Top 10 Best Hip Hop Movies of All Time

Hip hop Music and Hollywood are the perfect match! Many people across the globe obsessed with the hip-hop and Hollywood. If we look back, there have been many movies that have tried to capture the essence of the hip-hop culture. So if you are a hip-hop movie lover, let’s explore the top 10 best hip hop movies of all time.

1. Wild Style

Year: 1983
Director: Charlie Ahearn
Cast: Lee Quinones, Patti Astor, Fab 5 Freddy, Sandra Fabara, Cold Crush Brothers, Crew, Busy Bee, Rock Steady Grandmixer DST

The Movie Wild Life is regarded as the culture’s first impactful film. It described hip-hop’s early days, offering the initial look at its four elements: graffiti, MCing, DJing, and breakdancing. Additionally, it beautifully captures the specific instance when an underground movement of dancers, artists, musicians, and poets came together and defined a generation.

2. Krush Groove

Year: 1985
Director: Michael Schultz
Cast: Sheila E., Run D.M.C., The Fat Boys, Kurtis Blow, New Edition, Beastie Boys

With several artists all performing in for small roles, it gave audiences an early and entertaining look at how business was conducted before the CD and final cassette was theirs for the taking. Additionally, it featured performances of classic Def Jam records, which was instrumental in boosting the popularity of both the artists and the label.

3. Beat Street

Year: 1984
Director: Stan Lathan
Cast: Rae Dawn Chong, Guy David, Jon Chardiet, Leon W. Grant, Saundra Santiago

Beat Street was the era’s perfect movie that perfectly weaved together every element of Hip Hop. Viewing Doug E. Fresh,The Furious Five, & Grandmaster Melle Mel, Afrika Bambaataa acting on the silver screen during that time period was brilliant.

4. Notorious

Year: 2009
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Cast: Jamal Woolard, Angela Bassett, Derek Luke, Anthony Mackie

This movie is a biopic of Biggie Smalls. It highlights his journey from being a Brooklyn street hustler to the respected rap artist. According to many fans of Biggie the movie would fall short of the reality, however, the movie worked really well. Every song in the soundtrack is could be considered the best, but “Hypnotise” is loved by maximum song listeners.

5. Step up

Year: 2006
Director: Anne Fletcher
Cast: Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan

This movie is about a vibrant, candy-coloured romance, dance, and much more. It was a treat watching a love story of an aspiring ballerina and a muscle-bound hip-hop dancer and how they encourage each other to follow their passion for dance and fulfil their dreams.

6. Breakin

Year: 1984
Director: Joel Silberg
Cast: Lucinda Dickey, Adolfo Quinones, Michael Chambers, Ice-T

The movie Breakin’ is about the world of hip hop dance. It highlights a story of young jazz dancer who meets a couple of break-dancers on the boardwalk at Venice. They have a concept of dancing that’s totally different from hers. Therefore, she polishes the technique because she likes them, she dances with them. In the end, they form a team.

7. 8 Mile

Year: 2002
Director: Curtis Hanson
Cast: Eminem, Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, Michael Shannon, Kim Basinger

8 Mile captured the misery that existed in Detroit, long before the city fell apart financially. The semi-autobiographical 8 Mile was both a box office hit and critically praised. The soundtrack was expectedly rooted in hip-hop, and the final battle scene is the best description of that. And the Eminem’s powerful lead performance was truly remarkable.

8. Friday

Year: 1995
Director: F. Gary Gray
Cast: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Bernie Mac, Tiny “Zeus” Lister, Jr., John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Regina King, Paula Jai Parker, DJ Pooh, Faizon Love, Tony Cox

Friday’ is still a favorite among the audience who love watching comedy films. The film was both realistic and insightful of the tough streets of LA, while still remaining funny and silly throughout. In this movie, Chris Tucker’s performance was commendable. Additionally, the comedy is peppered by Hip Hop classics from beginning to end.

9. Hustle and Flow

Year: 2005
Director: Craig Brewer
Cast: Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson, DJ Qualls

This movie highlights emotionally honest drama. How a hustler suffers from mid-life crises and inspires from a musician friend to become a rapper. Will his decision of making a career in rap music bring any change to his life? A must watch.

10. Beyond the Lights

Year: 2014
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Minnie Driver, Nate Parker, Danny Glover, Machine Gun Kelly

This movie highlights adult romance and a sincere love story that fetched the interest of the wider audience. The actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw played a role of hip-hop singer whose personal and career pressures cause her to attempt suicide. Regardless to say, the role of Nate Parker brings a quiet strength and excellence to the role.