Movies About Black History

From Ava DuVernay, starring Melina Abdullah, Michelle Alexander, Cory Booker, Dolores Canales
Rated TV-MA

13th is a 2016 American documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay that explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. It takes its title from the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which outlawed slavery (unless as punishment for a crime). The film examines the "intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States," and is told through archival materials and interviews with politicians, activists, and formerly incarcerated people. The film argues that slavery has been perpetuated since the end of the Civil War through criminalizing behavior and enabling corporations to make money from convict labor. The film was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards.

From Peter Farrelly, starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco
Rated PG-13

Green Book is a 2018 American biographical comedy-drama directed by Peter Farrelly. The film stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali as a world-class African-American pianist and an Italian-American bouncer, respectively, who embark on a two-month concert tour of the Deep South in 1962. During the tour, they must rely on "The Green Book" to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Through their travels, they come to form an unlikely bond despite their differences, and discover the importance of true friendship and human kindness.

From Tate Taylor, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated PG-13

The Help is a 2011 American period drama film directed and written by Tate Taylor and based on Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name. Set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, the film centers on a young white woman and aspiring journalist, Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan (Emma Stone), who decides to write a book detailing the African-American maids' point of view on the white families for which they work and the hardships they go through on a daily basis. Skeeter's relationship with two black maids, Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer), becomes the basis of the book and brings to light the racism and prejudice experienced by African-Americans in the South. With the help of the maids and her friends, Skeeter is able to publish her book and bring justice to those who are oppressed.

From Raoul Peck, starring Samuel L. Jackson, James Baldwin, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X
Rated PG-13

I Am Not Your Negro is a 2016 documentary film directed by Raoul Peck and based on James Baldwin's unfinished final manuscript Remember This House. It examines the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin's reminiscences of civil rights leaders such as Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. The film explores how the legacy of these leaders continues to shape racial inequality today, and how Baldwin's prophetic words in the past can inform a better future. Through a combination of archival footage, new interviews, and readings of Baldwin's words, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the current state of race relations and calls for social justice.

From Edward Zwick, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman
Rated R

Glory is a 1989 American war drama film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman. It is based on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the first African-American regiment to fight in the Civil War. The movie follows the regiment from its formation, in Boston, Massachusetts, to its heroic actions at the battle of Fort Wagner in South Carolina. The regiment is initially commanded by Robert Gould Shaw (Broderick), a white officer from a prominent abolitionist family. Shaw's first major challenge is to train and lead the disparate group of African-American men. Despite his own doubts and the racism of white officers, Shaw gains the men's respect and leads them into battle against Confederate forces at Fort Wagner in July 1863. The action-packed battle sequence culminates in a devastating yet inspiring sacrifice by the regiment. The movie highlights the courage and devotion of the black soldiers, as well as the racism they experienced from white officers and soldiers. Glory won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Supporting Actor (Washington).

From Theodore Melfi, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner
Rated PG

Hidden Figures is a 2016 American biographical drama film directed by Theodore Melfi and written by Melfi and Allison Schroeder. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe as three African-American women working at NASA during the Space Race of the 1960s. The film follows the trio as they cross gender and race boundaries to become integral parts of the U.S. space program. Despite facing discrimination and sexism at work, the three eventually triumph, contributing to the success of the first American crewed mission to orbit the Earth in 1962. The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly. Hidden Figures was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $235 million on a $25 million budget and receiving three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film starring Denzel Washington. Directed by Boaz Yakin, it is based on the true story of African-American coach Herman Boone, played by Washington, and his attempt to integrate the T. C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971. As the school is desegregated, tensions between the team's black and white players threaten to tear them apart. With the help of assistant coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton), Herman Boone is determined to prove that his team can come together, overcome their differences and excel on the field. The team ultimately rallies together and creates a bond of true friendship and respect as they go on to become the 1971 Virginia State Champions.

From Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee
Rated PG-13

Malcolm X is a 1992 biographical drama directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington as the titular civil rights leader. The film traces the life of Malcolm X from his troubled youth in 1930s Detroit, to his rise as a leader of the civil rights movement, to his assassination in 1965. Along the way, Malcolm X's story is told through his own words as well as those of his contemporaries, and the film culminates in a powerful climax of his famous speech to the United Nations in 1964. Through his story, Malcolm X's inspiring fight for rights, justice and equality serves as an example for generations to come.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery
Rated PG-13

The Color Purple is a 1985 American period drama directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Alice Walker. The film follows the story of a young African-American woman, Celie, and her experiences in the early 20th century American south. It chronicles her struggles with racism, sexism, and poverty, as well as her developing relationships with her family. Along the way, she discovers her own strength, courage, and resilience and manages to build a new life for herself. The film stars Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, and Oprah Winfrey, and features music by Quincy Jones. The film received 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and won two awards, Best Actress in a Leading Role for Whoopi Goldberg, and Best Music, Original Song Score and Adaptation for Quincy Jones.

From Destin Daniel Cretton, starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Charlie Pye Jr.
Rated PG-13

Just Mercy is a 2019 American legal drama film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson. It is based on the true story of Walter McMillian, a black man who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of an 18-year-old white girl, despite evidence proving his innocence. The film follows defense attorney Bryan Stevenson, played by Jordan, as he works to challenge the injustice of McMillian’s trial and gain his freedom. Along the way, Stevenson is confronted by racism and legal technicalities, including the Alabama legal system’s use of the death penalty. With the help of his team, Stevenson is ultimately successful in overturning McMillian’s conviction, leading to his release from prison in 1993.

From Brian Helgeland, starring Chadwick Boseman, T.R. Knight, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie
Rated PG-13

42 is a biographical drama film directed by Brian Helgeland and released in 2013. The movie is about the life of Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman) and his struggles as the first African-American to break the color barrier in professional baseball in 1947. The story follows Robinson's journey from the Negro Leagues to the Brooklyn Dodgers and his experiences with racism, prejudice, and discrimination from fellow players, management, and fans. Along the way, Robinson finds allies in the form of team executive Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford) and dedicated fellow Dodger Pee Wee Reese (played by Lucas Black). The film highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right in the face of adversity. In the end, Jackie Robinson's story stands as an inspiration to many and a reminder of the role that sports can play in social change.

From Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Durand
Rated R

Fruitvale Station is a 2013 American biographical drama written and directed by Ryan Coogler. It stars Michael B. Jordan as Oscar Grant III, a young African-American man who was fatally shot by BART police officers in Oakland, California, on New Year's Day in 2009. The film follows Grant's last day, showing his interactions with family and friends, and his struggles with poverty, racism, and other personal demons. The film received critical acclaim, and won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It also won the Acura Someone to Watch Award at the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards.

From Ava DuVernay, starring David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Wilkinson
Rated PG-13

Selma (2014) is a historical drama directed by Ava DuVernay about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1965 campaign for equal voting rights. The film follows King and his non-violent march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to petition for voting rights. Along the way, they are met with violence and resistance from the local police and other forces. As the march progresses, the public's support of the cause grows and the march culminates in the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The film highlights the power of peaceful protest and civil rights activism in the face of adversity.

From Dee Rees, starring Jason Mitchell, Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Mary J. Blige
Rated R

From Steven Spielberg, starring Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman
Rated R

From Kathryn Bigelow, starring John Boyega, Anthony Mackie, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore
Rated R

From Reginald Hudlin, starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Sterling K. Brown
Rated PG-13

From George Nolfi, starring Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long
Rated PG-13

From George Tillman Jr., starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron, Aunjanue Ellis
Rated R

From John Singleton, starring Jon Voight, Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, Bruce McGill
Rated R

From Lee Daniels, starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Emily Kunstler, Sarah Kunstler, starring Josephine Bolling McCall, Gwen Carr, Tiffany Crutcher, Carolyn Payne
Rated PG-13

From Jeff Nichols, starring Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Will Dalton, Dean Mumford
Rated PG-13

From Kasi Lemmons, starring Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn
Rated PG-13

From Anthony Hemingway, starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Gerald McRaney, David Oyelowo, Andre Royo
Rated PG-13