Black or White

1991·Movie
11min

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

Black or White fingerprint

High energy, striking style, no humor.

Energy

Fast-paced and thrilling

Fast from start to finish.

  • Fast Pace8
  • Adrenaline7
  • Tension6

Heart

Nostalgic

  • Nostalgia8
  • Wonder5
  • Romance3

Humor

Serious throughout

  • Physical Comedy2
  • Absurdist Humor2
  • Satire & Parody2

World

Show business and pop culture

  • World Immersion7
  • Novelty7
  • Dialogue Centrality4

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Direction7
  • Acting6
  • Narrative Structure6

Style

Standout editing, score, and visual style

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Music Centrality10
  • Editing8
  • Music Composition8

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo WatchTeensPure Escapism

Skip it if

You want something to laugh at

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

The accompanying music video/short film for Michael Jackson's "Black or White" was directed by John Landis, who previously directed the "Thriller" music video (1983). It was filmed from late September to early October 1991. It was choreographed by Jackson and Vincent Paterson. It contains a Dolby Surround sound mix. The video premiered simultaneously in 27 countries, with an audience of 500 million viewers, the most ever for a music video. It premiered on MTV, BET, VH1, and Fox (giving them their highest Nielsen ratings ever at the time) as well as the BBC's Top of the Pops on 11/14/1991. The first version that premiered has no graffiti in the final section while the second version does in order to provide context after people complained about Jackson's violent and sexual behavior. Jackson explained he was mimicking the nature of a black panther. The black panther is the symbol of the Black Panther Party which was an African-American revolutionary organization.
Iconic Music VideoMichael JacksonPop-Culture MilestoneControversialVisually Innovative90s NostalgiaMusic-DrivenShort Film

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Black or White

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Black or White legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Black or White in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is Black or White worth watching?

90
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 90/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Black or White rated?

Violence

Content advisories: violence.

How long is Black or White?

0 h 11 min

Black or White runs 0 h 11 min.

What language is Black or White in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

What tropes does Black or White use?

Mistaken for RacistHeel Realization"The Reason You Suck" SpeechDeath by ChildbirthFatal FlawOscar BaitRaised by GrandparentsJerkass Has a PointProfilingEven Evil Has StandardsBlack and NerdyThis Is Unforgivable!and 2 more

TV Tropes lists 14 storytelling tropes for Black or White, including Mistaken for Racist, Heel Realization, "The Reason You Suck" Speech.

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