Tyler Perry has earned himself the title of one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of entertainment by producing and directing some of the best and most successful motion pictures. From the early days of his acting career, the multi-talented Tyler Perry seems to have found his true calling in writing and directing films. Working solely for his own production house, Tyler Perry Studios, he has created a number of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films that have significantly contributed to the growth of the entertainment industry.
Here, we will discuss his most successful films, their production and also the elements that make these films so special.
The Early Days
Tyler Perry started his acting career in 1991, appearing in several reports, short films, and stage plays. His acting debut was made in the movie “Diary of A Mad Black Woman” (2005), after which he went on to star in a number of other productions. His acting career gave him the platform to launch his writing and directing career and in 2005, he wrote and directed his directorial debut- ‘Diary of A Mad Black Woman’, which received critical acclaim and went on to become a box office success.
After this, Tyler Perry wrote, directed, and produced a number of feature films, mostly for his own production house- Tyler Perry Studios, earning himself a name in the film industry.
Tyler Perry’s Best Films
Tyler Perry has written and directed several films that have not only become a hit with the audience but were also extremely well received by the critics. His best work comprises of some of the most remarkable films ever made, including:
1) Madea’s Family Reunion:
One of his most memorable films, ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’ is a romantic-comedy starring Tyler Perry in the title role. It is the second installment in Tyler Perry’s cinema franchise comprising of 11 films and a stage play. It released in 2006, and soon became a box office hit and one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time.
2) Daddy’s Little Girls:
‘Daddy’s Little Girls’, written and directed by Tyler Perry, is a romantic-drama released in 2007. The film stars Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba, and revolves around a single father who wins a custody battle for his three daughters and is helped by a talented attorney. Despite receiving mixed reviews from the critics, the film went on to become a box office success, earning Tyler Perry much recognition from the industry.
3) Why Did I Get Married?
‘Why Did I Get Married?’, released in 2007 is a romantic despair-comedy starring Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, and Sharon Leal. The film revolves around the struggles of four couples and the challenges they face due to infidelity and lack of communication. It was a massive success at the box office and went on to become one of Perry’s all-time highest-grossing films.
4) Madea Goes to Jail:
‘Madea Goes to Jail’, released in 2009, is one of Tyler Perry’s most successful films to date. It follows Madea who is sent to jail after a car chase. The film was praised by the critics, and was a massive hit at the box office, grossing over $90 million worldwide. Also, it won the 2009 People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Comedy Motion Picture.
5) For Colored Girls:
Tyler Perry’s film ‘For Colored Girls’, released in 2010, is a drama film adapted from the stage play of the same name. The film stars an ensemble cast including Janet Jackson, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, and Kerry Washington, and follows the stories of nine African-American women. The movie received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
6) Why Did I Get Married Too?:
A sequel to “Why Did I Get Married?”, Tyler Perry’s ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ was released in 2010. The film follows four couples who reunite to find solutions to their marital problems. It was a massive hit at the box office and was appreciated by the critics.
7) Madea’s Big Happy Family:
‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ is another one of Tyler Perry’s most successful films released in 2011. The film is the fourth installment of Tyler Perry’s cinema franchise and follows the depressing events in the life of Shirley, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. It grossed over $53 million at the box office and was praised by the critics.
8) Good Deeds:
Released in 2012, ‘Good Deeds’ is a romantic-drama starring Tyler Perry in both the lead roles, as a businessman and a homeless woman. The film was a modest success at the box office and also received positive reviews from the critics.
9) Peeples:
Starring Craig Robinson and Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry’s ‘Peeples’ is a comedy-drama released in 2013. It revolves around the story of Wade Walker, a gifted singer, who has to introduce his pop-singer girlfriend’s family to prove his worthiness. Despite being a box office failure, the film was well received by the critics.
10)Boo! A Madea Halloween:
Released in 2016, ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’ is the tenth film in Tyler Perry’s franchise. It is a slapstick comedy starring Tyler Perry as Madea and Bella Thorne as Rain. The film follows Madea who has to protect her niece’s teenage daughter from a haunted house party. The film was a massive success at the box office and grossed over $730 million.
Tyler Perry’s Style of Filmmaking
Tyler Perry’s films have always been an amalgamation of humor, entertainment, and drama. Though most of his films explore difficult topics like infidelity, family issues, and social issues, his films have an enduring charm that touches the heart of the viewers. His films have unique themes that are enjoyable by all age groups, making him one of the most successful filmmakers and entertainers of modern times.
The fact that a large part of Tyler Perry’s films have positive messages of faith, love, and morality, has helped him to accumulate a massive fan base across the globe.
The Impact of Tyler Perry Films
Few filmmakers in the history of the film industry have made such a huge impact as Tyler Perry has. With his works, he has established a legacy that has profoundly affected the film industry. Over the years, he has delivered powerful performances in all his films, and also won numerous awards for his works.
Apart from just becoming box office hits, his films, especially his Madea series, have become iconic and are considered cult classics, making Tyler Perry an acclaimed filmmaker. His films can be seen as a homage to his loyalty to his authentic style, which has become a major force in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Tyler Perry has written, directed and produced some of the most memorable works of the era; all while making use of his unique style of storytelling. With his works, he has earned himself a name and established a legacy. He is indeed one of the greatest filmmakers and entertainers of our time and is an inspiration to many aspiring filmmakers.
