Black TV and Movie Classics to Watch as a Family

From Will Smith to Queen Latifah, many celebrities we know and love today launched their careers by starring in a TV series or a movie. Below you'll find the best upbeat, throwback picks that feature inspiring Black families and stories from the '70s to the '00s currently available to stream or buy. Whether you want to share a piece of your childhood with your kids or you're looking to catch up on the feel-good classics, the whole family can enjoy these shows that will make you laugh, cry, or both! When you're done here, check out our other lists that feature strong Black representation: TV Shows with Black Leads and Great Movies with Black Characters.

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Little Bill Poster Image
TV

Little Bill

age 4+

Little Bill knows a whole lot about love & laughs.

Network: Nick Jr. (1999)
Cinderella (1997) Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Cinderella (1997)

age 5+

Musical take on classic fairy tale is an inclusion landmark.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)
Class of 3000 Poster Image
TV

Class of 3000

age 6+

OutKast star inspires music students in fun 'toon.

Network: Cartoon Network (2006)
Webster Poster Image
TV

Webster

age 6+

Endearing '80s sitcom celebrates family, embracing change.

Network: ABC (1983)
Like Mike movie poster
MOVIE

Like Mike

age 7+

Lil Bow Wow in family-friendly fantasy.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
The Proud Family Poster Image
TV

The Proud Family

age 7+

Relatable stories, good role models, zany comedy.

Network: ABC (2001)
Space Jam Poster Image
MOVIE

Space Jam

age 7+

'90s live-action-animation mix has some cartoon violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1996)
Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her
MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Family Matters Poster Image
TV

Family Matters

age 8+

Urkel and company still offer lots of family fun.

Network: Freeform , Nickelodeon , Syndicated (1989)
Kenan & Kel Poster Image
TV

Kenan & Kel

age 8+

Mischievous adventures of two teens is all about the laughs.

Network: Nickelodeon (1996)
That's So Raven Poster Image
TV

That's So Raven

age 8+

Clairvoyant teen will have kids seeing Raven!

Network: Disney Channel (2003)
The Wiz Poster Image
MOVIE

The Wiz

age 8+

1970s all-Black remake has positive messages, violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1978)
Dr. Dolittle (1998) Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Dolittle (1998)

age 9+

Gimmicky animal tale with Eddie Murphy is crude but funny.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
Sister, Sister Poster Image
TV

Sister, Sister

age 9+

Separated twins reunite as teens -- tweens OK.

Network: Disney Channel (1994)
Good Burger Poster Image
MOVIE

Good Burger

age 10+

Good-natured '90s comedy loaded with pratfalls, silliness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)
Good Times Poster Image
TV

Good Times

age 10+

Dy-no-mite '70s sitcom with a social message.

Network: Syndicated , TV Land (1974)
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Poster Image
TV

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper

age 10+

Hanging out with this gang is good family fun.

Network: Syndicated (1992)
In the House: TV Poster
TV

In the House

age 10+

Sexist jokes kinda cringey despite A+ Black representation.

Network: Max (1995)
Martin TV show: Poster image
TV

Martin

age 10+

Iconic 1990s show features mild sex, violence.

Network: Fox (1992)
The Parent 'Hood Poster Image
TV

The Parent 'Hood

age 10+

Fun '90s family comedy is fine for tweens.

Network: Syndicated , TBS (1995)