From the second installment of ‘Simone Biles Rising’ to John Singleton’s classic drama ‘Boyz N The Hood,’ the streamer is packed with some fresh content this month.
This month, Netflix is bringing an exciting array of new content to its platform. This lineup includes a mix of classic movies, highly anticipated series, and original content that highlights diverse Black experiences and storytelling.
Fans can dive into timeless dramas, such as Boyz N The Hood and Selma, or get ready for new releases like Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black and Simone Biles Rising Part 2. Whether you’re looking for action, inspiration, or heartfelt drama, this month’s offerings provide something for everyone.
Here are the must-watch Black films and shows debuting on Netflix in October.
Boyz N The Hood – (10/1)
Boyz N The Hood is a groundbreaking 1991 film directed by John Singleton, following the lives of three young men in South Central Los Angeles as they navigate crime, poverty, and systemic racism. It stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long and more.
Bad Boys: Ride Or Die – (10/8)
The Bad Boys franchise returns with Bad Boys: Ride or Die, a high-octane action-packed film featuring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprising their roles as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett.
Starting 5 – (10/9)
Starting 5 is a new documentary series spotlighting several athletes who have transformed sports both on and off the court. Featuring interviews, archival footage, and in-depth commentary, it provides a look at how Lebron James, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum and others redefined what it means to be a success.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: (L-R) Jayson Tatum and LeBron James attend the Starting 5 LA Premiere at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on September 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)
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All American: Homecoming [Season 3] – (10/15)
In All American: Homecoming, the drama continues as students at Bringston University navigate the ups and downs of college life. Season 3 delves into personal challenges, relationships, and the pressures of academic and athletic success.
Selma – (10/16)
Directed by Ava DuVernay, Selma chronicles the historic 1965 marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. This powerful film stars David Oyelowo as King, with an emotional and inspiring portrayal of the fight for equality and justice.
Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black is a new original project from the iconic filmmaker that focuses on the complex lives of Black women, their triumphs, and their struggles. With Perry’s signature blend of humor and heartfelt drama, it’s a celebration of resilience and inner strength.
Simone Biles Rising Part 2 – (10/25)
This sequel documentary continues to explore the life and career of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, focusing on her journey through triumphs, challenges, and her unwavering dedication to her sport. Part 2 offers new insights into Biles’ legacy as an athlete and a role model.
Hijack ‘93 – (10/25)
Hijack ‘93 is a Nigerian true-crime thriller about the infamous hijacking of an airliner in 1993. The film recounts the tense negotiations and dramatic rescue operations, highlighting the courage of those involved and the harrowing ordeal faced by passengers and crew.
If you’ve ever been to ESSENCE Hollywood House, you know it’s more than just a series of panels—it’s a gathering of visionaries. A space where Black creatives and leaders come together to share stories, strategies, and solutions. This year’s conversation, Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City, presented by AT&T, was no different.
The discussion brought together three voices, each deeply invested in shaping LA’s future: D. Smoke, the Grammy-nominated rapper and educator; Olympia Auset, founder of SÜPRMRKT, a grocery service tackling food apartheid in LA; and DJ HED, a radio personality and advocate for independent artists. Though their paths differed, their mission was the same—creating opportunities, protecting culture, and ensuring Black spaces in LA don’t just survive but thrive.
For Olympia Ausset, the work she’s doing with SÜPRMRKT goes far beyond providing fresh groceries—it’s about laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier community. “The LA we love, the cultural beacon it’s known as today, was built by people who worked hard to create their own spaces,” she shared. “The reason I do what I do is because it’s essential. We can’t achieve any of the changes I want for my community without being in good health and having access to affordable, organic food. Without places where we can gather, heal, and support each other, none of the other goals will be possible. It starts with taking care of ourselves and building those spaces together.”
From Olympia’s focus on wellness and accessibility to DJ HED’s belief in the power of self-worth, the discussion explored what it means to dream beyond individual success and invest in collective progress. “I see a lot of people who aren’t proud of where they come from, what they look like, or where they’re at in life,” he said. “I had to learn to give myself grace, to grow. I grew up in Inglewood, raised by a single mom. We lived in a car, we were on welfare, but I knew I wanted to be bigger than my circumstances. That’s what dreaming in Black is—believing in something greater and nurturing it until it grows.”
DJ Smoke also touched on this, emphasizing the importance of intention and fulfillment. “You don’t want to climb that ladder and realize you went real high in the wrong direction,” he warned. “A lot of people in LA are ambitious, but if you don’t understand your ‘why,’ you can get to the top and still feel empty. The goal isn’t just to make it—it’s to make it mean something.
Sometimes, as Black creatives, we only dream as far as the next gig or the next check, but dreaming in Black means going beyond that. “It means thinking bigger than what’s right in front of you,” said host Donye Taylor.
This conversation was a call to action – a reminder that preserving LA’s Black culture means investing in community, honoring our history, and building a legacy that lasts.