Soulful African American Holiday Films Better Than Your Overplayed Classics

Every year, it feels like we see the same holiday movies over and over again. Many people are now hoping for something new – films with richer stories and deeper meaning to make their celebrations more special. Luckily, there’s a growing collection of holiday films made by and about African Americans, offering everything from touching family stories to lively musicals. These movies share a variety of experiences, but always emphasize the importance of love, family, and faith. Here are thirty fantastic films that offer a refreshing change from the usual holiday fare.

‘Candy Cane Lane’ (2023)

In this funny and heartwarming Christmas movie, Eddie Murphy plays a dad who is determined to win the neighborhood’s Christmas decorating contest. He accidentally makes a deal with a playful elf, which unexpectedly brings the classic ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ song to life! As things get hilariously chaotic, his family, including his wife played by Tracee Ellis Ross, has to work together to undo the magical spell. It’s a fresh, visually impressive, and energetic take on a holiday classic.

‘Best. Christmas. Ever!’ (2023)

This heartwarming holiday movie follows two college friends who reconnect when their families unexpectedly spend the holidays together. Starring Brandy Norwood and Heather Graham, the story centers on the challenges of friendship and the stress of appearing perfect. It humorously explores the rivalry that develops when one friend starts comparing her life to the seemingly flawless updates she receives from the other, ultimately highlighting the importance of what really matters during the festive season. You can find this vibrant and cheerful movie on Netflix.

‘The Holiday Stocking’ (2022)

This heartwarming Hallmark movie tells the story of a man who returns to Earth in a new form to help his sisters mend their relationship. It’s a touching tale about family history and the strong connection between siblings, with a bit of the supernatural woven in. He has until the end of the holiday to bring happiness to his family. Starring Mykelti Williamson and Nadine Ellis, the movie beautifully portrays themes of forgiveness and the lasting power of love.

‘A Wesley Christmas’ (2022)

This movie follows adult siblings as they come home for the holidays to be with their parents and family. What starts as a festive reunion soon becomes complicated when old secrets and unresolved conflicts come to light. The film delves into the complexities of family life, showing how individuals cope with their own problems while trying to enjoy the holidays together. Veteran actors Dorien Wilson and Jasmine Guy star in this story that blends heartwarming humor with emotional drama, all set against the backdrop of cherished holiday traditions.

‘A New Diva’s Christmas Carol’ (2022)

This movie is a modern take on Charles Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol,’ starring Ashanti as a famous singer who’s become cynical and lost her love for music and the holidays. She’s shown the impact of her actions and a path toward happiness by three ghostly visitors. This VH1 original film updates the classic story of redemption for a contemporary audience, exploring themes of generosity and self-improvement within the world of celebrity and fame.

‘Our Christmas Journey’ (2021)

This Hallmark movie stars Holly Robinson Peete as a mother dealing with the ups and downs of the holidays while raising her son with autism. The film follows him as he grows into adulthood, and explores a mother’s natural instinct to protect her child. It beautifully shows how important it is for families with special needs to have support and understanding from their community. Viewers have praised the film for being realistic and featuring moving performances. Ultimately, it’s a story about the unique joys and challenges faced by a loving family.

‘Holiday Rush’ (2019)

When a well-known radio DJ suddenly loses his job just before Christmas, he and his four privileged children have to move in with his aunt. The family is used to a lavish lifestyle, but they must now adjust to a simpler way of living and discover what truly matters: family connection. Romany Malco plays the determined father who’s trying to regain his footing by purchasing a new radio station. The heartwarming comedy highlights that true happiness comes from relationships, not possessions, and celebrates the strength of family and the importance of remembering where you come from.

‘Merry Liddle Christmas’ (2019)

Kelly Rowland plays a thriving businesswoman whose peaceful holiday season is disrupted when her family visits her new home. Their lively antics could jeopardize both her carefully crafted public image and a budding relationship with a neighbor. The movie is based on Kelly Rowland’s own family holiday experiences, and its success led to several follow-up films. It’s a funny and heartwarming story that blends romance with the relatable chaos of family gatherings.

‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ (2020)

A heartwarming musical tells the story of a quirky toymaker whose granddaughter unexpectedly arrives, bringing new joy to his life. The film is filled with original songs and impressive dance numbers, all set in a wonderfully imaginative world. Starring Forest Whitaker, it follows an inventor on a quest to reclaim his most important creation from a disgruntled former student. The movie is a visual feast, celebrating African American culture with beautiful costumes and a distinctive Victorian style. It’s a stunning story about imagination and the strength of believing in yourself.

‘Almost Christmas’ (2016)

Following the loss of his wife, a retired engineer asks his four adult children and their families to come home for Christmas. He has one wish: that they all try to get along for five days. Featuring Danny Glover and MoNique, the film is a heartwarming and often funny look at a family navigating grief and rediscovering their connection, while also finding new ways to honor their mother’s memory and keep traditions alive.

‘The Best Man Holiday’ (2013)

Fifteen years after college, a group of friends comes together for a Christmas reunion that stirs up old rivalries and tests the bonds of their friendships. The film, a sequel to the original, features the entire cast in a story that blends heartwarming humor with emotional drama. As they face a life-altering event, long-held tensions and new obstacles emerge. ‘The Best Man Holiday’ delves into themes of faith, forgiveness, and the complexities of adult friendships, and resonated with audiences to become a box office hit known for its emotional impact.

‘Black Nativity’ (2013)

This heartwarming musical follows a Baltimore teen who spends the holidays with the grandparents he’s grown apart from. As he navigates a new city, he learns valuable lessons about family, faith, and himself. Inspired by a play by Langston Hughes, the film stars Jacob Latimore, Jennifer Hudson, and Angela Bassett, and uses powerful music to tell a story about forgiveness and finding inner peace.

‘A Madea Christmas’ (2013)

In this latest installment, Tyler Perry’s beloved Madea heads to a small town to spend the holidays with a friend’s daughter. The movie follows a surprise visit and the funny misunderstandings that happen when people from different worlds collide. As always, Madea brings her own brand of tough love and common sense to the situation, tackling important issues with humor and slapstick comedy. It’s a lighthearted and festive addition to the popular Madea film series.

‘This Christmas’ (2007)

After years apart, the Whitfield family reunites for the holidays, bringing long-held secrets to the surface. The story focuses on the mother, played by Loretta Devine, and her six adult children, each navigating their own challenges with work, love, and life. The film is known for its talented cast, who also contribute to the movie’s soundtrack, and is praised for its authentic depiction of a contemporary African American family.

‘The Perfect Holiday’ (2007)

In this heartwarming romantic comedy, a little girl tries to help her recently divorced mom find love again – by matchmaking with the help of a department store Santa! Starring Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut, the movie follows a playful scheme by the children to bring two adults together during the holidays. With supporting roles from Terrence Howard and Queen Latifah, it’s a feel-good story about family, the spirit of the season, and finding love when you least expect it.

‘Last Holiday’ (2006)

When a quiet shop assistant receives a life-changing diagnosis, she decides to use her remaining time to live life to the fullest with a luxurious trip to Europe. Queen Latifah stars as this woman who blossoms as she embraces adventure and inspires everyone she meets with her honest and joyful outlook. ‘Last Holiday’ is a fresh take on a classic 1950s film, updated for today’s audiences, and ultimately reminds us to make the most of every moment.

‘The Preacher’s Wife’ (1996)

This heartwarming film tells the story of a pastor and his wife working through difficulties in their marriage and church. Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston star in this updated version of ‘The Bishop’s Wife’, a movie known for its inspiring gospel music, which was a huge hit. The film beautifully portrays faith, devotion, and the energy of a thriving city church. The connection between the main actors and the memorable musical numbers are key reasons why it remains a beloved classic.

‘The Kid Who Loved Christmas’ (1990)

This touching holiday drama tells the story of a social worker working to keep a young boy with his adoptive father after his mother unexpectedly passes away. The film powerfully portrays the legal and emotional challenges faced by the grieving father, played by Michael Warren. Featuring one of Sammy Davis Jr.’s last performances, the movie beautifully demonstrates that family is defined by love and connection, not just by blood. It’s remembered as an important television film for its portrayal of African American adoption and the strength of family bonds.

‘Hip Hop Family Christmas’ (2021)

A woman tries to save her grandfather’s community center by putting on a huge hip hop concert for the holidays. The film includes cameos from famous musicians who help her make it happen. It’s a lively blend of hip hop and holiday spirit, focusing on the strength of community and the need to protect important local landmarks. This movie offers a fresh, upbeat take on the typical holiday film.

‘The Christmas Clapback’ (2022)

Three sisters find themselves intensely competing in their town’s yearly Christmas choir contest. This rivalry pushes their relationship to the limit and makes them deal with old, unresolved problems. The movie showcases a gifted cast who deliver both beautiful singing and funny performances. It’s a story about finding the line between friendly competition and staying close as a family, and it’s a fresh take on the classic tradition of gospel music during the holidays.

‘Rolling Into Christmas’ (2022)

I’m so excited about this movie! It’s about two people who grew up together, totally in love with each other and with roller skating. They come back home for the holidays and end up reconnecting at the old skating rink – it’s always been the heart of our town, you know? As they practice for a competition, old feelings start to resurface. It’s just a really sweet story about how first love never really fades, and how important it is to remember where you come from. Plus, it’s a fun, fresh take on the usual holiday romance – with skates!

‘Reporting for Christmas’ (2023)

A driven journalist who usually covers serious news gets a lighter assignment: a heartwarming holiday story in a small town. While reporting on the local toy factory, she rediscovers the spirit of the season and unexpectedly finds love. The movie follows a familiar pattern of a character changing from focused on work to finding personal fulfillment, highlighting the importance of community. It offers a new take on classic small-town holiday stories with a diverse cast, and ultimately shows that even simple stories can be incredibly meaningful.

‘A Christmas Stray’ (2021)

A busy executive’s life takes an unexpected turn when a dog causes him to crash his car, leaving him stuck in a small town. While his car is being fixed, he’s drawn into the town’s holiday celebrations, which forces him to slow down and re-evaluate his priorities. This heartwarming story shows how the spirit of the holidays can transform someone’s life, and a lovable dog helps him find a new path.

‘The Christmas Edition’ (2020)

A young journalist takes a job at a struggling small-town newspaper in Alaska, hoping to turn it around. As she works to revitalize the paper, she finds herself falling for both the community and one of its charming residents. Starring Carly Hughes, the film is a heartwarming story about discovering where you belong, set against the beautiful backdrop of a snowy Alaskan town and its cozy traditions. It emphasizes the power of stories to connect people, especially during the holidays.

‘Writing Around the Christmas Tree’ (2021)

This holiday movie follows a romance author who’s never experienced love herself. She goes to a writers retreat in a charming, snow-covered chalet and meets another writer who makes her rethink everything she knows about love and writing. They clash creatively at first, but as they participate in festive activities, a deeper connection begins to form. The film beautifully blends the magic of a holiday romance with an insightful look at the creative journey, showing how being open to new relationships can lead to both personal and professional fulfillment.

‘Welcome to the Christmas Family Reunion’ (2021)

A family reunion for a famous singer, who’s been estranged from her relatives for a long time, is planned by a dedicated event organizer. Bringing everyone together is challenging due to old family conflicts and complicated relationships. As the reunion happens, the family members begin to heal old wounds and appreciate their common history. The film boasts a talented cast and beautifully portrays the bonds of family and the lively, emotional experience of a big family get-together.

‘Miracle in Motor City’ (2021)

In this heartwarming film, Tia Mowry plays a woman who mistakenly promises her church’s Christmas pageant will feature the iconic Smokey Robinson. She teams up with her ex-boyfriend in a fun, fast-paced effort to actually make it happen. Set in Detroit, the movie celebrates the city’s vibrant musical legacy and highlights how a community can come together to overcome challenges. The appearance of genuine music stars adds a special touch to the story.

‘Christmas Déjà Vu’ (2021)

This heartwarming film tells the story of a woman who’s lost her holiday spirit and is given a chance to live a different life – one where all her dreams have come true. She becomes a famous singer, but quickly discovers that even a perfect life can come with unexpected sacrifices. It’s a fresh take on the ‘what if’ scenario, reminding us to appreciate our own lives. Featuring stunning musical performances by Amber Riley, the film ultimately teaches a valuable lesson about gratitude and finding true happiness.

‘Cooking Up Christmas’ (2020)

During the holidays, a hopeful chef takes a live-in cooking job for a baseball player and his three kids. Through her delicious meals, she helps the family reconnect and cope with a difficult loss. The story blends a heartwarming romance with the cherished tradition of holiday cooking, showing how food can bridge cultural differences and bring people together. She discovers that cooking is about more than just the food itself – it’s about creating connections and healing hearts.

‘The First Noelle’ (2022)

Returning home for the holidays, a woman is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend has moved on. Things get uncomfortable as she keeps running into him and his new girlfriend at local events. She has to deal with her unresolved feelings while also trying to build a life for herself. The movie is a relatable story about growing up and the difficulties of relationships, set during the holiday season, and honestly portrays the emotional ups and downs of returning to your hometown.

Please share your favorite soulful holiday movie memories in the comments.

2025-12-24 11:49