Tyler Perry’s Madea Movies in Order: Do you have to watch the Madea movies in order? Whether she’s going to jail or just opening up a can of whupass, Tyler Perry’s Madea is the profane, gun-toting granny you never had but (maybe) wish you did.
Mabel “Madea” Earlene Simmons, the tough-talking, gun-toting matriarch created and portrayed by Tyler Perry, is a cultural phenomenon. Known for her sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, and heart of gold, Madea has captivated audiences through stage plays, films, and TV appearances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Madea film series, knowing the correct order of these comedy gems enhances your viewing experience, revealing character arcs and recurring themes. From her debut in Diary of a Mad Black Woman to her latest adventures, this guide lists all Madea movies in chronological order, complete with plots, streaming options, and fun facts. Let’s dive into the full Madea movies list in order!
Who Is Madea?
Madea, portrayed by Tyler Perry, is a street-smart, elderly African-American woman whose larger-than-life personality blends humor, tough love, and moral wisdom. Inspired by Perry’s mother and aunt, Madea is a PG version of their fiery spirits, delivering laughs alongside lessons on family, faith, and forgiveness. Her appeal lies in her relatability—she’s the grandmother who’ll “open a can of whupass” but ensure you’re cared for. The Tyler Perry Madea movies resonate with audiences for their mix of comedy and serious themes like infidelity and redemption, making her a beloved figure in African-American cinema.
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Complete list of Tyler Perry’s Madea Movies in Chronological Order
Below is the complete Madea movies list in order of release, covering all films featuring the iconic character. Each entry includes the movie title, release year, a brief plot summary, streaming availability (as of 2025, subject to change), and a fun fact.
1. Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)
- Plot Summary: Helen McCarter’s seemingly perfect marriage crumbles when her husband Charles evicts her. Seeking refuge with her grandmother Madea, Helen navigates betrayal, heartbreak, and new love with Orlando. Madea’s tough love and antics, including a confrontation with Charles, guide Helen toward empowerment. The film blends comedy, drama, and romance, introducing Madea’s signature style of delivering moral lessons with humor.
- Where to Watch: Available on Peacock, Amazon Prime (rental), and Hulu (check availability).
- Fun Fact: This was Madea’s first film appearance, adapted from Perry’s 2001 stage play. It grossed over $50 million at the box office.
2. Madea’s Family Reunion (2006)
- Plot Summary: Madea organizes a chaotic family reunion while juggling court-ordered foster parenting for Nikki, a troubled teen. Meanwhile, her niece Lisa faces an abusive fiancé, and her sister Victoria hides dark secrets. Madea’s wisdom and humor help mend family ties, addressing themes of abuse and forgiveness in this heartfelt comedy.
- Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
- Fun Fact: The film features a cameo by poet Maya Angelou, adding a poignant touch to the family reunion scenes.
3. Meet the Browns (2008) [cameo]
- Plot Summary: Single mother Brenda attends her father’s funeral in Georgia, where she meets the eccentric Brown family. Madea makes a brief cameo, getting arrested after a high-speed chase. The film focuses on Brenda’s journey to find family and love, with Madea’s antics providing comic relief in this lighter entry.
- Where to Watch: Available on Peacock, Amazon Prime (rental), and Tubi.
- Fun Fact: Madea’s cameo ties the film to the broader franchise, though it’s more focused on the Brown family.
4. Madea Goes to Jail (2009)
- Plot Summary: After a parking lot altercation lands Madea in prison, she befriends a prostitute, Candace, and navigates life behind bars. Meanwhile, her nephew Brian, a lawyer, defends Candace while facing personal struggles. Madea’s prison antics and moral guidance highlight themes of redemption and second chances.
- Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime and Vudu.
- Fun Fact: The film was a box office hit, earning $90 million worldwide, and features Madea’s iconic forklift scene.
5. I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009)
- Plot Summary: Madea catches three siblings breaking into her home and delivers them to their aunt April, a nightclub singer with a troubled life. As April confronts her past and finds faith, Madea’s tough love and humor guide the family toward healing, tackling themes of addiction and responsibility.
- Where to Watch: Available on Peacock, Tubi, and Amazon Prime (rental).
- Fun Fact: The film features musical performances by Gladys Knight and Mary J. Blige, adding emotional depth.
6. Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011)
- Plot Summary: When Shirley receives a dire health diagnosis, Madea steps in to reunite her fractured family. Amid bickering and secrets, Madea’s outrageous tactics—crashing a fast-food restaurant included—bring humor and unity. The film explores family bonds and facing mortality with grace.
- Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
- Fun Fact: Adapted from Perry’s 2010 play, the film grossed $54 million despite mixed reviews.
7. Madea’s Witness Protection (2012)
- Plot Summary: Madea reluctantly hosts George, a Wall Street banker in witness protection, and his family after a Ponzi scheme scandal. Her unorthodox methods clash with George’s uptight demeanor, leading to hilarious chaos while uncovering corporate corruption. The film blends crime drama with Madea’s comedy.
- Where to Watch: Available on Peacock, Amazon Prime (rental), and Vudu.
- Fun Fact: Eugene Levy’s comedic chemistry with Madea makes this one of the franchise’s most unique entries.
8. A Madea Christmas (2013)
- Plot Summary: Madea accompanies her niece Eileen to a small town for Christmas, where they navigate family secrets and racial tensions. Posing as a maid, Madea stirs up trouble and delivers lessons on acceptance and holiday spirit in this festive comedy.
- Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
- Fun Fact: The film features country star Larry the Cable Guy, adding a surprising cross-cultural dynamic.
9. Madea’s Tough Love (2015)
- Plot Summary: In this animated film, Madea is sentenced to community service at a youth center after chasing skateboarders. She helps troubled teens Netta and Dang Dang while exposing a corrupt mayoral candidate. Madea’s animated antics retain her signature humor and heart.
- Where to Watch: Available on BET+ and Amazon Prime (rental).
- Fun Fact: This is Madea’s only animated film, offering a fresh take on her character.
10. Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016)
- Plot Summary: Madea is tasked with keeping her niece Tiffany out of trouble on Halloween, but a prank-filled night leads to encounters with ghosts, clowns, and zombies. Madea’s fearless attitude and one-liners turn a spooky night into a comedic adventure.
- Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime and Vudu.
- Fun Fact: Inspired by a fictional Madea Halloween film mentioned in Chris Rock’s Top Five, it grossed $74 million.
11. Boo 2! A Madea Halloween (2017)
- Plot Summary: Madea, Bam, and Hattie take Tiffany to a haunted campground for her 18th birthday, facing real and imagined terrors. Madea’s bold confrontations with “monsters” deliver laughs while teaching Tiffany about maturity and family.
- Where to Watch: Available on Peacock, Amazon Prime (rental), and Tubi.
- Fun Fact: The film was shot in just seven days, showcasing Perry’s efficient filmmaking.
12. A Madea Family Funeral (2019)
- Plot Summary: Madea and her crew plan a family reunion that turns into a funeral, uncovering secrets and sparking chaos. Her outrageous antics and heartfelt advice help the family confront grief and betrayal in this comedic farewell (at the time).
- Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or rent on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
- Fun Fact: Marketed as Madea’s final film, it earned $75 million globally.
13. A Madea Homecoming (2022)
- Plot Summary: Madea hosts her great-grandson’s college graduation party, but family tensions and a surprise guest threaten to derail the celebration. Her wisdom and humor navigate love, secrets, and family unity in this Netflix-exclusive return.
- Where to Watch: Stream exclusively on Netflix.
- Fun Fact: Madea’s age is stated as 95, though her 1935 birth year suggests 87, adding to her timeline quirks.
14. Madea’s Destination Wedding (2025)
- Plot Summary: Madea travels for a family wedding in the Bahamas, stirring up chaos with her unfiltered advice and antics. As romantic and familial conflicts arise, Madea’s comedic interventions lead to unexpected resolutions, blending humor with heartfelt moments.
- Where to Watch: Expected on Netflix (check for updates post-release).
- Fun Fact: This marks Madea’s return after Perry hinted at retiring the character, showing her enduring popularity.
How many Madea movies are there?
As of 2025, there are 14 Madea films, including 13 live-action movies and one animated film, Madea’s Tough Love. The latest is Madea’s Destination Wedding (2025).
All Madea Movies in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Madea movie order, they were released.
- Diary of a Mad Black Woman — February 25, 2005
- Madea’s Family Reunion — February 24, 2006
- Meet the Browns (cameo) — March 21, 2008
- Madea Goes to Jail — February 20, 2009
- I Can Do Bad All by Myself (cameo) — September 11, 2009
- Madea’s Big Happy Family — April 22, 2011
- Madea’s Witness Protection — June 29, 2012
- A Madea Christmas — December 13, 2013
- Madea’s Tough Love (Animated film) — January 20, 2015
- Boo! A Madea Halloween — October 21, 2016
- Boo 2! A Madea Halloween — October 20, 2017
- A Madea Family Funeral — March 1, 2019
- A Madea Homecoming — February 25, 2022
- Madea’s Destination Wedding — July 11, 2025
- Joe’s College Road Trip — TBA
Where to Watch Madea Movies?
Most Madea comedy films are available on streaming platforms like Peacock, Netflix, and BET+, with rental options on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Vudu. A Madea Homecoming and Madea’s Destination Wedding are Netflix exclusives, while Madea’s Tough Love is on BET+. Availability varies, so check platforms regularly for updates. Physical DVDs are also available for purchase at retailers like Amazon or Walmart. For the latest Madea streaming options, visit official sites or use apps like JustWatch to track availability.
Every Tyler Perry Madea Plays in Order
Madea has appeared in several plays (some of which have been recorded for repeated viewing), fully produced films, a couple of television programs (guest appearances), one book, and one animated film. The character made her first appearance in the 1999 play I Can Do Bad All by Myself, later appearing in numerous other plays by Perry, then appearing in films based on those plays.
Tyler Perry Plays in order:
- I Can Do Bad All by Myself — 1999
- Diary of a Mad Black Woman — 2001
- Madea’s Family Reunion — 2002
- Madea’s Class Reunion — 2003
- Madea Goes to Jail — 2005
- Madea’s Big Happy Family — 2010
- A Madea Christmas — 2011
- Madea Gets a Job — 2012
- Madea’s Neighbors from Hell — 2013
- Madea on the Run — 2015
- Madea’s Farewell Play — 2019
Fun Facts About the Madea Franchise
The Madea franchise began with Perry’s 1999 stage play I Can Do Bad All by Myself, evolving into a cinematic juggernaut grossing over $500 million collectively. Madea’s character draws from Perry’s mother and aunt, blending their tough love with comedic flair. Notable guest stars like Maya Angelou and Cicely Tyson elevated the films’ cultural impact. Despite criticism for stereotyping, Madea’s universal themes of family and redemption resonate widely, earning her a spot on Entertainment Weekly’s “best-of” list in 2009. Fans still debate the best Madea movies, with Madea Goes to Jail often topping lists for its humor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Madea Movies Connected?
Most Madea films are standalone, but they share recurring characters like Cora, Joe, and Bam, with occasional references to past events. Watching in order enhances continuity but isn’t mandatory.
What Is the Best Madea Movie to Start With?
Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005) is ideal for newcomers, introducing Madea’s character and the franchise’s mix of comedy and drama. Madea Goes to Jail is another fan-favorite entry point.
Is Madea Based on a Real Person?
Madea is inspired by Tyler Perry’s mother and aunt, reflecting their strength and humor. Perry describes her as a “PG version” of their personalities, not a direct portrayal.
Conclusion:
Tyler Perry’s Madea franchise is a beloved blend of laughter, heart, and life lessons, with Mabel “Madea” Simmons stealing the show in every film. From Diary of a Mad Black Woman to Madea’s Destination Wedding, this Madea movies in order list provides everything you need to dive into her world. Whether you’re revisiting classics or starting fresh, these films offer comedy and wisdom for all. Start your Madea marathon today, and let us know your favorite Madea movie in the comments! For more Tyler Perry films and updates, subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media. For More: Wikipedia.org
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