Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 romance film which stars Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett and directed by Forest Whitaker. The movie was adapted from the novel of the same name by Terry McMillan and also stars Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon. The original music score was composed by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The story centers on four female friends living in the Phoenix, Arizona area and their relationships with men and one another. All of them are "holding their breath" until the day they can feel comfortable in a committed relationship with a man.

The movie is notable for having an all-black cast. The success of the film proved that there is an audience for black movies. The LA Times called it a "social phenomenon".Dutka, Elaine. "The Money's Where the Action Is; Movies: Big budgets and special effects push the film industry to yet another record performance". Los Angeles Times. May 22 2006. December 31 1996.