth Century Fox released the movie and prominently featured the music in its radio and print advertising campaigns.
‘The Spook Who Sat by the Door’ (1973)
Directed by Ivan Dixon, this film is based on Sam Greenlee’s novel and follows a former intelligence trainee who puts their skills to use organizing a grassroots movement. Primarily shot in Chicago, the story connects the world of espionage with community organizing and local government.
The film initially struggled to find wide distribution, but it gained traction through screenings at colleges and within local communities. It’s considered influential, as later movies began to explore the connection between government initiatives and everyday life in neighborhoods.
‘Willie Dynamite’ (1974)
Roscoe Orman stars as Willie, a determined pimp whose criminal activities bring him into conflict with both the police and those trying to help people escape exploitation. Directed by Gilbert Moses, the film reveals how seemingly different worlds – like courtrooms, police stations, and fashion shows – are all connected.
Universal Pictures supported the film’s release, and the costume designers created memorable outfits that helped the character stand out. Orman later gained fame through many years of television work, which brought new appreciation to this earlier role.
‘Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold’ (1975)
Tamara Dobson is back as a government agent tasked with finding allies who have been kidnapped. Her search takes her from the bustling streets of Hong Kong to a glamorous casino in Macau, run by a powerful crime boss called the Dragon Lady. As she investigates, she uncovers connections between local police, martial arts experts, and a network of smugglers, ultimately leading her to the people in charge.
Filming moved the series to East Asia, utilizing real locations like harbors, marketplaces, and hotels. Warner Bros. released the movie as a continuation of the story, highlighting the actor’s costumes and action sequences, and introduced new allies for the character within the region.
‘Hammer’ (1972)
A promising boxer catches the eye of a manager who offers bigger opportunities, but soon discovers the manager is connected to a criminal organization. As the boxer starts winning more money, he’s pressured to throw fights, forcing him to choose between staying honest and making a lot of quick cash.
Fred Williamson stars in a film shot in boxing gyms, locker rooms, and arenas reminiscent of the West Coast boxing scene. Distributed by United Artists, the movie features realistic fight choreography, emphasizing the gritty reality of the boxing world.
‘The Final Comedown’ (1972)
I was completely hooked by this movie! It follows a college activist who starts out going to meetings, but things quickly escalate as protests turn into full-on clashes with the police. We see how he got to this point through some really powerful flashbacks, and it’s fascinating – and a little scary – to watch how the group he’s part of changes from the inside, with deals being made, police cracking down, and even someone turning informant. It’s a really intense look at how things can spiral out of control.
Oscar Williams directed the original film for New World Pictures. Later, additional footage was included when it was re-released with a different title to reach a wider audience. The film stars Billy Dee Williams and D’Urville Martin, and follows characters as they navigate community centers, apartments, and the legal system.
‘Black Samson’ (1974)
A nightclub owner with an unusual pet – a lion kept in his office – works to maintain harmony in his community. But when a dangerous drug gang moves in, he’s forced to defend his business and the livelihoods of his neighbors, turning his club into a battleground against the outsiders.
Rockne Tarkington and William Smith lead the cast in this action film, shot on location in Los Angeles streets, warehouses, and alleyways. Warner Bros. released the movie, which featured real stunts and live music from a club band to enhance the atmosphere.
‘TNT Jackson’ (1974)
A woman travels to Hong Kong searching for her brother, only to uncover a heroin operation disguised within the city’s fashion scene. She infiltrates the criminal organization by taking undercover jobs and engaging in dangerous confrontations in hidden locations like back alleys and nightclubs.
Okay, so I just watched this film by Cirio H. Santiago, and it’s a classic example of resourceful filmmaking. Santiago, working with New World Pictures, clearly had to make every dollar count, and he did that by shooting on location in both the Philippines and Hong Kong – a smart move to give it a broader, more diverse look. Jeannie Bell is fantastic in the lead, and the fight scenes are really something – a gritty mix of karate, raw street fighting, and some clever use of props, all packed into some pretty tight spaces. It’s not fancy, but it’s effective and a lot of fun.
‘Disco Godfather’ (1979)
A once-popular DJ now manages a local club and starts a fight against the dangerous drug angel dust when a loved one is affected. The story jumps between the energy of the dance floor and the grim realities of hospitals and police investigations, following leads as authorities try to track how the drug is distributed.
Rudy Ray Moore stars as Tucker Williams in this film, directed by J Robert Wagoner and shot on location throughout South Los Angeles. Dimension Pictures released the movie, along with a soundtrack including club music and songs that reinforce its anti-drug message.
‘Black Shampoo’ (1976)
A hairstylist in Beverly Hills finds himself in danger after a client’s jealous mob-connected boyfriend demands she stop seeing him. When the salon is vandalized, the stylist uses his connections in the beauty industry to uncover who is responsible and ultimately find the person ordering the attacks.
Greydon Clark directed this film, starring John Daniels, and filmed it on location in and around Los Angeles – in beauty salons, model homes, and along canyon roads. Crown International Pictures distributed the movie, promoting it by tapping into the popular trends of the time: a fascination with luxury beauty treatments and customized vans.
‘The Take’ (1974)
When a seasoned city detective moves to a small town in the Southwest, he quickly finds himself facing a powerful criminal organization that controls the local economy. He’s thrown into a world of intimidation, bribery, and secret informants, all while trying to determine if the local police department will bow to the syndicate’s pressure.
Billy Dee Williams, Eddie Albert, and Vic Morrow lead the cast of this film, which was shot on location in New Mexico, utilizing banks, highways, and government buildings. Directed by Robert Hartford Davis, the movie features exciting car chases and gunfights that reveal a larger story of corruption within the police force.
‘Bamboo Gods and Iron Men’ (1974)
Okay, so I just saw this action flick, and it starts with a couple enjoying a vacation in Manila when they stumble onto something *really* dangerous – a tiny statue hiding some big secrets. Turns out, a criminal gang wants that statue badly, and things quickly spiral out of control. Thankfully, a seriously skilled martial artist shows up to help them, but that just makes them a target for the bad guys, who happen to run the whole dock and warehouse scene. It’s a fast-paced ride, let me tell you!
James Iglehart stars in a movie filmed across the Philippines – in its ports, cities, and countryside. New World Pictures released the film in the US, pairing it with other action movies that also featured exciting locations and fight scenes.
‘Welcome Home Brother Charles’ (1975)
A man trying to make ends meet is wrongly accused by a prejudiced detective and imprisoned. After his release, he’s focused on revealing the truth about the detective and those who helped put him away. The story follows his attempt to rebuild his life in his community while secretly pursuing the people responsible for his wrongful conviction.
Jamaa Fanaka wrote and directed the film, shooting scenes throughout South Los Angeles in apartments, shops, and courthouses. Produced independently, it was later given a different title in some areas and became one of the first three films by Fanaka to be shown at colleges and independent theaters.
‘J.D.’s Revenge’ (1976)
Glynn Turman plays a New Orleans graduate student haunted by the spirit of a slain con man. Louis Gossett Jr. costars as a minister with connections to the decades-old crime. Directed by Arthur Marks, the film mixes legal thriller elements with supernatural horror.
American International Pictures released the film, which was shot on location in cemeteries, clubs, and the streets of the French Quarter. The movie blends crime mystery with a possession story, helping to expand the types of films within the genre.
‘Sugar Hill’ (1974)
In the film, Diana Sugar Hill, played by Marki Bey, seeks revenge on the gangsters who killed her boyfriend by practicing voodoo. She calls upon the powerful Baron Samedi and resurrects an army of the dead. Directed by Paul Maslansky, the movie blends the excitement of nightclub life with the eerie atmosphere of voodoo rituals.
American International Pictures distributed the film, and Don Pedro Colley’s portrayal of Baron Samedi quickly became popular with audiences. The film’s makeup and creature effects blended classic zombie elements with influences from West African and Caribbean traditions.
‘Friday Foster’ (1975)
Pam Grier stars as a fashion photographer who sees a murder attempt and gets caught up in a dangerous investigation involving both politics and criminal organizations. Arthur Marks directs this stylish thriller, a fast-paced adventure that jumps from glamorous runways to luxurious homes and even local town halls.
The movie is based on the popular comic strip created by Jim Lawrence and Jorge Longarón. American International Pictures brought together a big cast of actors, including Yaphet Kotto and Eartha Kitt, to create a story that’s both stylish and thrilling.
‘Cotton Comes to Harlem’ (1970)
Directed by Ossie Davis, the film stars Godfrey Cambridge and Raymond St. Jacques as detectives Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson. They investigate the disappearance of funds from a popular fundraiser after a robbery. Based on a novel by Chester Himes, the movie blends humor with a fast-paced, intricate plot.
The film was a hit and paved the way for more comedies about crime in cities featuring Black actors. It was so successful that a sequel, ‘Come Back Charleston Blue,’ was made, bringing the same detectives back to solve a new mystery.
Let us know your favorite blaxploitation movies in the comments! Also, tell us if there are any films you think we should include in a future ranking.
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2025-09-15 02:24