Black History Month is the perfect time to watch some of our favorite movies starring, written by, and/or directed by Black artists. I selected a range of movies starring Black actors that have one or all of these criteria: depict a Black historical event or figure, are innovative and creative, made history because of their impact, or they are just fun films. I highlighted Hidden Figures because it’s a story not often immortalized in pop culture. Hidden Figures brings the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson to the big screen. These Black women helped NASA during the John Glenn space launch.
Stories like this remind us of the bountifulness of Black History Month content that informs, inspires, and ignites a thirst for more stories like these. For this Black History Month list, I vary my selection as much as possible by including movies in different genres and time periods.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures stars Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, and Octavia Spencer. Theodore Melfi co-wrote and directed this film loosely based on the true-life story of the African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during a key time in U.S. space advancement.
It’s an empowering film that highlights three women whose contributions had a huge impact on American history, and stands as a moving tribute to the late Katherine Johnson. This is a great film to watch during Black History Month because it celebrates Black women and all they can achieve when given the opportunity. Hidden Figures showcases great performances by the entire cast, and it’s one of Octavia Spencer’s best performances.
Stream Hidden Figures on Disney+.
One Night In Miami (2020)
Regina King directed One Night in Miami, a fictionalized account of a meeting between Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.), and Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) in 1964. They discuss many things, including their careers, racism in America, and their duties to help or inspire Black people during this peak time in the Civil Rights Movement.
Though fictionalized, the film presents a fascinating perspective off our important Black figures and a meeting the world would have loved to witness. Although set mainly at a hotel, the film gives a clear picture of this period and the obstacles faced by these men because of their race and beliefs. Watching One Night in Miami during Black History Month may inspire you to learn more about the real men these historical figures were based on and ones like them.
Stream One Night In Miami on Prime Video.
Get Out (2017)
Get Out is a Jordan Peele contribution to the best new horror classics. It follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) as he spends the weekend with his girlfriend Rose (Allison William) and her family in their neighborhood and home. Chris soon learns that this might not be the nice, liberal family that he expected.
The movie became such a huge hit because it’s a story told well that’s relatable for many. It addresses race-based issues in a way that’s easily digestible for most people. This allows them to connect with the subject, even if they are not the race directly affected by the issues. Black History Month can encourage reflection on past and present problems facing Black people and the world. Additionally, Black-led horror movies continue to grow, and Get Out helped increase interest and push the genre forward.
Coming To America (1988)
Eddie Murphy stars in John Landis’ Coming to America. The film follows the Prince of Zamunda, Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) as he travels from Africa to Queens, New York to find a new bride. At 21, Akeem doesn’t feel like he’s really lived and doesn’t want to accept his arranged marriage. Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Madge Sinclair, and Shari Headley also have supporting roles.
Coming to America is really a showcase of Murphy and Hall’s talent as comedians. They excel at bringing these funny, entertaining, colorful characters to life. It’s one of Eddie Murphy’s best films, and one he enjoys, so it’s a fun movie to watch during Black History Month, especially if you’re a Murphy or Hall fan.
Rent/buy Coming to America on Amazon.
Soul (2020)
Soul is the story of Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a middle-aged jazz singer still looking for his big break. He finally gets it, but then gets in an accident that separates his soul and body. He then goes to the Great Before, where he must help a soul named 22 (Tina Fey) find its spark.
This is Pixar’s first film featuring a Black lead. Soul is not only a good film to watch for its historical significance to Black History, but it’s also a film all about appreciating all the things that life has to offer. It’s about living and loving life while you’re still alive. This is an important universal message that emotionally resonates with everyone.
Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther is a Marvel superhero movie about T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), the king of Wakanda. Ryan Coogler directed Black Panther and it follows T’Challa as he faces off against his cousin, Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). The cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, and Angela Bassett.
T’Challa is one of the first mainstream superheroes of African descent. The film was the only Marvel superhero movie featuring a mainly-Black cast, until the sequel Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever. It was a huge box office success and a film that let many Black and brown children feel represented and seen as heroes in cinema. It’s also a celebration of black strength and power.
Stream Black Panther on Disney+.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
I Am Not Your Negro is a documentary film by Raoul Peck. Based on the manuscript Remember This House by James Baldwin, Samuel L. Jackson narrates this documentary that gives more insight into Baldwin’s life and struggles with racism in America. It also addresses race relations in America by discussing the assassinated civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers.
Peck highlights how issues faced by Baldwin, King, X, and Evers are still ones faced by Americans today, especially Black Americans. I Am Not Your Negro offers a snapshot of the Civil Rights era, while also reflecting on society, specifically America’s relationship with racism. It’s a great documentary to watch if you’re interested in James Baldwin and want to learn a little more about the challenges faced by Black Americans in the 1950s, 1960s, and today.
Stream I Am Not Your Negro on Max.
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
BlacKkKlansman tells the story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), an African American police officer who infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). He talks on the phone to David Duke (Topher Grace), the head of the KKK in Louisiana, and uses his charm to become a respected member of the organization, while his partner, Flip (Adam Driver), attends meetings and events in person pretending to be him.
Filmmaker Spike Lee has become associated with comedies and dramas that address issues of race and social justice. He is skillful at creating or highlighting iconic characters and leaving a lasting impression with his films. Lee continues this tradition with BlacKKKlansman. The film can teach about an important moment in Black History, tie it to current issues in America, and still find humor in the dark situations it addresses.
Rent/buy BlacKkKlansman on Amazon.
Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight is Barry Jenkins’ film that follows Chiron (adult version played by Trevante Rhodes) as he deals with his drug-addicted mother, figures out his sexuality, and grows up in Liberty City, Miami. The cast also includes Ashton Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, Andre Holland, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae, and Mahershala Ali.
In 2017, Moonlight became the first film with a mainly all-Black cast and also the first LGBTQ+ film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. It’s an important coming-of-age film for Black History Month, not only because of its award wins but because it addresses masculinity and sexuality in a way that isn’t often seen in cinema, especially in films with Black leads. Moonlight is one of the best movies with LGBTQ+ representation.
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Dolemite is My Name stars Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore, a struggling comedian who creates his character, Dolemite. Rudy gains a following and fame among the nightclub scene and Black audiences. He eventually sets out to make a Dolemite movie.
Blaxploitation films were big in the '70s and an important part of Black cinema. Dolemite is My Name is another movie that pays tribute to that genre and the Black audience that gave these films and their creators power and success. The whole film is about the impact of a niche following and how they can help someone achieve success. It’s a comedy about the power of hope and dreams. It shows that nothing is impossible if you have a passion and continue to work for what you want.
Stream Dolemite is My Name on Netflix.
Fast Color (2018)
Julia Hart directed and co-wrote Fast Color, a superhero film about Ruth (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a woman heading home to her daughter and mother as she’s being chased by law enforcement and scientists who want to study her and her powers. Ruth’s seizures trigger supernatural earthquakes. Her daughter and mother also have powers: they can take apart objects without touching them and reassemble them.
More people need to watch Fast Color because it depicts a beautiful generational story of power and how it drives a family apart and together. The science fiction genre could use more Black-led movies, so this is a special entry into it. Black History Month is a good time to watch Black-led hidden gem movies.
Rent/buy Fast Color on Amazon.
Do The Right Thing (1989)
Do The Right Thing is a Spike Lee movie about one hot day in a Brooklyn neighborhood. All day, racial tensions continue to rise until a major event turns tragic. Spike Lee stars alongside Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and Giancarlo Esposito.
This classic is one of Spike Lee’s best films. It includes a bunch of future stars, including Rosie Perez, Martin Lawrence, and Samuel L. Jackson. It uses clever writing to address topics of race that are, unfortunately, still relevant today.
Rent/buy Do the Right Thing on Amazon.
Rustin (2023)
Colman Domingo gives one of his best performances as forgotten civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. Rustin depicts his part in organizing the March on Washington in 1963. The film features fictionalized versions of several well-known activists, including Martin Luther King Jr. (Aml Ameen).
Rustin is an impactful movie that pushes an important figure in the civil rights movement into a spotlight stolen from him. It’s one of the best recent biopics, and it is one of my favorite civil rights movies. This is a perfect movie to watch during Black History Month, and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, because it recontextualizes and brings new focus to one of the most pivotal events in Black history.
The Woman King (2022)
Gina Prince-Bythewood directed The Woman King, a historical adventure flick. It showcases an all-female warrior unit run by General Nanisca (Viola Davis). She must protect the kingdom and her people, as outside forces continue to try to demolish this thriving and strong empire.
The Woman King is one of the best action-adventure movies I have ever seen. It also has a lot more humanity than many. The brilliant cast, compelling story, and superb directing make it a must-watch film. The movie not receiving more Oscar nominations is one of the biggest industry injustices of 2023 and one of the biggest Oscar snubs that still makes me angry.
Stream The Woman King on Netflix.
Rye Lane (2023)
Rye Lane is a romantic comedy set in South London that takes place over a day. Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah) spend the day together when she saves him some embarrassment after his ex-girlfriend brutally breaks up with him. The individuals get to know each other as they explore the city.
There are many amazing Black-led romantic movies, but Rye Lane may be my favorite. Jonsson and Oparah have intoxicating chemistry and the movie uses one of my favorite styles of storytelling: falling in love in one day. Black History Month is about honoring the many types of excellent Black films. This includes romantic comedies.
Black Is King (2020)
Black is King is a visual companion to The Lion King: The Gift album. It’s a visual experience that uses the story of The Lion King with Beyoncé’s creative vision. She expertly creates a movie experience with the music and visuals.
The film acts as a tribute to blackness while honoring diversity. It also celebrates African heritage and culture. Black is King is lyrical and visual poetry. Black History Month is not just a way to honor Black history but celebrate Black culture, and this film very much does that.
Stream Black is King on Disney+.
Black History Month is only one month out of the year, but movies like Hidden Figures, Do The Right Thing, Black Panther, and all the films on this list can and should be watched any time of the year, especially as a celebration of Black artistry.
