50 Movies to Help You Celebrate Black History Month All Year Long
Celebrate and honor Black culture and history more than just one month with this movie list.
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Every February we celebrate Black History Month—a moment to learn about and honor Black culture, including the many contributions it has made to popular culture as we know it today. Although, just one month, seeking equality, reconciliation and pursuing anti-racism, is an ongoing endeavor no matter the time of year. Former president of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." And luckily, one of those paths towards further education can be through the luxury of watching a film, especially those created by Black tastemakers.
To help you celebrate Black History Month and every month afterwards, we've rounded up a variety of genres from films new and old. From acclaimed documentaries like A Ballerina's Tale and 3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets to films that confront the horrors of slavery and systemic racism like 12 Years A Slave, 13th, and The Hate U Give, some films are hard to watch, but reveal the ugly truth of being Black in America. Although, these films portray an important narrative, we also made sure to include stories dedicated to Black joy like Soul, Blank Panther and Summer of Soul. If you're looking to take your Black History Month beyond February and film, check out our list of Black History Month books and brush up on your favorite quotes from some of history's most iconic figures.
Black Panther (2018)
The late Chadwick Boseman stars as the first black superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Black Panther. T’Challa (aka Black Panther) must lead the land of Wakanda and face opposition from a threat to his leadership.
Malcom X (1992)
An epic biopic of the late controversial Civil Rights leader Malcom X, by director Spike Lee, with Denzel Washington starring as Malcom X.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
A tragic romance of two young people in love, eager to begin their lives as a family, only to have their dreams dashed when the young man is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit.
Judas & the Black Messiah (2021)
Winner of the 2021 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Daniel Kaluuya plays the leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. Little does he know that the FBI has sent in a mole to get information about him.
Marshall (2017)
This biopic covers one of Thurgood Marshall's early high profile cases. Chadwick Boseman and Josh Gad play two lawyers who team up to fight racism and prejudice.
Selma (2014)
This epic Civil Rights biopic covers the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, which ultimate leads to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Winner of the Best Original Song Academy Award for the title song “Glory,” by John Legend & Common.
Hidden Figures (2016)
What was behind the launch of John Glenn into orbit? The brilliant minds of three black women at NASA: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. This moving film will inspire you to dream beyond what you can imagine.
13th (2016)
This documentary by filmmaker Ava DuVernay is a must-watch! Telling the story of the long history of racial inequality in America, it also highlights the systemic racism found in the prison system today.
Harriet (2019)
This incredible movie tells the awe-inspiring and harrowing story of Harriet Tubman and her many journeys back and forth on the Underground Railroad.
Fences (2016)
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson and directed by Denzel Washington, Fences shows us how regrets and long-lost dreams can plague those around you if you don’t deal with them. A father must deal with his inner demons before it destroys his son’s future.
Just Mercy (2019)
Based on the memoir by Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy follows Stephenson early on in his career as a lawyer, fresh out of Harvard, fighting for death row inmates in the South. This early case would lead him to start the Equal Justice Initiative.
Ballerina’s Tale (2015)
Misty Copeland became the first African-American woman to hold a principal role at the American Ballet Theater. Follow along on her daily routine, backstory, and rise to stardom in this inspiring documentary.
Moonlight (2016)
This Academy Award winner for Best Picture by director Barry Jenkins is a coming of age drama telling the story of one young man’s life growing up in Miami in three acts of his life and the community that makes him the man he becomes.
42 (2013)
Chadwick Boseman stars as the inimitable Jackie Robinson as he signs on as the first black player on the 1946 Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team.
Crooklyn (1994)
A young girl living in a tight-knit Brooklyn community learns about life, loss, community and what it truly means to be a family.
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Three friends navigate life, love, and danger on the tough South Central streets in Los Angeles. Pulled into the gang-life, they must face the tragic consequences of their choices.
The Hate U Give (2018)
A young girl straddling two worlds—her Black community and the privileged and predominantly white world of her private school—is devastated by a tragic killing of her best friend by a local police officer, forcing her to discover her voice and take a stand for what’s right.
The Butler (2013)
Directed by Lee Daniels, The Butler follows the life of Cecil Gaines as he gains the opportunity of a lifetime, when he’s hired on as a butler in the White House. Spanning decades and presidencies, Gaines’ life highlights an important and turbulent time in the fight for civil rights.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
The remaining unfinished manuscript from James Baldwin is reimagined in this documentary by filmmaker Raoul Peck. Baldwin gives personal accounts of the assassinations of three of his friends: Malcom X, Medgar Evars, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
I Will Follow (2012)
A young woman mourns the loss of her aunt and finds comfort as she grieves from other people who have recently lost someone.
Leah Hall is currently a digital producer and writer for Country Living. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama.
Chaise Sanders is a NYC-based writer with a knack for all things lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and style. Her work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, Country Living, InStyle, and more. When she's not busy crafting words, you can find her on Instagram roaming the streets of New York City, hunting down the best food spots, hidden gems, and deals.
Janece Maze is the former Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covered DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
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