The Definitive List: How Many Madea Movies Are There? (14 Films, Including The Latest 2025 Release)

For fans of the no-nonsense, gun-toting matriarch, Mabel "Madea" Simmons, the question of "how many Madea movies are there" is one that constantly changes as creator Tyler Perry continues to expand his cinematic universe. As of late , the definitive, up-to-the-minute count of official Madea movies stands at 14 feature films. This count includes the character's blockbuster debut in 2005 and her most recent, highly anticipated streaming release on Netflix, solidifying her status as one of the most successful and enduring characters in modern cinema. This comprehensive guide breaks down every single movie, from the earliest stage play adaptations to the latest theatrical and streaming hits, ensuring you have the complete, chronological list.

The Madea franchise is a monumental achievement in independent filmmaking, not only launching Tyler Perry’s career into the stratosphere but also creating a billionaire media mogul who owns his own studio. The character, a tough-love grandmother, first appeared on stage in the 2000 play I Can Do Bad All by Myself before making her silver screen debut, and she has since become a cultural phenomenon, tackling serious family issues with a blend of humor, faith, and unapologetic sass. Below, we provide the ultimate list and the full history of the Madea cinematic universe.

Tyler Perry: The Man Behind the Matriarch

Tyler Perry, born Emmitt Perry Jr., is the creative powerhouse responsible for the entire Madea empire. His journey from an early life marked by abuse and poverty to becoming one of Hollywood's most successful and wealthiest figures is a testament to his ambition and unique creative vision. The Madea character is central to his success, a personification of the strong, resilient Black women he knew growing up, particularly his mother and aunt.

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• Full Name: Emmitt Perry Jr.
• Born: September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Filmmaker, Playwright, Producer, Author.
• Madea Debut (Play): I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2000).
• Madea Debut (Film): Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005).
• Major Achievement: Became a billionaire in 2020.
• Studio: Founder and owner of Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Key Collaborations: Lions Gate Entertainment, Netflix, BET.
• Other Notable Works: House of Payne, The Haves and the Have Nots, Why Did I Get Married?, Acrimony.

The Complete Chronological List of All 14 Madea Movies

The Madea filmography spans two decades, beginning with a stage-to-screen adaptation that introduced the world to Mabel Simmons. While some non-core films occasionally blur the count, the most accurate and inclusive list of Madea's cinematic appearances stands at 14 feature films, with the latest entry solidifying the franchise's ongoing legacy. Here is the definitive list of all Madea movies in release order, up to the most recent 2025 title.

1. Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)

   The film that started it all, adapting Perry's 2001 stage play. Madea is introduced as the tough-talking grandmother who takes in her granddaughter, Helen, after a devastating divorce. This movie established the franchise's signature blend of melodrama, comedy, and spiritual reflection.

2. Madea's Family Reunion (2006)

   This second installment sees Madea planning a family reunion while simultaneously dealing with the court-ordered foster care of a rebellious teenager. It further develops the character's role as the flawed but necessary moral center of her extended family.

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3. Meet the Browns (2008)

   Often included in the Madea universe, though the character has a smaller, supporting role. The film primarily focuses on Brenda, a single mother who travels to Georgia for her father's funeral and meets the eccentric Brown family. Madea’s appearance acts as a bridge to the wider Tyler Perry Cinematic Universe.

4. Madea Goes to Jail (2009)

   One of the most successful entries, this movie follows Madea after a high-speed chase lands her in jail, where she meets a variety of colorful characters. The film juxtaposes Madea's legal troubles with a dramatic storyline about a high-powered attorney.

5. I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009)

   Based on the play where Madea was first created, the film centers on singer April who is forced to take in her niece and nephews after their mother disappears. Madea's role is to provide guidance and tough love to the struggling family.

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6. Madea's Big Happy Family (2011)

   The plot revolves around Shirley, who is dying and wants to gather her dysfunctional family for one last meal. Madea steps in to help Shirley manage her chaotic, ungrateful children and bring them together.

7. Madea's Witness Protection (2012)

   A departure from the typical family drama, this comedy sees Madea and her family unwillingly host a Wall Street investment banker and his family after they are placed in witness protection. The clash of cultures provides significant comedic relief.

8. A Madea Christmas (2013)

   Madea travels to a small, rural town in Alabama to help a friend surprise her daughter for Christmas. The film explores themes of tradition, faith, and the commercialization of the holiday season, all filtered through Madea's unique perspective.

9. Madea's Tough Love (2015)

   This is the franchise's only direct-to-video animated film. Madea is assigned community service at a youth center and uses her signature methods to help the troubled children turn their lives around. This title is sometimes excluded from the live-action count, but it is an official installment.

10. Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016)

    A surprise hit that topped the box office, this horror-comedy sees Madea babysitting her great-niece on Halloween night. She must fight off ghosts, goblins, and a fraternity party, leading to hilarious and spooky situations.

11. Boo 2! A Madea Halloween (2017)

    The sequel to the 2016 hit, this film follows Madea and her friends as they venture to a haunted campground, once again getting into supernatural trouble and delivering Perry's signature brand of humor.

12. A Madea Family Funeral (2019)

    Originally announced as the final Madea film, this installment brings the family together for a funeral that quickly spirals into chaos and uncovered secrets. It served as a massive send-off for the character before her brief retirement.

13. A Madea Homecoming (2022)

    After a three-year hiatus, Madea returned in this Netflix-exclusive film. The plot centers on Madea's great-grandson's college graduation party, which is complicated by family drama and the surprise arrival of a relative from Ireland. This film marks the character's official return and partnership with Netflix.

14. Madea's Destination Wedding (2025)

    The newest and 14th installment in the franchise, this film is the most current piece of information for fans. Slated for release on Netflix on July 11, 2025, the movie follows Madea as she travels to the Bahamas for a family wedding, promising a chaotic and hilarious destination comedy. This confirms that the Madea universe is still actively expanding, even after the character's intended retirement.

The Madea Cinematic Universe: Success and Legacy

The enduring success of the Madea movies is a fascinating case study in Hollywood. Despite often receiving mixed critical reviews, the franchise has consistently been a massive commercial hit, demonstrating a powerful connection with its core audience. The films, which are often written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry himself, have grossed hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office, making them one of the most profitable film series in history.

The financial success of the Madea franchise allowed Tyler Perry to achieve a level of creative and financial independence rarely seen in the industry. He leveraged his profits to found Tyler Perry Studios (TPS), a massive 330-acre facility in Atlanta, Georgia, which is one of the largest film production studios in the United States. The studio is a direct result of the character's popularity, giving Perry unprecedented control over his creative projects and a platform to tell diverse stories.

The character of Madea—Mabel Simmons—is more than just a comedic figure; she is a cultural touchstone. She represents an archetype of the Black community: a strong, spiritual, and brutally honest elderly woman who uses her street smarts and faith to guide her family through modern life's challenges. Her appeal lies in her ability to deliver hard truths and moral lessons while making audiences laugh, a formula that has kept moviegoers returning for over 14 films.

Madea's Future: What's Next After the Destination Wedding?

With the release of Madea's Destination Wedding in 2025, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The ongoing partnership between Tyler Perry and Netflix has provided a new, global platform for the character, allowing her stories to reach a wider audience than ever before. While Perry had previously stated that A Madea Family Funeral would be her last outing, the character's return in A Madea Homecoming and the subsequent 14th film prove that Madea's retirement was short-lived.

Fans should continue to monitor announcements from Tyler Perry Studios and Netflix for news of future projects. The success of the streaming-exclusive films suggests that the Madea Cinematic Universe will likely continue to expand on the platform, bringing the beloved, hilarious matriarch to new and familiar family gatherings, holidays, and destinations for years to come. The enduring message of family, faith, and forgiveness, delivered with a comedic punch, ensures that Madea remains a relevant and highly anticipated figure in the entertainment world.