Think Like a Man will cause major Hollywood studios to pay attention to the power of black films. In the opening weekend, Think Like a Man knocked off the blockbuster film The Hunger Games to take the No. 1 spot at the box office this past weekend by grossing $33 million.
In past decades, most Hollywood production companies have ignored black films. As a result, films starring black actors or with black writers and directors are rarely given big operating and promotional budgets. So in most years, there are only about five films (most starring Denzel Washington, Will Smith or Tyler Perry) that will receive major distribution.
However, there are dozens of black films that have proved to be major money makers after being shunned by the major studios.
Here are the top five black films that surprised Hollywood.
