10 Early 2000s Black Love Movies That Deserve A Second Look

The early 2000s were a great time for black love movies. We had classics like Love & Basketball and Brown Sugar, and we also got some pretty good films like The Wood and Talk to Me. These films were groundbreaking for their time, and they still hold up today. So, if you’re looking for a good romance film to watch this weekend, check out one of these gems below!

Deliver Us From Eva [2003]

Deliver Us From Eva is a 2003 American romantic comedy film directed by Gary Hardwick and starring LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union. The film follows the story of Ray (LL Cool J), a ladies’ man who is enlisted to help get rid of an overbearing and controlling sister, Eva (Union). Ray soon finds himself falling for Eva, and the two begin a steamy affair.

Love Don’t Cost A Thing [2003]

The movie is about a high school nerd, Calvin (played by Nick Cannon), who gets the opportunity to date the most popular girl in school, Paris Morgan (played by Christina Milian). In order to do so, he must first transform himself into a cool guy. This ultimately leads to Calvin losing his true identity and forgetting who he really is. Along the way, Calvin also learns some important lessons about love, friendship, and staying true to yourself. Love Don’t Cost A Thing is a heartwarming teen comedy that will leave audiences feeling good about themselves.

Baby Boy [2001]

Starring Tyrese Gibson and Snoop Dogg, Baby Boy is a film about a young man who is trying to find his place in the world. The film follows him as he deals with fatherhood, relationships, and life in the hood.

Brown Sugar [2002]

Starring Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan, Brown Sugar is a romantic drama about two friends who are in love with each other, but they can’t seem to make it work.

Save The Last Dance [2001]

Save The Last Dance is romantic drama film starring Sara (played by Julia Stiles) and Derek (played by Sean Patrick Thomas). It follows the story of Sara, an aspiring ballerina who moves to a Chicago neighborhood with her father after her mother’s tragic death. She enrolls in a predominantly African American high school and must juggle her dreams of becoming a dancer with the social pressures of her new life. Along the way, she falls in love with Derek (Thomas), a talented street dancer and aspiring doctor. With his help, Sara is able to find her passions, stand up for herself, and make peace between her two worlds. However, the journey is not easy as the interracial lovers face opposition from their families and friends as they pursue their relationship.

Love & Basketball [2000]

Love and Basketball is a 2000 American romantic drama film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The film tells the story of Quincy McCall (Omar Epps) and Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan), two next-door neighbors in Los Angeles, California who fall in love with each other while playing basketball.

The film spans from 1978 to 1998 and chronicles the life of Quincy and Monica as they navigate through high school, college, and eventually the professional basketball league. The film also explores the dynamics of their relationship, as well as the relationships between Quincy and his father (Dennis Haysbert) and Monica and her mother (Alfre Woodard).

Phat Girlz [2000]

Phat Girlz is a 2000 American comedy film directed by Christopher B. Stokes. The film stars Mo’Nique, Kendra C. Johnson, and Godfrey Danchimah. It tells the story of plus-size women who go on a road trip to Los Angeles in order to pursue their dreams of becoming fashion designers.

Two Can Play That Game [2001]

In this romantic comedy, successful author and relationship expert, Shanté Smith (Vivica A. Fox), teaches women how to get what they want from their men. But when Shanté’s own boyfriend, Keith Fenton (Morris Chestnut), begins to show signs of straying, she employs her tactics on him to keep him in line. Keith soon gets wise to her game, and turns the tables, leading to a battle of the sexes where the winner takes all.

Something New [2006]

Something New is a romantic comedy starring Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker. The film follows a black woman who falls in love with a white man, but she has to deal with the disapproval of her family and friends.

Why Did I Get Married? [2007]

The movie Why Did I Get Married? is a 2007 American drama film directed by Tyler Perry. The film stars Janet Jackson, Tyler Perry, and Jill Scott. The film follows the lives of eight married friends who go on a retreat to the mountains. The group consists of four couples: Terry and Diane, Pat and Gavin, Veronica and Mike, and Sheila and Marcus. While on the retreat, the group begins to address the problems in their marriages. The film was a box office success, grossing over $55 million.