20 Movies Where the Black Best Friend Quietly Runs the Entire Plot

Cinema has a long history of placing black characters in supporting roles while a white protagonist takes center stage. These sidekicks often possess the skills or knowledge necessary to resolve the central conflict even when they do not get the credit. The trope involves a hyper-competent best friend who provides emotional labor and technical solutions that the hero cannot manage alone. Audiences frequently realize upon rewatching these films that the side character is the true engine driving the story forward.

‘Rocky III’ (1982)

Apollo Creed steps in when Rocky Balboa loses his edge and his title to Clubber Lang. The former heavyweight champion completely overhauls the fighting style of the Italian Stallion to focus on speed and rhythm. Rocky would have never defeated Lang without the grueling training regimen and strategic overhaul orchestrated by his former rival. Apollo serves as the catalyst for the physical and mental transformation that allows the hero to reclaim his glory.

‘Die Hard’ (1988)

Sergeant Al Powell acts as the only lifeline for John McClane during the Nakatomi Plaza siege. He provides crucial emotional support over the radio that keeps the exhausted cop from giving up. Powell also relays vital information to the police force outside who are otherwise bungling the operation. The film concludes with Powell saving McClane from the final threat and completing his own character arc of redemption.

‘Ghost’ (1990)

Sam Wheat struggles to communicate with his grieving girlfriend Molly until he finds Oda Mae Brown. This reluctant psychic becomes the sole bridge between the living and the dead to expose the truth about Sam’s murder. Oda Mae risks her life to protect Molly and allows Sam to achieve closure before moving on. The entire resolution of the mystery and the romance hinges entirely on her willingness to help.

‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ (1991)

Azeem accompanies Robin of Locksley back to England and immediately proves to be the most competent member of the group. He provides advanced technology like the telescope and introduces gunpowder to the rebels to help them breach the castle. His wisdom and combat skills save Robin from death on multiple occasions throughout their journey. The titular hero would have failed his mission repeatedly without the scientific and tactical superiority of his Moorish companion.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

Ellis Boyd Redding serves as the narrator and the logistical heart of the prison community. Red is the person who procures the rock hammer and the poster that make the escape plan possible. His friendship keeps Andy Dufresne grounded during the darkest moments of his incarceration. The story is ultimately about Red finding hope and redemption through the path laid out by his friend.

‘Clueless’ (1995)

Dionne Davenport stands by Cher Horowitz as her social equal and voice of reason. She manages her own stable relationship while Cher struggles to navigate a series of romantic failures. Dionne often checks Cher’s more delusional impulses and helps maintain their high social standing at Bronson Alcott High. Her presence ensures that the protagonist remains somewhat tethered to reality during her misguided matchmaking schemes.

‘Strange Days’ (1995)

Lornette Mason acts as the moral compass and physical protector for the chaotic ex-cop Lenny Nero. She repeatedly saves him from dangerous situations while he chases after a lost love and a conspiracy. Mace drives the action sequences and pushes Lenny to confront the reality of his miserable life. The resolution of the murder mystery relies heavily on her strength and determination to see justice done.

‘Happy Gilmore’ (1996)

Chubbs Peterson recognizes the raw talent in a failed hockey player and convinces him to join the professional golf tour. He patiently teaches Happy the short game and mental discipline needed to win the gold jacket. The mentor figure tragically dies but his spirit continues to guide the protagonist to victory against Shooter McGavin. Happy would have remained a construction worker without the persistence and guidance of the former pro golfer.

‘Anaconda’ (1997)

Danny Rich operates the camera boat and remains the most level-headed member of the documentary crew. He navigates the treacherous Amazon river while the rest of the group falls victim to a giant snake and a deranged hunter. Danny successfully kills the final predator and ensures the survival of the remaining crew member. His piloting skills and quick thinking are the only reasons anyone makes it out of the jungle alive.

‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999)

Preacher acts as the comedic relief but ultimately displays the most survival instinct among the trapped crew. He uses his knowledge of the facility and his cooking skills to evade the hyper-intelligent sharks. His quick thinking allows him to distract the predators and help the other survivors navigate the sinking research station. The character defies genre expectations by surviving to the end and helping to destroy the final shark.

‘She’s All That’ (1999)

Preston Brooks serves as the wealthy and popular DJ who orchestrates the social scene at the high school. He manages the parties and provides the platform where the main characters interact and develop their relationship. Preston protects the outcast Laney Boggs from humiliation and calls out the toxic behavior of other popular students. His influence quietly steers the social dynamics that allow the central romance to blossom.

‘The Family Man’ (2000)

Cash acts as a mystical interventionist who forces Jack Campbell to experience the life he left behind. He sets the entire alternate reality plot in motion during a convenience store encounter on Christmas Eve. This character appears briefly but holds the power to completely rewrite the existence of the protagonist. The lesson Jack learns about love and family is entirely engineered by this mysterious figure.

‘Unbreakable’ (2000)

Elijah Price dedicates his life to finding a real-life superhero to validate his own existence. He orchestrates disasters to locate David Dunn and then relentlessly pushes him to accept his powers. The entire narrative is a result of Elijah manipulating events from behind the scenes to create a hero mythology. The twist ending reveals that the best friend figure was actually the architect of the entire story.

‘Save the Last Dance’ (2001)

Chenille Reynolds immediately takes the new girl Sara under her wing and helps her navigate an unfamiliar urban high school. She teaches Sara how to dance and defends her against social backlash from other students. Chenille also forces Sara to confront her own privilege and ignorance regarding the struggles of the black community. The romantic subplot and the final dance audition are only possible because of Chenille’s support and instruction.

‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ (2005)

Ford Prefect saves Arthur Dent from the destruction of Earth and guides him through the cosmos. He possesses the knowledge and the guidebook necessary to survive the absurd dangers of the universe. Arthur acts as a bewildered passenger while Ford actively solves problems and navigates alien bureaucracies. The journey would have ended immediately without Ford’s quick thinking and thumb ring.

‘Transformers’ (2007)

Glen Whitmann provides the critical hacking skills needed to decode the Decepticon signal. He identifies the threat while the government officials are still scratching their heads. His technical expertise allows the human characters to understand the stakes and communicate with the military. The final battle relies on the information that Glen uncovers using his computer skills.

‘Sex and the City’ (2008)

Louise from St. Louis enters Carrie Bradshaw’s life when the protagonist is at her lowest point. She organizes the chaos of Carrie’s apartment and sets up a filing system that puts her life back in order. Louise also creates the password-protected folder that eventually leads to the reconciliation between Carrie and Big. The happy ending is a direct result of Louise’s administrative competence and emotional support.

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014)

Sam Wilson opens his home to Steve Rogers when the superhero becomes a fugitive from S.H.I.E.L.D. He voluntarily joins the fight and uses his specialized military training to provide aerial support. Falcon is essential in disabling the Helicarriers and saving millions of lives during the climax. Captain America would have been captured or killed without the loyalty and tactical backup provided by his new friend.

‘The Martian’ (2015)

Rich Purnell is the astrodynamicist who calculates the gravity assist maneuver needed to save Mark Watney. He ignores protocol and works through the night to verify the math that NASA administration initially rejects. His genius solution is the turning point that allows the Hermes crew to return to Mars. The entire rescue mission hinges on his ability to see a solution that no one else could imagine.

‘Get Out’ (2017)

Rod Williams acts as the voice of the audience and the only person suspicious of the Armitage family. He tirelessly investigates the disappearance of his friend Chris even when the police laugh at his theories. His persistence leads him to track down Chris and arrive exactly in time to save him from the horrors of the Sunken Place. Rod is the ultimate example of a best friend who solves the plot by simply paying attention and showing up.

Tell us which supportive character you think deserves more credit for saving the day in the comments.