Movies Featuring Black Leads in Non-Urban Settings Naturally

For a long time, movies with Black main characters were almost always set in cities. But recently, more films have started telling stories that take place in different kinds of locations – from the Old West to the vastness of space. These movies use rural areas, wild landscapes, and historical settings to create fresh and interesting narratives that go beyond typical city stories. This collection showcases films where Black characters are at the center of the action, but outside of urban environments.

‘Nope’ (2022)

OJ and Emerald Haywood are trying to keep their family’s horse ranch afloat in a secluded part of California. They begin to notice a strange and unsettling presence in the sky above their property. While grappling with the recent, mysterious loss of their father, the siblings attempt to film this unusual entity. The film uses the wide-open scenery to build a feeling of loneliness and fear.

‘The Harder They Fall’ (2021)

Nat Love reunites his old crew to avenge the murder of his parents, a crime that happened years ago. Their journey takes place across the harsh landscapes and small towns of the Old West, where survival depends on trust and strength, not the law. This Western flips the typical story by putting Black cowboys and outlaws at the center of a world usually portrayed with white characters.

‘Beast’ (2022)

After a family loss, Dr. Nate Samuels takes his teenage daughters to a South African game reserve hoping to rebuild their connection. Their trip quickly becomes a desperate struggle for survival when a dangerous lion starts stalking them. The family must rely on their intelligence and the landscape itself to stay one step ahead of the predator. The movie showcases both the stunning beauty and inherent dangers of the African savanna, centering on a father’s fierce determination to protect his children.

’12 Years a Slave’ (2013)

Solomon Northup, a free man living in New York, was kidnapped and forced into slavery in the South before the Civil War. For over ten years, he worked on Louisiana plantations, fighting to keep his spirit alive while hoping to be freed. The story vividly portrays the harshness of plantation life and the deep loneliness it created. Despite the beautiful landscape, the plantations were sites of terrible suffering.

‘The Book of Eli’ (2010)

In a ruined, post-apocalyptic America, a solitary warrior named Eli embarks on a perilous journey to safeguard a vital book that holds the potential to rebuild humanity. He travels through a dangerous landscape overrun by desperate scavengers and power-hungry warlords, all seeking the book for themselves. The world is a barren wasteland, completely stripped of its former civilization, and Eli relies on his skills and unwavering faith to survive.

‘Mudbound’ (2017)

After returning home from World War II, two men try to rebuild their lives working on a farm in Mississippi, but they are met with racism and hardship. The film follows the McAllan and Jackson families as they attempt to share the same land, navigating the strict social rules of the Jim Crow South. The challenging farmland itself plays a major role, impacting everyone who lives and works there. It’s a story about the lasting effects of war and the complicated relationships between families tied to the land.

‘Get Out’ (2017)

I was completely drawn in by this movie from the start. It follows Chris as he goes with his girlfriend to meet her family at their remote estate, and the peaceful scenery quickly felt…off. It’s amazing how the film uses that quiet, country setting to create this mounting sense of dread. What begins as a relaxing getaway slowly reveals itself to be something much more sinister – Chris soon realizes the isolation isn’t accidental, but a carefully constructed trap, and it brilliantly plays with your expectations of safety when you’re away from the city.

‘Black Panther’ (2018)

T’Challa travels back to Wakanda, his homeland – a secret, technologically advanced nation in Africa – to become king. The country is beautifully diverse, with modern technology existing alongside natural wonders like waterfalls, mountains, and grasslands. The story shifts focus away from typical Western cities to showcase Wakanda as a self-governed kingdom with a unique culture and political system. Wakanda embodies a powerful idea of Black success and independence, thriving without being controlled by outside forces.

‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

Django, a former slave, joins forces with a German bounty hunter on a dangerous mission to save his wife from a cruel plantation owner in Mississippi. Their quest takes them through the countryside of the American South over several months, from winter into spring. The film blends the style of classic Westerns with a historical setting, focusing on a story of revenge. The beautiful, wide-open landscapes serve as the setting for intense gun battles and powerful clashes between characters.

‘Harriet’ (2019)

Harriet Tubman bravely escaped slavery and then repeatedly risked her own freedom to guide others to safety along the Underground Railroad. She faced perilous journeys through forests and across rivers, constantly avoiding those who hunted escaped slaves. While the natural world presented challenges, it also offered her shelter, and she relied on her strong instincts and faith to navigate it. The film emphasizes her deep connection to the land and her incredible ability to survive in the wild.

‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ (2012)

I’m completely captivated by this story about Hushpuppy, a little girl living with her sick father in a beautiful but fragile place called the Bathtub. It’s a world where the water’s rising and storms are coming, and it feels like everything they know could be washed away. She’s learning to survive out there in the wild, and it’s amazing because ancient creatures are starting to reappear as the ice melts. It’s not just a story about survival though; it feels like a dream, showing how people can be strong and hold onto hope even when things are incredibly difficult and the world around them is changing so fast.

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ (2018)

As a film buff, I’m really captivated by the story of Meg Murry! It’s about her incredible journey with her brother and a friend to find her dad, who’s gone missing somewhere out in the universe. They travel to these unbelievably imaginative planets – seriously, the landscapes are like nothing you’ve ever seen, totally bending the rules of reality. But it’s more than just a visual spectacle; it’s about Meg learning to accept herself, flaws and all, and finding the courage within to fight this powerful, shadowy force. The worlds they visit are so diverse, from beautiful, vibrant alien fields to these completely abstract, mind-bending spaces. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure!

‘After Earth’ (2013)

After a spaceship crash, Kitai Raige and his father, Cypher, find themselves stranded on Earth, a thousand years after humans abandoned it. The planet is now covered in dangerous, overgrown vegetation and filled with creatures that have evolved to be hostile to people. Kitai must journey across this treacherous landscape to find a rescue signal, guided by his injured father through remote communication. The film’s main threats are the dense jungles and the enormous, deadly animals that inhabit them.

‘Pitch Black’ (2000)

A spaceship crashes on a harsh desert planet with three suns, home to creatures that hunt using light. The remaining passengers turn to Riddick, a dangerous prisoner who can see in the dark, for help. When an eclipse throws the planet into total darkness, the group must depend on Riddick to guide them through the dangerous landscape. The desolate environment highlights just how desperate and alone the stranded crew are.

‘The Color Purple’ (1985)

Celie endures years of mistreatment and difficulty in the early 1900s American South. She finds comfort and strength in her connections with other women and ultimately learns to value herself. The story is strongly tied to the rural landscape and the close-knit community of the time. The vibrant purple flowers represent the beauty that can still be found even in the midst of hardship.

‘Beloved’ (1998)

Sethe, a woman who escaped slavery, now lives in the countryside of Ohio, but is deeply troubled by the painful memories of her past and the ghost of her baby daughter. When a strange young woman appears, unsettling events begin to occur in her home. The remote location of the farmhouse only worsens the emotional turmoil of everyone involved. The story examines the long-lasting effects of slavery, showing how it continues to impact people through their memories and the land itself.

‘Sounder’ (1972)

During the Great Depression, a Louisiana family of sharecroppers faces hardship when the father is jailed for stealing food to provide for them. His wife and son are left to manage their farm and care for their dog, hoping for his release. The film portrays the difficult lives of poor rural families and the powerful connection between mother and son. The land they work is central to their livelihood and sense of self-worth.

‘Eve’s Bayou’ (1997)

This summer, I followed young Eve Batiste as she spent time in the Louisiana bayou and started uncovering some really surprising family secrets. It’s a story about a wealthy family dealing with heartbreak and loss, all set against the beautiful, eerie backdrop of the swamps. I watched as Eve, troubled by strange visions, turned to a local fortune teller hoping to understand what was happening to her. The whole story felt so atmospheric and a little spooky, really drawing you into this complex family drama.

‘The Secret Life of Bees’ (2008)

I recently read this beautiful story about a young girl named Lily who escapes a really difficult home life and ends up with these incredible women, the Boatwright sisters, in South Carolina. They live in this vibrant pink house and make a living selling honey. Honestly, watching Lily learn about beekeeping and, more importantly, learn to accept herself was so moving. The whole story unfolds on this gorgeous property, overflowing with beehives and gardens, and it felt like the natural beauty of the place actually helped everyone heal and create this really special, mother-daughter-like bond.

‘Da 5 Bloods’ (2020)

Decades after serving in Vietnam, four African American veterans return to the country on a mission: to find the remains of their squad leader and a hidden treasure of gold. As they journey through the challenging jungle, they confront both the dangers around them and the lingering trauma of their past experiences. The film explores what it was like for Black soldiers to fight in a war that didn’t always acknowledge their sacrifices, and how the memories of the conflict continue to affect them.

‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999)

When genetically engineered sharks break free in a remote ocean research facility, the team must fight to survive. A cook named Preacher becomes a key leader, helping those still alive navigate the increasingly flooded station. The entire film takes place on the water, creating a tense and confined atmosphere as the water level rises. It’s a thrilling mix of action and horror, set far away from any city or town.

‘Unstoppable’ (2010)

When a freight train loaded with dangerous chemicals breaks loose, a seasoned engineer and a rookie conductor team up to try and stop it. The thrilling chase unfolds across the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside, as they desperately try to prevent a disaster in a nearby town. The movie highlights both the powerful machinery of the railroad and the working relationship between the two men as they battle against the clock.

‘The Magnificent Seven’ (2016)

Warrant officer Sam Chisolm brings together a team of skilled gunslingers to protect a small mining town from a powerful and cruel businessman. They strengthen the town’s defenses and teach the residents how to fight off the businessman’s private army. Set in the rugged Old West, with its dusty towns and wide-open spaces, the film puts a fresh spin on traditional westerns by featuring a Black actor as the main hero.

‘Miracle at St. Anna’ (2008)

During World War II, four African American soldiers from the 92nd Infantry Division find themselves stranded in a small Italian village. While waiting to be rescued, they form connections with the villagers and care for a young boy deeply affected by the war. The beautiful landscape of rolling hills and historic buildings stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding conflict, offering a glimpse into a little-known story of the war in the Italian countryside.

‘A Soldier’s Story’ (1984)

Captain Richard Davenport is sent to a Louisiana army base to investigate the murder of a Black sergeant. He encounters resistance from both white officers and Black soldiers as he tries to solve the crime. The entire investigation unfolds within the base and the nearby woods, and the film uses this remote location to delve into difficult issues of race and the struggles within the military.

‘Holes’ (2003)

Stanley Yelnats is sent to a harsh juvenile detention camp in the desert, where the boys are made to dig holes constantly. While there, he discovers a long-lost secret about an old outlaw and a family treasure that seems cursed. The scorching desert isn’t just a location; it heavily influences the boys’ lives. The story mixes a modern adventure with elements of old legends, all set against a backdrop of intense heat and dust.

‘Fast Color’ (2018)

When a woman’s extraordinary powers are revealed, she’s forced to flee and seeks refuge with her family at their remote farmhouse. For generations, the women in her family have kept their special abilities secret, and the isolated, barren landscape allows them the space to practice them undetected. The film offers a down-to-earth take on a superhero’s beginnings, set against the backdrop of a realistic rural setting.

‘Z for Zachariah’ (2015)

After a nuclear disaster, Ann Burden finds refuge in a hidden valley, protected from radiation by unusual weather. Her peaceful solitude is broken when two men appear, creating a complicated and tense relationship. The story unfolds as a psychological drama centered on these three characters and their struggles with trust and jealousy, all set within a beautiful, untouched landscape.

‘Emancipation’ (2022)

After escaping a Confederate work camp, Peter undertakes a dangerous trek across the Louisiana swamps, hoping to reach the safety of Union soldiers. He faces constant threats from both those hunting escaped slaves and the dangers of the swamp itself, like alligators, all while struggling through the difficult landscape. The film’s muted colors highlight the harshness of the setting and the violence of the time. It’s a gripping survival story that takes place almost entirely in the wild.

‘The Woman King’ (2022)

General Nanisca commands the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit, defending the Kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa. These women undergo intense training both within the palace and on the open plains, fighting to protect their kingdom and its people from slave traders. The film offers a compelling look at a powerful, pre-colonial African society and its unique military system, highlighting the warriors’ incredible strength and unwavering discipline on their own land.

‘Coming 2 America’ (2021)

Prince Akeem returns to his home country of Zamunda, a beautiful African kingdom, to find the son he didn’t know he had. The movie highlights the kingdom’s incredible palace and stunning gardens. Though there are a few scenes set in Queens, New York, the story mostly focuses on the richness and traditions of Zamunda, exploring the characters’ lives as royalty rather than as immigrants.

‘Glory’ (1989)

I was completely captivated by the story of Trip and the other brave volunteers who joined the 54th Massachusetts! Seeing them enlist to fight for the Union during the Civil War was incredibly moving. The film really showed what they went through – the rigorous training, the long marches through the Southern landscapes… it felt so real. It all built to this intense, heartbreaking assault on a fort right on the beach. What struck me most was how the beautiful natural settings actually highlighted just how brutal and physically demanding 19th-century warfare truly was. It wasn’t just a story; it was an experience.

‘Just Mercy’ (2019)

Attorney Bryan Stevenson travels to Alabama to help people who have been wrongly convicted or haven’t had a fair trial. He begins working on the case of Walter McMillian, who is on death row for a murder he insists he didn’t commit. The story takes place in small-town courts and prisons throughout the rural South, highlighting the deep-rooted prejudice within the region.

‘Selma’ (2014)

I was completely captivated watching the story of Dr. King and the incredible march from Selma to Montgomery. It really showed how much courage it took to fight for the right to vote. The movie did a fantastic job of showing all the work that went into planning the protest, and you could really feel the danger as they walked along those Alabama roads, especially crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It was so clear how vulnerable those marchers were facing all that hostility. It’s a powerful film that really brings the struggle to life.

‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)

This film tells the inspiring true story of three incredibly talented African American women who were essential to NASA’s success during a pivotal moment in history. Working at the large Langley Research Center in Virginia, they overcame the challenges of segregation while helping launch astronaut John Glenn into space. The movie showcases their vital contributions to the high-tech world of early space exploration.

‘Buck and the Preacher’ (1972)

I’m so excited about this movie! It tells the story of a guide helping formerly enslaved people find a new life out West, and he ends up partnering with a clever con artist. Together, they’re constantly on the run from bounty hunters, using everything around them – the land itself – to outsmart those chasing them. It’s a really fun ride, blending action with humor, all set against the beautiful, wild backdrop of the Old West. What makes it even more special is that it was directed by and stars the incredible Sidney Poitier, alongside Harry Belafonte – a truly landmark film!

‘Posse’ (1993)

When a group of soldiers returns home from the Spanish-American War, they discover the father of their commander has been killed in a Western town. They band together as a posse to overthrow the town’s dishonest sheriff and restore the settlement to the Black residents who originally built it. The film uses familiar Western elements like horses and saloons while shedding light on the largely unknown story of Black communities that thrived on the American frontier.

‘Rosewood’ (1997)

Mann finds himself in Rosewood, a peaceful and thriving Black town in Florida, right before racial violence explodes. The town’s residents are forced to escape into the swamps to avoid a white mob. The film shows how this independent, rural community is destroyed, and how the once-peaceful landscape becomes a terrifying place of hiding.

‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ (2005)

Janie Crawford’s life unfolds in early 20th-century Florida as she seeks both love and a sense of who she is, moving through several marriages. She finds a deep connection with a man named Tea Cake while working in the Everglades, and their passionate relationship is powerfully reflected in the wild, beautiful landscape around them. Ultimately, their story culminates in tragedy during a devastating hurricane, but Janie’s journey is a celebration of finding herself in the heart of the South.

‘Ma’ (2019)

In a close-knit Ohio town, a solitary woman forms a friendship with a group of teenagers and lets them use her basement for parties. However, her kindness quickly spirals into an unsettling obsession, and she begins to harass the teens and their families. The story unfolds in a seemingly normal suburban neighborhood, where the quiet setting masks the terrifying psychological events happening within the woman’s home.

‘Antebellum’ (2020)

A celebrated author suddenly finds herself in a terrifying situation: a place that feels like a plantation from the 1800s. She has to find a way to escape, maneuvering through cotton fields and a rigid social system. The film connects this setting to both the history of slavery and the ways people are oppressed today. While the plantation appears beautiful with its rich plants and scenery, this sharply contrasts with the harsh treatment the characters endure.

‘Alice’ (2022)

A woman who escapes slavery from a Georgia plantation finds herself mysteriously transported to 1973. Lost and confused, she emerges onto a highway and begins to navigate a world grappling with the Black Power movement and newfound freedoms. The film contrasts the harsh confinement of the plantation with the liberating possibilities of the open road, as Alice uses her understanding of the present to seek justice against those who enslaved her.

‘Monster’s Ball’ (2001)

Leticia Musgrove is barely getting by in rural Georgia, still reeling from her husband’s execution. She starts a relationship with a prison guard, unaware he was part of the team that carried out the sentence. The film portrays the quiet, difficult life in the Southern countryside, and how the landscape mirrors the loneliness and sorrow of Leticia and the others.

‘The Great Debaters’ (2007)

In the 1930s, Professor Melvin B. Tolson led the debate team at a small, historically Black college in Texas. The film follows the team as they travel through the segregated South, competing against larger, more well-known universities. It showcases both the challenging academic world they inhabit and the landscapes they journey through, all while highlighting the intense racial prejudice of the time and the team’s powerful intellectual arguments.

‘Spell’ (2020)

A rich man travels with his family to attend his father’s funeral in the Appalachian mountains, but their plane crashes in the woods. He finds himself recovering in the attic of a woman who practices Hoodoo, and she’s claiming to care for him. Because of the remote location, he’s unable to call for help or leave, and the story draws on the unsettling atmosphere and traditions of folk horror within a dense forest setting.

‘Us’ (2019)

When Adelaide Wilson brings her family to her childhood beach house for a summer getaway, their peaceful vacation quickly turns terrifying. One night, a group of eerie doubles appears, and the family is forced to fight for survival, with the action spreading from the beach to the nearby lakes and woods. The story sharply contrasts the relaxed vacation atmosphere with a sudden and brutal struggle for their lives.

‘The Water Man’ (2020)

I recently saw this incredible film about a boy named Gunner. He embarks on this really moving journey into the Wild Horse forest, searching for a legendary being said to have the power over life and death. It’s all to try and save his sick mother, and he’s helped by this local girl who knows the forest like the back of her hand. The whole movie is about their adventure through this magical, yet really dangerous, woodland – it’s full of obstacles they have to overcome. Honestly, it’s a beautiful family adventure, and what makes it special is that it’s entirely set within the wonder and mystery of the natural world.

‘Synchronic’ (2019)

In New Orleans, two paramedics investigate a string of strange deaths connected to a new, experimental drug. One paramedic soon realizes the pill has an incredible effect: it sends him back in time to the very spot he’s standing, showing him the area’s past – from ancient swamps to the ice age. The movie uses the real history of the Louisiana landscape to build thrilling scenes set in both prehistoric times and the colonial era, mixing the fast-paced world of emergency medicine with the challenges of surviving in a dangerous, time-warped wilderness.

‘Gemini Man’ (2019)

Henry Brogan is a highly skilled assassin suddenly hunted by a younger, genetically identical clone who seems to anticipate his every action. Their pursuit takes them around the world, from the coasts of Colombia to the countryside of Hungary. Unlike many action films, the exciting fight scenes take place in diverse settings like the open ocean and historic buildings, not just typical city streets. The movie centers on the intense, physical confrontation between these two versions of the same man as they battle across international locations.

‘Clemency’ (2019)

Bernadine Williams is a warden struggling with the emotional burden of overseeing executions. The story primarily takes place within the stark and isolated walls of the prison, and explores how her job affects her personally and strains her marriage. The prison environment itself is cold and detached from the outside world.

Tell us your favorite movie from the list, or recommend another film with a Black lead that isn’t set in a city!

2026-01-25 02:53