One way to celebrate Black History Month is to immerse yourself into the multifaceted world of Black Cinema. These films can teach, enlighten, inspire, and reflect a country’s past and present. Streaming services, like Netflix, have made it much easier to watch films about, created by, and starring Black talent. In recent years, Netflix has been one of the leading companies producing and hosting highly acclaimed Black films, like Dolemite Is My Name, Da 5 Bloods, The Harder They Fall, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
For this list, I wanted to highlight a diverse collection of Black films and TV shows that are available on Netflix. Many of these movies and shows are ones that you’ve heard of, but a few may be new to you. Let’s look at some of the best Black-centered content on Netflix.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
Spike Lee directed the war drama Da 5 Bloods. It is one of his most socially relevant films. Da 5 Bloods is a movie about four Black Vietnam War veterans returning to Vietnam to find the remains of one of their fallen brothers and to obtain buried gold. Da 5 Bloods’ cast includes Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and the late Chadwick Boseman.
Spike Lee has quite a few movies on Netflix worth watching during Black History Month, but I chose Da 5 Bloods to highlight because its subjects, Black soldiers, are not often seen and discussed in American cinema. We have plenty of great war epics, movies that showcase the effects of War, like PTSD, and the bonds of brotherhood films, but we rarely see these types of stories told through the eyes of Black protagonists.
Da 5 Bloods is a drama that not only gives life to these fictional characters but makes time to honor real Black historical heroes. Delroy Lindo also gives one of the best performances of 2020 in Da 5 Bloods, even if the Academy criminally ignored it, that alone makes it worth including on your Black History Month to-watch list.
Stream Da 5 Bloods on Netflix.
See You Yesterday (2019)
See You Yesterday follows two Black teen science prodigies who discover how to time travel. They first plan to use their discovery to win a science award, but a tragedy strikes and it becomes a much bigger tool in these teens’ lives. Eden Duncan-Smith and Dante Crichlow play the main characters CJ and Sebastian. It also features Michael J. Fox in a small supporting role, which is fun casting as he was in one of the best time-traveling movies.
See You Yesterday is a powerful Black Lives Matter sci-fi drama. The focus of the film is how an unarmed young black man, CJ’s brother Calvin (Stro) is murdered. She spends the rest of the movie trying to prevent his death. The shooting of an unarmed young Black man makes See You Yesterday tragically relevant in today’s society. Through the unpredictable variables that come with time-traveling, the film is able to demonstrate the helplessness that one can feel when these stories of young Black men fatally wounded by the police continue to happen, even when variables change.
Stream See You Yesterday on Netflix.
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Dolemite is My Name stars Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore. It follows Moore’s journey to make the film Dolemite and his early days as a comedian. Dolemite Is My Name’s cast also includes Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Wesley Snipes, Titus Burgess, and Keegan-Michael Key.
Dolemite is My Name is the celebration of Rudy Ray Moore’s dream, and how Black culture and blaxploitation films helped give him a niche audience. In many ways, Dolemite is My Name is a film about hope and the American dream. If you continue to fight for something you want, you can achieve it. It’s also a celebration of the importance of how this Black audience allowed him to achieve fame.
Stream Dolemite is My Name on Netflix.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Based on August Wilson’s play of the same name, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom tells the story of real-life blues singer Ma Rainey and her band. It focuses on one day in Chicago in 1920 during a recording. Viola Davis plays the title role and Chadwick Boseman plays her band member Levee Green, who dreams of his own musical success.
The role resulted in him winning a Golden Globe award. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom deals with such issues as discrimination, black trauma, exploitation, and religion. Not only does this film offer one of Chadwick Boseman’s best performances but it also gives a little insight into Ma Rainey as the “Mother of the Blues,” and it’s a reminder of why August Wilson’s plays continue to find new life and audiences in various forms. They’re riveting and speak to the soul. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is truly a fascinating look at Black artists on many different levels (the playwright who wrote it, Ma Rainey and her band, and the actors bringing all this together).
Stream Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom on Netflix.
When They See Us (2019)
When They See Us is a mini-series directed by Ava DuVernay. It tells the true-life story of the Central Park Five, five Black and Latino teens who were accused and tried for raping a woman in Central Park. They were later acquitted of all charges after the real rapist confessed to the crime.
When They See Us is a powerful mini-series that takes a look at how the justice system sometimes fails. It shows a very painful moment in history that should not be forgotten, but instead, act as a reminder of how the justice system needs to do everything in its power to make sure something like this never happens again. When They See Us cast includes Jharrel Jerome, Vera Farmiga, John Leguizamo, and Niecy Nash.
Stream When They See Us on Netflix.
13th (2016)
13th is a documentary by Ava DuVernay about the American prison system. It goes through the history of the prison system and how mass incarceration especially affects men of color. It’s a documentary that you need to watch for many reasons, including its critical look at the prison systems.
13th makes you take a different look at incarceration and the prison system in general. Even if you have your mind made up about prisons, this film is worth watching, especially during Black History Month, to get a different perspective and history surrounding the prison system and its relation to race.
Canvas (2020)
Canvas is a short animated film about an artist who stops painting because of his wife’s death. Through his granddaughter, he starts to paint again.
Canvas is one of the many great Black animated films that are perfect to watch Black History Month. Canvas is a simple concept animated very well. It’s heartwarming and visually stunning.
What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
What Happened, Miss Simone is a biography and documentary about Nina Simone. It takes you on a journey through her life, ups, downs, and things that defined her as an artist and person.
Netflix has a lot of great documentaries on historical Black figures, but What Happened, Miss Simone is definitely one of the best. It includes videos and recordings from the legend herself, which allows Nina Simone to tell her own story. It’s a fascinating look at her life and a smart way to showcase her story.
Stream What Happened, Miss Simone on Netflix.
Self Made: Inspired By The Life Of Madam C. J. Walker (2020)
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker is a Netflix mini-series inspired by the life of Madam C. J. Walker. Walker is the reported first self-made female millionaire. Octavia Spencer stars as C. J Walker in Self-Made.
Netflix and the team behind Self-Made play fast and loose with actual facts for this four episode series. So it may not be the best show to watch if you want an accurate look at the life of one of the most well-known Black figures. However, the show could act as an introduction into Madam C.J Walker’s life.
Stream Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker on Netflix.
Passing (2021)
Passing follows two Black women who grew up together but took different paths in life. Clare (Ruth Negga) chose to pass as white and live life as a white woman. Irene (Tessa Thompson) stayed true to her identity. Neither women have perfect lives but both find themselves questioning their choices after a chance encounter brings them back into each other’s orbits.
Passing is a superbly acted movie that’s also beautifully shot. It has an underlying tension that adds even more layers and depth to this movie. Passing gives you a compelling look at a time when Black people were still trying to find their home in America.
The Harder They Fall (2021)
The Harder They Fall cast includes Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, and Regina King. It’s an American Western film with an all Black main cast — a rarity in these types of films.
It’s a film with lots of action and great performances. American Westerns have been a big part of the cinema landscape for decades. However, it’s very rare to see one starring or featuring many Black actors or actors of color. The Harder They Fall showcases the long ignored Black cowboy in an exciting and fun way. It may be one of the best modern Western films.
Stream The Harder They Fall on Netflix.
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Rustin (2023)
Rustin is a biographical movie about Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin. It tells the story of his impact on the 1963 March on Washington. As a gay Black man, Rustin faces plenty of prejudice and judgment, but he doesn’t let anything stop him from organizing one of the most groundbreaking marches in United States history.
Colman Domingo is breathtaking in this role, and he gives his all. Rustin is one of the best Civil Rights and biographical films, especially about an LGBTQ+ figure. More people need to watch it, as it's one of the few that highlights an important Black figure who isn’t often spoken about in the history books. This film corrects a huge oversight in historical storytelling.
Miss Juneteenth (2020)
Juneteenth is a holiday that has only recently begun to be recognized in pop culture. Therefore, few movies directly reference or celebrate it. Miss Juneteenth is possibly one of many to come. It’s a mother-daughter movie that showcases the relationship’s heartwarming and complicated nature.
It also feels like a coming-of-age story for mother and daughter. Miss Juneteenth was one of the most under-the-radar movies of 2020. It stars Nicole Beharie, Kendrick Sampson, and Alexis Chikaeze.
Stream Miss Juneteenth on Netflix.
A Different World (1987-1993)
A Different World is one of the quintessential Black classic TV shows. Set in the fictional historical Black college, Hillman College, the series follows a group of students dealing with life and love. The series originated as a spin-off ofThe Cosby Show. Lisa Bonet starred in the first season as her Cosby character, Denise Huxtable. However, once she left A Different World, the show focused on other key characters.
Whitley (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison), especially, became A Different World’s main characters and eventual couple. The comedy aired for six seasons, and Netflix has all of them. It’s a great show to binge for hilarious characters and storylines, with some occasional more serious topics.
Stream A Different World on Netflix.
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
This science fiction movie follows a drug dealer named Fontaine (John Boyega). He’s murdered only to reappear the next day. This sets Fontaine, Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris), and Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) on a quest to uncover the truth. They Cloned Tyrone is a sharp-witted movie that satirizes the American government, the Black community, and injustice.
It does this all while being a really interesting science fiction movie and thrilling entry in the clone genre. They Cloned Tyrone is funny and bold.
Stream They Cloned Tyrone on Netflix.
Black Lightning (2018-2021)
Black Lightning is a CW superhero drama based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The cast includes Cress Williams as the main character, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin “Krondon” Jones III, and Damon Gupton.
The hero returns from retirement to try to stop a surge of criminal activity. With shows like Supacell, Luke Cage, and Raising Dion, there are a few compelling Black superhero shows. However, there still aren’t enough, and Black Lightning is a great place to start. Make sure to check out all the Black superhero series on Netflix and beyond.
Stream Black Lightning on Netflix.
Insecure (2016-2021)
Insecure is an HBO original series by Issa Rae. It follows Issa (Issa Rae) as she tries to navigate the complications of life, growing up and relationships. It’s also a series about Black women and friendship. Molly (Yvonne Orji) and Issa’s relationship is more vital to the show than any of their romantic partners.
Insecure aired for five seasons and won many awards as well as dedicated fans. The show depicts a messy, complicated female protagonist who isn’t afraid to let her flaws show. It’s a really relatable show that women of all races and ages may connect with.
Simone Biles Rising (2024)
Simone Biles is one of the most well-known and popular American gymnasts. Therefore, many have wanted to hear her story. In 2024, Netflix released Simone Biles Rising, a docu-series that chronicles her journey back to the Olympics.
It’s a four-episode series that may be worth watching if you love Biles or are interested in the highs and lows of a highly profiled athlete.
Stream Simone Biles Rising on Netflix.
The Bernie Mac Show (2001-2006)
The Bernie Mac Show is one of the best Black sitcoms of the 2000s. The series follows Bernie as he and his wife become the caretakers of his sister’s three children. This hilarious show highlights Mac’s talent for comedy in a more family-friendly way.
It’s also about the journey to parenthood. The Bernie Mac Show is heartwarming and very funny. It is a great show to binge during Black History Month or any time of the year.
Stream The Bernie Mac Show on Netflix.
Martin (1992-1997)
Martin is one of the best comedies of all time. It’s ‘90s essential viewing, but also just a must-watch for those who enjoy very funny, sometimes outrageous, TV shows. The Fox series follows Martin (Martin Lawrence), his girlfriend Gina (Tichina Campbell), and their friends Cole (Carl Anthony Payne II), Tommy (Thomas Mikal Ford), and Pam (Tishina Arnold).
Martin also occasionally featured Laurence as various recurring silly characters, like Jerome and Sheneneh.
The Six Triple Eight (2024)
Tyler Perry directs The Six Triple Eight, a war drama about an all-black, all-female battalion during World War II. The ensemble cast includes Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, and Ebony Obsidian.
American war movies that focus on the Black and other people of color who fought to help protect Americans are rarely seen. It’s even more rare to see women in war movies as more than just love interests. This makes The Six Triple Eight a special and rare gem.
Stream The Six Triple Eight on Netflix.
These are only a few films currently available to stream on Netflix that showcase Black talent and stories. One thing the streamer has done well in the few years is to continue to diversify its content, and appeal to many different races, genders, sexualities, and a variety of film and TV lovers. Netflix will be adding more Black stories in the coming months, so make sure to monitor Netflix new releases list for future Black films and TV shows.
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