Best Black History Movies That All Families Should Watch

Learn all about Black history from these critically acclaimed movies.

Black History Month is here, and the critically acclaimed films listed here offer important glimpses into the past. Some focus on well-known historical topics (for example, race relations) while others focus on little-known events (such as the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival).

All these Black history movies tell stories about the lives of African Americans in history and inform our understanding of Black culture in America. These are the best ones for families to watch not only in February but throughout the entire year. (Just make sure to note the age requirements as you’re deciding what to choose for your next family movie night.)

Hidden Figures

20th Century Studios

Rated: PG

Year released: 2016

Director: Theodore Melfi

“Hidden Figures” is the true story of three African American women — Katherine Jonson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) — who worked as mathematicians at NASA and helped put the first astronaut (John Glenn) in orbit.

The film shows their triumphs and challenges as they battle racism and misogyny (as women working in science, a field largely dominated by men), and it celebrates their trailblazing legacies.

The movie was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (for Octavia Spencer) and Best Picture at the 2017 Academy Awards.

Malcolm X

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Rated: PG-13

Year released: 1992

Director: Spike Lee

This highly acclaimed biographical drama starring Denzel Washington as civil rights leader Malcolm X is one of three Spike Lee films to appear on this list. The movie mostly received positive reviews for its powerful, intense performances (particularly from Washington) and its harrowing depiction of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s.

The film explores Malcolm X’s transformation from a criminal to a passionate and influential advocate for Black empowerment, human rights and social justice. Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm X not only defined his leading-man status going forward, but he was also nominated for the Best Actor Oscar in 1993.

Judas and the Black Messiah

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Rated: R

Year released: 2021

Director: Shaka King

“Judas and the Black Messiah” tells the story of Black Panther chairman Fred Hampton’s betrayal and assassination by FBI informant William O’Neal, who helped bring about Hampton’s downfall by infiltrating the Panthers.

The film received critical acclaim for its powerhouse performances, suspenseful story and its raw depiction of the FBI’s targeting of Black political organizations in the late 1960s.

It was nominated for a whopping six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for both Daniel Kaluuya (who won for his role as Hampton) and LaKeith Stanfield (who played O’Neal) in 2021.

Selma

Rated: PG-13

Year released: 2014

Director: Ava DuVernay

“Selma” recounts the story of the 1965 Voting Rights March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (played by David Oyelowo).

The film highlights the bravery and determination of the march participants, who defied opposition and violence from police and citizens to demand equal voting rights for African Americans. It pays homage to their sacrifices and accomplishments and shows how they inspired the nation to live up to the ideals of freedom and justice for all.

4 Little Girls

HBO

Rated: TV-14

Year released: 1997

Director: Spike Lee

“4 Little Girls” is one of two documentaries on this list and one of three films directed by Spike Lee included here. It tells the story of the 1963 Birmingham church bombing, which killed four young African American girls. Lee depicts the event through archival footage, interviews and dramatic re-enactments and pays tribute to the lives and legacies of the girls.

A harrowing must-see, “4 Little Girls” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1998.

BlacKkKlansman

Focus Features

Rated: R

Year released: 2018

Director: Spike Lee

In the 1970s, an African American police officer, Ron Stallworth, infiltrated the KKK by posing as a white supremacist over the phone and through letters to the organization. He eventually managed to become a member of the local group’s chapter, collected intelligence on their activities and provided information to his fellow officers. He even managed a “friendship” with David Duke (played by Topher Grace), who was a Grand Wizard at the time.

The film stars John David Washington (as Stallworth) and received critical acclaim for its humor, intensity, strong performances and its commentary on racism. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

King Richard

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Rated: PG-13

Year released: 2021

Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

This film follows the life of Richard Williams (Will Smith), father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, and his determination to turn his daughters into champions despite having no connections to the sport.

The movie focuses on his struggles to provide for his family and his unwavering commitment to his daughters’ careers, as he faces countless challenges and obstacles along the way. “King Richard” received mixed reviews overall, but Will Smith won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in 2022.

Summer of Soul

Searchlight Pictures

Rated: PG-13

Year released: 2021

Director: Questlove

The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival occurred during the same summer as Woodstock over six Sundays, but unlike Woodstock, it is virtually unheard of. Footage from the event featuring Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, The 5th Dimension, The Staple Singers, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mavis Staples, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Chambers Brothers was locked away in a vault for nearly 50 years and all but forgotten.

The film uses archival footage and current interviews to bring this lost chapter of African American history to life and to celebrate the musical and cultural legacy of the performers and the festival itself. “Summer of Soul” won the 2022 Oscar for Best Documentary and the Grammy for Best Music Film the same year.

Harriet

Focus Features

Rated: PG-13

Year released: 2019

Director: Kasi Lemmons

“Harriet” tells the story of Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo), the abolitionist best known for helping free people through the Underground Railroad. The movie follows her journey from enslavement to freedom and her subsequent work helping other enslaved people find freedom.

The film also highlights her later years, which are not as well known, including her involvement in the women’s suffrage movement and her time as a Union army spy during the Civil War.

12 Years a Slave

Searchlight Pictures

Rated: R

Year released: 2013

Director: Steve McQueen

“12 Years a Slave” is extremely intense and disturbing, but it’s also a cinematic masterpiece and a must-watch for students of history. It is based on the 1853 memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor.) He was a free man who was kidnapped, brought to the South and sold into slavery. Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano and Brad Pitt also star.

The film was a massive success, grossing over $187 million worldwide, and received widespread critical acclaim, including nine Academy Award nominations. It won three, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (for Nyong’o) and Best Adapted Screenplay.