The Ultimate Guide to the Entire Madea Franchise: Movies and TV Shows in Chronological Order

Summary

Madea quickly rose from a supporting character to a main character with her own franchise after her big screen debut in Diary of a Mad Black Woman.

Madea's films, along with many of Tyler Perry's other works, revolve around authentic familial connections and are celebrated for their comedic aspects. Despite being in the public consciousness for more than two decades, the Madea franchise exhibits no indications of decelerating as it consistently releases new additions, such as the most recent crossover production, A Madea Homecoming.

Madea and her creator, Tyler Perry, rose to fame when she made her big screen debut in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. This initial success paved the way for the release of numerous movies featuring the titular character. Transitioning from the stage to the screen, Madea quickly became a central figure in her own franchise, evolving from a supporting to a main character. Like many of Perry's works, Madea's movies revolve around real-life family relationships, infused with comedy whenever she is involved.

Initially introduced in Tyler Perry's play I Can Do Bad All by Myself in 1999, Madea immediately resonated with audiences, leading to consistent box office success for her films. The popularity of Madea even inspired spin-off series, either referencing her or featuring her guest appearances, all created by the prolific producer, writer, and actor, Tyler Perry. Renowned for her straightforward attitude and impeccable comedic timing, Madea has not only built an empire for Tyler Perry but also garnered a devoted following for her beloved movies and shows. After being a cultural phenomenon for more than two decades, the Madea franchise shows no signs of diminishing in popularity.

15 Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)

14 Madea's Family Reunion (2006)

Madea made her big screen debut as a supporting character in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. The film revolves around Helen, who is going through a turbulent divorce, and highlights the support she receives from her family and friends. Perry's extraordinary performance stole the spotlight, elevating the character to stardom. Unlike many of Perry's other films that he wrote, directed, and produced, Diary of a Mad Black Woman was written by Perry and directed by Darren Grant. As the movie primarily focuses on Helen's melodramatic story, it lacks the comedic essence typically found in films centered around Madea and directed by Perry.

Madea's second big-screen installment provided her with increased screen time and catered to the desires of the audience. Madea's Family Reunion revolves around Madea's endeavor to arrange a grand family gathering. While ensuing hilarity ensues, the movie remains faithful to the essence of Perry's films, with Madea addressing profound issues alongside delivering punchlines. Perry's transition to the director's role granted him greater creative influence, resulting in a deeper narrative that aligns with subsequent films in the series. Boasting a cast adorned with luminaries such as Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson, and Keke Palmer, this film cemented Perry's status as a powerhouse in Hollywood.

13 Tyler Perry's House of Payne (2006)

The Madea character has given rise to several television series, with the first one being House of Payne. This show revolves around the lives of Curtis and Ella Payne, along with their family, as they navigate the challenges of multi-generational living in Atlanta. While the focus of the show is not solely on Madea, she does make multiple appearances throughout, most notably in season 2, episode 1 "Bully and the Beast," where she acts as an opponent to the main character Curtis Payne. She is also featured in season 2, episode 40, "The Wench Who Saved Christmas," and season 3, episode 1, "Wife Swap."

12 Meet the Browns (2008)

In the movie Meet the Browns, Angela Basset delivers a remarkable performance as Brenda Brown Davis, a single mother navigating the challenges of life. As Brenda returns to her hometown in Georgia after her estranged father's passing, Madea takes a step back, allowing Basset to shine. Tyler Perry takes on the roles of Madea and Joe Brown in this subtly captivating third installment of the Madea Cinematic Universe. Despite the absence of Madea's hilarious wisecracks, the film still thrives, drawing significant success at the box office.

11 Madea Goes to Jail (2009)

Madea Goes to Jail revisits the comedic essence of the iconic Madea character when she finds herself incarcerated following a high-speed police chase portrayed in Meet the Browns. During her time behind bars, Madea forms an unlikely bond with a prostitute named Candace (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and becomes her mentor. The contrasting personalities of Madea and Candace add depth to the comedy, making it more emotionally resonant. As a refreshing departure within the franchise, Madea Goes to Jail both precedes and follows two intense and dramatic installments.

10 I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)

Following the release of Madea Goes to Jail, I Can Do Bad All By Myself hit the screens a few months later. The story revolves around April, an alcoholic lounge singer (played by Taraji P. Henson), who undergoes a profound transformation as she embraces the responsibilities of motherhood. Encouraged by Madea, April takes on the task of caring for her nieces and nephews. Despite a few stumbling blocks along the way, April manages to turn her life around and ultimately discovers happiness. Despite Madea playing a more supportive role, the film maintains its integrity thanks to its compelling storyline and Henson's impeccable acting skills.

9 Madea's Big Happy Family (2011)

8 Madea's Witness Protection (2012)

Loretta Devine delivers a brilliant performance as Shirley in this heartwarming family drama that explores the true meaning of unity. Madea's Big Happy Family does an exceptional job of showcasing its captivating storyline, with Madea providing the much-needed comedic relief. When Shirley learns about her niece's terminal cancer diagnosis, Madea steps up to rally the entire family together for support. However, Shirley's adult children hesitate to get involved, adding an intriguing layer to the complex dynamics within the family. This film skillfully uncovers the intricacies of family relationships, further strengthened by its talented ensemble cast. Despite being underrated, Madea's Big Happy Family remains a compelling cinematic experience, delivering a strong narrative and outstanding performances.

In Madea's Witness Protection, Perry shifts his focus from intense family drama to pure comedy. The talented comedian Eugine Levy portrays George Needleman, a man forced into witness protection in Madea's hometown after a failed Ponzi scheme. This film, unlike Perry's stage productions, relies heavily on the comedic timing of its stars and succeeds as a hilarious comedy. It offers a refreshing alternative for those seeking Perry's signature style without the melodramatic elements present in some of his other works.

7 Love Thy Neighbor (2013)

6 A Madea Christmas (2013)

: This popular Madea TV spin-off, which ranks as the second-highest-rated series on the Oprah Winfrey Network, follows the life of Hattie May (Patrice Lovely) as she navigates her roles as a restaurant owner and employee at the Love Train Diner. In one notable episode from season 2, titled "Madea's Pressure is Up," Madea herself (played by the iconic character creator) makes a memorable cameo appearance. During this crossover event, Madea provides Hattie with the much-needed courage to address her daughter's pregnancy situation with Phillip (Tony Grant). This particular episode serves as a delightful blend of the series and the beloved Madea franchise, treating viewers to an array of witty one-liners and humorous banter.

A beloved addition to any holiday lineup, A Madea Christmas quickly captured the hearts of Tyler Perry fans. This clash-of-cultures gem reaches its climax when Madea discovers that Lacey, played by Tika Sumpter, has married a man of a different race. While the film does address the obvious cultural differences, it ultimately brings the characters together in a way that is quintessentially Perry. With its genuine performances and compelling storyline, this movie possesses more depth and charm than your typical holiday fare.

5 Madea's Tough Love (2015)

Madea's Tough Love brings the beloved character into the animated world, offering her even more opportunities for comedic mischief. When Madea is sentenced to community service at a youth shelter, chaos ensues as she hilariously navigates her new responsibilities. While not exclusively aimed at children, this PG-rated film is packed with lively antics and over-the-top silliness, all in the name of doing what's best for the kids. With appearances from familiar faces in Tyler Perry's film repertoire, Madea's Tough Love is an exhilarating addition to the expanding Madea Cinematic Universe.

4 Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016)

Boo! A Madea Halloween, another holiday special, capitalizes on the fear and terror associated with the iconic holiday. Madea, after interrupting a college party, finds herself being haunted by the very students she tried to discipline. This film is the first of two parts released during the spooky season and offers a refreshing twist as Madea assumes a defensive role rather than being the instigator of the mischief. Although these Halloween installments did not attract much attention to the Madea Cinematic Universe, their delightful silliness provides a welcomed addition to the collection of Halloween movies.

3 Boo2! A Madea Halloween (2017)

2 A Madea Family Funeral (2019)

: Madea and her family unite once again in the thrilling sequel of the Halloween series, Boo 2! A Madea Halloween. Their mission? To rescue Tiffany (Diamond White) from a potentially disastrous turn of events during a wild college fraternity bash. As they embark on this daring journey, the courageous women find themselves facing a myriad of bloodthirsty monsters and relentless creatures, all hell-bent on their elimination. Despite initially appearing unnecessary, this second installment should not be dismissed, for it showcases the same comedic brilliance that has made Tyler Perry a household name.

A Madea Family Funeral was originally intended to be the final installment of the franchise. The film skillfully orchestrates an unexpected funeral, bringing together a multitude of beloved characters from the series. It effectively captures the essence of the franchise by blending Madea's bold and outrageous persona with the heartfelt sincerity of the storyline. Tyler Perry delivers a standout performance as Madea, skillfully striking a balance between the comedic elements and the dramatic moments. Fortunately for dedicated fans, Perry made the decision to continue the franchise, despite the previous notion that A Madea Family Funeral would mark its conclusion.

1 A Madea Homecoming (2022)

In the latest installment, Madea's great-grandson hosts a college graduation party, but the event is interrupted by family drama, resulting in a series of hilarious mishaps. A Madea Homecoming, based on Perry's stage play Madea's Farewell Play, was released on Netflix and features a crossover with the popular British sitcom Mrs. Brown's Boys. Although an unexpected addition to the Madea Cinematic Universe, Perry successfully delivers the comedy that Madea's fans have come to love.