Best Martin Luther King Jr. Movies to Watch on MLK Day and After
These moving films detail his life and lasting legacy.
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If you landed on this article, you may already know a few things about the late reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Whether you’re familiar with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech or you’ve browsed a few of his most inspirational quotes aimed to uplift and condemn injustice during the Civil Rights Movement — there's likely so much more you may not know about Dr. King’s life, family and his endless fight for justice and equality.
Dive deeper into his legacy with our curation of powerful Martin Luther King movies. Films ranging from animations to documentaries are listed here, each with the goal to shine light on Dr. King’s influence for any audience – including children. After watching these thought-provoking films, dive deeper with other movies that celebrate Black History.
Selma (2014)
This film, directed by Ava DuVernay, tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s fight to secure equal voting rights. It follows his and other activists' three-month journey to organizing the historic Selma to Montgomery march in 1965 to raise awareness of the discrimination Black voters faced. It's a must-see.
MLK/FBI (2020)
Dive deep into the United States government's monitoring and harassment of Martin Luther King, Jr. through the lens of newly declassified files. This film depicts how the FBI tried to discredit Dr. King throughout his time as an activist.
Betty and Coretta (2013)
Angela Bassett and Mary J. Blige channel Coretta Scott King and Dr. Betty Shabazz, the wives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X respectively, in a film told from their perspectives as widows after both men are assassinated.
King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis (1969)
Immerse yourself in the key events of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. through this Academy Award-nominated documentary, depicting the 1955 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, several of his speeches, and more. Celebrities including Paul Newman and James Earl Jones help narrate clips of footage.
Our Friend, Martin (1999)
A great animated film to give an introduction to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. for children. It follows two teenagers who are transported back in time and meet with Dr. King at several points in his life.
Boycott (2001)
Boycott brings us to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, and follows the story of the yearlong Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was led by a young Martin Luther King Jr. Jeffrey Wright, Terrence Howard, CCH Pounder, Carmen Ejogo, Reg E. Cathey and Brent Jennings star in the film.
Selma, Lord, Selma (1999)
When an 11-year-old girl hears a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., she becomes moved to join in on the fight for civil rights. This story details how she is tested while marching with King from Selma to Montgomery.
We Are The Dream:The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest (2020)
Students compete in Oakland's 40th Annual MLK Oratorical Festival in this documentary film. Throughout the competition, children perform spoken word and poetry that draws inspiration from the life of Dr. King.
All The Way (2016)
Though this film centers on President Lyndon B. Johnson, it tells of the struggles he faced while attempting to pass the Civil Rights Act during his first year in office. Martin Luther King was at the forefront of encouraging Johnson to pass the bill.
I Am MLK Jr. (2018)
Through the telling of several formative moments of the Civil Rights Movement, this documentary honors the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is feature-length and includes recordings from King's friends and associates detailing his impact through the present day.
MLK: The Assassination Tapes
Rediscovered footage tells the story of the events that erupted leading up to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. The documentary also includes interviews with several members of the movement to give first-hand accounts.
A Ripple of Hope (2009)
After a gunman fired a rifle that would fatally wound Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy was called upon to give a campaign speech in an African-American neighborhood, which served as a salve for the city. In several interviews with people who were present, as well as Kennedy aides and associates, the story of that horrific day is recounted.
King in the Wilderness (2018)
Those closest to Dr. Martin Luther King tell the story of the final three years of his life. We hear from Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bernard Lafayette, Jr., Dorothy Cotton, and more.
I Am Not Your Negro (2017)
It's a documentary based on author James Baldwin's words, detailing the lives and assassinations of his close friends and civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers. The film is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and includes archival footage connecting the Civil Rights movement to #BlackLivesMatter movement.
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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