Spike Lee has been one of the most celebrated filmmakers since his breakthrough in the late 1980s due to his unique voice in exploring race relations and social commentary that resonates with many audiences. He also has a signature style that makes his films his own authorial works.
You might be looking for films directed by Lee to watch. Here are our recommendations for some of his best works in his illustrious career so far.
She's Gotta Have It
She's Gotta Have It follows the story of Nola Darling's simultaneous sexual relationships with three different men, and is told by her, her partners, and other friends.
The film marked Lee's directorial debut and breakthrough project, as it turned him into one of the filmmakers to look out for when it was released and influenced many independent filmmakers soon after. A TV series adaptation was released on Netflix decades later.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
Do the Right Thing
In Do the Right Thing, on the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone's hate and bigotry smolder and build until it explodes into violence.
The film has been hailed as not just Lee's masterpiece, but also one of the best films of all time. The social themes that it explored still resonate to this day. It's a fully realized work from Lee that made him a celebrated filmmaker. It is also one of the most infamous films that was snubbed at the Oscars, as it failed to receive a Best Picture nomination.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Mo' Better Blues
Mo' Better Blues follows Jazz trumpeter Bleek Gilliam as he makes questionable decisions in his professional and romantic lives.
The film marked Lee's first collaboration with Denzel Washington, who would end up becoming his frequent collaborator in the rest of his directing career. It's an acclaimed effort from Lee, who proved in this project that he can integrate music cleverly into a movie plot that is unique and creative.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Jungle Fever
Jungle Fever follows a successful and married black man who contemplates having an affair with a white girl from work. He's quite rightly worried that the racial difference would make an already taboo relationship even worse.
The film is another celebrated piece of work from Lee, who tackled a different genre and theme once again, but also an accomplished auteur project as his creative voice was solely present and he gave a unique view of romance that no other filmmaker of his caliber can explore.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Malcolm X
Malcolm X is a biographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader, from his early life and career as a small-time gangster, to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam, and his eventual assassination.
The biopic has been widely celebrated for its compelling storytelling and Denzel Washington's legendary performance as the titular figure. This also showcased Lee's skills in directing an epic story that also feels grounded, and a character study of a historical figure that remains influential to this day.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
He Got Game
He Got Game follows a basketball player's father who must try to convince him to go to college so he can get a shorter sentence.
Lee is known to be a huge basketball fan. This sports drama was an opportunity for him to flex his creative muscles in the genre and showcase his love for sports, including the casting of Ray Allen in one of the major roles.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Bamboozled
Bamboozled follows a frustrated African-American TV writer who proposes a blackface minstrel show in protest, but to his chagrin, it becomes a hit.
While the film received mixed reviews when it was released, it eventually gained a cult following in the years after, and it is now widely regarded as one of Lee's best works due to its relevant social commentary and hilarious satire that is a reflection of the media today.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
25th Hour
25th Hour follows convicted New York drug dealer Montgomery Brogan, who, after being cornered by the DEA, reevaluates his life in the 24 remaining hours before facing a seven-year jail term.
The film has been hailed for its exceptional portrayal of New York City after the events of 9/11, making it one of the most defining films in cinema about the city. It is also an underrated entry from Lee's filmography that deserves more attention.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
Inside Man
Inside Man follows a police detective, a bank robber, and a high-power broker who enter high-stakes negotiations after the criminal's brilliant heist spirals into a hostage situation.
This is considered one of Lee's most mature works, as he proved here that he can handle action-packed set pieces in a creative fashion and can successfully do a genre movie that is outside of his comfort zone.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
BlacKkKlansman
Inspired by true events, BlacKkKlansman follows Ron Stallworth, an African-American Colorado police officer, who successfully infiltrates the local branch of the Ku Klux Klan with the help of a white Jewish colleague.
After many years of critical misses, this film was a return to form for Lee when it was released in 2018. Not only that, its successful reception led to Lee finally getting his overdue first Oscar nomination for Best Director and a win for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home
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