This list is of the top urban films that have influenced our culture and music. Of course, some great flicks were left out.
Special consideration was given to independent films produced by directors. Again, the films were not judged on commercial success, but artistic merit.
Note: This is a work in progress and new influential films will be added as they’re completed.
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- Scarface
- Menace II Society
- Dolemite
- Dolemite
- New Jack City
- Beat Street
- Purple Rain
- The Streets is Watching
- Good Fellas
- Do the Right Thing
- Boyz N the Hood
- Colors
- King of New York
- The Warriors
- The Godfather
- Juice
- Carlito’s Way
- Malcolm X
- Dead Presidents
- The Usual Suspects
- Enter the Dragon
- Krush Groove
- Above the Rim
- Cornbread Earl and Me
- Belly
- Poetic Justice
- I’m Bout It
- Friday
- Five Deadly Venoms
- Lady Sings the Blues
- Jo Jo Dancer
- Seven
- Rush
- Training Day
- Monster’s Ball
- What’s Love Got to Do With It?
- Straight Out of Brooklyn
- City of God
- Nightmare on Elm Street
- The Wiz
- Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
- Raw
- Full Metal Jacket
- The Matrix
- Set it Off
- Coming to America
- Donnie Brasco
- The Last Dragon
- Paid in Full
- Pulp Fiction
- Deep Cover
- Coming to America
- The Corner
- The Wire
- The Mack
