Do you want to learn about Black history in a fun way? Black history movies can make the past exciting and easy to understand.
Maybe you’re interested in Black history, but reading about it can feel hard. Don’t worry! We’re here to help. We’ll show you some great movies that will teach you about history in a way you’ll enjoy.
In this article, we’ll talk about:
- Movies about slavery and resistance
- Films about the Civil Rights Movement
- Biographies of important people
- Stories about culture and society
Keep reading to find movies that will make Black history fun to learn. By the end, you’ll have a list of movies that bring history to life!
Black History Movies About Slavery and Resistance
Black History Movies in this category show the hard life of slaves and how some fought for their freedom. These films highlight the struggles of being enslaved and the brave people who fought back. They show the strength and courage of those who stood up against unfair treatment.
1. Glory (1989)
Cast: Glory (1989) is a war movie directed by Edward Zwick. It stars Matthew Broderick as Colonel Shaw, Denzel Washington as Private Trip, Cary Elwes as Major Forbes, and Morgan Freeman as Sergeant Rawlins. The film shows the bravery of Black soldiers in the Civil War.
Story: The film is based on real events, inspired by books like One Gallant Rush (1965) and Lay This Laurel (1973). It follows the 54th regiment’s fight. The soldiers face tough challenges, including racism and unfair treatment, but they stay strong. The story ends with their brave stand at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner.
Awards: Glory was released in 1989. It made $27 million worldwide. The movie was nominated for five Academy Awards and won three. Denzel Washington won Best Supporting Actor. It also won awards from BAFTA, the Golden Globes, and the NAACP Image Awards.
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2. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Cast: 12 Years a Slave (2013) is directed by Steve McQueen. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Solomon Northup. Michael Fassbender plays Edwin Epps, and Benedict Cumberbatch is William Ford. Lupita Nyong’o, Sarah Paulson, and Brad Pitt also star.
Story: The movie is based on the true story of Solomon Northup. In 1841, he was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Louisiana. He spends 12 years working on different plantations, facing cruelty. He struggles to stay alive and fight for his freedom.
Awards: 12 Years a Slave was very successful. It earned over $187 million. The film won three Oscars: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o. It also won the Golden Globe for Best Drama and BAFTA Awards for Best Film and Best Actor.
Often ranked among the Best History Movies, it remains a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Black History Movies About the Civil Rights Movement
Black History Movies about the Civil Rights Movement tell the story of how Black people fought for equal rights in the 1950s and 1960s. These films focus on key leaders and important events that helped end segregation. They show how people worked together to fight for change.
3. One Night in Miami (2020)
Cast: One Night in Miami (2020) is directed by Regina King. Kingsley Ben-Adir plays Malcolm X. Eli Goree plays Cassius Clay. Aldis Hodge plays Jim Brown. Leslie Odom Jr. plays Sam Cooke. Other actors include Lance Reddick, Joaquina Kalukango, and Beau Bridges.
Story: The film shows a fictional meeting on February 25, 1964. Four famous men meet in a hotel room: Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke. They talk about Ali’s win over Sonny Liston and discuss their lives and roles in the civil rights movement.
Awards: The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2020. It was later released by Amazon Studios. The movie got three Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Leslie Odom Jr. Regina King also received nominations for Best Director.
4. Hidden Figures (2016)
Cast: Hidden Figures (2016) was directed by Theodore Melfi. It stars Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Goble Johnson, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monáe as Mary Jackson. Other actors in the film are Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, and Glen Powell.
Story: This movie tells the true story of three African-American women who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson helped make space missions possible. They faced racism and sexism but made important contributions to John Glenn’s first successful orbital flight.
Awards: Hidden Figures was released in December 2016. It made $236 million worldwide. The movie was praised for its acting and story. It received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast Performance.
It was also named one of the top ten films of 2016 by the National Board of Review.
See Also American Culture Movies
Black History Movies About Biographical Dramas
Black History Movies in this group focus on real-life stories of important Black figures. These films show their lives, challenges, and successes in areas like politics, music, and science. They help us understand their impact and what they overcame.
5. Malcolm X (1992)
Cast: Malcolm X (1992) is directed by Spike Lee. Denzel Washington stars as Malcolm X, and Angela Bassett plays his wife, Betty Shabazz. Other actors include Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., and Delroy Lindo. Spike Lee also appears in a small role.
Story: The film is based on The Autobiography of Malcolm X. It tells the story of his life, showing his past as a criminal, time in jail, conversion to Islam, and work with the Nation of Islam. The movie also shows his marriage, trip to Mecca, and struggles growing up.
Awards: Malcolm X was released in 1992. Denzel Washington won Best Actor from the New York Film Critics Circle. The film got two Oscar nominations: Best Actor and Best Costume Design. In 2010, it was added to the National Film Registry for its cultural importance.
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6. Harriet (2019)
Cast: Harriet (2019) is directed by Kasi Lemmons. The movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman. Leslie Odom Jr. plays William Still, a man who helps Harriet. Joe Alwyn portrays Gideon Brodess, Harriet’s former owner. Janelle Monáe also appears in the film. Clarke Peters plays Ben Ross, Harriet’s father.
Story: The film is about Harriet Tubman, who was born into slavery but escaped and became free. She later helped others escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. The movie focuses on her bravery and fight for freedom.
Awards: Harriet was praised for Cynthia Erivo’s performance. She received nominations for Best Actress at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild. The song “Stand Up” was also nominated for an Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe.
Black History Movies About Cultural & Social Stories
Black History Movies in this category tell stories about Black life, culture, and family. These films show daily life, identity, and the social challenges people face. They explain how race and society affect people, both in the past and today.
7. The Color Purple (1985)
Cast: The Color Purple (1985) is directed by Steven Spielberg. Whoopi Goldberg plays Celie. Oprah Winfrey plays Sofia. Danny Glover plays Mister. The movie also stars Margaret Avery and Adolph Caesar.
Story: Based on Alice Walker’s book, it tells Celie’s story of abuse, racism, and sexism. She grows stronger with help from women like Sofia and Shug. Over time, Celie learns to speak out and gain independence.
Awards: The film made $98.4 million at the box office. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, including Best Picture. Whoopi Goldberg won Best Actress in a Drama at the Golden Globes. The American Film Institute called it one of the most inspiring movies.
8. Black Panther (2018)
Cast: Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, the new king of Wakanda. Michael B. Jordan plays Erik Killmonger, the villain. Lupita Nyong’o is Nakia, T’Challa’s love interest and ally. Danai Gurira portrays Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, an all-female warrior group.
Story: T’Challa becomes king of Wakanda after his father dies. He faces a challenge from Killmonger, who wants to take control and change the country’s ways. T’Challa must decide how to rule and protect his people. The movie focuses on themes of family, leadership, and responsibility.
Awards: Black Panther earned over $1.3 billion worldwide. It was the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. The movie won three Oscars, including Best Original Score. It was praised for its direction, acting, and cultural impact.
Black History Movies: A Recap
Black history movies share important stories about Black people and their struggles. These films help us learn about key events and how they still matter today.
They highlight themes like courage, equality, and the fight for justice. By focusing on key people and events, these movies show how Black history has shaped our world.
These films are more than just entertainment. They teach us valuable lessons and inspire us to keep learning. They remind us of the importance of Black history and its role in shaping today’s world.