Movies Where Black Characters Get to Travel the World and Fall in Love

Cinema often transports audiences to distant lands where romance blooms amidst breathtaking scenery and new adventures. Seeing Black protagonists lead these narratives provides refreshing representation in the travel and romance genres. These stories range from self-discovery journeys on tropical islands to whirlwind courtships in European cities. The following films showcase characters stepping out of their comfort zones to explore the world and find love in unexpected places.

‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ (1998)

Stella Payne works as a successful stockbroker in California who desperately needs a break from her demanding routine. She embarks on a spontaneous vacation to Jamaica with her best friend to recharge her spirit. The tropical getaway takes a surprising turn when she meets a handsome local named Winston Shakespeare who is significantly younger than her. This connection forces Stella to reevaluate her life priorities and embrace the possibility of love despite the age gap. The film remains a classic example of vacation romance leading to profound personal transformation.

‘Last Holiday’ (2006)

Georgia Byrd lives a quiet life until a terminal diagnosis motivates her to spend her life savings on a luxurious trip. She travels to a grand hotel in the Czech Republic where she decides to live without fear or hesitation. Her vibrant personality and refusal to play it safe charm the hotel staff and wealthy guests alike. A relationship blossoms with her coworker Sean who follows her to Europe to confess his feelings. The snowy European backdrop complements the heartwarming message about living life to the fullest.

‘Coming to America’ (1988)

Prince Akeem leaves his wealthy fictional African nation of Zamunda to find a wife who will love him for his personality rather than his title. He travels to Queens in New York City with his loyal friend Semmi to experience life as an ordinary commoner. The prince navigates the complexities of American culture while courting Lisa McDowell who is the daughter of a fast-food restaurant owner. His journey highlights the contrast between his royal upbringing and the gritty reality of urban life in the United States. This comedy deftly blends fish-out-of-water humor with a genuine romantic pursuit.

‘Love in the Villa’ (2022)

Julie Hutton plans a dream trip to Verona in Italy but discovers her rental villa has been double-booked upon arrival. She is forced to share the space with a cynical British wine merchant named Charlie. Their contentious living arrangement eventually softens as they explore the romantic city together. The film showcases iconic Italian landmarks and the charm of Verona as the two characters overcome their differences. It serves as a lighthearted reminder that travel mishaps can sometimes lead to the best adventures.

‘Resort to Love’ (2021)

Erica Wilson takes a job as a wedding singer at a luxurious resort in Mauritius after a career meltdown and a broken engagement. She is shocked to discover that her ex-fiancé is getting married at the very hotel where she is performing. Erica must navigate her lingering feelings while trying to keep her past relationship a secret from the bride. A potential new romance sparks with the brother of the groom amidst the chaos of the wedding festivities. The stunning island scenery provides a vibrant setting for this story of closure and new beginnings.

‘Falling Inn Love’ (2019)

Gabriela Diaz wins a rustic inn in New Zealand through an online contest after losing her job in San Francisco. She travels across the world to renovate the property only to find it in a state of severe disrepair. A local contractor named Jake Taylor steps in to help her restore the building and adjust to the slower pace of rural life. Their partnership evolves into romance as Gabriela falls in love with the community and the landscape. The movie highlights the beauty of New Zealand while telling a comforting story of starting over.

‘Operation Christmas Drop’ (2020)

Congressional aide Erica Miller travels to an Air Force base in Guam to find reasons to shut the facility down. She clashes with Captain Andrew Jantz who is dedicated to the annual tradition of dropping supplies to remote neighboring islands. Erica joins him on these missions and begins to understand the humanitarian value of the operation. The tropical setting offers a unique twist on the traditional holiday romance formula. Her professional mission shifts as she grows closer to Andrew and the community he serves.

‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ (2010)

Four couples travel to the Bahamas for their annual marriage retreat to relax and reassess their relationships. The idyllic beach setting contrasts with the intense emotional drama that unfolds between the friends. Secrets are revealed and trust is tested as they navigate the complexities of long-term commitment. Characters deal with issues of grief and infidelity while trying to enjoy the tropical paradise. The film uses the destination backdrop to heighten the stakes of their interpersonal conflicts.

‘Vacation Friends’ (2021)

Marcus and Emily head to Mexico for a relaxing getaway but end up befriending a wild and uninhibited couple named Ron and Kyla. The straight-laced pair gets swept up in a week of chaotic fun and debauchery that they hope to leave behind in Mexico. Trouble arises when their vacation friends crash their formal wedding back home in the United States. The movie explores the awkward collision between holiday personas and real-life responsibilities. It features a humorous look at how travel bonds can persist in unexpected ways.

‘Focus’ (2015)

Nicky Spurgeon is a seasoned con artist who takes a novice grifter named Jess under his wing. Their professional relationship turns romantic before he abruptly ends things to protect his emotional detachment. Three years later they cross paths again in Buenos Aires where both are running high-stakes schemes. The exotic Argentine setting adds a layer of glamour and danger to their rekindled tension. Will Smith and Margot Robbie navigate a world of deception where trust is the most valuable currency.

‘A United Kingdom’ (2016)

Seretse Khama is the heir to the throne of Botswana who falls in love with a white British woman named Ruth Williams in London. Their controversial marriage causes an international diplomatic crisis between the British government and South Africa. The couple travels between the United Kingdom and Botswana while fighting for their right to be together. The film depicts the landscapes of southern Africa as the backdrop for their political and personal struggle. It is a powerful biographical drama about love prevailing over prejudice and borders.

‘Love & Basketball’ (2000)

Monica and Quincy share a lifelong passion for basketball that intertwines with their on-and-off romantic relationship. Their careers take them to different parts of the world with Monica eventually playing professionally in Spain. Quincy travels to Barcelona to reconcile with her after realizing his life is incomplete without her. The European sequence represents a pivotal moment of maturity and reconnection for the two athletes. The story spans decades and continents to show that true love often requires perfect timing.

‘Uncorked’ (2020)

Elijah is a young man who dreams of becoming a master sommelier despite his father’s expectation that he will take over the family barbecue business. He travels to Paris to attend an elite wine school and immerse himself in French culture. The experience challenges him academically and personally as he navigates a new country. While the primary focus is on his career aspirations and family dynamic there is a strong undercurrent of passion for his craft. The Parisian setting emphasizes his growth and the widening of his horizons.

‘Beyond the Lights’ (2014)

Noni is a superstar singer who struggles with the pressures of fame and a controlling mother. She finds solace with a police officer named Kaz who sees the real person behind the celebrity image. The couple escapes to a private villa in Mexico to break away from the media frenzy and find authenticity. This trip allows them to deepen their bond away from the prying eyes of the public and the industry. The film explores the healing power of stepping away from the spotlight to find genuine connection.

‘Boxing Day’ (2021)

Melvin is a British author living in America who returns to London for the holidays to introduce his American fiancée to his eccentric British-Caribbean family. The trip becomes complicated when his past fame and a former flame threaten to derail the engagement. The film highlights the cultural vibrancy of London during the Christmas season. It explores the nuances of diasporic identity and the challenges of merging two different worlds. The romantic comedy celebrates Black British culture through a festive lens.

‘Everything, Everything’ (2017)

Maddy is a teenager who has spent her entire life indoors due to a severe immunodeficiency disease. She falls for her neighbor Olly and decides to risk everything for a chance to experience the outside world. The pair embarks on a life-changing journey to Hawaii to see the ocean and live without barriers. The vibrant colors of the Hawaiian landscape contrast sharply with the sterile environment Maddy left behind. Her travel represents a radical act of claiming agency over her own life and happiness.

‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ (2019)

Peter Parker joins his classmates on a summer field trip to Europe where he hopes to confess his feelings to MJ. The group travels through Venice and Prague and London while dealing with supernatural threats. MJ and Peter navigate the awkwardness of teenage romance amidst the chaos of superhero battles in foreign cities. The European tour provides a scenic and dynamic stage for their relationship to evolve. MJ plays a crucial role in grounding Peter as he balances his responsibilities with his desire for a normal life.

‘Couples Retreat’ (2009)

Shane and his wife join three other couples for a vacation at a tropical resort in Bora Bora. They expect a week of jet skiing and sunbathing but discover that participation in therapy sessions is mandatory. The stunning blue waters and overwater bungalows serve as the setting for hilarious and uncomfortable relationship breakthroughs. The characters must confront their marital issues to save their relationships before leaving the island. It illustrates how travel can strip away distractions and force couples to face their problems.

‘Coming 2 America’ (2021)

King Akeem returns to the United States from Zamunda to locate a son he never knew he had. He brings his newfound heir back to Africa to prepare him for his royal destiny. The story reverses the original trajectory by having the American characters navigate the customs and grandeur of the African kingdom. Romantic subplots develop as the son falls for a royal groomer amidst the palace intrigue. The film expands the world of Zamunda while maintaining the cross-cultural humor of the original.

‘Girls Trip’ (2017)

Four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Music Festival to reconnect and reignite their sisterhood. The trip turns into a wild adventure filled with dance battles and absinthe hallucinations and emotional confrontations. While the primary focus is on friendship there is a romantic subplot involving Ryan and a new love interest. The vibrant energy of New Orleans drives the narrative and acts as a catalyst for each woman to confront her personal truths. It celebrates the joy of traveling with friends and the liberation found in shared experiences.

Share your favorite travel romance movie from this list in the comments.