September's Must-Watch Films and Series in Black and African Cinema
Updated: Sep 11
1. Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother - September 25
Mahershala Ali playing a religious hitman is an intriguing contradiction! Directed by Bassam Tariq, this film is definitely one to watch. It explores themes of faith, fatherhood, and morality while delivering the tension of a crime thriller. Ali stars alongside John Cho and Giancarlo Esposito.
Where to watch: In select U.S. cinemas from September 25, with a wider U.S. theatrical release on October 9 through Orion Pictures.
2. A Different World (Hollywood/Netflix - Debbie Allen, HBCU legacy sequel) - September 24
Hillman College is back! Netflix's new A Different World sequel follows Deborah Wayne, the daughter of original characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. She starts her freshman year at the fictional HBCU her parents once attended. Familiar faces return, including Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell.
Cast: Maleah Joi Moon, Alijah Kai, Cornell Young IV, Chibuikem Uche, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell.
Created by Felicia Pride and directed by Debbie Allen.
Where to watch: Netflix from September 24.
3. Why Did I Get Married Again? (Hollywood/Netflix - Tyler Perry ensemble reunion) - September 9
Sixteen years after Why Did I Get Married Too?, Tyler Perry reunites the cast for a wedding in Italy. The couples gather for Marcus and Angela's daughter's destination wedding. However, old relationship issues resurface, making for a compelling narrative.
Can the original chemistry still shine after all these years? This film promises a new generation of relationship drama filled with the messy family entertainment Tyler Perry excels at.
WATCH TRAILER
This film features beloved actors like Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Jill Scott), Tasha Smith, Richard T. Jones, Michael Jai White, Sharon Leal, and Lamman Rucker.
Where to watch: Netflix, September 9.
4. Black Market (Nollywood) - September 26
Nollywood's big release this month is Black Market. This film from Rixel Studios premieres at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos on September 26. The producers aim to gather 50,000 people for a single screening to break the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous film audience.
The movie features: Lateef Adedimeji, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Itele D Icon, Scarlet Gomez, Omowunmi Dada, Teniola Aladese, Susan Pwajok, Uzor Arukwe, Folagade Banks, and Tomiwa Tegbe.
Director: Fatimah Binta Gimsay
Writers: Abdul Tijani-Ahmed and Fatimah Binta Gimsay
Producers: Nora Awolowo and Nicole Ofoegbu, with Omowunmi Dada and others as co-producers.
Where to watch: The film's record-attempt premiere takes place at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on September 26. For more information on ticket purchase, check: www.blackmarketmovie.com.
5. By Any Means (Hollywood) - September 4
Elegance Bratton's By Any Means transports viewers to 1960s Mississippi. A young Black FBI agent investigates the murders of civil rights leaders while teaming up with notorious mafia hitman Greg Scarpa. This true story blends crime, history, and the complex question of justice. The film stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Beharie, Giancarlo Esposito, LaChanze, and LisaGay Hamilton.
Produced by: Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Alex Lebovici, Chester Algernal Gordon, Basil Iwanyk, and Erica Lee.
Where to watch: In cinemas from September 4.
6. Invitation to Kill (Nollywood) - September 11
Nollywood brings the suspense with Invitation to Kill. Directed by Chuks “Big Tiger” Obaze, this thriller follows Julian, an agro-businessman and devoted father. He navigates love, betrayal, fatherhood, and the quest for redemption. This film delves into loss, resilience, and the consequences of unresolved pain, featuring Kalu Ikeagwu and an ensemble cast.
Where to watch: Cinemas across Nigeria and Ghana from September 11.
WATCH TRAILER HERE:
7. Yesterday (South African) - September 1
First up is a film that may be over two decades old, but it deserves a revisit. Darrell Roodt’s 2004 South African drama Yesterday tells the story of a young mother, played by Leleti Khumalo, who discovers she is HIV-positive. She is determined to live long enough to see her daughter start school. This film was South Africa's first commercial feature-length production in Zulu and became the country's first film nominated for an Oscar. That's amazing!
The film features Leleti Khumalo, Lihle Mvelase, Kenneth Khambula, Harriet Lenabe, and Nandi Nyembe. It is directed by Darrell Roodt.
Where to watch: Netflix from September 1, 2026.
8. Ordinary People (Nollywood) - September 4
Netflix’s new Nigerian eight-episode thriller, directed by Moses Inwang, follows the residents of Mirage Estate and the secrets and struggles behind their seemingly ordinary lives. The ensemble includes Sharon Ooja, Uche Montana, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Adunni Ade and Lasisi Elenu.
Where to watch: Netflix from September 4, 2026.
9. All Eyes on Love (South African) - September 10
This special episode/event of South African series The Four of Us is being billed around “the most talked-about wedding in the country,” airing September 10 at 8 PM on e.tv.
If you’ve been following The Four of Us, this is one of those episodes where the wedding is clearly not just about the wedding. Expect relationships, drama and plenty of questions around who is actually making it to the altar.
Our September watchlist is quite the treat! But now, it's time to hear from the audience.
Which film are you most excited to see? Is it the return to Hillman College in A Different World, Tyler Perry's reunion in Why Did I Get Married Again?, or one of Nollywood’s thrilling new releases?
Let us know which film or series is on your list! Follow and subscribe to Black Film Wire for more updates as these titles roll out. And yes, when the films are finally out, expect us to return with reviews to help you decide what’s worth your watch!
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