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.
Rustin
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.
Till
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.
Ailey
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.
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.
Red Tails
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.
Harriet
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.
Just Mercy
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.
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.
Marshall
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.
Race
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.
Passing
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.
13th
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.
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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