Those looking for proof that Black romantic comedies are commercially viable can go back to 1992 for proof. Today, Boomerang, one of the most beloved Black movies, celebrates its 19th anniversary. Starring comedy great Eddie Murphy, Boomerang grossed more than $131 million globally at the box office.

Murphy played the character of Marcus Graham, a successful advertising executive and infamous womanizer. After his company merges with another, Marcus meets his professional and romantic match in Jacqueline, played by Robin Givens. As his work and love life begins to suffer, Marcus sets his sights on Jacqueline’s assistant, Angela, played by a then relatively unknown Halle Berry.

Directed by Reginald Hudlin, Boomerang featured an array of other noteworthy talent, including Martin Lawrence, David Allen Grier, Grace Jones, Eartha Kitt and Tisha Campbell. In a previous interview about the film’s success, Hudlin noted, "Typically when it comes to Black characters, either you have to be a successful, smart business person, or you're hip, but you're never both.... And one of the reasons why the movie has had such enduring popularity is because the character is both. He's much more in the Cary Grant mode of business person."

Not only was the film a success, but so was its soundtrack. The album reached the top five of the Billboard 200 chart, and included the number-one hit “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. The soundtrack also debuted singer Toni Braxton, with her trademark single “Love Shoulda Brought You Home.”

(Photo: Paramount Pictures)