Jamaica carries such a legendary reputation for its beauty, landscape and culture that it’s been captured more than a few times on film and on television. It’s been the backdrop for older movies like The Mighty Quinn, Dr. No, Club Paradise, Lord of the Flies, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Cool Runnings, and of course The Harder They Come which is arguably the most influential Jamaican film of all time (and inarguably has the best soundtrack).
But if you want to get a glimpse of Jamaica in more recent releases, to motivate you or to help you plan for that next trip, check out these options.
Hands down, Bob Marley is the most famous Jamaican to ever live, and many reggae enthusiasts come to the island to learn more about him, his music, and his powerful story. After watching One Love, which was released in 2024, you may feel inspired to check out the museum in Kingston, or to visit his birthplace in St. Ann. The movie features many Jamaican actors, and an absolute breakout performance by Kingsley Ben-Adir. When we did our own museum tour, it was a special treat to see Ricky Chaplin as a tour guide, as he also plays a key role in the movie.
Ok, so this TV show, written by Marlon James, may be a bit dark, but it is also a truly riveting series. We love that it doesn’t turn away from some of the more negative facets of Jamaican life (e.g. homophobia, shadism, crime), but still epitomizes that there is just something about Jamaica, even with all its warts, that keeps pulling us back… This show also features many Jamaican actors and look out for former dancehall star Patra!
We mentioned Black Cake on our Beach Reads page and are happy to report this mystery series is just as good as the book. Let us warn you from now though – the show was cancelled so storylines were definitely not wrapped up after season 1! But it’s still nice to see the vibrancy of days gone by in Jamaica, as well as a reminder that yes, there are at least a few Jamaicans that can swim!
Migration is a family-friendly animated movie is all about a family of ducks trying to make their way to Jamaica and all the adventures that follow. Their ultimate goal is to get to the beautiful Glistening Waters in Trelawny, which is still on our bucket list so we can totally relate!
We also have read that Oscar-nominated actor Delroy Lindo is working on a film set in Jamaica based on his family’s story, that esteemed director Melina Matsoukas is working on a film set in 1970s Jamaica, and that a UK series partly filmed in Jamaica called Possession is coming out in 2026. So there will be even more to add to this list as time goes on!
Jamaica travels 
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