Tyler Perry is one of the most prolific, divisive, and successful creators in modern entertainment. From his wildly popular Madea franchise to his deeply emotional dramas, Perry’s filmography runs wide and deep. Below is a ranked list of his top 10 films that have moved audiences, sparked conversation, and defined his career. Number 3 may surprise you—because it reveals a side of Perry critics long ignored.
1. Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)

The film that started it all. Perry’s big-screen debut gave us Helen’s journey from devastation to healing after her husband abandons her. It introduced Madea to the mainstream and earned over $50 million on a $5 million budget. The mix of faith, pain, and personal growth became the blueprint for Perry’s brand.

2. Madea Goes to Jail (2009)

Hilarious and unexpectedly moving, this entry shows Madea’s classic no-nonsense attitude inside a women’s prison. But its deeper storyline of redemption for troubled youth gives the film its emotional weight. It was a box-office hit and one of the best blends of comedy and social critique in Perry’s catalog.

3. A Jazzman’s Blues (2022)

Perry’s most critically acclaimed film. A sweeping romantic tragedy set in the Jim Crow South, this film surprised fans with its cinematography, writing, and depth. Long in development, it shows Perry’s potential beyond the Madea universe and earned praise for its artistic storytelling and emotional complexity.

4. Why Did I Get Married? (2007)

A sharp, emotional look at the lives of four couples on a retreat that spirals into brutal honesty and betrayal. The film’s mix of humor and heartbreak made it a fan favorite. Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, and Perry himself star in this modern relationship drama.

5. I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)

Taraji P. Henson leads this emotionally intense story about a selfish singer forced into motherhood. Madea makes appearances, but it’s Henson’s raw performance and the film’s gospel-fueled journey from chaos to family that elevates it.

6. For Colored Girls (2010)

Based on Ntozake Shange’s classic choreopoem, this adaptation gathered a powerhouse ensemble including Janet Jackson, Thandiwe Newton, and Whoopi Goldberg. It tackled abuse, sisterhood, and healing with searing performances and earned Perry credibility as a dramatic director.

7. The Family That Preys (2008)

Underrated but excellent, this film follows two matriarchs—one white, one Black—and their families’ intertwined fates. Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard shine in a story of betrayal, ambition, and class. It proved Perry could write nuanced characters across economic and racial lines.

8. Madea’s Family Reunion (2006)

Following the success of Diary, this sequel delivers more laughs and more heart. Madea helps a group of young women navigate love, abuse, and self-worth. It hits Perry’s favorite themes: family, faith, and finding your voice.

9. Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013)

This glossy, cautionary tale drew buzz for its soapy storytelling and a surprisingly dark twist. Though divisive, it shows Perry’s flair for risk and emotional stakes. Jurnee Smollett and Lance Gross lead a tale of moral fallout and lost identity.

10. Good Deeds (2012)

A quiet, character-driven film about a wealthy businessman (played by Perry) who reevaluates his life after meeting a struggling single mom. It’s one of his more introspective works, offering nuance and subtlety over shock or spectacle.
Final TakeTyler Perry’s influence goes beyond box office. He creates space for complex Black stories, pushes boundaries between faith and entertainment, and keeps surprising audiences—especially when he’s not doing Madea.

If you only know him for the wigs and the laughs, it’s time to revisit his deeper catalogue. Number 3 proves it: he can do prestige, too.