Best African Movies to Watch
Here are my collections of movies historically based on Africa motherland narratives, actors may be foreign but the story and location are purely based in Africa.
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- StarsLeVar BurtonRobert ReedJohn AmosA dramatization of author Alex Haley's family line from ancestor Kunta Kinte's enslavement to his descendants' liberation.Roots tells the story of Kunta Kinte — a young man taken from the Gambia when he was seventeen and sold as a slave — and seven generations of his descendants in the United States(60 mins.)
- StarsEdward FoxRobert PowellTrevor HowardA historical account on the life of the Zulu King Shaka.It is based on the story of the king of the Zulu, Shaka (reigned 1816 to 1828) 450mins
- DirectorPhillip NoyceStarsDerek LukeTim RobbinsBonnie MbuliA drama about terrorism in Apartheid-era South Africa, revolving around a policeman and a young man who carries out solo attacks against the regime.The film begins in "Northern Coalfields, South Africa, 1980". It revolves around Patrick Chamusso, a young, apolitical man (played by Derek Luke) who is accused of carrying out an attack against the government, and an Afrikaner police officer, Nic Vos, played by Tim Robbins. Vos is in charge of locating the perpetrators of a recent bomb attack against the Secunda CTL synthetic fuel refinery, which is the largest coal liquefaction plant in the world(101 mins).
- DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsDenzel WashingtonKevin KlineJosette SimonSouth African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend the black activist Steve Biko. (157 mins.)
- DirectorJoseph SargentStarsSidney PoitierMichael CaineTina LiffordOn June 12, 1964, Nelson Mandela, along with numerous political detainees, was sentenced to life imprisonment in what remains the most sensational treason trial in the history of South Africa. The incarceration of Mandela and other political prisoners on Robben Island would become a symbol of the struggle to end apartheid and win freedom for the black majority in South Africa. On February 2, 1990, President F.W. De Klerk stood before Parliament and announced the legalization of the African National Congress and a host of other banned political organizations. At the same time, he announced that Nelson Mandela, having served twenty-seven years in prison, would be released within seven days. Yet the world, and indeed most South Africans, knew little about how this momentous occasion came to pass. Until now. This movie was filmed in South Africa. Most of the locations are those where the actual events took place, and the dramatized sequences are augmented with newsreel footage to ensure the most accurate portrayal possible of recent historical events.On June 12, 1964, Nelson Mandela, along with a number of political detainees, was sentenced to life... (114 mins.)
- DirectorJustin ChadwickStarsIdris ElbaNaomie HarrisTerry PhetoA chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. (141 mins.)
- DirectorBille AugustStarsJoseph FiennesDennis HaysbertDiane KrugerGoodbye Bafana is the true story of a white South African racist whose life was profoundly altered by the black prisoner he guarded for twenty years. The prisoner's name was Nelson Mandela.True story of a white South African racist whose life was profoundly altered by the black prisoner he guarded for twenty years. The prisoner's name was Nelson Mandela. (118 mins.)
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsMorgan FreemanMatt DamonTony KgorogeNelson Mandela, in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup(134 mins).
- DirectorDarrell RoodtStarsRichard HarrisJames Earl JonesVusi KuneneA South African preacher goes to search for his wayward son, who has committed a crime in the big city.A South-African preacher goes to search for his wayward son who has committed a crime in the big city. (106 mins.)
- DirectorTom HooperStarsHilary SwankChiwetel EjioforJamie BartlettPolice officer Dirk Hendricks files an amnesty application for Alex Mpondo, a member of the South African Parliament who can't remember the torture he once endured as a captive political activist. South African-born attorney Sarah Barcant, meanwhile, returns to her homeland to represent Mpondo, as well as Steve Sizela, Mpondo's friend who was arrested along with him and never heard from again.Police officer Dirk Hendricks (Bartlett) files an amnesty application for Alex Mpondo (Ejiofor), a member of the South African Parliament who can't remember the torture he once endured as a captive political activist. South African-born attorney Sarah Barcant (Swank), meanwhile, returns to her homeland to represent Mpondo, as well as Steve Sizela, Mpondo's friend who arrested along with him and never heard from again. (110 mins.)
- DirectorJohn BoormanStarsJuliette BinocheSamuel L. JacksonBrendan GleesonA journalist and a poetess meet during the hearings of South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.angston Whitfield is a Washington Post journalist. His editor provocatively sends him to South Africa... (105 mins.)
- DirectorJérôme SalleStarsOrlando BloomForest WhitakerConrad KempPolicemen Ali Sokhela and Brian Epkeen investigate the brutal murder of a young white woman, apparently provoked by the availability of a new illegal drug and somehow connected to the disappearance of black street children.Policemen Ali Sokhela and Brian Epkeen investigate the brutal murder of a young white woman, apparently provoked by the availability of a new illegal drug and somehow connected to the disappearance of black street children. (110 mins.)
- DirectorDarrell RoodtStarsWhoopi GoldbergLeleti KhumaloMiriam MakebaSouth African teenagers fight against apartheid in the Soweto Uprising.South African teenagers fight against apartheid in the Soweto Uprising. (117 mins.)
- DirectorDarrell RoodtStarsJennifer HudsonTerrence HowardElias KoteasA drama that chronicles the life of Winnie Mandela from her childhood through her marriage and her husband's incarceration.A drama that chronicles the life of Winnie Mandela from her childhood through her marriage and her husband's incarceration. (104 mins.)
- DirectorMorgan FreemanStarsDanny GloverMalcolm McDowellAlfre WoodardIn this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people, even while serving as a pawn of the racist government. When his son gets involved in the anti-apartheid movement, he finds himself torn between his family (including long-suffering wife Alfre Woodard) and what he believes is his duty.In this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people... (120 mins.)
- DirectorAnthony FabianStarsSophie OkonedoSam NeillAlice KrigeBased on the true story of a black girl who was born to two white Afrikaner parents in South Africa during the apartheid era.Based on the true story of a black girl who was born to two white Afrikaner parents in South Africa during the apartheid era. (107 mins.)
- DirectorSteve JacobsStarsJohn MalkovichNatalie BeckerJessica HainesAfter having an affair with a student, a Cape Town professor moves to the Eastern Cape, where he gets caught up in a mess of post-apartheid politics.Cape Town professor David Lurie blatantly refuses to defend himself for an affair with a colored student whom he gave a passing grade for an exam she didn't even attend. Dismissed, he moves to his daughter Lucy's farm, which she runs under most disadvantaged terms, favoring the black locals.(119 mins)
- DirectorGavin HoodStarsPresley ChweneyagaeMothusi MaganoIsrael Matseke-ZuluSix days in the violent life of a young Johannesburg gang leader.Six days in the violent life of a young Johannesburg gang leader. (94 mins.)
- DirectorJamie UysStarsN!xauMarius WeyersSandra PrinslooA comic allegory about a traveling Bushman who encounters modern civilization and its stranger aspects, including a clumsy scientist and a band of revolutionaries.A comic allegory about a traveling Bushman who encounters modern civilization and its stranger aspects, including a clumsy scientist and a band of revolutionaries. (109 mins.)
- DirectorJamie UysStarsN!xauLena FarugiaHans StrydomSix people meet in the Kalahari desert: a female NYC lawyer flying with a local zoologist/pilot in a mini-plane, a Cuban and an African soldier taking each other POW, a Boer elephant poacher, and a Bushman looking for his two children.Xixo is back again. This time, his children accidentally stow away on a fast-moving poachers' truck... (98 mins.)
- DirectorDebs PatersonStarsEriya NdayambajeRoger Jean NsengiyumvaSanyu Joanita KintuThe story of four children who walk three thousand miles to get to the world cup. On the way they encounter many things such as HIV and child prostitution.The story begins in Rwanda where a football fanatic Dudu Kayenzi is teaching a group of children how to make an "organic football" using a UN condom, plastic bag and string. Meanwhile, his best friend and football prodigy Fabrice longs to pursue his ambition of becoming an association football legend and is seen breaking the local record for the most continuous football kick-ups(88 mins).
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsJames McAvoyForest WhitakerGillian AndersonBased on the events of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin's regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970s.Based on the events of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin's regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970s (121 mins.)
- DirectorTerry GeorgeStarsDon CheadleSophie OkonedoJoaquin PhoenixPaul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager, houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda, Africa.The true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda. (121 mins.)
- DirectorRaoul PeckStarsIdris ElbaCarole KaremeraPamela NomveteWhen the Hutu nationalists raised arms against their Tutsi countrymen in Rwanda in April 1994, the violent uprising marked the beginning of one of the darkest times in African history which resulted in the deaths of almost 800,000 people.Debra Winger, Oris Erhuero and Idris Elba star in this drama framed by the Rwandan genocide. (140 mins.)
- DirectorMichael Caton-JonesStarsJohn HurtHugh DancyDominique HorwitzA Catholic Priest and an English teacher get stranded in a school in Kigali during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.The setting of the film is the École Technique Officielle (ETO) in Kigali, Rwanda, in 1994, during the Rwandan Genocide. Hurt plays a Catholic priest and Dancy an English teacher, both Europeans, who are caught up in the events of the genocide(115 mins).
- DirectorJennifer CapraruRoger SpottiswoodeStarsRoy DupuisOwen SejakeJames GallandersThe story of General Romeo Dallaire's frustrated efforts to stop the madness of the Rwandan Genocide, despite the complete indifference of his superiors.The story of General Romeo Dallaire's frustrated efforts to stop the madness of the Rwandan Genocide, despite the complete indifference of his superiors. (112 mins.)
- DirectorAlrick BrownStarsCleophas KabasitaHadidja ZaninkaMarc GwamakaA young Tutsi woman and a young Hutu man fall in love amidst chaos; a soldier struggles to foster a greater good while absent from her family; and a priest grapples with his faith in the face of unspeakable horror.A young Tutsi woman and a young Hutu man fall in love amidst chaos; a soldier struggles to foster a greater good while absent from her family; and a priest grapples with his faith in the face of unspeakable horror. (100 mins.)
- DirectorRobert FavreauStarsLuc PicardFatou N'DiayeCéline BonnierIn April 1994, the middle-aged Canadian journalist Bernard Valcourt is making a documentary in Kigali about AIDS. He secretly falls in love for the Tutsi waitress of his hotel Gentille, who is younger than him, in a period of violent racial conflicts. When the genocide of the Tutsis by the Hutus in Rwanda begins, Bernard does not succeed in escaping with Gentille to Canada. When the genocide finishes in July 1994, Bernard returns to the chaotic Kigali seeking out Gentille in the middle of destruction and dead bodies.In April 1994, the middle-aged Canadian journalist Bernard Valcourt is making a documentary in Kigali about AIDS... (118 mins.)
- DirectorEdward ZwickStarsLeonardo DiCaprioDjimon HounsouJennifer ConnellyA fisherman, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen match wits over the possession of a priceless diamond.Set during the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1996–2001, the film depicts a country torn apart by the struggle between government loyalists and insurgent forces. It also portrays many of the atrocities of that war, including the rebels' amputation of people's hands to discourage them from voting in upcoming elections(143 mins).
- DirectorJean-Stéphane SauvaireStarsChristophe MinieDaisy Victoria VandyJoseph DuoA cast of unknown performers are used in this drama about child soldiers fighting a war in the West African Country Liberia.Johnny Mad Dog follows a group of LURD child soldiers fighting in 2003, during the latter part of the Second Liberian Civil War. The actors are mostly aged 10 to 15. All were unknowns when cast; some were themselves child soldiers(98 mins).
- DirectorAndrew NiccolStarsNicolas CageEthan HawkeJared LetoAn arms dealer confronts the morality of his work as he is being chased by an INTERPOL Agent.An arms dealer confronts the morality of his work as he is being chased by an Interpol agent(122 mins).
- DirectorPierre MorelStarsSean PennIdris ElbaJasmine TrincaA sniper on a mercenary assassination team kills the minister of mines of the Congo. Terrier's successful kill shot forces him into hiding. Returning to the Congo years later, he becomes the target of a hit squad himself.Jim Terrier (Sean Penn) is a former special forces soldier who, in his 50s, has become a black-op mercenary. He is part of a team deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006, under the cover of providing security to local projects(115 mins)
- DirectorRaoul PeckStarsEriq EbouaneyAlex DescasThéophile SowiéThe true story of controversial leader of independent Congo Patrice Lumumba.The true story of the rise to power and brutal assassination of the formerly vilified and later redeemed leader of the independent Congo... (115 mins.)
- DirectorDjo MungaStarsPatsha BayManie MaloneDiplome AmekindraRiva returns to his home town of Kinshasa to sell fuel, however the people whom he stole it from are close behind and when Riva tries to get with a girl her crime boss boyfriend isn't too happy about this.Riva is an operator, a man with charm and ambition in equal measure. Kinshasa is an inviting place. With petrol in short supply in DRC's capital... (98 mins.)
- DirectorKim NguyenStarsRachel MwanzaAlain Lino Mic Eli BastienSerge KanyindaSomewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa, Komona, a 14-year-old girl, tells her unborn child growing inside her the story of her life since she has been at war. Everything started when she was abducted by the rebel army at the age of 12.Somewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa, Komona, a 14-year-old girl, tells her unborn child growing inside her the story of her life since she has been at war. Everything started when she was abducted by the rebel army at the age of 12. (90 mins.)
- DirectorFrank MarshallStarsLaura LinneyTim CurryDylan WalshWhen an expedition to the African Congo ends in disaster, a new team is assembled to find out what went wrong.When an expedition to the African Congo ends in disaster, a new team is assembled to find out what went wrong. (109 mins.)
- DirectorRalph ZimanStarsRapulana SeiphemoJeffrey SekeleRonnie NyakaleA young hoodlum's rise from a small-time criminal to a powerful crime entrepreneur during the turbulent years before and after the fall of apartheid.The film begins with Lucky Kunene lying on a bed, covered in blood. Police officers barge into his room and arrest him for murder charges. The film cuts to the interrogation room, where Kunene says he will provide his full back-story(120 mins).
- DirectorMarc ForsterStarsGerard ButlerMichelle MonaghanMichael ShannonSam Childers is a former drug-dealing biker tough guy who found God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who've been forced to become soldiers.Sam Childers is a former drug-dealing biker tough guy who found God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who've been forced to become soldiers(129 mins).
- DirectorPhilippe FalardeauStarsReese WitherspoonArnold OcengGer DuanyA group of Sudanese refugees, given the chance to resettle in the U.S., arrive in Kansas City, Missouri, where their encounter with an employment agency counselor forever changes all of their lives.A group of Sudanese refugees given the chance to resettle in America arrive in Kansas City, Missouri, where their encounter with an employment agency counselor forever changes all of their lives. (110 mins.)
- DirectorFernando MeirellesStarsRalph FiennesRachel WeiszDanny HustonA widower's transcontinental quest to find answers about his wife's death leads him to explosive secrets.A widower is determined to get to the bottom of a potentially explosive secret involving his wife's murder, big business, and corporate corruption. (129 mins.)
- DirectorCary Joji FukunagaStarsAbraham AttahEmmanuel AffadziRicky AdelayitorA drama based on the experiences of Agu, a child soldier fighting in the civil war of an unnamed African country.A drama based on the experiences of Agu, a child soldier fighting in the civil war of an unnamed African country. (137 mins.)
- DirectorBiyi BandeleStarsChiwetel EjioforThandiwe NewtonAnika Noni RoseSisters Olanna and Kainene return home to 1960s Nigeria, where they soon diverge on different paths. As civil war breaks out, political events loom larger than their differences as they join the fight to establish an independent republic.Sisters Olanna and Kainene return home to 1960s Nigeria, where they soon diverge on different paths. As civil war breaks out, political events loom larger than their differences as they join the fight to establish an independent republic. (111 mins.)
- DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsBruce WillisCole HauserMonica BellucciA Special-Ops commander leads his team into the Nigerian jungle in order to rescue a doctor who will only join them if they agree to save 70 refugees too.A Special-Ops commander leads his team into the Nigerian jungle in order to rescue a doctor who will only join them if they agree to save 70 refugees too. (121 mins.)
- DirectorJon CassarStarsKiefer SutherlandCherry JonesBob GuntonJack Bauer confronts African general/aspiring dictator Benjamin Juma, whose forces have been ordered to capture the children Bauer oversees for malicious military training.Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) tries to prevent an African warlord from recruiting children for his militia(102 mins).
- DirectorPaul GreengrassStarsTom HanksBarkhad AbdiBarkhad AbdirahmanThe true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the U.S.-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. (134 mins.)
- DirectorStephen HopkinsStarsMichael DouglasVal KilmerTom WilkinsonA bridge engineer and an experienced old hunter begin a hunt for two lions after they start attacking local construction workers.A bridge engineer and an experienced old hunter begin a hunt for two lions after they start attacking local construction workers. (110 mins.)
- DirectorBreck EisnerStarsMatthew McConaugheyPenélope CruzSteve ZahnMaster explorer Dirk Pitt goes on the adventure of a lifetime of seeking out a lost Civil War battleship known as the "Ship of Death" in the deserts of West Africa while helping a WHO doctor being hounded by a ruthless dictator.Master explorer Dirk Pitt goes on the adventure of a lifetime of seeking out a lost Civil War battleship known as the "Ship of Death" in the deserts of West Africa while helping a WHO doctor being hounded by a ruthless dictator. (124 mins.)
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDjimon HounsouMatthew McConaugheyAnthony HopkinsIn 1839, the revolt of Mende captives aboard a Spanish owned ship causes a major controversy in the United States when the ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The courts must decide whether the Mende are slaves or legally free.About a 1839 mutiny aboard a slave ship that is traveling towards the northeastern coast of America. Much of the story involves a court-room drama about the free man who led the revolt. (155 mins.)
- DirectorJeta AmataStarsNick MoranScott CleverdonMbong AmataThe story of British slave trader John Newton's voyage to West Africa and the events that inspired him to write the world's most popular hymn, Amazing Grace.The story of British slave trader John Newton's voyage to West Africa and the events that inspired him to write the world's most popular hymn, Amazing Grace. (100 mins.)
- DirectorMichael AptedStarsIoan GruffuddAlbert FinneyMichael GambonThe idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade.The idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade(118 mins).
- DirectorGabriel RangeStarsWunmi MosakuIsaach De BankoléLubna AzabalA thriller set in London's slave trade and centered on a woman's fight for freedom.A thriller set in London's slave trade and centered on a woman's fight for freedom. (82 mins.)
- DirectorEvelyn PurcellStarsStephen DorffSvetlana MetkinaMaisie WilliamsAn accidental detour during a vacation in the African desert pits a research scientist and his family against a group of dangerous arms dealers.On a family trip in the African desert, a research scientist unintentionally travels off course and is brutally murdered by an arms dealer... (92 mins.)
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsJosh HartnettEwan McGregorTom SizemoreThe story of 160 elite U.S. soldiers who dropped into Mogadishu in October 1993 to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord, but found themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily armed Somalis.123 elite U.S. soldiers drop into Somalia to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord and find themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily-armed Somalis. (144 mins.)
- DirectorRachid BoucharebStarsSamy NaceriRoschdy ZemSami BouajilaDuring World War II, four North African men enlist in the French army to liberate that country from German oppression, and to fight French discrimination.During WWII, four North African men enlist in the French army to liberate that country from Nazi oppression, and to fight French discrimination. (128 mins.)
- DirectorKester NsirimStarsSam DedeLisa Holsappel-MarrsSadiq AbuAn international action drama, The lost Number is the story of a redemption-seeking English woman going against all odds to save a remote slum in Africa.An international action drama, The lost Number is the story of a redemption-seeking English woman going against all odds to save a remote slum in Africa. (90 mins.)
- DirectorRadu MihaileanuStarsYaël AbecassisRoschdy ZemMoshe AgazaiA Christian boy escapes to Israel from famine-stricken Ethiopia by pretending to be Jewish.In 1980 the black Falashas in Ethiopia are recognised as genuine Jews. In turn they are secretly carried to Israel... (140 mins.)
- DirectorJohn MackenzieStarsOmar EppsJoss AcklandSean PertweeWhen stowaways are found on board a Russian cargo ship, some of the officers and crew decide to dispose of them at sea. The last time they had a stowaway on board, the ship was fined heavily and black marks entered into their records, when he made it off the ship into a foreign port.Based on a real-life incident, in which several African stowaways on a cargo ship to France (and ultimately, they hope, to the U.S.) are caught by the crew and brutally murdered. The lone survivor sees to it that justice is eventually served, but not before a harrowing escape that stays with you well after the film is over.