She's Gotta Have It

The distinct voice and cinematic talent of Spike Lee first became evident thanks to this indie classic. She's Gotta Have It tells the story of a confident, single black woman (in itself something of a breakthrough) pursued by three different African-American men — and who isn't sure she wants any of them.

More than 30 years later, when it was added to the National Film Registry (in 2019), this landmark work remains as vital, vibrant, charming and streetwise as it was at first release, a harbinger of Lee's enduring and visionary career as filmmaker. Lee also appears in the film as the memorable Mars.