The Best Reggae Music Movies
A list of the best reggae music movies of all time. From classic documentaries to modern day feature films, these are the reggae movies that you need to see.
The Harder They Come
The Harder They Come is a Jamaican crime film directed by Perry Henzell and starring Jimmy Cliff. The film is considered one of the most influential films of all time. It helped to popularize reggae music and introduced the world to the Rastafari movement. The film is based on the true story of muscular singer Ivanhoe Martin, who turns to a life of crime after being frustrated by the local music industry. The Harder They Come is packed with great Jamaican music, including tracks by Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker, and more.
Rockers
Rockers is a 1978 Jamaican film directed by Theodore Wharton. The movie centers around the fictional Trenchtown Comprehensive School and the everyday lives of a group of friends as they struggle against poverty, violence, and social oppression. Despite its low budget, Rockers boasts an impressive cast that includes Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, Burning Spear, and Jacob Miller. The film’s soundtrack, which features classic reggae tracks from the likes of Burning Spear, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Sly and Robbie, is considered one of the best reggae soundtracks ever recorded.
Countryman
Countryman is a 1982 film directed by Dickie Jobson, starring William Devane and retelling the story of the Wailers’ 1973 visit to Nigeria. The film was generally not well-received by critics.
Third World Cop
Third World Cop is a 1999 Jamaican action film directed by Chris Browne and starring Danny Glover. The film follows police officer Zed (Glover), who is tasked with taking down a powerful drug lord in Kingston, Jamaica. The film also features reggae music throughout, with artists like Buju Banton and Beenie Man appearing on the soundtrack.
