Why “Soul Plane” Remains a Problematic Movie Even 20 Years Later

The infamous movie “Soul Plane” continues to spark conversation and controversy 20 years after its release. The film, starring Kevin Hart, has been dubbed as legendarily bad due to its offensive stereotypes and lazy jokes that mock Black culture.

In the movie, Hart plays Nashawn Wade, a disgruntled passenger who starts his own airline catering to Black passengers after receiving a $100 million settlement from an airline. The film features a plethora of offensive stereotypes, including TSA agents named Jamiqua and Shaniece, a strip club and casino on board, and Snoop Dogg as the captain who gets high and passes out shortly after takeoff.

Despite its intention to be a modern version of the classic comedy “Airplane!,” “Soul Plane” fails to show that it’s in on the joke and instead perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The movie has been criticized for playing into the worst assumptions about Black people and continues to live on due to its notoriety for being so bad.

While some may view “Soul Plane” as a guilty pleasure, others find it difficult to overlook its offensive content. The star-studded cast, including Hart, Snoop Dogg, Mo’Nique, and others, have been credited for their performances in the film.

Whether you love it or hate it, “Soul Plane” is still available for streaming on Tubi and for rent or purchase on various platforms. As discussions about the movie continue 20 years later, it’s clear that its impact is far from forgotten.