In the dynamic world of cinema, numerous Black-owned film production companies have made significant strides, each crafting unique narratives and spaces. We spotlight 16 such entities, known for their remarkable commercial achievements and their role in fostering diverse and inclusive storytelling. The list is organized from the highest to lowest based on each production company's total worldwide gross of films.
Established in 1998 by Will Smith and James Lassiter, Overbrook Entertainment has produced a variety of successful films across different genres, including "Ali," "Hitch," and "The Pursuit of Happyness." The company's films have grossed a staggering $3,931,779,272 worldwide, with "Hancock" being their top film, grossing over $624M worldwide on a $150M budget.
Alcon Entertainment, co-founded by Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove in 1997, has produced various critically and commercially successful films. Known for "The Book of Eli," "Blade Runner 2049," and "The Blind Side," the latter grossed $305,705,794 worldwide on a $35M budget. Alcon's commitment to diverse and quality storytelling has established it as a critical player in the industry. To date, their films have grossed over $1,970,114,245 worldwide.
Will Packer's production companies have been behind some of the most successful films in the past few years, grossing over $1.255 billion worldwide? Known for hits like "Ride Along," "Girls Trip," and "Think Like a Man," these companies have mastered the art of creating engaging and commercially successful films. "Ride Along" is their top film, grossing $153M on a $25M budget, showcasing their ability to create blockbuster hits.
Eddie Murphy, a comedic legend, established his production company to blend humor and heartfelt storytelling. His company has grossed over $1B worldwide, with films like "Coming to America" and "Harlem Nights" under its belt. "Beverly Hills Cop" stands out as their highest grosser, earning $316M worldwide on a modest $15M budget. The production company's history includes a range of successful comedies that highlight Eddie Murphy's unique style and humor.
This company is a powerhouse in comedy and entertainment, founded by Keenen Ivory, Damon, Shawn, and Marlon Wayans. Known for their successful franchises like "Scary Movie," which grossed $277M worldwide on a $19M budget, and "Dance Flick," they have consistently succeeded in the comedy genre. With a total box office gross of $719,766,916, their productions include notable titles like "A Haunted House" and "Little Man."
Founded by rapper and actor Ice Cube, Cube Vision has been behind some of the most iconic films in recent decades. "Friday," "Barbershop," and "All About the Benjamins" are part of its impressive portfolio. "Straight Outta Compton" is its highest-grossing film, earning over $200M worldwide on a $28M budget. Cube Vision's success lies in blending humor, culture, and social commentary. To date, his films have grossed $687,520,633.24,624, their productions include notable titles like "A Haunted House" and "Little Man."
Tyler Perry's Atlanta-based studio has significantly impacted the film and television industry. The studio's productions, including "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," "Madea’s Big Happy Family," and "Boo! A Madea Halloween," have grossed a total of $625,731,022 worldwide. "Madea Goes to Jail" remains their highest-grossing film with over $90M on a $17M budget. In addition to its filmography, Tyler Perry Studios is known for its impressive facilities, including a replica White House and a range of soundstages named after iconic African-American figures in the entertainment industry.
Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions, established in 2012, is known for its groundbreaking work in the horror genre. With critically acclaimed films like "Get Out" and "Us," Monkeypaw made a significant impact, grossing $619,548,024 worldwide. "Us" alone grossed over $256M worldwide on a budget of just $20M. Their 5-year deal with Universal has positioned them as a leading production company in Hollywood.
Founded in 2016 by Michael B. Jordan, Outlier Society Productions is dedicated to telling diverse stories across various genres. With successful films like "Just Mercy" and "Journal for Jordan," they have grossed a substantial $555,501,119 worldwide. Their top movie, “Creed III,” achieved over $274M in box office sales worldwide on a production budget of $75M, showcasing their commitment to high-quality filmmaking.
Martin Lawrence, known for his dynamic presence in comedy and film, founded Runteldat Entertainment. The company's notable success, "Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat," grossed nearly $20 million at the box office, a significant achievement given its $3 million production cost. The film is a stand-up comedy concert featuring Martin Lawrence, reflecting his personal and comedic style. To date, Lawrence's productions have grossed $426,362,070.
Ryan Coogler is best known for his work behind the camera as the directing Marvel's iconic "Black Panther" series - Coogler's production company, Proximity Media, has produced films with several others on this list, including Lebron James and Michael B. Jordan. To date, Proximity Media's productions have grossed over $425,490,510. . The top film is Creed III, which grossed over $274M worldwide on a $75M budget.
Reuben Cannon Productions has been influential in bringing African American narratives to the forefront of Hollywood. The company has a total gross of $367,930,621, with Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes to Jail" as one of its top films. The company's collaboration with Tyler Perry Studios has successfully combined Perry's unique storytelling with Cannon's production expertise.
The legendary director Spike Lee Spike Lee's production company 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks has producer credits grossing $323,229,415 worldwide. Hailed as a trailblazer for his unique style, Lee has produced timeless films like "Love & Basketball" and "Do the Right Thing." Their top production, "BlacKkKlansman," grossed over $93M worldwide on a $15M budget.
Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions, founded in 1986, has been influential in television and film. Harpo has produced a range of acclaimed films and television shows, contributing to a gross of over $319,581,714. Their highest-grossing film, “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” made over $94M worldwide on a $22M budget.
LeBron James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment, founded in 2007, focuses on empowering content that resonates with a broad audience. Their projects span from documentaries to TV series, with a total gross of $153,201,681 worldwide. “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” their top film, grossed nearly $144M worldwide on a $150M budget.
Founded by British actor John Boyega in 2016, UpperRoom Productions focuses on non-English language films that explore stories from West and East Africa. Their partnership with Netflix has amplified their global reach. Their biggest hit, "Pacific Rim Uprising," grossed over $290M worldwide on a budget of $155M, contributing significantly to their total worldwide gross of $293,736,507.
Under the leadership of Debra Martin Chase, this company has produced critically acclaimed films like "Harriet," which grossed over $44M on a $17M budget. Known for
Jeff Clanagan established Codeblack Films in 2005 as a part of Lionsgate, focusing on films for African American audiences. The company has been instrumental in distributing and producing various movies and documentaries. Their top production, “Kevin Hart’s What Now,” grossed $23,591,043 on a $10M budget, contributing to their overall gross of $25,342,087.
These production companies, each with a unique style and focus, have significantly contributed to the film industry, bringing diverse stories and talents to the forefront. Over the years, we have seen more and more Black-produced movies touch the masses, a promising trend that will continue in the years to come. Their success stories are a testament to their creative vision and a beacon of inspiration for future Black filmmakers.
