All 45 John Witherspoon Movies (in Order)
Get ready to laugh it up as we dive into the hilarious world of actor, comedian, and rapper John Witherspoon, known for his memorable performances in various movies. From his iconic role in “Friday” to hilarious stints in “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” and beyond, our John Witherspoon movie roundup is sure to tickle your funny bone. Let’s celebrate his versatile career and enjoy the ride of comedic madness together.
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1. The Jazz Singer (1980)
The Jazz Singer, released in 1980, is a captivating drama that explores the complexities of tradition, family, and personal ambition. Set against the backdrop of the Jewish community, the film follows the story of a young man who must defy his father’s expectations and pursue his dream of becoming a popular singer. Facing an uphill battle against the conservative beliefs of his ancestors, the protagonist navigates the tumultuous journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.
2. Ratboy (1986)
Directed by the talented Sondra Locke, Ratboy is a unique and thought-provoking film that delves into the lives of several morally and socially reprehensible individuals. The movie revolves around the trials and tribulations of a physically deformed teenager whose face resembles a rodent snout, leading him to live a lonely and miserable life in a city garbage dump.
3. Hollywood Shuffle (1987)
Hollywood Shuffle” is a hilariously satirical comedy film, released in 1987. Starring Robert Townsend, Craigus R. Johnson, and Helen Martin, the film takes a comedic yet biting look at the limited roles and experiences of African American actors in Hollywood. Robert Townsend plays an ethnically constrained actor eager to break free from typical roles and seize his chance in the spotlight.
4. Kidnapped (1987)
Kidnapped” is a thrilling 1987 film set in San Diego, where two sisters, Bonnie and Debbie, visit on Debbie’s sixteenth birthday. As the plot unfolds, Debbie is kidnapped by a sleazy pickup artist on behalf of his boss for a sinister purpose — to shoot her full of drugs and force her into performing in pornographic films. Despite the abductors’ warnings, Bonnie forms an unexpected alliance with detective Vince McCarthy, setting the stage for a harrowing confrontation.
5. I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)
I’m Gonna Git You Sucka is a hilarious action-comedy film that parodies the blaxploitation genre with a witty and irreverent take on the classic crime-fighting movies of the 70s. The story centers around a passionate but inexperienced black hero wannabe, who teams up with a group of former heroes to exact revenge on a notorious crime lord known as Mr. Big.
6. Bird (1988)
Bird” is a gripping biographical drama that delves into the tumultuous life and career of jazz musician Charlie “Bird” Parker. Set in 1988, the film explores Parker’s meteoric rise and rapid descent into the world of addiction, showcasing his passion for music and the interracial relationship that shaped his life.
7. House Party (1990)
In the 1990 cult classic “House Party, “ two friends embark on the wildest night of their lives when they attend a house party. With unexpected twists and turns, the night becomes one they’ll never forget. This comedy, music, and romance film showcases the complexities of the father-son relationship and explores the culture of the African American community.
8. Talkin’ Dirty After Dark (1991)
Talkin’ Dirty After Dark (1991) is a raunchy and laugh-out-loud comedy that takes us to the hallowed halls of Dukie’s, an infamous L. A. comedy club.
9. Killer Tomatoes Strike Back! (1991)
Killer Tomatoes Strike Back! “ is a hilarious parody comedy movie from 1991, where the cuddly red vegetables turn into flesh-munching monsters. Actor John Witherspoon takes the charge as Professor Gangreen, who plans to dominate the world by turning everyone into tomatoes.
10. The Five Heartbeats (1991)
The Five Heartbeats” is a captivating 1991 drama-musical film that explores the rise and fall of an African American vocal group in the 1960s. Directed by Robert Townsend and written by him alongside Keenen Ivory Wayans, this touching story takes us through the journey of five friends who form a group with dreams of success in the music industry.
11. Bebe’s Kids (1992)
Join Bebe’s Kids, a hilarious animated comedy, for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter and adventure. When a man agrees to care for his girlfriend’s energetic and misbehaved kids, it leads to an endless string of chaotic events. As the man struggles to maintain control, he discovers the true meaning of family, love, and responsibility.
12. Boomerang (1992)
Boomerang is a dynamic comedy-drama film released in 1992, starring Eddie Murphy in the lead role of a successful advertising executive with a reputation for womanizing. This film also features Robin Givens and Halle Berry as integral members of the ensemble.
13. The Meteor Man (1993)
The Meteor Man” is a unique spin on the superhero genre, bringing an African-American hero to the big screen with a dash of humor and action. Directed by Robert Townsend, this 1993 film follows a high school teacher, played by the director himself, who hails from a troubled inner-city neighborhood in Washington D. C. After catching a mysterious meteorite, the unassuming hero finds himself acquiring superpowers that he decides to use for the greater good.
14. Fatal Instinct (1993)
Fatal Instinct, released in 1993, is a comedic thriller that perfectly blends crime and comedy. The film follows the story of an adulterous wife, who doesn’t know that her cheating husband is a cop moonlighting as a lawyer.
15. Cosmic Slop (1994)
Step into a world of intergalactic adventure with “Cosmic Slop” (1994). This one-of-a-kind science fiction anthology series aired on HBO and is hosted by none other than Parliament lead singer George Clinton.
16. Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
In the intriguing comedy-horror “Vampire in Brooklyn, “ Eddie Murphy takes on the role of a Brooklyn police officer who finds himself caught in an unexpected love triangle with a mysterious woman. Unbeknownst to him, this woman is half-vampire and hails from the Caribbean, where she unleashes her enchanting allure on him. As the story unfolds, the two find themselves entangled in a web of destiny, nightmare, and danger.
17. Friday (1995)
Friday” (1995) is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy-drama that introduces us to Craig and Smokey, two best friends who find themselves in a sticky situation when they owe a local bully $200. With their Friday ruined, they embark on a wild adventure to come up with the money. Along the way, they encounter a neighborhood drug dealer, an unforgettable ice cream truck, and much more in a day filled with laughter and surprises.
18. 2nd Annual Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards (1996)
Experience the magic of the 2nd Annual Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, a prestigious event celebrating the achievements and talents of African American women in the music industry. Set in the heart of Santa Monica, California, this unforgettable occasion commemorates the contributions of extraordinary artists to the realms of Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Gospel music. This star-studded event features incredible performances and heartfelt acceptance speeches, as well as touching tributes to the legends that have shaped the landscape of African American music.
19. Fakin’ Da Funk (1997)
Fakin’ Da Funk” is a hilarious comedy about a Chinese baby boy, who grows up in a black family in Atlanta, and discovers the challenges of adapting to a new environment as he moves to South Central Los Angeles with his mother and brother. This humorous tale also explores the experiences of a Chinese foreign exchange student living in the same neighborhood for the summer with a black family.
20. Sprung (1997)
Sprung” (1997) is a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy that follows the lives of four friends from the ‘hood. Best friends Montel and Clyde, as well as Brandy and Adina, intertwine in unexpected ways as their relationships unfold amidst an array of comical and relatable situations.
21. Bulworth (1998)
Bulworth is a critically acclaimed 1998 film directed by and starring Warren Beatty, with Halle Berry in a supporting role. A dark comedy with elements of drama and romance, the movie follows the story of a disheartened liberal senator (Beatty) who puts a hit on himself and decides to be brutally honest with his electorate.
22. Ride (1998)
Ride, “ directed by Millicent Shelton, is a vibrant and humorous 1998 comedy film that follows a diverse ensemble of young individuals hailing from Harlem as they embark on a spirited bus journey to Miami in pursuit of creating a lively rap music video. The film, featuring a talented cast including Melissa De Sousa, John Witherspoon, and Cedric The Entertainer, showcases Millicent Shelton’s keen sense of storytelling and unique ability to bring to life the energy, charm, and camaraderie of its characters.
23. High Freakquency (1998)
High Freakquency” (1998) is a refreshing comedy film that takes viewers on a thrilling day at an urban radio station. It gives a glimpse into the lives of the station’s staff as they navigate through the chaos and the excitement of the industry. The movie, which has a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes, stars John Witherspoon, Marcus Chong, and A. J. Johnson.
24. I Got the Hook Up (1998)
I Got the Hook Up” (1998), an amusing blend of comedy and crime, follows the adventures of small-time scammers, Black and Blue. With a shipment of cellular phones mistakenly delivered to them, they soon find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the FBI, gangsters, and law enforcement.
25. The Ladies Man (2000)
Prepare to laugh out loud with The Ladies Man, a raunchy yet hilarious comedy featuring Tim Meadows as the iconic womanizer, Mitch. The film takes the Saturday Night Live character and transforms it into a big-screen adventure, filled with outrageous situations and plenty of eye-catching moments.
26. Little Nicky (2000)
Little Nicky” is a hilarious comedy-fantasy film released in 2000, starring Adam Sandler as the mild-mannered devil’s third son. When his two troublemaker siblings escape from Hell and wreak havoc on Earth, the devil dispatches Nicky to retrieve them before things spiral out of control.
27. Next Friday (2000)
Next Friday, a hilarious comedy film starring Ice Cube and Mike Epps, follows the adventures of a street-smart man who decides to leave the chaos of South Central Los Angeles behind and move in with his lottery-winning uncle and cousin in the suburbs. However, the man soon find himself embroiled in a bitter battle for survival against a ruthless neighborhood thug who has just been released from prison.
29. Friday After Next (2002)
Friday After Next” is a hilarious comedy that follows the lives of Craig and Day-Day, two security guards who find themselves in a hilarious series of misadventures when they encounter the thief who stole their Christmas presents. Ice Cube and Mike Epps star as Craig and Day-Day, respectively, taking the audience on a wild and wacky ride through the streets of Los Angeles.
30. Soul Plane (2004)
Soul Plane takes you on a wild, comedic ride as it tells the story of a black-owned airline’s maiden flight. After some unexpected last-minute passenger additions, the excitement and humor on board become uncontrollable.
31. The Big Black Comedy Show, Vol. 5 (2006)
Experience the hilarity of “The Big Black Comedy Show, Vol. 5” — a stand-up comedy special with a star-studded line-up of African American entertainers, masterfully hosted by the versatile Michael Colyar. Laugh your way through a night of unforgettable comedy, featuring some of the funniest talents in the industry.
32. Little Man (2006)
Little Man” (2006) stars Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans as a pair of hilarious misfits who mistakenly end up taking a vertically-challenged criminal on the run for their newly-adopted son. This action-packed, side-splitting comedy, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and written by the Wayans brothers, brings a fresh twist to the buddy-cop genre.
33. After Sex (2007)
After Sex” (2007) is a refreshing and thought-provoking film that explores the intimate, honest, and often humorous conversations between eight different couples immediately after they’ve been intimate. The unique storytelling approach through a series of vignettes allows the audience to delve into the authentic emotional connections and complexities of relationships in a real and relatable manner.
34. Paul Mooney: Jesus Is Black — So Was Cleopatra — Know Your History (2007)
Paul Mooney: Jesus Is Black — So Was Cleopatra — Know Your History” is a 2007 documentary comedy that delves into the electrified currents of racial tension. Featuring the legendary Paul Mooney, known for his work with Richard Pryor, “In Living Color’s Homey the Clown, Paul’s appearance on Chappelle’s Show, and his characteristic brutal honesty. This stand-up comedy special is a passionate and hysterical charge into race relations, stirring up controversy and making audiences question their history.
35. The Hustle (2008)
The Hustle” is a hilarious 2008 comedy that follows the misadventures of pest exterminators Freddie and Junior. These two bumbling buddies find themselves in hot water when they accidentally cross paths with an Asian Karate World mobster who demands a whopping $10,000.
36. Chick Magnet (2011)
Meet Jeff, a lovelorn and unlucky guy searching for the perfect woman. . until he discovers an unexpected solution. When he lands the ultimate chick-magnet top, he quickly turns into the most sought-after man in town for women. As a new wave of infatuation sweeps across the town, Jeff finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of crazy romance, outrageous twists, and hilarious missteps.
37. A Thousand Words (2012)
In “A Thousand Words, “ Eddie Murphy, known for his witty and comedic performances, steps into a serious and reflective role as the character of Jack McCall. A successful, yet dishonest literary agent, McCall makes a deal with a spiritual guru, leading to unexpected supernatural consequences.
38. Dying Laughing (2016)
Dying Laughing, “ a 2017 documentary, takes an in-depth look at the lives and creative processes of famous stand-up comedians. It is directed by Lloyd Stanton and Paul Toogood, and presents interviews with renowned comedians such as Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, and Amy Schumer.
39. Curtsy, Mister (2017)
Curtsy, Mister” is an engaging documentary that takes an unexpected turn when a little boy inadvertently finds himself trapped in a pair of slingback shoes. The film follows the heartwarming story of his journey as he grapples with the mishap and learns important life lessons along the way.
40. I Got the Hook Up 2 (2019)
Dive into the world of smartphone scams and family friendships with “I Got the Hook Up 2” (2019)! . This hilarious comedy sequel takes us back to the streets of LA, where our old-school hustlers Black and Blue have gone legit after 20 years. But when their restaurant faces imminent closure due to a health inspection nightmare, they need the help of two young, sly scammers — Fatboy and Spyda — to steal the latest smart phone shipment and save their beloved family business.
41. Reality Queen! (2020)
A comedic take on fame and fortune, Reality Queen! . (2020) follows an ambitious heiress’ journey to prove herself as more than just a pretty face.
42. 47th Annie Awards (2020)
Prepare to witness the grand spectacle of the 47th Annie Awards, the most prestigious ceremony honoring excellence in cinematic animation. Taking place on January 25, 2020, at the iconic UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles, California, this dazzling event shines the spotlight on the remarkable talents and groundbreaking work that defined animation in 2019. Hosted by renowned names in the industry, the 47th Annie Awards promises to be an unforgettable night filled with glitz, glamour, and heartwarming moments.
43. 28th Annual Trumpet Awards (2020)
Join the celebration of excellence and inspiration in the 28th Annual Trumpet Awards, a star-studded event hosted by the hilarious Wanda Sykes. This heartwarming TV special honors remarkable African American leaders who have made a profound impact on the world, inspiring generations to come.
44. 51st NAACP Image Awards (2020)
Experience the excitement of the 51st NAACP Image Awards, an inspiring TV special honoring exceptional achievements made by people of color in music, television, and motion pictures during the year 2019. Join the star-studded event held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, on February 22, 2020, as it airs live on Black Entertainment Television.
45. Boosters LA (2022)
Boosters LA takes you on a hilarious ride through the streets of Los Angeles with a group of new-age boosters, led by the talented James and Lisa, determined to make a name for themselves in the booming clothing industry. After years of boosting from the wealthy and selling to the poor, they set their sights on opening their own store. This urban comedy, set against the backdrop of blaxploitation, blends African American culture with modern comedy elements, taking viewers on a journey of camaraderie, ambition, and the hustle of living in the city of lights.