Sort by IMDb Rating - Highest Rated Movies and TV Shows With Lee Daniels

1. Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn (2023)

92 min | Documentary

From Al Roker, this inspiring film follows a self-described "poor, gay, Black man from North Philly" on his historic run for the U.S. Senate. It's about more than taking on the political competition. It's about taking on an entire system.

Director: Timothy Harris | Stars: Malcolm Kenyatta, Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta, John Fetterman, Conor Lamb

Votes: 25

2. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )
Episode: Slangin' Coupons (2021)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

Pat and Denise go to a PTO meeting during which Pat tries to prove she's worthy to the other mothers; Janelle clashes with a teacher who pushes her buttons.

Director: Robbie Countryman | Stars: Patricia Williams, Gavin Bedell, J. Bernard Calloway, Jonathan Horne

Votes: 63

3. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )
Episode: Don't Eat That S**t (2021)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

When Junebug gets swindled by a drug dealer, Denise decides to help him get his money back instead of telling Pat and Terry.

Director: Kim Fields | Stars: Patricia Williams, Theodore Barnes, Gavin Bedell, J. Bernard Calloway

Votes: 71

4. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Mrs. Rivera (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Alex ditches Noah during an important event. Jahill wants to rekindle his relationship with Carlotta. Simone and Angel think about fleeing after group trouble in Take Three and a letter from ICE.

Director: Tamra Davis | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 51

5. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Secrets & Lies (2018)

TV-14 | 88 min | Drama, Music, Musical

A shocking secret is revealed. A new "star" is on the rise, but who's the daddy?

Director: Bille Woodruff | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 63

6. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: All Falls Down (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Carlotta gets a celebrity host for Gravity Media's Snowball event.

Director: Cheryl Dunye | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 49

7. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

BoJack Horseman was the star of the hit television show "Horsin' Around" in the '80s and '90s, but now he's washed up, living in Hollywood, complaining about everything, and wearing colorful sweaters.

Stars: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul

Votes: 189,223

8. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Roots and Wings (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Carlotta returns to Gravity Records, but finds out a lot has changed. Star meets Jackson's mother, Becky, and makes a shocking discovery. Meanwhile, Simone asks Nina for help when Angel ... See full summary »

Director: Scott Peters | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 46

9. Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2012– )

TV-PG | 53 min | Documentary, Biography, History

Before the popularity of AncestryDNA, journalist and cultural critic Henry Louis Gates, Jr. divulges the family trees of various celebrities, many times with stunning revelations.

Stars: Henry Louis Gates Jr., CeCe Moore, Anita Hill, Ty Burrell

Votes: 1,642

10. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )
Episode: B****... I'm Funny (2021)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

Pat does a set at a local club but clashes with the Black manager who tells her she's too ghetto for his crowd; Terry struggles to hide a secret.

Director: Mary Lou Belli | Stars: Patricia Williams, Theodore Barnes, J. Bernard Calloway, Robert Curtis Brown

Votes: 46

11. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )
Episode: Girls Night Out (2021)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

After Pat catches Terry watching porn on his phone, Denise decides they need a girls' night out, while the children wonder if their parents are going to split up.

Director: Kim Fields | Stars: Patricia Williams, Theodore Barnes, J. Bernard Calloway, Kitana Cash

Votes: 43

12. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: Et Tu, Brute? (2015)

TV-14 | 45 min | Drama, Music

Lucious makes a reckless move that could jeopardize everything; Cookie plans a concert at the prison where she was incarcerated for 17 years.

Director: Sanaa Hamri | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 540

13. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: Rise by Sin (2016)

TV-14 | 45 min | Drama, Music

Hakeem struggles to find a place for his fiancé, Laura, in his career and family; Cookie reveals the truth about Freda's father to Jamal; Jamal makes a sacrifice for Lucious.

Director: Paul McCrane | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 402

14. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Climax (2017)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

The Midtown artists put all their hard work to the test as each of them tries to prove they have what it takes to win the showcase.

Director: Bille Woodruff | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 60

15. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Who's the Daddy (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Mateo pulls a shocking stunt to reveal Star's pregnancy; Simone faces a choice between her marriage and career; Carlotta and Cassie continue their battle; Maurice and Cassie form an alliance; Derek comes home to find Miss Ruby in trouble.

Director: Chris Robinson | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 49

16. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )
Episode: Lights Out (2021)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

After the lights go out, Pat decides it's time for her and Denise to get jobs; Terry tries to make the best of things by hanging out with the kids.

Director: Leonard R. Garner Jr. | Stars: Patricia Williams, Theodore Barnes, J. Bernard Calloway, Nealla Gordon

Votes: 45

17. The Wonder Years (2021–2023)
Episode: Love & War (2022)

TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Drama, Family

When Bruce returns home from Vietnam, the family is shocked to find out he is dating, and eager to share his life with, an older woman with a son; when they learn more about Bruce's last deployment, they come together to support him.

Director: Numa Perrier | Stars: Elisha Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki

Votes: 185

18. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: The Lyon's Roar (2015)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music

Cookie and Camilla face off over Hakeem; Jamal reveals news that surprises everyone.

Director: Danny Strong | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 787

19. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: Unto the Breach (2015)

TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Music

Cookie uncovers Anika's secret; Lucious must face his rival; the Lyon sons take drastic measures.

Director: Anthony Hemingway | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 787

20. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Ante Up (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

In an effort to boost ticket sales, Mateo brings on controversial rapper Lil Dini, who clashes with Take 3. Star and Noah confide in each other about their relationship issues and Simone is... See full summary »

Director: John Krokidas | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 45

21. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Zion (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Carlotta does what she can to make the Rhythm and Bells Festival a success. However, challenges arise when Star ends up in a legal bind, Alex makes a major career move, Simone is hiding a ... See full summary »

Director: Bille Woodruff | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 47

22. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
Episode: The New Client (2019)

TV-MA | 26 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

When her nanny quits, Princess Carolyn struggles to balance the demands of work and parenting. Mr. Peanutbutter visits BoJack in rehab.

Director: Amy Winfrey | Stars: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins

Votes: 4,090

23. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )
Episode: Brotha Poppins (2021)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

In a homage to Mary Poppins, the Carsons get a visit from Pat and Denise's cousin who helps everyone clean up their messes.

Director: Leonard R. Garner Jr. | Stars: Patricia Williams, Theodore Barnes, J. Bernard Calloway, Tommy Davidson

Votes: 28

24. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )
Episode: Stormy Weather (2022)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

Pat is faced with a difficult choice; the kids make an assumption about Denise; Terry reaches his breaking point.

Director: Mary Lou Belli | Stars: Patricia Williams, Theodore Barnes, J. Bernard Calloway, Briyana Guadalupe

Votes: 13

25. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: Our Dancing Days (2015)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music

Lucious tries to brand Empire Entertainment as a family-run company.

Director: Sanaa Hamri | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 776

26. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: A House Divided (2017)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Carlotta enjoys spending more time with Maurice, but will stop at nothing to protect her family.

Director: Paul McCrane | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 55

27. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: A Family Affair (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

A shocking discovery makes Star take family a little more seriously.

Director: Ruben Garcia | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 52

28. The Grio Awards (2022 TV Special)

The Grio Awards is an award show celebrating film, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, and innovators, whose many contributions positively impact America.

Director: Leon Knoles | Stars: Yolanda Adams, Erika Alexander, Byron Allen, Alena Analeigh

Votes: 18

29. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: Cupid Painted Blind (2017)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music

Cookie and Lucious take action when Diana Dubois' plan comes to fruition.

Director: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 238

30. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Dreamers (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Rapper Quavo is recruited to join Midtown Sound, which causes drama with Noah, who is still harboring ill feelings towards him from their past. Meanwhile, secrets about Angel's family are ... See full summary »

Director: Millicent Shelton | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 48

31. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Take It or Leave It (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Star, bored of being on the sidelines, grabs an opportunity to stand out. Maurice has a chance to redeem himself but faces an ultimatum that may cause more drama. Andy and Angel disagree with Jahil's management of their career.

Director: Paul McCrane | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 41

32. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: When Stars Fall (2019)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Star puts everything she worked for in jeopardy after giving birth, while Simone fights for her family.

Director: Chris Robinson | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 39

33. The Daily Show (1996– )

TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, News, Talk-Show

A comedy news show featuring humorous takes on top stories.

Stars: Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, Roy Wood Jr.

Votes: 48,204

34. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

A woman from Atlanta finds herself in conservative middle America where she lives her life as a reluctant suburban mom.

Stars: Patricia Williams, J. Bernard Calloway, Tami Roman, Briyana Guadalupe

Votes: 1,136

35. WTF with Marc Maron (2009 Podcast Series)

Talk-Show

Marc Maron welcomes comedians, actors, directors, writers, authors, musicians and folks from all walks of life to his home for amazingly revealing conversations.

Stars: Marc Maron, Eddie Pepitone, Jim Earl, Matthew L. Weiss

Votes: 176

36. Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2012– )
Episode: Hidden in the Genes (2022)

TV-PG | Documentary, Biography, History

Henry Louis Gates Jr. helps Rebecca Hall and Lee Daniels solve family mysteries through DNA detective work, illuminating both history and their own identities.

Director: Krista Whetstone | Stars: Erin Burnett, Amy Carlson, David Chang, Brittany Packnett Cunningham

Votes: 40

37. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: Dangerous Bonds (2015)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music

Cookie receives an anonymous gift she suspects may be a veiled threat from a person from her past.

Director: John Singleton | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 749

38. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: Who I Am (2015)

TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Music

As the time comes for the Empire stock launch and the celebratory tribute concert, Lucious picks a successor, but hasn't reckoned with the response.

Director: Debbie Allen | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 668

39. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: My Bad Parts (2015)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music

Lucious releases a rap by Freda, which causes Hakeem to issue a rap-battle challenge; Cookie's sister visits; Jamal tries to land a big sponsorship deal; Anika receives life-altering news.

Director: Sanaa Hamri | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 401

40. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: The Lyon Who Cried Wolf (2016)

TV-14 | 45 min | Drama, Music

The discovery of a dark secret throws a wrench into Lucious' deeply personal music video about his mother; secret affairs compromise Hakeem and Jamal; Rhonda thinks she knows the identity of her attacker.

Director: Millicent Shelton | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 335

41. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: It Ain't Over (2017)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Derek struggles with the truth about his fate and an opportunity for the girls to perform at the record label party is put into jeopardy.

Director: John Krokidas | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 63

42. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: May the Best Manager Win (2017)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Ayana is quickly reminded of the tremendous pressure she is under to make her family proud, when her father - a legendary music label executive - pays a visit to Midtown. Alex continues to ... See full summary »

Director: Bille Woodruff | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 59

43. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Take It to Church (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Charles makes a decision about Noah's upcoming tour that leaves Take 3 in a tough spot; Jahil remains committed to making sure Andy and Angel get to the top; Ayanna drops a bombshell that will have a major effect on Simone's future.

Director: Salli Richardson-Whitfield | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 51

44. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: After the Set, It's the Afterparty (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Maurice brings in an old friend and regional promoter, Natalie (guest star Meagan Good), to help put the artists of Midtown Sound on the map. Competition and jealousy rise among the artists... See full summary »

Director: John Krokidas | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 38

45. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Let the Good Times Roll (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Next up for the Midtown Sound artists is a scheduled performance at a Pride Parade in New Orleans, but when a safety threat puts them on lockdown, they are forced to face their issues ... See full summary »

Director: Chris Robinson | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 39

46. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Thirty Days to Famous (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

When egos clash, Take 3's future as a group is at risk. Noah's continued substance use jeopardizes his relationships with the people who care about him most and Simone and Angel's ... See full summary »

Director: John Krokidas | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 54

47. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Someday We'll All Be Free (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Carlotta goes missing, suspicions about Olivia rise as she continues to pursue a friendship with Alex to cope with the loss of her sister. Maurice and Mateo settle on an agreement that ... See full summary »

Director: Janice Cooke | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 44

48. Star (2016–2019)
Episode: Karma (2018)

TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Music, Musical

Gravity Media recruits social media influencer Chloe David to attract more attention to Carlotta's festival, but Take 3's plan to hijack attention to their album doesn't go as planned. ... See full summary »

Director: Erica Watson | Stars: Jude Demorest, Brittany O'Grady, Ryan Destiny, Amiyah Scott

Votes: 45

49. The Ms. Pat Show (2021– )
Episode: Pilot: Duck (2021)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama

Coming home from a gig, Ms. Pat is forced to deal with a neighbourhood she doesn't like, a school shooting and a son who over shares on social media.

Director: Debbie Allen | Stars: Patricia Williams, Theodore Barnes, Andrew Bear, Shellye Broughton

Votes: 45

50. Empire (2015–2020)
Episode: Sins of the Father (2015)

TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Music

Andre starts a musical relationship with Michelle; a woman from Lucious' past returns.

Director: Rob Hardy | Stars: Terrence Howard, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers

Votes: 613