My list follows (broadly) a history of black cinema in the US - starting with DW Griffiths Birth and Oscar Micheaux’s response. Even within a restricted list, it demonstrates the diversity of approach to representation of African-Americans, including white filmmakers who address race within their work. Of our generation, Spike Lee (despite some uneven efforts) is one of the most important filmmakers, regardless of race, because of the way he has incorporated his racial identity into his work, and yet produced films that are not bound by it for audiences.

Birth of a Nation (1915)

Within our Gates (1920)

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)

Shaft (1971)

The Color Purple (1985)

She’s Gotta Have It (1986)

Do the Right Thing (1989)

Daughters of the Dust (1991)

Boyz n the Hood (1991)

Sister Act (1992)

Malcolm X (1992)

Antwone Fisher (2002)