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10 Best Black History Movies in 2022 (Selma, Ruby Bridges, and More)

As Black History Month, February is a good time to celebrate African-American voices and contributions to U.S. society. Many organizations, such as the National Endowment for the Humanities, extend recognition to the African-American experience throughout U.S. history. Over the years, multiple documentaries, autobiographies, fictional films, and films based on real-life events have sought to capture those experiences.


So for Black History Month, we've found 10 informative and riveting movies that will get you to look at U.S. society in different ways. Selma is our number one choice because it features the story of the civil rights movement and one of U.S. history's landmark pieces of legislation - the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Keep reading to learn about our nine other choices for learning about Black perspectives, and check out our buying guide with tips on how to find additional thought-provoking movies.     

  

Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Black History Movies

By considering the major themes, content, rating, and genre, you can find a movie that's appropriate for your interests. It can also help if you're trying to find a movie the kids or students can engage with.

1

Search for Documentaries, Films, and TV Series about Historical Events

Major historical events and periods throughout U.S. history serve as backdrops for Black history movies. These films are either based on real-life events or documentaries that recount the experiences of Black America. 

Look for Films About Slavery and Emancipation

Look for Films About Slavery and Emancipation

Slavery emerged in America as a means of exploitation and a system of superiority based on race. The system is often pointed to as the origins of racial injustice and the blueprint for later means of racial division and oppression


Although the Emancipation Proclamation spelled the end of slavery, many scholars point to policies such as segregation, the U.S. prison and justice system, and law enforcement practices as modern extensions of slavery


Films such as Netflix's 13th, Lincoln, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Slavery By Another Name, and 12 Years A Slave depict different aspects and consequences of slavery. Some of these contain graphic content and may not be appropriate for young children. Instead, documentaries about activism and Underground Railroad figures like Harriet Tubman are good starting points. 

Seek Out Films About the Civil Rights Era

Seek Out Films About the Civil Rights Era

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and the years leading up to it are important moments in Black history. Many prominent figures and pieces of landmark legislation came out of this period in U.S. history. 


There are films and documentaries on historical figures like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and John Lewis. Legislation abolishing Jim Crow laws, segregation of schools and public places, and equal voting rights are frequently featured in movies about Black history during this period. 


You can also search for topics, such as interracial marriage and relationships. Films like Hidden Figures and The Butler portray issues such as equality in the workplace and socioeconomic marginalization

Search for Topics Related to Civil Unrest, Racial Tensions, and Race Relations

Search for Topics Related to Civil Unrest, Racial Tensions, and Race Relations

Incidents of police brutality and racial injustices have led to periods of social unrest and rioting throughout American history. These events, though sometimes viewed as isolated, are often a symptom of repeated oppression and disregard.


Some periods of unrest and riots in American history include the Harlem Riots, the Watts Riots, the 1992 L.A. Riots, and the protests following the murders of Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, and Freddie Gray. Try searching for documentaries and dramatic interpretations about these events or police brutality. 


For depictions of the dynamics of race relations and mixed-race households, The Hate U Give is a good place to begin. 

Look for Topics About Environmental Racism and Inequities Based on Race

Look for Topics About Environmental Racism and Inequities Based on Race

Natural disasters and public legislation impact socioeconomic groups differently. Wealth and race are often predictors of whether decisions made by public officials will either be detrimental or beneficial to certain segments of society. 


Documentaries about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, decisions on where to drill for oil and natural gas, the disposal of pollutants, and the Flint water crisis reflect why being poor and Black can increase a person's risk


The NAACP has published a list of documentaries about the negative impacts of climate change, polluting industries, and regulations on communities of color. You can also search for films about power struggles and unequal treatment based on race.  

Find Content on the Black Lives Matter Movement

Find Content on the Black Lives Matter Movement

Described by some as a modern-day Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter was born out of the desire to fight back against racially-motivate violence and police brutality. The movement's aim is to put an end to white supremacy and the political and social institutions that reinforce it.


Documentaries about the movement, its origins, and progression reflect the experiences of Black people in post-1960s American society


Some documentaries, like Stay Woke: The BLM Movement and I Am Not Your Negro, can be found by searching for the terms "BLM" or "Black Lives Matter." Other documentaries can be found within curated content labeled as "Black Lives Matter" on streaming platforms

2

Search Streaming Platforms for Content

Many major streaming platforms feature curated content about Black History Month, Black voices, and the Black Lives Matter movement. You may find this content featured on the home panel during February or when searching for terms like "Black history."

Find Black History Month Curated Content

Find Black History Month Curated Content

Paid streaming platforms, like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max, feature different curated content. There may be some overlap in films or documentaries, but each platform labels curated content differently. For instance, Hulu labels it as "Celebrating Black Voices" while HBO Max calls it "Black History is Our History."


If subscription-based services aren't for you, try free streaming apps like Kanopy and PBS. Kanopy lets you view 10 pieces of content for free each month with your public library card. Content on free services is usually organized according to the genre, subject matter, and critical acclaim. These apps can be installed on a smart or mobile device or accessed from a web browser.

Search for African-American Directors, Performers, and Writers

Search for African-American Directors, Performers, and Writers

Searching for films with Black writers, performers, and directors can help you find content that represents Black perspectives and experiences. You can search by names or terms like "Black voices" or "Black directors" to find films and documentaries on streaming platforms. 


Some well-known Black directors are Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Kasi Lemmons, and Ryan Coogler. For writers, try starting with Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Alice Walker. Some musical and artistic performers include Nina Simone and Maya Angelou. Morgan Freeman, Forest Whitaker, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Kerry Washington are talented actors. 

3

Research Recommendations in Online Magazines and Publications

Research Recommendations in Online Magazines and Publications

If you're unsure where to start or prefer a list of recommended content, try online magazines and publications. Several of them list documentaries, films, and family-friendly content about Black history. 


For example, Marie Claire published a list of 13 Black history documentaries, and Business Insider has a list of 19 Black history films. Both Mercury News and Hollywood Reporter have published a list of films, documentaries, and television programs about Black perspectives. For family-friendly content, Mother Mag has a list of content that is appropriate for children.

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10 Best Black History Movies Ranking

Here are the best Black History Movies, ranked according to 10 Best Black History Movies (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Ava DuVernay

Selma

Ava DuVernay Selma 1

$9.99

Mid

A Moving Film Based on the Fight for Equal Voting Rights

2

Euzhan Palcy

Ruby Bridges

Euzhan Palcy Ruby Bridges 1

$9.99

Mid

An Inspirational Film About School Desegregation in the South

3

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.  Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise 1

$2.99

Low

A Four-Part Documentary About Racial Equality in America

4

Jeff Nichols

Loving

Jeff Nichols Loving 1

$13.99

High Mid

A Story About Love and the Fight to Make Interracial Marriage Legal

5

Kevin R. Hershberger

Up From Slavery

Kevin R. Hershberger Up From Slavery 1

$19.99

High

A History of Slavery in the United States

6

D. Channsin Berry, Bill Duke

Dark Girls

D. Channsin Berry, Bill Duke Dark Girls 1

$4.99

Low Mid

An Examination of Cultural Bias Against Dark-Skinned Women

7

Tia Lessin, Carl Deal

Trouble the Water

Tia Lessin, Carl Deal Trouble the Water 1

$10.29

Mid

Struggling to Survive After Hurricane Katrina

8

Terry Kay Rockefelle

Eyes on the Prize

Terry Kay Rockefelle Eyes on the Prize 1

$9.99

Mid

A Story of the Individuals Behind America's Civil Rights Movement

9

Ken Burns, Sarah Burns

The Central Park Five

Ken Burns, Sarah Burns The Central Park Five 1

$2.99

Low

A Reenactment of the Central Park Jogger Case

10

Daniel Lindsay, TJ Martin

LA '92

Daniel Lindsay, TJ Martin LA '92 1

$9.99

Mid

Historical Footage of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Ava DuVernaySelma

Selma 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Mid
Reference price
$9.99
Mid

A Moving Film Based on the Fight for Equal Voting Rights

Selma is a dramatic reenactment of the struggle of Black Americans to gain equal voting rights in the mid-1960s. The film portrays the march from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Selma features sociocultural themes related to segregation, the Jim Crow South, race relations, and the power of protest to spark social change


Some reviewers were disappointed with the film's plot and coverage of the historical events. They felt the movie started strong but fell flat as it progressed


Most reviewers thought the film did a good job depicting the practices used to deny Black Americans the right to vote. They were also able to draw parallels between the events in the movie and current American racism. Their emotions were stirred during the film, too.   

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No.2

Euzhan PalcyRuby Bridges

Ruby Bridges 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Mid
Reference price
$9.99
Mid

An Inspirational Film About School Desegregation in the South

Disney's Ruby Bridges follows the journey of the film's namesake as she becomes the first Black student to integrate into a previously all-white school in New Orleans. It's set in the early 1960s following the Supreme Court's landmark decision of Brown vs. Board of Education. The film shows how six-year-old Ruby deals with racism. 


Some reviewers thought the film was too long for younger children, saying it's more appropriate for those 12 and older. Others thought the portrayal was too simplistic.


Many reviewers thought the movie was a good educational tool for younger children, especially for learning about the Civil Rights Movement. They appreciated the emotional scenes and how Ruby's story is still relevant today.

No.3

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise

Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$2.99
Low
Reference price
$2.99
Low

A Four-Part Documentary About Racial Equality in America

This PBS documentary examines the concepts of racial equality and what it means to be Black in modern-day America. Events since the Civil Rights Movement, including police brutality and the election of Barack Obama, are explored in context to race relations. The documentary features both triumphs and challenges in the fight for equality since the 1960s. 


Many reviewers found this documentary thought-provoking and educational. Some were able to relate to specific events and perspectives about the Black experience they had personally lived through. 

No.4

Jeff NicholsLoving

Loving 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.99
High Mid
Reference price
$13.99
High Mid

A Story About Love and the Fight to Make Interracial Marriage Legal

In 1958's Virginia, interracial marriage is shunned and illegal. Loving tells the real-life story of a white man and a Black woman who fall in love and take their plight to the Supreme Court. The court's decision grants the right for interracial couples to marry, but sociocultural pressures against the practice still remain.


Some reviewers found the movie's plot slow-paced. They noted that it focuses on the legal battles the couple went through to be together. Still, many reviewers found the actors' portrayals to be moving and poignant. They appreciated the depiction of the couple's struggles and how they fought against racism. 

No.5

Kevin R. HershbergerUp From Slavery

Up From Slavery 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.99
High
Reference price
$19.99
High

A History of Slavery in the United States

Up From Slavery is a seven-part documentary focusing on slavery in America. The film begins with the arrival of the first slaves in Virginia in 1619 and ends with the aftermath of the Civil War and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. They also explore Nat Turner's rebellion movement, the Abolitionists, and colonialism. 


Some reviewers found it repetitive, saying it wasn't that much different from similar documentaries about slavery. However, a lot of reviewers found it to be educational, saying it's a good way to learn about the history of slavery

No.6

D. Channsin Berry, Bill DukeDark Girls

Dark Girls 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$4.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$4.99
Low Mid

An Examination of Cultural Bias Against Dark-Skinned Women

Dark Girls takes a look at the deep-seated socio-cultural prejudices and inherent biases against dark skin. The film specifically examines these biases from the perspectives of dark-skinned women. Please note that it does contain some violent and mature content.


Some reviewers wished they would have included interviews with women that have come to love their dark skin. Other reviewers appreciated the film's exploration of self-hatred based on skin tone, what it means to be regarded as aesthetically pleasing, and how racism plays a role. Some saw themselves in the experiences depicted in the film. 

No.7

Tia Lessin, Carl DealTrouble the Water

Reference price
$10.29
Mid

Struggling to Survive After Hurricane Katrina

Trouble the Water is an eye-opening Oscar-nominated documentary about how Hurricane Katrina disproportionately impacted Black neighborhoods in New Orleans. The film follows a couple from the storm's approach to the aftermath's devastation. It also covers the failures of local and federal government authorities.


Some reviewers had trouble watching the film, as the hand-held camera technique made them disoriented. For the most part, reviewers found the documentary moving and revealing. They gained a better understanding of how poverty and race affect survival after natural disasters. 

No.8

Terry Kay RockefelleEyes on the Prize

Eyes on the Prize 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Mid
Reference price
$9.99
Mid

A Story of the Individuals Behind America's Civil Rights Movement

Eyes on the Prize is a documentary about the forces that led to the Civil Rights Movement and the people who organized it. Spanning the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s, this documentary highlights the fight against racial discrimination and segregation. 


A few reviewers did not like that the film concentrated on events and experiences in the southern U.S. They felt that there were events in the northern states that could have been depicted. However, many reviewers were impressed with the historical accounts of the Civil Rights Movement. They found this documentary inspiring and educational. 

No.9

Ken Burns, Sarah BurnsThe Central Park Five

The Central Park Five 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$2.99
Low
Reference price
$2.99
Low

A Reenactment of the Central Park Jogger Case

This film dramatizes the events surrounding the Central Park jogger case and the five Harlem teenagers who were falsely accused. The film explores themes of injustice based on racial profiling and stereotypes. Given the sensitive nature of this film's content, it is not recommended for those under 18. 


A few reviewers thought the film was a little slow. However, the majority of reviewers appreciated how the film explored the way the American justice system can perpetuate racial violence. They also found the storytelling behind the documentary compelling. 

No.10

Daniel Lindsay, TJ MartinLA '92

LA '92 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Mid
Reference price
$9.99
Mid

Historical Footage of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots

This documentary includes rare footage of the riots that occurred following the acquittal of the police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. LA '92 explores the effects of police brutality, how a justice system upholds racial injustices, and how these factors contributed to more violence. 


Reviewers appreciated the profoundness of the images and events, as well as the explanation of why the riots occurred. They thought there was an accurate portrayal of the anger in communities that face consistent injustice and marginalization.  

Want to Learn More About Black History?

Top 5 Black History Movies

No. 1: Ava DuVernaySelma

No. 2: Euzhan PalcyRuby Bridges

No. 3: Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise

No. 4: Jeff NicholsLoving

No. 5: Kevin R. HershbergerUp From Slavery

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