Best Jamaican movies

The Harder They Come (1972)

Ivanhoe Martin arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, looking for work and, after some initial struggles, lands a recording contract as a reggae singer. He records his first song, "The Harder They Come," but after a bitter dispute with a manipulative producer named Hilton, soon finds himself resorting to petty crime in order to pay the bills. He deals marijuana, kills some abusive cops and earns local folk hero status. Meanwhile, his record is topping the charts.

Rockers (1979)

Horsemouth, a drummer living in a ghetto of Kingston, plans to make money selling records. After his prized motorcycle is stolen, his plans fall through and he's forced to adapt.

Dancehall Queen (1997)

Street vendor Marcia is scraping together a living in the ghetto section of Kingston, Jamaica. Her young daughter is being hounded by a rich sugar daddy who has been supporting the family; her brother's life is being threatened by a local thug. So, when the licentious patron threatens to abandon the family, and her brother breaks down under pressure, Marcia hits bottom. She needs to escape to a haven where she can get lost in fantasy; Marcia, don in sex-me-up clothing and outrageous glamour, finds refuge in the beats of the very dance hall outside of which she normally vends.

Sprinter (2019)

Sprinter tells the story of Akeem Sharp who is set to be Jamaica's next big track-and-field sensation. Akeem hopes to rise in the track and field world will take him to the U.S. to reunite him with his mother who has supported the family while living as an illegal resident for over a decade. But Akeem's rising star is weighed down by turmoil at home: a volatile father, and an unruly older brother who insinuates himself into Akeem's career as a means of escaping - or perhaps enhancing - his scam artist hustle. Not only does Akeem have to prove to himself and everyone that he can succeed, but also overcome the struggles that may ultimately bring him down.

Countryman (1982)

A young woman crash-lands her plane in Jamaica. A local named Countryman rescues her and leads her away from the authorities, who have fabricated a story about the plane, involving drug and arms smuggling by the CIA, in order to gain popularity in an upcoming election.

Tell the Children the Truth (2015)

Nefarious (2021)

Your friends and enemies have one thing in common, you! Mark leaves his girlfriend to be with Natasha, the girl he truly loves, but her brother Andrew comes with the relationship. Willing to sacrifice all, he adheres to Andrew's manipulations while keeping Natasha ignorant of their deeds, which takes him through a series of violent and necromantic events, thus leading to his purpose in a much darker scheme. Ultimately, Natasha knows that love can be a cure...

Made in Jamaica (2006)

A powerful portrait of the leaders of the reggae music Movement, and how Reggae has become a worldwide phenomenon. The film showcases performances by the best Reggae and Dance Hall artists ever assembled. From their native ghetto to international fame, "Made in Jamaica" is the story of the artists who represent the Jamaican Dream.

Glory to Gloriana (2006)

Gloria, an impoverished orange seller from the country, overcomes countless obstacles -- both personally and professionally -- until she becomes the owner of the Hotel Glorianna in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Kerie-Ann Lewis and Carol Campbell star as the young and adult protagonist, and Rodney Campbell portrays her abusive husband, Milton. This true rags-to-riches tale of Gloria Minto packed theaters in its native Jamaica.

Smile Orange (1976)

At a Jamaican beach hotel, super-slick waiter and self-professed "stud" Ringo works the angles (and there are many) on the ever-presents knots of unsuspecting, trusting tourists. Hey, all's fair in love and business … especially when you're continuously on the hustle, like Ringo.

Ghett'a Life (2011)

GHETT’A LIFE is an “against the odds” action drama set in a politically turbulent inner city community of Kingston. Derrick, a determined inner city teenager realizes his dream of becoming a champion boxer despite a country, community and family conflicted by divisive political system

Bashment Granny (2009)

A riveting comedy about a desperate conman's quest to raise cash to satisfy the demands of his overbearing girlfriend and to feed his own insatiable appetite for money. The irony of this set-up is that while Trevor is trying to raise this cash from another of his girlfriends, he is using his father as part of the scheme.

Flight (2019)

A Jamaican boy sets out on a dream, ten times his size, to fly to the moon, despite his circumstances and opposition from his father.

The Lunatic (1991)

A Jamaican comedy, the story of a village madman, Aloysious, who has the amazing ability to talk to anything, including trees, cows and cricket balls.

Two Sevens Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers (2017)

Documentary about reggae music and culture in London in 1977. Filmed in Super 8 camera by Don Letts. With participation of Richard Branson, Neneh Cherry, Paul Cook, Sly Dunbar, Paul Weller, John Lydon, Joe Strummer, Siouxsie Sioux, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and others. Released in 2017.

Big Narstie's Big Jamaica (2020)

British-born rapper Big Narstie finds his roots and his groove when he makes his highly anticipated trip to Jamaica, the island-home of his parents.

Better Mus' Come (2013)

The film follows warring political factions in 1970s Jamaica as they enlist the support of gangs to enforce their policies, and advance their political agenda. It is a fictionalized dramatization of real historical events, specifically, the Green Bay Massacre, where the government finally tracked down these gangs and had systematically wiped out.

KHAMAICA (2014)

NYC based photographer, Khalik Allah, travels to Jamaica to connect with family and document the streets. This is his synopsis.

Destiny (2014)

After death of her parents, Lisa Pullen journeys to sell land acquired through inheritance. She not only uncovers truths about her family’s past, but also finds love.

Almost An Adult (2019)

A conceptual film following musical artist Jords’ quest to serendipity. The Tree of Life’ is the cornerstone of the film as he battles to triumph through grief.

Cool Runnings: The Reggae Movie (1986)

This is the 1983 edition of Jamaica’s annual Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay, a week-long showcase for some of the greatest names in reggae, ska, funk and dub poetry.

The Best Of Oliver Live Part 1 (2004)

Oliver Samuels, undoubtedly the Caribbean's funniest comedian is at his best in this dvd featuring his greatest episodes especially re-written for the live stage . The three featured episodes are listed below.

Out of Many (2020)

Out of Many explores the pervasive social disparity in Kingston, Jamaica from the perspective of a teenage girl. Asha is the daughter of a politician and enjoys a life far removed from a harsh reality that many Jamaicans face. Her bubble of privilege pops when she sees the dead body of a street cleaner. Asha’s world view begins to unwind as she is thrusted into deep introspection.

Like Father, Like Son (2010)

Like Father Like Son is a hilarious play that looks at issues such as fatherhood (or the lack of it) double infidelity and the unprofessional conduct of some music producers.