Tyler Perry is a prolific actor and director and the recent release of his film The six triple eight brought renewed attention to his abilities. Perry began his career in theater, where he originated many of the ideas for his films, including several from Madea film series and Why did I get married? From Perry's first film Diary of a crazy black womanIts popularity has grown and today it is a household name. With Perry's production studios and his TV shows and films, Forbes estimated his net worth at a staggering $1.4 billion.
In 2023 Perry signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to direct and produce several films and Perry's World War II film The six triple eightis the latest addition to the streaming service. The six triple eight stars a cast led by Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams, who heads the 6888th Battalion of the Central Postal Directorate. The new film's popularity served as a reminder for audiences to revisit some of Tyler Perry's best films, both as a director or creator and as an actor, which span multiple genres, creating something entertaining for everyone.
1
Mea Culpa (2024)
The erotic thriller is one of Perry's most recent films
Mea Culpa is a crime thriller in which Kelly Rowland takes on the lead role as Mea Harper. Mea is a defense attorney who faces problems in her personal life as her marriage fails and her family doesn't always have her best interests in mind. The film's intrigue occurs when Mea uncovers a murder case against an artist named Zyair Malloy.with whom Mea's life becomes increasingly complicated, leading to some shocking revelations in Mea Culpais finishing up about the case and everything she thought she knew about her family.
While Mea Culpa received negative reviews, topped Netflix's weekly charts when it was released on the streaming service. The Tyler Perry-directed film received criticism for its writing and acting, but was alternately praised for its entertainment value. Although there are some frustrating aspects to the plot of Mea Culpa, is equally fun and enjoyable for fans of tense, steamy thrillers. The film also reflects Perry's ability as a writer/director to create something that grips audiences, as despite its flaws, the film still won over many fans.
2
The Six Triple Eight (2024)
A war drama based on real life
The six triple eight tells the incredible true story of the 6888th Battalion of the Central Postal Directorate, the all-black, all-female battalion that sorted 17 million pieces of mail in 90 days. The drama brings to life a part of US history that has not received as much attention as many other heroic stories from World War II.resulting in a positive response to Perry's film from the real Lena Derriecott, who appears at the end of The six triple eightas well as the public who are impressed by the story.
Along with the intrigue created by The six triple eight Shedding light on a real story, the film features great performances from its protagonists. Kerry Washington gives a strong performance as the battalion's major, and Ebony Obsidian is a sincere Lena Derriecott. The six triple eight is an impressive feat in Tyler Perry's career and marks a departure from many of his other films because of the true story it portrays. The film is worth watching for any fan of historical filmsespecially because it sheds light on a story that has been ignored for far too long.
3
A Homecoming for Madea (2022)
Perry reprized his well-known character in the Netflix film
Tyler Perry is arguably most famous for playing the character Madea, who first appeared in 2005. Diary of a crazy black woman. Although the previous installments are not available on the streaming platform, the most recent Madea film, A homecoming for Madeais available on Netflix. A homecoming for Madea sees Perry reprise her role as Madea Simmons as well as Joe Simmonswhile his great-grandson Tim prepares to graduate from college. Madea and her family prepare for a party, but, as always, chaos ensues, generating laughter and exciting situations.
Fortunately for fans of the series, Tyler Perry has already announced that Madea will appear again in future films, with the next one being Madea's Destination Wedding.
The Madea 2022 installation is the newest in a series of 13 films from the Madea universe, not including the plays and TV series in which it also participates. A homecoming for Madea offers similar laughs and familiar themes to the previous films in the seriesdealing with issues of acceptance and love. The film also features the character Agnes Brown from the series Mrs. Brown's boys, which contributes to the comedic style. Fortunately for fans of the series, Tyler Perry has already announced that Madea will appear again in future films, with the next one being Madea's Destination Wedding.
4
A Fall from Grace (2020)
Perfect for fans of sinister and exciting drama
A fall from grace was Tyler Perry's first film as a director to be released directly on Netflix, beginning what has now become a very fruitful partnership. Despite the film's 15% critical acceptance rating in Rotten tomatoesIt performed slightly better with the public and currently has a 50% approval rating. This disparity in scores indicates that while it may not have been what critics were looking for, A fall from grace It's certainly an exciting watch for audiences. The film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its many twists and turns, leading to a shocking revelation in the final moments.
A fall from grace centers on public defender Jasmine Bryant as she decides to take on the case of Grace Waters, a woman who confessed to killing her husband. Although the film initially appears simple, As Jasmine delves deeper into the case, she discovers that not everything is as it seemsconnecting Grace and her husband to larger problems occurring at a nearby nursing home and another woman. Through the direction of Tyler Perry, A fall from grace presents a moving story of hope, betrayal, and ultimately Jasmine's search for the truth.
5
The Blues of a Jazzman (2022)
A moving drama with a historical setting
Tyler Perry produced and directed 2022 Blues of a jazzmanwhich premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before being released on Netflix later that same month. The film is set between 1987 and 1947 and involves an elderly woman's hope of discovering the truth behind her son's death so many years earlier. Blues of a jazzman did very well with critics and the publicobtaining 67% critical approval and 85% public approval in Rotten tomatoesone of the highest of Perry's career.
Overall, Perry's period piece creates a complex story of the abuse people face and the prejudices people have, as well as how they can be overcome through love.
The scenario of 1947 and the focus on the family of Hattie Mae and her son Bayou, along with their problems, creates a complicated view of family dynamics. As Bayou falls in love with a local woman named Leanne, their lives become more complicated. As Leanne gets married and moves away, their lives diverge and converge in different ways, even though Bayou always loves her. Overall, Perry's period piece creates a complex story of the abuse people face and the prejudices people have, as well as how they can be overcome through love.
6
Don't Look Up (2021)
Perry makes an appearance in the satirical drama
In contrast to many of Perry's films in which he served as creator or director along with acting Don't look up is one of the few films in which Tyler Perry only acted as an actor, playing a talk show co-host alongside Cate Blanchett. The film centers on two astronomers, played by Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio.who discover that a large comet will catastrophically collide with Earth, wiping out all life. Although they attempt to alert government officials and the public, their warnings are not taken seriously by people looking to capitalize on the comet's approach.
Don't look up is one of the most successful Netflix films of all time due to its funny satire and excellent cast. The ambivalence of leaders and the media, as exemplified by talk show host Tyler Perry, toward the threat posed by the enormous comet creates a commentary on the state of the world today and the priorities of those in power. Because of its themes, Don't look up was well received and was nominated for and won several awards. The film is a great watch for science fiction fans who enjoy funny and timely social commentary.
7
Brain on Fire (2016)
Perry lends his talents to the 2016 drama film
The 2016 dramatic film Brain on fire tell the incredible true story of Susannah Cahalan, who was hospitalized for a rare form of encephalitis. The film is based on Cahalan's 2012 memoir of the same name, which details her struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin recovery. The film creates a lot of anxiety for viewers who know that Susannah's illness is more serious than any of her tests suggest. Brain on fire it's driven by the actors and their abilities to portray real people who have been through a very real and very scary situation.
Because of Susannah Cahalan's memories of her diagnosis, others were able to learn about the rare disease, making the diagnosis easier and potentially saving lives, making the film and its message that much more compelling.
Brain on fire also features Tyler Perry's appearance as Susannah's boss Richard in the New York Post Office. Although Perry is not a main character in Brain on fire, his character is influential as he finally leads Susannah to start writing about her experiences. Because of Susannah Cahalan's memories of her diagnosis, others were able to learn about the rare disease, making the diagnosis easier and potentially saving lives, making the film and its message that much more compelling.
8
The Star (2017)
An animated film about the nativity
The 2017 animated film, The staris a retelling of the Nativity story through the perspective of the animals that were present throughout Mary's journey. In particular, a donkey named Bo, voiced by Steven Yeun, lives and travels with Mary and Joseph during Mary's pregnancy, leading to the birth of Jesus. Bo is accompanied by several animals throughout the film, including the camel Cyrus, who belongs to the three wise men and is voiced by Tyler Perry. The star is a funny, family-friendly film, perfect during the Christmas season and all year round.
While it's certainly not the usual way to explore the well-known story, it's creative and wholesome enough to leave audiences entertained. The star features an impressive voice cast, including actors such as Keegan-Michael Key, Ving Rhames, Oprah Winfrey, Christopher Plummer, Kelly Clarkson and more. Additionally, the film includes a great soundtrack featuring Christmas songs by popular artists such as Mariah Carey and Pentatonixmaking it an underrated film perfect for Christmas music lovers.
9
Beauty in Black (2024)
The shocking drama series got fans talking
Along with the various Tyler Perry movies that are currently available to stream on Netflix, he also has a recent show that was released by the streamer. Perry served as creator, executive producer and director of the series Beauty in Blackwhich aired in October 2024. Beauty in Black follows two women, Kimmie and Mallory, whose very different lives unexpectedly intersect. The cast of Beauty in Black make use of their broad talents to portray complicated characters who often struggle to choose between good and evil, creating a very compelling series.
Although only eight episodes have been aired so far Perry's writing and direction ensured that viewers couldn't look away from the screen. Kimmie and Mallory, along with their friends and family, are constantly faced with difficult decisions and shocking circumstances. Beauty in Black features non-stop drama with many twists and turns, leading to Beauty in Black Season 1 cliffhanger ending. Fortunately for fans, Beauty in Black part 2 will likely be released in spring 2025, meaning audiences won't have to wait long for Tyler Perry's next Netflix release after The six triple eight.
Source: Forbes, Rotten tomatoes& Rotten tomatoes