Tyler Perry is the talented creator and actor behind the iconic character Mabel “Madea” Earlene Simmons. Known for her bold attitude, blunt one-liners, and unconventional problem-solving approach, she first appeared in Perry’s 1999 play, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”.
Recognizing the character’s immense potential, he went on to develop an entire universe revolving around Madea, thereby captivating audiences for over two decades with a blend of comedy, drama, and moral messages. In addition, Perry also plays other roles, including Madea’s brother, Joe Simmons, and her nephew, Brian Simmons.
Perry revealed that he drew inspiration for Madea’s character from the female family members with whom he grew up. In a 2019 interview with USA Today, he said, “Madea is a cross between my mother and my aunt. She’s the type of grandmother that was on every corner when I was growing up… She’s a strong figure where I come from, in my part of the African-American community.”
Since the release of the first film, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” in 2005, Madea has become an unforgettable presence, leading to a greater demand for more films featuring her. Consequently, there have been 13 Madea movies so far. In each installment, she is seen in different contexts, from family reunions and weddings to encounters with the legal system and Halloween escapades.
These scenarios add a new layer to her character, allowing us to witness her growth, vulnerability, and unyielding spirit as she navigates through various challenges, bringing a rollercoaster of laughter and life lessons to the characters she encounters.
What sets her apart is not just her comedic timing but also the underlying messages of love, forgiveness, and the importance of family that deeply resonate with the viewers. Many of these films originated as stage plays with the same titles.
Whether you are new to the Madea universe or want to re-watch the movies, this guide provides a list of all Madea movies in chronological order!
1. Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)
The story focuses on Helen, whose perfect life turns upside down when her marriage of 18 years is broken. Her husband, Charles, reveals his infidelity and drags her out of their extravagant Atlanta home, leaving her with no place to live.
Shattered to pieces, Helen is forced to start a new life. Grandmother Madea, the no-nonsense matriarch with a steel personality, teaches Helen to stand up for herself. Eventually, she finds the strength to overcome challenges, heal and fall in love again.
Through her journey, she understands the importance of self-worth and independence. With a mix of humor and touching moments, the film is not only entertaining but also sheds light on themes of domestic abuse, self-empowerment, and the significance of familial bonds. The movie will leave you laughing and crying for sure, so watch it if you haven’t already! The film is available on Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon Prime Video.
2. Madea’s Family Reunion (2006)
The story delves into challenges faced by Madea as she becomes the pillar for her nieces, Lisa and Vanessa, who are dealing with relationship issues. Meanwhile, she has to take care of a rebellious foster child named Nikki and plan a family reunion. As many secrets are unraveled and tension rises within the family, Madea, with her unfiltered mouth and witty brain, has to keep her family together.
The story explores themes of domestic violence, dysfunctional family, and the courage to stand against the wrong. There is a balance between comedic moments and heartfelt drama, offering an engaging experience. It is available on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple TV.
3. Meet the Browns (2008)
While the movie doesn’t revolve around Madea, she still manages to steal the spotlight with her hilarious cameo. She is being chased by the police and gets arrested. The story focuses on Brenda, who visits Georgia for her father’s funeral and meets her family for the first time, all the while finding love along the way. This film can be found on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
4. Madea Goes to Jail (2009)
Madea is always getting into trouble, and this time it is no different. Even though she is attending anger management classes, she lands herself in Jail after commandeering a forklift truck to remove a woman’s car from a grocery store’s parking space, damaging the car in the process. While in Jail, she forms unexpected friendships with fellow inmates like T.T., a killer, and Candace, a sex worker and drug addict.
Attorney Joshua Hadaway, who was a childhood friend of Candace, tries to help her, but his jealous fiance, Linda, also an attorney, manipulates the reports to make sure she remains in Jail. As expected by Tyler Perry, the movie combines comedy and drama to portray the consequences of one’s mistakes, the power of self-redemption, and the significance of second chances. It is available on Apple TV, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Google TV.
5. I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)
It introduces us to three children who are seen breaking into Madea’s house, but she catches them and discovers that they have no one else in their lives except their aunt, April. She is shown as a heavy drinker who sings at a nightclub and depends on her married boyfriend for financial help.
She doesn’t welcome the kids but allows them to stay with her. However, her life takes a positive turn when Sandino, a Colombian immigrant, also comes to live in her house at the Pastor’s suggestion. Through his love and care, she understands the true meaning of family and learns to live a better life. The film can be watched on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Vidu, Apple TV, or Google TV.
6. Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011)
Madea’s niece, Shirley, is diagnosed with Cancer and wants to share the news with her three adult children, but they are consumed by their own problems and don’t spare her any moment. Madea takes the task of bringing the family together for dinner. Given the constant bickering and commotion caused by them, it seems impossible, but what can Madea not do? The movie can be watched on Amazon Prime or Vudu.
7. Madea’s Witness Protection (2012)
George Needleman, a Chief Finance Officer, is shocked when he discovers that his company is involved in a mob-run Ponzi scheme. He becomes the scapegoat for the fraudulent activities of his boss and gets arrested, but the FBI gives him a chance to testify against the mobsters.
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He and his family are sent to stay in Madea’s home as a part of the witness protection program to hide from the mafia. Initially, they are uncomfortable and awkward but gradually warm up to each other and are seen devising a plan to recover the charity funds stolen in the Ponzi scheme. It has many hilarious scenes that will leave you rolling on the floor. Find it on iTunes, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, or Vudu.
8. A Madea Christmas (2013)
It is the eighth film in Madea’s Cinematic Universe, where Madea finds herself working at a high-end store for her great niece Ellen. She is seen dressed as Santa, but her sharp tongue and personal phone calls lead to her being fired on the very first day.
Eileen wants to celebrate Christmas with her daughter, Lacey, who is unable to visit home. She brings Madea and her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, Oliver, to her daughter’s house in the hopes of reconciling, unaware that her daughter is already married to a white man.
Fearing that her judgemental mother would disapprove of her relationship, Lacey tries to keep her marriage a secret by lying that her husband is only a “farm helper.” However, the situation becomes complicated when her in-laws also arrive to celebrate Christmas.
Secrets unravel, and chaos ensues as expected in a Tyler Perry movie, bringing laughter and family drama. This holiday-themed movie is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple TV.
9. Madea’s Tough Love (2015)
Unlike other Madea movies, this is the first animated movie in Madea Universe. It revolves around Madea, who can’t seem to keep herself away from trouble. Her encounter with the law gets her sentenced to community service.
With her trademark sass and wit, she embarks on a mission to save the Moms Mabley Youth Center from being shut down. We can clearly see that beneath her tough exterior, she possesses a heart full of love. This film can be enjoyed on platforms like Vudu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Google TV.
10. Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016)
The genius Tyler Perry returns with another holiday movie after the success of “A Madea Christmas.” Undoubtedly, this is one of the favorite Halloween movies for Madea fans. No matter how many times you watch it, the scenes are going to make your chest hurt from laughing. Tiffany and her three friends are invited to a Halloween party. However, her dad, Brian, doesn’t allow her to attend the party.
To keep an eye on her while he is out of town, he turns to Madea, who arrives with Hattie, Aunt Bam, and Uncle Joe. But Tiffany finds a way to sneak out of the house and attend the party with her friends.
When Madea comes to know, she crashes the party, and cops are also called. Soon, they find themselves face-to-face with ghosts and zombies. Watch this hilarious Halloween film on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, or Apple TV.
11. Boo 2! A Madea Halloween (2017)
A year after the first Madea Halloween movie, we get another dose of spookiness in this installment. When Madea discovers that Tiffany is once again attending a Halloween party, she jumps into action.
Accompanied by Aunt Bam and Hattie, she heads to Lake Derrick, where the party is being held. Unfortunately, it is in the middle of the woods near a haunted campsite, leading to encounters with ghouls, ghosts, and masked figures wielding chainsaws and axe with the intention of murder. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple TV.
12. A Madea Family Funeral (2019)
Madea and her family gather in Georgia to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vianne (Jen Harper) and Anthony (Derek Morgan). However, everything is not as rainbows and sunshine as it looks when it is revealed that Anthony is actually having an affair with Vianne’s best friend, Renne.
Tragedy strikes when Anthony is caught and dies from a heart attack, transforming the festive atmosphere into one of mourning. Now, Madea has to not only dive through the complexities of planning a funeral with Anthony’s son, AJ but also try to keep the scandalous secret buried. However, the family has more than one secret, and they slowly unravel, bringing comedy, drama, and valuable lessons to the viewers. Watch this film on Vudu, Apple TV, or Amazon Prime Video.
13. A Madea Homecoming (2022)
When everyone thought the Madea franchise had reached its conclusion with the last movie, Tyler Perry returned with the biggest surprise in the form of “A Madea Homecoming” and captured the hearts and minds of the fans once again.
In this latest installment, Madea’s great-grandson, Tim, is graduating from college, so a family gathering takes place at her house for the celebration. However, as the drama unfolds and tension rises, laughter surrounds us from the beginning to the end of the movie. It is available exclusively for streaming on Netflix.
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