We have chosen 20 movies for Black History Month of true stories that highlight the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of Black people, both past and present.
Black History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the incredible contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
One powerful way to honor Black History Month is through films that educate, inspire, and resonate deeply with audiences.
We have chosen 20 movies for Black History Month of true stories that highlight the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of Black people, both past and present.
We feel these movies provide a profound look at the richness of Black history and culture. We hope you do too!
There is a FREE movie checklist you can download to keep track of what you want to see.
Links included below to the where the movies are streaming FREE (where available).
Read to the end for BONUS movies streaming FREE
Don’t forget to download the FREE MOVIE CHECKLIST to keep track of what movies you want to watch!
This inspiring film tells the true story of three African-American women mathematicians at NASA who played a pivotal role in one of the greatest space operations in history.
2. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Actors: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o
The harrowing and powerful narrative follows Solomon Northup, a free Black man who is abducted and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States.
3. Amistad (1997)
Actors: Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Morgan Freeman
This historical drama depicts the true story of a group of Mende captives who led a revolt aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad and the subsequent legal battle for their freedom in the United States.
4. The Butler (2013)
Actors: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo
This film follows the life of Cecil Gaines, who served as a butler in the White House for several decades, witnessing key events of the 20th century and their impact on his family and American society.
Set in the 1930s, this inspiring film tells the story of a professor who forms a debate team at a small Black college, leading them to challenge Harvard in a national championship.
The film chronicles the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela, from his childhood in a rural village to becoming the first Black President of South Africa, reflecting on his long fight against apartheid.
7. Mississippi Burning (1988)
Actors: Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand
This intense drama is based on the true story of the FBI investigation into the disappearance of civil rights activists in 1964 Mississippi, highlighting the deep-seated racism in the South.
8. BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Actors: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier
In this provocative film, an African-American detective infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan with the help of a Jewish colleague, aiming to expose the hate group’s activities in 1970s Colorado.
The film tells the remarkable true story of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and led numerous missions to free enslaved people through the Underground Railroad.
This powerful film chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which played a key role in the civil rights movement.
The movie tells the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, whose interracial marriage led to a landmark Supreme Court decision invalidating laws prohibiting interracial unions.
This biographical legal drama focuses on a young Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he defends a Black chauffeur against his wealthy employer’s sexual assault accusation.
This gripping miniseries dramatizes the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of a brutal crime they did not commit.
14. Get on Up (2014)
Actors: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd
This energetic biopic tells the story of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, detailing his rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential figures in music history.
This touching film follows the struggles of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman, as he fights to build a better life for himself and his young son through sheer determination and resilience.
16. Just Mercy (2019)
Actors: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson
This compelling film tells the true story of Bryan Stevenson, a young defense attorney who fights to overturn the wrongful conviction of a man on death row in Alabama.
The film depicts the life of Nat Turner, a literate enslaved preacher who leads a historic rebellion against the injustices of slavery in 1831 Virginia.
18. Queen of Katwe (2016)
Actors: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o
This heartwarming movie tells the story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from Uganda whose world changes when she discovers a passion for chess, ultimately becoming an international champion.
19. Glory (1989)
Actors: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman
This powerful film recounts the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African-American units in the Civil War, and their bravery in the face of adversity.
20. Green Book (2018)
Actors: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini
Set in the 1960s, this film follows the unlikely friendship between a Black classical pianist and his Italian-American driver as they navigate the Deep South during a concert tour.
BONUS Black Interest Movies & Shows Streaming FREE
Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005.
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