31 Black Comedy Movies Of The 2000s
What makes Black comedies so special? Is it the stellar performances delivered by the actresses on screen? Is it the way they satirize common tropes within the community, or is it the outlandish ways they portray coming-of-age and romance? It’s a combination of all three – plus more.
Enjoy this list of the best Black comedies of the 2000s and lose yourself in the nostalgia.
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White Chicks (2004)
White Chicks follows the story of two FBI agents, played by Wayan brothers Marlon and Shawn, who pose as two socialite sisters who must attend a particular fashion show.
As the two men put on the wigs, they transform their personalities and mannerisms into stereotypical valley girls and carry out their mission. The fun comes in when they meet with the socialite’s former best friends, love interests, and longstanding enemies.
Barbershop (2002)
If you’re looking for a comedy about the day in the life of a Southside Chicago barbershop, then this is the movie for you.
The story follows Calvin (Ice Cube), a young man who inherits his dad’s barbershop. He soon realizes running the family business will take more heart and dedication than he ever imagined.
If this seems too heartfelt of a story to make the comedy list, know that the movie stars Cedric the Entertainer, Michael Ealy, and Eve.
Big Momma’s House (2000)
Fat suits were the novelty of comedy during the emerging 2000s, so it’s no surprise Big Momma’s House was playing on almost every TV station for months on end.
This story is about a detective who goes undercover as an elderly nanny to solve a high-profile case. During his time with the new family, the detective learns of all the family’s hilarious routines, interests, and secrets.
Martin Lawrence stars in this comedy classic alongside Nia Long, David T. Friendly, and Paul Giamatti.
Daddy Day Care (2003)
Kids and adults alike love this movie.
An out-of-work dad finds he can help his kid, and the neighborhood kids, by running a home-operated daddy daycare. With the help of a long-time friend, the dads work together to keep the kids happy and entertained. The movie is a hilarious take on motherhood and just how complicated it can get. It also highlights the struggles of running your own business.
Eddie Murphy plays our daddy daycare star, and he does not disappoint.
Snow Dogs (2002)
Cuba Gooding Jr. delivers outstanding performance in this one.
Snow Dogs is about a well-off guy in the city who travels to Alaska to claim his dead relative’s inheritance– which turns out to be a team of sled dogs.
Now tasked with keeping them, he must race back to the city with them to prevent them from being dog-napped by evil Thunder Jack. This movie is the perfect weekday-night luxury.
Black Dynamite (2009)
Black Dynamite is one of the most humorous action movies in the game. It was most likely inspired by former Black vigilante movies, including The Last Dragon and Dolemite.
The story follows a kung fu fighter avenging his family and neighborhood after drugs and criminality run rampant.
The movie stars Michael Jai White, Tommy Davidson, and Salli Richardson.
The Princess and The Frog (2009)
Hardworking Tiana, voiced by Dreamgirls actress Anika Rose, dreams of opening a restaurant and making her dad proud. But her dream is put to a halt when she’s magically transformed into a frog after kissing a cursed Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos). So the pair journey through a Louisiana bayou to find the legendary Mama Odie, who can reverse the curse.
Although the movie portrays themes of class inequality and beauty standards, it’s still a lighthearted comedic tale that the entire family can watch.
It was adapted from other tales, including The Frog Prince.
Hitch (2005)
If you’re in the mood for a rom-com tonight, check out this classic Black comedy.
Hitch stars Will Smith, who plays a renowned dating coach dedicated to helping an outlandish client while simultaneously trying to secure his relationship. Things get interesting in this one.
The movie highlights themes of love and genuine connection. Yet it also has several comedic elements performed effortlessly by Eva Mendes, Kevin James, and Amber Valletta.
Fat Albert (2004)
Movies like Fat Albert began the trend of breaking the fourth wall in movies–literally.
The story follows Fat Albert (Kenan Thompson), who comes to life in this comedy classic. He helps a friend become popular while navigating the workings of the “real world.” The movie gets even more interesting when the TV character falls in love.
The movie features other beloved actors, including Aaron Frazier, Kyla Pratt, Marques B. Houston, and Dania Ramirez.
College Road Trip (2008)
College Road Trip is the perfect feel-good movie about an overprotective father taking his daughter across the country touring colleges. Raven Symone and Martin Lawrence star as a daddy-daughter duo in this hilarious Black classic.
Not only do we get to watch the two’s wacky adventures, but it’s also a great way to learn about different states.
Supporting actors include Donny Osmond, Kym Whitley, and Brenda Song.
You’ll enjoy watching this movie with family and friends alike.
Taxi (2004)
After several driving accidents, a police detective’s (Jimmy Fallon) badge is revoked. He calls a taxi where he meets Belle (Queen Latifah), a rowdy and impressive driver who helps him track down a band of criminals in exchange for getting her car back.
The movie features several famous actors we all know and love, including Gisele Bundchen and Jennifer Esposito.
Taxi is one of the best Black comedy movies of the 2000s because of Fallon’s witty humor and Queen Latifah’s badass driving skills.
Rush Hour 2 (2001)
Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan return in this sequel to the original Rush Hour. Now the dynamic duo is tasked with finding out who started an explosion at the U.S Embassy while fighting special agents sent to infiltrate their plan.
The movie is full of raunchy jokes, fight scenes with and without guns, and ill-suited comments– the perfect comedy for a Friday night.
Next Friday (2000)
Some of the best Black comedies of the 2000s star Ice Cube, so it’s no surprise he returns to the screens in this hilarious sequel to Friday. It’s one of the most beloved stoner-films in the industry.
Craig, who moves in with his uncle to evade trouble, finds his programs follow you wherever you go. Now he must find a way to dodge Debo while staying out of trouble himself.
Supporting actors that make this movie legendary include John Witherspoon, Chris Tucker, and Mike Epps.
I Think I Love My Wife (2007)
Chris Rock directs and stars in this comedy classic as a bored businessman whose sexual flame reignites when he runs into an old flame (Kerry Washington). And Chris Rock doesn’t fail to give us every bit of charm and charisma in this one.
This film is one of the best Black movies because it’s written and directed by a comedian and features comedians including Steve Buscemi and Michael Kenneth.
Little Man (2006)
For decades, the Wayan brothers have been putting quality Black entertainment into the industry. Each time they collaborate on a project, it’s a hit.
Little Man is the story of a miniature criminal who poses as a child to retrieve back a stolen diamond.
The movie is outrageous and has many inappropriate elements, so you may not want to watch this one with the kids.
Are We Done Yet? (2007)
Are We Done Yet is just another movie portraying Ice Cube’s hilarity and versatility. In this sequel, he moves his family into the suburbs for a better life. He soon finds that his new contractor and lifestyle will take some adjusting.
John C. McGinley plays the contractor, and Nia Long plays the wife.
If you like slapstick humor about people getting the runaround, you’ll surely enjoy this one.
Beauty Shop (2005)
After opening a rival beauty shop, Gina finds herself in a head-to-head competition against her former boss. The movie takes us through the fiery competition between both stylists, and in the end, we learn the importance of staying true to ourselves. Oh, and the movie is great for a few laughs.
Beauty Shop is a timeless classic starring Queen Latifah, Kevin Bacon, and Alicia Silverstone. We love and remember this movie for the nostalgia it brings. Not to mention Queen Latifah getting in her groove.
How High (2001)
This Black stone comedy is one of the funniest in the industry and probably one of the most quoted movies of all time.
The hilarious story follows two average students who smoke magical weed and ace their entrance into Harvard. While there, their magic elixir runs out. They must now put in the work and dedication to pass their classes.
The movie is a great take on coming-of-age classics and high schools comedies. It’s also just an overall good spoof.
Soul Plane (2004)
Soul Plane stars Kevin Hart as Nashawn, a former lawsuit winner who uses his earnings to establish his Black airline. And yes, it’s just as magical and funky as you’d imagine.
His plane has tricked-out features, beautiful stewardesses’, jazzy music, and the highest pilot in the sky.
You simply couldn’t have a list of the funniest Black comedies without listing Soul Plane.
All About The Benjamins (2002)
Two con artists from two different sides of the criminal spectrum team up in this unlikely duo. Together, they hunt down valuable lottery tickets and stolen jewelry.
The movie features Ice Cube as a bounty hunter, Mike Epps as a small ton con artist, Eva Mendes, and Tommy Flanagan.
For comedies, Ice Cube is no stranger to the game. He helped write the story for this particular classic.
Drumline (2002)
If you’re in a jazzy mood, check out this upbeat classic comedy.
Drumline follows a headstrong and talented drummer from a small town. When he gets to college, he’s surprised to learn his ego won’t get him as far. If he wants to stay on the band and make a lasting impression, he’ll need to learn humility and patience.
Drumline is the perfect fish-out-of-water comedy and stars two hot celebrities: Nick Cannon and Zoe Saldana.
Think Like A Man (2012)
Tim Story directs Think Like A Man, the rom-com of the year. The movie was wildly successful and birthed a sequel just a few years later.
The story follows four gentlemen desperate to seal the deal with their women. They get help from a step-by-step guide written by a top relationship counselor. What they don’t know is their women are simultaneously following the same advice and staying two steps ahead.
This romantic comedy will have you and your friends laughing all night.
Keanu (2016)
This hilarious movie features the famous duo from Key & Peele as they take on a notorious thief who has just stolen their beloved kitty.
To get their feline back, they must agree to work for the heinous criminal– which, of course, comes with problems.
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele deliver stellar performances in this one. You’ll enjoy cozying up with your cat to watch Keanu.
Other key actors include Method Man and Tiffany Haddish.
Top Five (2014)
Although not necessarily a movie, this comedy stand-up special is one for the books. Chris Rock highlights his exhilarating career while performing new material.
Other comedians on the special include Rosario Dawson, Kevin Hart, and Gabrielle Union.
You’ll enjoy this movie because it’s a refreshing difference from other Black comedies, which usually display a day-in-the-life or some sort of racial theme.
Dear White People (2014)
This Black comedy stars some of our favorite celebrities, including Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, and Teyonah Parris.
Campus culture is divided at a local college. On a predominately white campus, Black students decipher what is deemed acceptable and just plain ignorance.
The movie plot is in the form of interviews, which makes it more personal and humorous.
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party (2005)
Stand-up comedy is proven to deliver laughs each time, so if you’re looking for a movie crossed with a live performance, this is the one for you.
Dave Chappelle returns to the big screens in this comedy special. He cracks jokes, there’s a musical performance, and everyone in the audience seems to be having a good time.
If you’re a fan of concerts, you’ll find this Black comedy interesting. It combines all the greatest elements of a musical performance with stand-up. And Chappelle does not disappoint.
Django Unchained (2012)
If you’re familiar with the name Tarantino, then you already know how outrageous his movies can get, and Django Unchained is no different.
The story follows a bounty hunter and a slave who travel the South catching criminals. The movie is set before the civil war so tension is high when passers see a slave traveling alongside a white man.
The plotline is serious, but the movie is overall funny.
Dance Flick (2009)
Perhaps one of the funniest movies of all time is right here. Dance Flick is just another hilarious production by the Wayan Brothers, who all star in this comedy classic.
The spoof story follows an aspiring dancer who moves to a new school and meets the boy of her dreams. Together, they learn to dance while facing the odds of their relationship.
And if that movie description sounds like something you’ve seen before–trust me, you haven’t seen it like this.
35 and Ticking (2011)
Four friends approach their mid-thirties and suffer individual mid-life crises’.
This feel-good movie is perfect for an older crowd. It takes the confusion and uncertainty of growing up and makes it funny.
The movie also features an all-star cast including Kevin Hart, Nicole Parker, Tamala Jones, Keith Robinson, and Meagan Good.
Black Panther (2018)
Superheroes just got a feisty new look with Black Panther. The movie stars Chadwick Boseman as T’challa, who has taken his rightful place on his father’s throne. As he ascends to power, he learns of his ancestors’ horrible deeds to keep their paradise sacred.
The movie is a great family movie and has a lot of special effects for the kids.
Black Panther is another Black comedy for the books because the music is upbeat, the outfits are colorful, and our superhero is Black!
Get Out (2017)
If you’re looking for a more eerie take on comedy, Get Out is the movie you need to see.
The story follows a guy going to meet his girlfriend’s parents but begins to get weird feelings about her family and their neighbors. He soon discovers the disturbing truth behind their fascination with him and then struggles to escape their mental prison called “The Sunken Place.”
The movie features Daniel Kaluuya as the main character, Allison Williams as the girlfriend, and others.
Top Black Comedy Movies in the 2000s, Final Thoughts
Black comedies have been written and produced by some of the funniest Black figures in the industry. They have a way of including Black audiences into comedy spaces that once excluded their presence.
Not only that, but it proves just how similar (and relatively humorous) the Black experience is. The 2000s birthed some of the most innovative and creative comedies of our century. With this list, you’re sure to laugh all night.
