Movies Featuring Black Leads in Non-Urban Settings Naturally

The cinematic landscape often confines stories featuring Black protagonists to dense urban environments or city centers. A growing number of films break this mold by placing their leads in diverse settings ranging from sprawling western frontiers to the silence of outer space. These narratives utilize rural landscapes, isolated wilderness, and historical backdrops to tell compelling stories that move beyond metropolitan tropes. The following collection highlights movies where Black characters drive the action in non-urban environments.

‘Nope’ (2022)

OJ and Emerald Haywood struggle to maintain their family horse ranch in a remote California gulch. They discover an uncanny and chilling aerial phenomenon that lurks within the clouds above their property. The siblings attempt to capture video evidence of the entity while dealing with the trauma of their father’s mysterious death. This sci-fi horror film utilizes the vast and open landscape to create a sense of isolation and dread.

‘The Harder They Fall’ (2021)

Nat Love gathers his former gang to seek revenge against the man who murdered his parents decades ago. The story unfolds across the dusty plains and small settlements of the American West. Characters navigate a treacherous landscape defined by loyalty and violence rather than city laws. This revisionist Western showcases Black cowboys and outlaws in a setting traditionally dominated by white narratives.

‘Beast’ (2022)

Dr. Nate Samuels takes his two teenage daughters on a trip to a South African game reserve to reconnect after a family tragedy. Their journey turns into a fight for survival when a rogue lion begins hunting them through the bush. The family must use their wits and the surrounding environment to outmaneuver the apex predator. The film highlights the beauty and danger of the savanna while focusing on a father protecting his children.

’12 Years a Slave’ (2013)

Solomon Northup is a free man from New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the antebellum South. He spends over a decade working on plantations in Louisiana while struggling to maintain his dignity and hope for rescue. The narrative focuses on the brutal reality of agrarian labor and the isolation of the plantation system. The lush natural surroundings contrast sharply with the horrific human suffering taking place within them.

‘The Book of Eli’ (2010)

A lone warrior travels across a desolate and post-apocalyptic America to protect a sacred text that could save humanity. Eli navigates a dangerous wasteland filled with scavengers and warlords who want the book for their own gain. The setting is a dry and sun-scorched ruin where civilization has completely collapsed. His journey emphasizes survival skills and spiritual conviction in a world devoid of modern infrastructure.

‘Mudbound’ (2017)

Two men return from World War II to work on a farm in rural Mississippi where they face racism and poverty. The McAllan and Jackson families struggle to coexist on the same land while dealing with the social hierarchies of the Jim Crow South. The muddy and unforgiving landscape serves as a central character that shapes the lives of everyone who works the soil. The film explores the shared trauma of war and the divide between families bound by the land.

‘Get Out’ (2017)

Chris Washington travels with his girlfriend to her family’s secluded estate in upstate New York for a weekend getaway. The tranquil woodland setting hides a disturbing secret about the community and its inhabitants. Chris realizes that the isolation of the rural location is part of a trap designed to target him. The film uses the quiet country atmosphere to build tension and subvert expectations about safety outside the city.

‘Black Panther’ (2018)

T’Challa returns home to the hidden African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. The setting blends advanced technology with traditional landscapes including waterfalls, mountains, and savannas. The story moves away from Western urban centers to explore a sovereign kingdom with its own distinct culture and politics. Wakanda represents a powerful vision of Black prosperity that exists independently of external colonization.

‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

A freed slave named Django teams up with a German bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi. Their journey takes them across the American South and through various rural landscapes during the winter and spring. The film combines elements of the spaghetti western with historical drama to tell a story of vengeance. The expansive outdoor settings provide a backdrop for high-stakes gunfights and dramatic confrontations.

‘Harriet’ (2019)

Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery and risks her life repeatedly to lead others to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She traverses dangerous forests and rivers while evading slave catchers and trackers. The natural world serves as both a refuge and an obstacle as she navigates the terrain by faith and instinct. The film highlights her connection to the land and her ability to survive in the wilderness.

‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ (2012)

Six-year-old Hushpuppy lives with her ailing father in a bayou community known as the Bathtub. The rising waters and impending storms threaten to wash away their home and way of life. Hushpuppy learns to survive in the wild delta environment as prehistoric creatures awaken from the melting ice. The film presents a magical realist perspective on poverty and resilience in a rapidly changing natural world.

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ (2018)

Meg Murry travels across the universe with her brother and a friend to find her missing father. They visit fantastic planets with surreal landscapes that defy the laws of physics and earthly geography. The journey requires Meg to accept her flaws and embrace her inner strength to overcome a dark cosmic force. The settings range from lush alien meadows to abstract dimensional voids.

‘After Earth’ (2013)

A crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and his father Cypher stranded on Earth one thousand years after humanity escaped the planet. Everything on the overgrown surface has evolved to kill humans. Kitai must trek across the dangerous terrain to retrieve a rescue beacon while his injured father guides him remotely. The film features dense jungles and giant wildlife as the primary antagonists.

‘Pitch Black’ (2000)

A transport ship crashes on a desert planet illuminated by three suns and inhabited by photosensitive predators. The survivors look to a dangerous convict named Riddick who has the ability to see in the dark. An eclipse plunges the planet into darkness and forces the group to rely on Riddick to navigate the hostile terrain. The barren alien landscape emphasizes the desperation and isolation of the stranded crew.

‘The Color Purple’ (1985)

Celie faces decades of abuse and hardship while living in the rural South during the early 20th century. She finds solace in her relationships with other women and eventually discovers her own self-worth. The story is deeply rooted in the agricultural setting and the small-town dynamics of the era. The fields of purple flowers symbolize the beauty that persists despite the ugly reality of her circumstances.

‘Beloved’ (1998)

Sethe is a former slave living in rural Ohio who is haunted by the trauma of her past and the ghost of her deceased daughter. Her home becomes a place of supernatural activity when a mysterious young woman arrives. The isolation of the farmhouse intensifies the psychological struggle of the characters. The film explores the lasting impact of slavery through memory and the physical landscape.

‘Sounder’ (1972)

A family of sharecroppers in Louisiana struggles to survive during the Great Depression after the father is imprisoned for stealing food. The mother and son must work the land and care for their hunting dog while waiting for his return. The film depicts the harsh realities of rural poverty and the strength of family bonds. The agricultural setting is integral to the daily survival and dignity of the characters.

‘Eve’s Bayou’ (1997)

Young Eve Batiste uncovers family secrets and mystical forces during a summer in the Louisiana bayou. The wealthy family navigates infidelity and tragedy against the backdrop of the moss-draped swamps. Eve seeks the help of a local fortune teller to understand the visions she experiences. The humid and atmospheric setting enhances the gothic tone of this family drama.

‘The Secret Life of Bees’ (2008)

Lily Owens runs away from her abusive father and finds refuge with the Boatwright sisters in a bright pink house in South Carolina. The sisters run a successful honey business and teach Lily about beekeeping and self-acceptance. The story takes place on a lush property filled with hives and gardens. The natural setting provides a healing environment where the characters form a unique maternal bond.

‘Da 5 Bloods’ (2020)

Four African American veterans return to Vietnam decades after the war to find the remains of their fallen squad leader and a buried stash of gold. They trek through the jungle while battling their own PTSD and external threats. The lush and dangerous landscape serves as a reminder of the past conflict that still haunts them. The film examines the experience of Black soldiers in a war that was not their own.

‘Deep Blue Sea’ (1999)

A team of researchers at an isolated facility in the ocean fights for survival when genetically modified sharks escape containment. The cook Preacher plays a crucial role in guiding the survivors through the flooding station. The setting is strictly maritime and claustrophobic as the water rises around them. The film blends action and horror in a location completely removed from urban life.

‘Unstoppable’ (2010)

A veteran engineer and a young conductor must race against time to stop a runaway freight train carrying toxic chemicals. The chase takes place across the rural Pennsylvania countryside as the train speeds toward a populated area. The industrial machinery contrasts with the scenic farmland and forests blurring past the tracks. The film focuses on the mechanics of the railroad and the working-class dynamic between the two leads.

‘The Magnificent Seven’ (2016)

Warrant officer Sam Chisolm recruits a diverse group of gunslingers to defend a small mining town from a ruthless industrialist. The seven men fortify the settlement and train the locals to fight back against a private army. The action is set against the backdrop of the Old West with its dusty streets and open plains. The film updates the classic western formula with a Black lead in the central heroic role.

‘Miracle at St. Anna’ (2008)

Four soldiers from the all-Black 92nd Infantry Division get trapped behind enemy lines in a small Tuscan village during World War II. They bond with the local Italian residents and protect a traumatized boy while awaiting rescue. The scenic mountains and ancient architecture provide a stark contrast to the violence of the war. The story highlights a forgotten chapter of history in a European rural setting.

‘A Soldier’s Story’ (1984)

Captain Richard Davenport is sent to a segregated army base in Louisiana to investigate the murder of a Black sergeant. He faces hostility from both white officers and Black soldiers as he uncovers the truth. The investigation takes place entirely within the confines of the rural military outpost and the surrounding woods. The film uses the isolated setting to explore complex racial tensions and internal conflicts.

‘Holes’ (2003)

Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention camp in the middle of a vast desert where the inmates are forced to dig holes all day. He uncovers a historical mystery involving an outlaw and a cursed family treasure. The dry and barren landscape is a character in itself and dictates the lives of the boys. The film blends modern adventure with folklore in a setting defined by heat and dust.

‘Fast Color’ (2018)

A woman with supernatural abilities is forced to go on the run when her powers are discovered. she returns to her family’s isolated farmhouse where three generations of women hide their gifts from the world. The arid landscape provides the space they need to practice their abilities without detection. The film grounds a superhero origin story in a gritty and realistic rural environment.

‘Z for Zachariah’ (2015)

Ann Burden survives a nuclear apocalypse in a valley that has been spared from radiation due to its unique weather patterns. Her solitary existence is disrupted when two men arrive and alter the dynamic of her sanctuary. The lush green valley becomes a stage for a tense psychological drama about trust and jealousy. The film focuses entirely on these three characters in a pristine natural setting.

‘Emancipation’ (2022)

Peter escapes from a Confederate labor camp and embarks on a perilous journey through the swamps of Louisiana to reach Union lines. He battles slave hunters and alligators while navigating the treacherous wetland terrain. The film uses a desaturated color palette to emphasize the harshness of the environment and the brutality of the era. The story is a survival thriller set almost exclusively in the wilderness.

‘The Woman King’ (2022)

General Nanisca leads the Agojie warriors in defense of the Kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa. The women train rigorously in the palace grounds and fight on the surrounding plains to protect their people from slavers. The setting creates a vivid picture of pre-colonial African civilization and military structure. The film focuses on the strength and discipline of the warriors within their own territory.

‘Coming 2 America’ (2021)

King Akeem returns to the fictional African nation of Zamunda to locate his long-lost son. The story showcases the opulent palace and the lush royal gardens of the kingdom. While there are brief scenes in Queens, the majority of the narrative celebrates the grandeur of the African setting. The film revisits the characters in a context of royalty and tradition rather than the immigrant experience.

‘Glory’ (1989)

Trip and other volunteers join the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment to fight for the Union during the Civil War. The soldiers train in camps and march through the forests and fields of the South to engage the enemy. The film culminates in a beachside assault on a fortified position. The natural settings underscore the grueling physical reality of 19th-century warfare.

‘Just Mercy’ (2019)

Lawyer Bryan Stevenson heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned or who were not afforded proper representation. He takes on the case of Walter McMillian who is held on death row for a murder he did not commit. The story unfolds in small town courtrooms and rural prisons deep in the South. The setting emphasizes the entrenched systemic prejudice of the region.

‘Selma’ (2014)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leads a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery. The film depicts the organization and execution of the protest along the rural highways of Alabama. The setting highlights the vulnerability of the marchers as they cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge and travel through hostile territory. The narrative focuses on the strategic planning involved in the movement.

‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)

Three brilliant African American women at NASA serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history. The setting is the sprawling Langley Research Center in Virginia which functions like a campus rather than a city. The women navigate the segregated facilities while working on the launch of astronaut John Glenn. The film highlights their contributions in a high-tech government environment.

‘Buck and the Preacher’ (1972)

A trail guide leading former slaves to the West teams up with a con artist to protect the group from bounty hunters. They ride through the open country and use the terrain to set traps for their pursuers. The film combines action and comedy in a rugged western setting. It marks a significant moment in cinema with Sidney Poitier directing and starring alongside Harry Belafonte.

‘Posse’ (1993)

A group of infantrymen returns from the Spanish-American War to find that their leader’s father has been murdered in a western town. They form a posse to take down the corrupt sheriff and reclaim the settlement for the Black community. The film features classic western imagery including horses and saloons. It explores the forgotten history of Black townships in the American frontier.

‘Rosewood’ (1997)

Mann arrives in the quiet and prosperous Black town of Rosewood in Florida just before racial tensions erupt into violence. The residents are forced to flee into the surrounding swamps to escape a white mob. The film depicts the destruction of a self-sufficient rural community. The natural setting transforms from a place of peace to a place of terror and hiding.

‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ (2005)

Janie Crawford searches for love and identity across several marriages in rural Florida during the early 20th century. She finds true passion with a younger man named Tea Cake while working in the muck of the Everglades. The lush and humid landscape mirrors the intensity of their relationship and the eventual tragedy of the hurricane. The story celebrates her journey of self-discovery in the deep South.

‘Ma’ (2019)

A lonely woman befriends a group of teenagers and allows them to party in her basement in a small Ohio town. Her hospitality turns into obsession as she begins to terrorize the students and their families. The setting is a quiet suburban community where everyone knows each other’s business. The film uses the mundane backdrop to hide the psychological horror unfolding inside the house.

‘Antebellum’ (2020)

A successful author finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality that resembles a 19th-century plantation. She must navigate the cotton fields and the strict social order to plan her escape. The film uses the plantation setting to draw parallels between historical slavery and modern oppression. The lush greenery of the estate contrasts with the brutality inflicted upon the characters.

‘Alice’ (2022)

A woman enslaved on a plantation in Georgia escapes through the woods and discovers she is actually in the year 1973. She stumbles onto a highway and must adjust to a world of black power and liberation. The film juxtaposes the isolated rural prison of the plantation with the freedom of the open road. Alice uses her newfound knowledge to seek revenge on her captor.

‘Monster’s Ball’ (2001)

Leticia Musgrove struggles to make ends meet in rural Georgia while dealing with the execution of her husband. She begins a relationship with a prison guard who was involved in the execution without knowing their connection. The film captures the slow pace and economic hardship of the Southern countryside. The setting reflects the emotional isolation and grief of the main characters.

‘The Great Debaters’ (2007)

Professor Melvin B. Tolson coaches the debate team at a small historically Black college in Texas during the 1930s. The team travels through the Jim Crow South to compete against prestigious universities. The film depicts the academic environment and the rural roads they traverse between competitions. The setting serves as a backdrop for their intellectual battles and the racial tension of the era.

‘Spell’ (2020)

A wealthy man flies his family to his father’s funeral in rural Appalachia but crashes his plane in the woods. He wakes up in the attic of a practitioner of Hoodoo who claims to be nursing him back to health. The isolated mountain setting prevents him from calling for help or escaping easily. The film taps into folk horror elements within a deep forest environment.

‘Us’ (2019)

Adelaide Wilson returns to her childhood beachfront home with her family for a summer vacation. Their tranquility is shattered when a group of doppelgängers appears in their driveway at night. The story moves from the beach house to the surrounding lakes and forests as the family fights for their lives. The vacation setting creates a contrast between leisure and the sudden onset of violence.

‘The Water Man’ (2020)

Gunner sets out on a quest into the remote Wild Horse forest to find a mythical figure who can cheat death. He hopes to save his ill mother and is joined by a local girl who claims to know the way. The children navigate a magical and dangerous woodland filled with challenges. The film is a family adventure set entirely within the mystery of nature.

‘Synchronic’ (2019)

Two paramedics in New Orleans encounter a series of bizarre deaths linked to a new designer drug. One of them discovers the pill allows him to travel back in time to the swamps and ice ages of the exact location he is standing in. The film utilizes the natural history of the region to create dangerous prehistoric and colonial settings. The narrative blends urban EMS work with time-bending wilderness survival.

‘Gemini Man’ (2019)

Henry Brogan is an elite assassin who is targeted by a younger clone of himself who can predict his every move. The chase spans the globe including stops in coastal Colombia and rural Hungary. The action sequences utilize open water and old-world architecture rather than just modern city streets. The film focuses on the physical duel between the two versions of the same man in various international locales.

‘Clemency’ (2019)

Bernadine Williams is a prison warden grappling with the emotional toll of carrying out death row executions. The narrative is confined mostly to the sterile and isolated prison facility. The film examines the psychological impact of the job on her personal life and marriage. The setting is institutionally cold and removed from the general public.

Share your favorite film from this list or suggest another non-urban title featuring a Black lead in the comments.