biography black history movies

50 Movies to Help You Celebrate Black History Month All Year Long

Celebrate and honor Black culture and history more than just one month with this movie list.

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Every February we celebrate Black History Month —a moment to learn about and honor Black culture, including the many contributions it has made to popular culture as we know it today. Although, just one month, seeking equality, reconciliation and pursuing anti-racism, is an ongoing endeavor no matter the time of year. Former president of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." And luckily, one of those paths towards further education can be through the luxury of watching a film, especially those created by Black tastemakers.

To help you celebrate Black History Month and every month afterwards, we've rounded up a variety of genres from films new and old. From acclaimed documentaries like A Ballerina's Tale and 3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets to films that confront the horrors of slavery and systemic racism like 12 Years A Slave , 13th , and The Hate U Give, some films are hard to watch, but reveal the ugly truth of being Black in America. Although, these films portray an important narrative, we also made sure to include stories dedicated to Black joy like Soul , Blank Panther and Summer of Soul . If you're looking to take your Black History Month beyond February and film, check out our list of Black History Month books and brush up on your favorite quotes from some of history's most iconic figures .

Black Panther (2018)

The late Chadwick Boseman stars as the first black superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Black Panther. T’Challa (aka Black Panther) must lead the land of Wakanda and face opposition from a threat to his leadership.

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Malcom X (1992)

An epic biopic of the late controversial Civil Rights leader Malcom X, by director Spike Lee, with Denzel Washington starring as Malcom X.

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If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

A tragic romance of two young people in love, eager to begin their lives as a family, only to have their dreams dashed when the young man is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit.

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Judas & the Black Messiah (2021)

Winner of the 2021 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Daniel Kaluuya plays the leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. Little does he know that the FBI has sent in a mole to get information about him.

Marshall (2017)

This biopic covers one of Thurgood Marshall's early high profile cases. Chadwick Boseman and Josh Gad play two lawyers who team up to fight racism and prejudice.

Selma (2014)

This epic Civil Rights biopic covers the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, which ultimate leads to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Winner of the Best Original Song Academy Award for the title song “Glory,” by John Legend & Common.

Hidden Figures (2016)

What was behind the launch of John Glenn into orbit? The brilliant minds of three black women at NASA: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. This moving film will inspire you to dream beyond what you can imagine.

13th (2016)

This documentary by filmmaker Ava DuVernay is a must-watch! Telling the story of the long history of racial inequality in America, it also highlights the systemic racism found in the prison system today.

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Harriet (2019)

This incredible movie tells the awe-inspiring and harrowing story of Harriet Tubman and her many journeys back and forth on the Underground Railroad.

Fences (2016)

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson and directed by Denzel Washington, Fences shows us how regrets and long-lost dreams can plague those around you if you don’t deal with them. A father must deal with his inner demons before it destroys his son’s future.

Just Mercy (2019)

Based on the memoir by Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy follows Stephenson early on in his career as a lawyer, fresh out of Harvard, fighting for death row inmates in the South. This early case would lead him to start the Equal Justice Initiative .

Ballerina’s Tale (2015)

Misty Copeland became the first African-American woman to hold a principal role at the American Ballet Theater. Follow along on her daily routine, backstory, and rise to stardom in this inspiring documentary.

Moonlight (2016)

This Academy Award winner for Best Picture by director Barry Jenkins is a coming of age drama telling the story of one young man’s life growing up in Miami in three acts of his life and the community that makes him the man he becomes.

Chadwick Boseman stars as the inimitable Jackie Robinson as he signs on as the first black player on the 1946 Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team.

Crooklyn (1994)

A young girl living in a tight-knit Brooklyn community learns about life, loss, community and what it truly means to be a family.

Boyz n the Hood (1991)

Three friends navigate life, love, and danger on the tough South Central streets in Los Angeles. Pulled into the gang-life, they must face the tragic consequences of their choices.

The Hate U Give (2018)

A young girl straddling two worlds—her Black community and the privileged and predominantly white world of her private school—is devastated by a tragic killing of her best friend by a local police officer, forcing her to discover her voice and take a stand for what’s right.

The Butler (2013)

Directed by Lee Daniels, The Butler follows the life of Cecil Gaines as he gains the opportunity of a lifetime, when he’s hired on as a butler in the White House. Spanning decades and presidencies, Gaines’ life highlights an important and turbulent time in the fight for civil rights.

I Am Not Your Negro (2016)

The remaining unfinished manuscript from James Baldwin is reimagined in this documentary by filmmaker Raoul Peck. Baldwin gives personal accounts of the assassinations of three of his friends: Malcom X, Medgar Evars, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

I Will Follow (2012)

A young woman mourns the loss of her aunt and finds comfort as she grieves from other people who have recently lost someone.

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37 Black History Movies Everyone Needs to See at Least Once

These films tell the incredible stories of so many Black historical figures.

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While Black History Month is celebrated in February — " the shortest month of the year ," as pointed out by Oscar Proud on the OG Proud Family — people should celebrate Black culture and stories all year long. One way to do that is by watching powerful movies and documentaries. There are so many films that teach us about people who helped change our country's laws and general way of thinking for the better, such as those who fought for interracial marriage or helped desegregate public buses.

Our society still has a long way to go when it comes to racial equality , but below are several movies about historical Black figures who, if they aren't already, should all be household names. From athletes to musicians to politicians, we've compiled a wide variety of media for your next binge session.

Malcolm X (1992)

This biopic about the Black Nationalist leader, born Malcolm Little, explores all aspects of the activist's life, including his life as a petty criminal, his conversion to Islam, and his eventual assassination.

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The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

The Tuskegee Airmen follows the events of African American pilots who, despite opposition due to the color of their skin, went on to become a truly powerful fighter group during World War II.

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4 Little Girls (1997)

This documentary tells the heartbreaking story of a deadly church bombing during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 that killed four African-American children: Addie May Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, and Carole Rosamond Robertson.

The Color of Friendship (2000)

This underrated DCOM tells the true story of two teen girls from opposite sides of the world — one living in the United States and the other living in apartheid South Africa — who meet after one American family mistakes a white girl named Mahree for an African exchange student.

Mahree is a fish out of water in America and begins to see the damage her country's apartheid has on its people and society in general.

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Remember the Titans (2000)

This classic sports movie follows a recently integrated high school football team that hires an African-American coach to help bring them to victory.

Good Hair (2009)

Chris Rock co-wrote and stars in this documentary that provides an in-depth look at African-American hairstyles and its relation to what society considers "beautiful."

Notorious (2009)

You've listened to The Notorious B.I.G.'s music, now learn his story in this biopic about the late Brooklyn rapper who inspired a generation.

Freedom Riders (2010)

Not to be confused with the 2007 movie Freedom Writers , this documentary tells the story of the brave people who rode interstate buses into segregated Southern states that ignored the laws passed stating segregated public buses were unconstitutional. The historical event took place in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement.

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Dark Girls (2011)

Dark Girls is a documentary about the deep-rooted colorism in the Black community — as well as outside it — that surrounds lighter skin versus darker skin.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

This drama tells the horrifying true story of Solomon Northup, a free-born Black man who is kidnapped from New York and sold into slavery in the South.

Baseball player Jackie Robinson made history when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, becoming the first African-American to play in the MLB. However, not everyone is thrilled about his accomplishment, and Jackie is forced to deal with racism from both audiences and his own teammates. "42" refers to his jersey number.

The Butler (2013)

The Butler is loosely based on the true story of butler Eugene Allen , a man who served in the White House for over 30 years and through eight administrations. Over the course of his career, he witnessed major historical events like the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Fruitvale Station (2013)

On New Year's Eve in 2008, Oscar Grant III unknowingly spends his last day alive interacting with his girlfriend, friends, family, and enemies before being shot to death by BART police in California.

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Get On Up (2014)

Chadwick Boseman plays famous musician James Brown in this biopic that explores his rise from humble beginnings to international fame.

Selma (2014)

Selma is a historical drama that tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight to acquire equal voting rights for African Americans. The title refers to the town of Selma, Alabama, where the march for equality begins, ending in Montgomery, Alabama, the state's capital.

3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets (2015)

This documentary chronicles the murder of Jordan Davis, a 17-year-old Black high school student who was shot by a white man after playing music too loudly with his friends.

A Ballerina's Tale (2015)

A Ballerina's Tale is a documentary about Misty Copeland, the first African-American woman to hold a main role at the American Ballet Theater.

Bessie (2015)

Queen Latifah gives a knock-out performance in this biopic of Bessie Smith, a famous blues singer of the 1920s and '30s.

Straight Outta Compton (2015)

Straight Outta Compton is about rap group NWA's rise to fame in the 1980s. The group's music revolutionized the industry and created the mega stars we know today, such as Ice Cube and Dr. Dre.

13th (2016)

This Netflix documentary explores the prison system in the United States and how racism, slavery, and the United States Consitution all play a part in it.

Stacey Grant is a senior editor at Seventeen who runs the brand's Snapchat Discover channel. She also covers entertainment topics specializing in nostalgia, such as classic '90s and '00s Disney Channel and Nickelodeon content.

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11 Black History Movies to Educate Yourself With

If you're seeking out complex, beautifully told movies about Black history, check out this list. Many are biographical, all are educational.

Often, there's no better way to absorb information about the world or be exposed to new ideas, culture, and histories than through film. And these days, that means seeking out complex, beautiful, and sometimes uncomfortable films about Black history, in an effort to be a  more educated and stronger white ally . Some of these might be a tough watch, but that's the point—education and desire for change often come when we feel sad or enraged. But these stories can  also  be wildly entertaining, funny, and oftentimes Oscar-worthy. Also worth checking out if you're interested in the subject: Our lists of the  most iconic movies in Black cinema  and  documentaries about Black history .

The absolute brilliance of Ava DuVernay's  Selma  is that it's contained to a small window (in 1965, over three months) during some of the most tumultuous moments of the Civil Rights Movement. David Oyelowo not only depicts the voice and mannerisms of Martin Luther King Jr. perfectly, but he also beautifully represents him as a man—filled with his own quirks and foibles—in addition to being the larger-than-life leader. The film is so compelling, it will barely register how educational it is. Basically, it's the perfect historical drama.

Do the Right Thing

This film also ranks on our " Films You Need to Watch at Least Once " list because of how frighteningly relevant it remains in 2020. While it wasn't necessarily based off a specific true story, director Spike Lee said he was partially inspired by  the Howard Beach incident , in which a Black man was murdered as he fled a mob of white men. The event galvanized racial tensions in New York City—again, proving how it's a must-watch right now. The film is also snarky and funny, and the fact that all the characters are clearly and complexly drawn makes it feel like a real community.

Hidden Figures

There's a valid reason this Oscar-nominated movie is so beloved—and it's not just because it spotlights the untold story of Black women who were major, but unacknowledged players in the U.S. space race. It's also  very  heartwarming, with beautiful performances from Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe, and Octavia Spencer. Their brilliance (and workplace talent) are a joy to watch. Admittedly, the movie has received some ( valid ) criticism about dipping into white savior territory, but it's still absolutely still worthy as a cultural and educational tool.

12 Years a Slave

As an adaptation of Solomon Northup's memoir,  12 Years a Slave  is filled with frank, horrific violence as free man Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is kidnapped from his happy life and sold into slavery in Louisiana. Director Steve McQueen carefully researched and verified the story to make it hew as closely to real events as possible. With its unflinching portrayals of rape and torture it'll be very tempting to look away, but it's important not to. So take a deep breath, and dive in to this film, which won multiple Oscars —including Best Picture. 

Unfortunately, history often reduces Malcolm X to the more violent counterpart to Martin Luther King Jr.. But as this film proves, his life contained so much more; The film thoughtfully delves into his family life and his complex and well-formed perspectives. Denzel Washington imbues the character with nuance and intensity from head to toe—with rage, power, and energy radiating from his face. Director Spike Lee managed to draw a stark on-screen connection between the Rodney King beatings and history—and it's not hard to continue that connection to 2020.

This Oscar-winning film does the impressive work of spotlighting another story previously lost to history. The 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first all-black regiments in the Union army, is regularly undermined and disparaged despite its heroism in the Civil War. Over 20 years later, the film is mostly known for its ending—no spoilers here, though.  It's not a perfect story , and it can skew white savior-y at times, but the whole film is watchable for its thoughtful performances. In fact, Denzel Washington nabbed his first Oscar from  Glory .

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Straight Outta Compton

If you're familiar with the rap group N.W.A., its members Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre, or any of their songs, this movie's for you. And if you're somehow not familiar with their work, then this movie's  definitely  for you. Set in California in the 1980s-90s, the movie does a terrific job of explaining how the music and musicians tapped into the zeitgeist and the Black experience of the time. It's an individual and unique story about the rise and fall of the group, but it's got a universal message in its telling of systemic racism and injustice.

This is a strong, often candid look at the career of the first Black Major League Baseball player, Jackie Robinson (a phenomenal pre- Black Panther  Chadwick Boseman). And it really goes there, all the way to graphic slurs. Boseman plays Robinson resilient and quiet, with occasional flares of deep feeling, and it's beautiful to watch. Just as beautiful is his epic baseball performance: Even if you don't care about the sport, watching him dominate on the field is awe-inspiring. 

You may have heard of this movie because it led to Mary J. Blige being the first person to be nominated for both a singing and acting Academy Award in the same year (2017). But the epic story is just as impressive as her achievement: Two families struggle against social and racial injustices—and, at times, each other—in the post World War II South. It doesn't gloss over racism or make the story schmaltzy, and it also covers the traumas of war with equal intelligence. The issues are just as relevant today as they were then.

A Raisin in the Sun

Based on the award-winning play of the same name, this is a spectacular performance from acting legend Sidney Poitier. It's a bit dated at this point (the original came out in 1961) but it paved the way for honest stories about Black families. In the film, the Younger family receives a $10,000 insurance check after the patriarch dies, and suddenly their whole lives are upended. What should they do with the money? Could it really change their lives? Is change, or opportunity, even possible for them?

BlacKkKlansman

Pulled from Ron Stallworth's memoir of a similar name, the first Black detective in the Colorado Springs police department hopes to make an immediate impact by going after the KKK—by impersonating a white man. The third Spike Lee film on this list is the probably his most overtly funny film and, I'd argue, one of his most impactful too (it won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay). John David Washington—Denzel's son, and awesome in his own right—has pitch-perfect chemistry with Adam Driver as the white detective who infiltrates the Klan in person. We don't have to make much of a leap to the current political climate; Lee makes it for us, in stark terms.

Black Lives Matter

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The Best Movies About Black History, Ranked

Black history is an important topic for movies because it provides a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and reflection on the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. These films contribute to a broader understanding of the persistent impacts of systemic racism and prejudice; they also celebrate cultural contributions and honor the resilience and legacy of Black communities in the US. 

The movies in this curated collection are all historically important and take an honest approach to many of the racist issues that went on behind the scenes in American history. Many also feature the true events of civil rights heroes who forever impacted the world and took a stand to fight against slavery, no matter the cost.

Through cinema, viewers can engage with historical events and social issues affecting Black citizens in a way that fosters empathy, awareness, and dialogue. From political documentaries to sports dramas to action flicks to romantic dramedies, which examples on this crowd-ranked list do you find the most memorable, educational, or emotionally stirring? Vote them up!

• Released : 2014
• Directed by : Ava DuVernay

Summer of Soul

• Released : 2021
• Directed by : Questlove

Fruitvale Station

• Released : 2013
• Directed by : Ryan Coogler

• Released : 1997
• Directed by : Steven Spielberg

• Released : 1989
• Directed by : Edward Zwick

• Released : 1992
• Directed by : Spike Lee

BLACK IS KING

• Released : 2020
• Directed by : Beyoncé

Judas and the Black Messiah

• Directed by : Shaka King

• Released : 2019
• Directed by : Kasi Lemmons

• Directed by : Destin Daniel Cretton

If Beale Street Could Talk

• Released : 2018
• Directed by : Barry Jenkins

• Released : 2017
• Directed by : Kathryn Bigelow

• Directed by : Dee Rees

• Directed by : Reginald Hudlin

A Raisin in the Sun

• Released : 1961
• Directed by : Daniel Petrie

4 Little Girls

The Color Purple

• Released : 1985

Remember the Titans

• Released : 2000
• Directed by : Boaz Yakin

12 Years a Slave

• Directed by : Steve McQueen

A Soldier's Story

• Released : 1984
• Directed by : Norman Jewison

Django Unchained

• Released : 2012
• Directed by : Quentin Tarantino

• Directed by : John Singleton

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

• Released : 1967
• Directed by : Stanley Kramer

• Released : 1972
• Directed by : Martin Ritt

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

• Released : 1974
• Directed by : John Korty

Akeelah and the Bee

• Released : 2006
• Directed by : Doug Atchison

In the Heat of the Night

Do the Right Thing

• Directed by : Lee Daniels

BlacKkKlansman

Something the Lord Made

• Released : 2004
• Directed by : Joseph Sargent

Men of Honor

• Directed by : George Tillman

• Released : 2001
• Directed by : Michael Mann

• Released : 2009

The Rosa Parks Story

• Released : 2002
• Directed by : Julie Dash

Hotel Rwanda

• Directed by : Terry George

The Great White Hope

• Released : 1970

Boyz n the Hood

• Released : 1991

A Great Day in Harlem

• Released : 1994
• Directed by : Jean Bach

Straight Outta Compton

• Released : 2015
• Directed by : F. Gary Gray

• Directed by : Anthony Hemingway

With All Deliberate Speed

• Directed by : Peter Gilbert

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge

• Released : 1999
• Directed by : Martha Coolidge

Their Eyes Were Watching God

• Released : 2005
• Directed by : Darnell Martin

Daughters of the Dust

• Released : 2016
• Directed by : Denzel Washington

Hidden Figures

• Directed by : Theodore Melfi

American Gangster

• Released : 2007
• Directed by : Ridley Scott

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975

• Released : 2011
• Directed by : Göran Olsson

Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold

• Released : 1973
• Directed by : Jack Starrett

• Directed by : John Berry

A Huey P. Newton Story

John Lewis: Good Trouble

• Directed by : Dawn Porter

• Directed by : James Erskine

• Directed by : Sam Pollard

Rodney King

Whose Streets?

• Directed by : Sabaah Folayan, Damon Davis

Miss Juneteenth

• Directed by : Channing Godfrey Peoples

One Night in Miami

• Directed by : Regina King

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

• Directed by : George C. Wolfe

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

The Hate U Give

Killer of Sheep

• Released : 1977
• Directed by : Charles Burnett

I Am Not Your Negro

• Directed by : Raoul Peck

Just Another Girl on the I.R.T.

• Directed by : Leslie Harris

Jackie Brown

The Watermelon Woman

• Released : 1996
• Directed by : Cheryl Dunye

The Tuskegee Airmen

• Released : 1995
• Directed by : Robert Markowitz

The Last King of Scotland

• Directed by : Kevin Macdonald

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

• Directed by : Justin Chadwick

Ruby Bridges

• Released : 1998
• Directed by : Euzhan Palcy

• Directed by : Brian Helgeland

• Directed by : Gerard Bush, Christopher Renz

• Directed by : Jonathan Demme

Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song

• Released : 1971
• Directed by : Melvin Van Peebles

Cool Runnings

• Released : 1993
• Directed by : Jon Turteltaub

• Directed by : Jordan Peele

• Directed by : Ernest R. Dickerson

St. Louis Blues

• Released : 1958
• Directed by : Allen Reisner

• Directed by : Tate Taylor

Dear White People

• Directed by : Justin Simien

Lady Sings the Blues

• Directed by : Sidney J. Furie

• Directed by : Garrett Bradley

Sylvie's Love

• Directed by : Eugene Ashe

Hale County This Morning, This Evening

• Directed by : RaMell Ross

1 Angry Black Man

• Directed by : Menelek Lumumba

• Directed by : Theo Anthony

All In: The Fight for Democracy

• Directed by : Liz Garbus, Lisa Cortés

Miles Ahead

• Directed by : Don Cheadle

The Learning Tree

• Released : 1969
• Directed by : Gordon Parks

• Directed by : Jesse Dylan

Symbiopsychotaxiplasm

• Released : 1968
• Directed by : William Greaves

How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (And Enjoy It)

• Directed by : Joe Angio

• Directed by : Jack Hill

The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till

• Directed by : Keith Beauchamp

School Daze

• Released : 1988

Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take 2 1/2

• Directed by : Clint Eastwood

All Eyez On Me

• Directed by : Benny Boom

The Spook Who Sat by the Door

• Directed by : Ivan Dixon

Hoop Dreams

• Directed by : Steve James

• Directed by : Bill Condon

Devil in a Blue Dress

• Directed by : Carl Franklin

Miss Evers' Boys

Black Caesar

• Directed by : Larry Cohen

Miracle at St. Anna

• Released : 2008

Within Our Gates

• Released : 1920
• Directed by : Oscar Micheaux

Handsworth Songs

• Released : 1987
• Directed by : John Akomfrah

American Skin

• Directed by : Nate Parker

Did You Wonder Who Fired the Gun?

• Directed by : Travis Wilkerson

• Directed by : Peter Nicks

• Directed by : Mark Amin

• Directed by : Andrew Heckler

Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story

• Directed by : Nate Adams, Adam Carolla

Monsters and Men

• Directed by : Reinaldo Marcus Green
• Entertainment
• Watchworthy

Lists that rank the top movies, TV series, and other media about and featuring Black characters and culture.

40 Amazing Movies About Black History Everyone Should Watch

Stream these powerful films and documentaries all year long.

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Black History Month is a great time to brush up on your knowledge of great Black leaders , thinkers, innovators and changemakers who have left their mark on the world for the better. Despite being celebrated during the shortest month of the year , Black history and individual stories of trials and triumphs deserve to be observed year round. After all, Black history is American history, and as the great Ava DuVernay once said, “When we’re talking about diversity, it’s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.”

In addition to reading books by Black authors , visiting historic museums and sites , taking classes and listening to podcasts , these watching a few (or all!) of these movies about Black history are a good way to honor and celebrate Black culture.

Some of the stories on this list are heavier, but necessary to watch documentaries that explore the ugly truths about racial inequality . While others are uplifting historical films focused on Black heroes who overcame the odds. Then we have must-see movies that are brought to life by Black filmmakers and directors .

Pick out a few of your favorites and embark on an educational movie marathon.

An unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement, Bayard Rustin, faced both racism and homophobia. His efforts as an organizer of the March on Washington, as well as his role as a former adviser for Dr, Martin Luther King Jr. are chronicled in this biopic, starring Oscar nominee Colman Domingo.

WATCH ON NETFLIX

As one of the most powerful films on this, Till is about one of the most atrocious moments of the 20th century in America: the lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955. It highlights Mamie Till-Mobley and her never-ending fight for justice for her son.

WATCH ON AMAZON

A story told in the words of iconic dancer, director, choreographer and founder of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alvin Ailey, this film explores his life, legacy and contributions to the world of contemporary dance.

WATCH ON HULU

The Hate U Give

Based on the novel of the same name, this film follows a 16-year-old girl after she witnesses a police officer shoot and kill an unarmed teen, her childhood best friend. Starr, played by Amandla Stenberg, is then torn between appeasing her two worlds— her neighborhood and her affluent private school— when she asked to testify about what she saw.

Summer of Soul

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson makes his debut as a filmmaker in this story of The Harlem Cultural Festival, which occurred over the course of six weeks in 1969. Through a combination of documentary and musical performances, the film takes a look at the power of music in the midst of adversity.

Thirteen Black cadets are selected to become fighter pilots during World War II. Based on the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, this movie offers an intimate look into their lives and personalities as they find success in the air while battling injustice on the ground.

Ride to Freedom: The Rosa Parks Story

You may think you know the story of Rosa Parks, but dive deeper into the events that lead up to her refusal to give up her seat on the bus, and the start of the 1955 bus boycott. Angela Bassett stars.

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

Lee Daniels directs a biographical drama based on the life and career of jazz and swing singer Billie Holiday. The film unveils the story behind the FBI's investigation into singer, and the controversy surrounding her performances of the song "Strange Fruit."

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks became an unknowing participant in some of the largest medical breakthroughs in the 1950s. With the help of a reporter, her daughter Deborah Lacks (played by Oprah Winfrey), uncovers the truth and mysteries about her mother's life, including how Henrietta's cells saved millions of lives .

Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History

Kevin Hart, along with comedians Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish and more, breaks down facts about Black History and highlights, perhaps lesser-known icons, in an entertaining and kid-friendly way.

The Black Godfather

Clarence Avant was a music producer and executive who was widely recognized for his advocacy for the fair treatment and payment of Black entertainers. Heavy hitters including Quincy Jones, 44th President Barack Obama, Snoop Dogg, Babyface, Al Sharpton and more all give interviews in this documentary detailing Avant's life and legacy.

Experience the story of Harriet Tubman's life as reimagined in this biopic starring Cynthia Erivo. It details Tubman's escape from

enslavement and her story as an abolitionist.

John Lewis: Good Trouble

The late U.S. Representative John Lewis was a Civil Rights activist, and even marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He helped organize Freedom Rides, and served time in jail for his fight for justice. In this film, we see intimate accounts of his life follow his ascension from teen boy in Alabama to serving in the United States House of Representatives.

After an innocent man is sentenced to death row, a young civil rights defense lawyer commits himself to helping him get freedom. Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx star in this film based on the true story of Bryan Stevenson and Walter McMillian.

Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street

The Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma was home to a thriving Black neighborhood deemed "Black Wall Street" in 1921, until it was burned to the ground. This documentary takes a look at the racial violence that destroyed it.

WATCH ON HBO MAX

BlacKkKlansman

In an investigation of a lifetime, Colorado Springs Police Department's first African American detective sets out to infiltrate and take down the Ku Klux Klan. This story inspired by true events is directed by Spike Lee and stars John David Washington.

Before he became the first Black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall worked as a lawyer for the NAACP. Centered on one of the defining cases of his young career, this film journeys through his work defending a Black chauffeur who was accused of the sexual assault and attempted murder of a white socialite.

Track and field superstar and Olympic legend, Jessie Owens, rose to fame through his prowess in the sport in the 1930s. His quest to become the best took him all the way to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson portray two childhood friends in 1920s New York City. An unexpected reunion turns their lives upside down when one discovers that the other is "passing" as white.

In a thoughtful documentary determining how the 13th Amendment has led to the disproportionate jailing and criminalization of Black people in America, director and filmmaker Ava DuVernay invites activists and politicians to weigh in on racial inequality and the American prison system.

Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping , where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room. 

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping , where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

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Black History Movies

1. 12 Years a Slave

4. 4 Little Girls

6. American Violet

8. Black Girl

9. BlacKkKlansman

10. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

11. Cry Freedom

12. Desert Flower

13. Fruitvale Station

15. Goodbye Bafana

16. The Great Debaters

17. Harriet

18. Hidden Figures

19. Hotel Rwanda

20. I Am Not Your Negro

21. Invictus

22. Judas and the Black Messiah

23. Just Mercy

25. Malcolm X

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