9. Virgil Tibbs - In the Heat of the Night
Easily the most culturally and socially important selection on this list, Virgil Tibbs was a landmark for black people in cinema. Set and made during the 60's in the midst of the raging civil rights debate, Tibbs is played with intelligence and strength by the legendary Sidney Poitier, the first black Academy Award winner. Tibbs' seminal moment comes when confronted with suspect and racist Eric Endicott. Endicott slaps Tibbs in the face and in what would have been a shocking moment for 60's America, Tibbs slaps him back. Tibbs' actions are one of the very first examples of a black man retaliating to white provocation, meaning Tibbs is one of American cinema's most important characters.