Tyler Perry’s 13th and most sultry film Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor opened in theaters on Friday (Mar. 26). If you haven’t heard or seen any of the steamy previews, the new feature focuses on Judith (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a marriage counselor who falls into the arms of a man (Robbie Jones) who isn’t her husband (Lance Gross). Temptation isn’t the only film that strays the Madea formula. Flip through to check out five of Tyler Perry’s best films.
1. Daddy’s Little Girls (2007)
Cast: Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Lou Gossett, Jr., Trace Ellis Ross, Tasha Smith
In one of the few films where Tyler Perry doesn’t make an appearance, DLG tells the story of a mechanic (Elba) who falls for his attorney (Union) while trying to gain custody of his three children from his precarious ex-wife (Smith). This film was the lowest grossing Perry movies at over 31 million, but it was also his first film that erased the common idea of a “deadbeat dad.”
2. Why Did I Get Married? (2007)
Cast: Jill Scott, Janet Jackson, Tasha Smith, Micheal Jai White, Malik Yoba
This dramedy consists of four very different marriages but centers around Shelia (Scott) and her marriage to cruel character Mike (Richard T. Jones). After the group’s annual marriage retreat, all of the marital unions are tested to their limits. The reception of the film was positive sparking a sequel and the spin-off For Better or Worse, starring Tasha Smith and Micheal Jai White.
3. Good Deeds (2012)
Cast: Tyler Perry, Gabrielle Union, Thandie Newton
Good Deeds focuses on Wesley Deeds (Perry) and how his almost-perfect life changes when he meets Lindsey (Newton). The two characters humble each other and learn what it means to have fun and live spontaneously. While the movie fared well in theaters (35 million grossed nationally), many felt that this was just another “preachy film.”
4. The Family That Preys (2008)
Cast: Alfred Woodard, Cathy Bates, Sanaa Lathan, Taraji P. Henson, Rockman Dunbar
An unexpected plot and dynamic cast make this film of Tyler’s best works to date. The Family That Preys tells a creative story of two families: one wealthy and other working class with love, deception, money and drama intertwined. It also doesn’t hurt that the film shows great chemistry between the Alfred Woodard and Cathy Bates, respectively.
5. For Colored Girls (2011)
Cast: Kimberly Elise, Janet Jackson. Micheal Ealy, Anika Noni Rose, Loretta Divine, Kerry Washington, Phylicia Rashad, Omari Hardwick
The play by Ntozake Shange For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf inspired one of Tyler’s most emotionally charged films. It gives life to the 20-poem collection with powerful performances from the cast. Although critics praised the actors, it was still overlooked by The Academy. The film, however, did earn praise from the African American Film Critics Association, Black Reel Awards and the NAACP Image Awards.