Direction: Charles Burnett

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by Charles Burnett. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


My Brother's Wedding

1983 · Movie · 80 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Everett Silas · Jessie Holmes · Gaye Shannon-Burnett · Sy Richardson

Synopsis My Brother's Wedding (1983) follows the story of a man who harbors deep resentment towards his successful lawyer brother. Despite their strained relationship, he finds himself in a position where he must set aside his feelings and take on the...

7.2

81 votes

7.2

81 votes

Direction Charles Burnett

Synopsis Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues - Warming by the Devil's Fire (2003) is a compelling documentary directed by Charles Burnett, renowned for his films "Killer of Sheep," "My Brother's Wedding," and "To Sleep with Anger." The film delves into the...

6.9

244 votes

6.9

244 votes

Killer of Sheep

1978 · Movie · 83 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Henry G. Sanders · Kaycee Moore · Charles Bracy · Angela Burnett

Synopsis Killer of Sheep (1978) is the debut feature from celebrated independent filmmaker Charles Burnett, a deeply moving drama that delves into the life of a man working at a slaughterhouse as he navigates economic hardships and strives to mend his...

6.9

597 votes

6.9

597 votes

When It Rains (S)

1995 · Movie · 13 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Ayuko Babu · Florence Bracy · Kenny Merritt

Synopsis When It Rains (S) (1995) follows the journey of a self-proclaimed "urban griot" who embarks on a mission on New Year's Day to prevent a mother and her daughter from being evicted. His quest for financial assistance transforms into a...

6.8

75 votes

6.8

75 votes

Nightjohn

1996 · Movie · 92 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Beau Bridges · Gerald Brown · Gabriel Casseus · Lorraine Toussaint

Synopsis Nightjohn (1996) follows the story of Sarny, a 12-year-old enslaved girl in the antebellum South, who faces a bleak future. Her primary tasks on Clel Waller's plantation involve serving meals, deterring pests from roses with tobacco juice, and covertly relaying...

6.2

23 votes

6.2

23 votes

To Sleep with Anger

1990 · Movie · 102 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Danny Glover · Paul Butler · DeVaughn Nixon · Mary Alice

Synopsis To Sleep with Anger (1990) follows the story of a charismatic drifter, Harry, who arrives in Los Angeles to visit his old friends, Gideon and Suzie. His presence disrupts the peaceful life of the couple, stirring up old memories and...

6.1

81 votes

6.1

81 votes

The Glass Shield

1994 · Movie · 106 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Ice Cube · Michael Boatman · Lori Petty · Elliott Gould

Synopsis The Glass Shield (1994) follows the journey of Johnny 'J.J.' Johnson (Michael Boatman), a rookie in the Sheriff's Department who is the first African American officer at the station. The film delves into the racial tensions that arise as some...

5.0

37 votes

5.0

37 votes

42 One Dream Rush

2010 · Movie · 45 min. · United States

Direction Kenneth Anger · Asia Argento · Tadanobu Asano · Sergey Bodrov

Cast Kenneth Anger · Tadanobu Asano · Brian Butler · Helena Christensen

Synopsis 42 One Dream Rush (2010) is a captivating compilation of short films, each crafted by distinguished auteur directors. The anthology delves into the surreal and often profound world of dreams, offering a unique cinematic experience that explores the depths of...

4.9

105 votes

4.9

105 votes

The Wedding (TV)

1998 · Movie · 163 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Halle Berry · Lynn Whitfield · Eric Thal · Shirley Knight

Synopsis The Wedding (TV) (1998) follows the story of Shelby, portrayed by Halle Berry, a young, attractive, and privileged woman who is set to marry Meade, a white jazz musician. Meade's parents refuse to attend the wedding due to Shelby's black...

4.3

81 votes

4.3

81 votes

Direction Charles Burnett

Synopsis America Becoming (1991) explores the evolving landscape of the United States as it transitions into a more diverse society. The documentary delves into the historical shifts in the Immigration and Nationality Act starting from 1965, presenting a vivid portrayal of...

Not rated

Not rated

The Final Insult

1997 · Documentary · 55 min. · Germany

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Ayuko Babu · Florence Bracy · Kenny Merritt

Synopsis The Final Insult (1997) offers a unique blend of fiction and documentary elements as Charles Burnett delves into the harsh realities of homelessness in Los Angeles. The film presents a raw and compassionate exploration of the issue, highlighting the struggles...

Not rated

Not rated

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Herbert Aptheker · Ossie Davis · Eric Foner · Rick Francis

Synopsis Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property (2003) delves into the life and enduring impact of the mysterious figure who spearheaded the infamous 1831 slave uprising in Virginia. The documentary scrutinizes various interpretations and critiques of works centered around Turner, offering a...

Not rated

Not rated

The Horse (S)

1973 · Movie · 14 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Gordon Houston · Maury Wright · Gary Morrin · Roger Collins

Synopsis The Horse (S) (1973) is a highly regarded 1973 short film that delves into the dynamics of an affluent white farming family and their interactions with a young black boy named William. The story revolves around a horse that is...

Not rated

Not rated

Direction Gregory Nava · Charles Burnett · Barbara Martinez Jitner

Cast Kurt Caceres · Edward James Olmos · Patricia Velasquez · Sônia Braga

Synopsis American Family (TV Miniseries) (2002) is a compelling drama that spans two seasons, focusing on the Gonzalez family as they navigate life after the tragic loss of their matriarch, Berta. Jess Gonzalez, the family's patriarch, faces daily challenges while raising...

Not rated

Not rated

Quiet as Kept (S)

2007 · Movie · 6 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Nathaniel Lee Sr. · Sharial C. Lee · Dan Curtis Lee

Synopsis Quiet as Kept (S) (2007) follows the story of a young teenager who finds himself in a moment of boredom as his father is engrossed in restoring an old car. Meanwhile, his mother expresses a desire to take a leisurely...

Not rated

Not rated

Several Friends (S)

1969 · Movie · 21 min. · United States

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Andy Burnett · Eugene Cherry · Charles Bracy · Casssandra Wright

Synopsis Several Friends (S) (1969) is an improvised short film from the late 1960s, marking the directorial debut of Charles Burnett. Shot in a neo-realist, documentary style, it offers a glimpse into a single day in the lives of a group...

Not rated

Not rated

Direction Charles Burnett

Cast Eriq La Salle · Michael Michele · Cicely Tyson · Michael Beach

Synopsis Relative Stranger (TV) (2009) follows the journey of Walter Clemens, a former professional football player who left his family behind after enduring a string of career disappointments. Unable to face his family's potential disillusionment, Walter's departure leaves a void that...

Not rated

Not rated