Black History Month (BHM) is a great time to explore Black history and reflect on Black experiences in both the past and present.
The month aims to raise awareness about issues which are often neglected in history as they are not part of a popular narrative. We created a list of must-watches during BHM.
Harriet
This film tells the story of a slave turned abolitionist, Harriet Tubman. It focuses on Harriet’s efforts in leading slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes who helped change the course of history.
When They See Us
When They See Us is a series which tells the real-life story of the Central Park Five, a group of five teenage boys, who were wrongfully convicted in a 1989 sexual assault case. The series spans over 25 years, highlighting from when the teenagers were first questioned about the crime, right up until the settlement that was reached in 2014.
12 Years A Slave
The movie 12 Years A Slave follows the story of a free black man from New York who is abducted and sold into slavery.
13th
This one is for documentary fans. 13th, which refers to the 13th US Amendment, 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. The documentary contains a mix of testimonies from politicians, historians, activists and formerly incarcerated individuals and archival footage.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
This film follows the inspiring story of African American entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker played by Octavia Spencer, who built a hair care empire that made her America’s first female self-made millionaire.
The Hate U Give
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, The Hate U Give is a story about police brutality escalating after a tragic event where a black unarmed 17-year-old is shot to death by a white police officer.
Just Mercy
Based on a true story, this movie is about a lawyer who is trying to help wrongly convicted people who have been given the death sentence.
Blindspotting
This film is about a man who is finishing his probationary period but is struggling to cope after witnessing a horrific event in his community.
Brian Banks
This movie, based on a true story, shares the life of Brian Banks who was accused of a crime he didn’t commit. It tells the tale of a broken judicial system and his fight to prove his innocence.
The Banker
Set in the 1960s, The Banker follows the true story of two entrepreneurs who come up with a business plan to fight for equal access to housing in the USA.
I Am Not Your Negro
Based on the unfinished book by James Baldwin, this film explores the history of racism in the United States.
Selma
Whilst the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was widespread, making it extremely difficult for black people to register to vote. This film follows the true story of the fight for suffrage in 1965 when hundreds marched from Selma to Montgomery to fight for their right to vote, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Help
Set in the 1960s, Skeeter, played by Emma Stone, comes back from college dreaming to be a writer. She chooses to interview the Black women who have spent their lives being the help for upper-class white families. Not many will talk at first, but when Aibileen (Viola Davis) does, it encourages others to come forward to do the same, uncovering secrets which are published for all to read.
The Last Black Man in San Fransisco
Best friends Jimmie and Mont try to reclaim the Victorian house built by Jimmie’s grandfather in San Fransisco.
Moonlight
Set in Miami, Moonlight follows the story of an African-American man coming to terms with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles as a black child, teenager and adult.
If Beale Street Could Talk
If Beale Street Could Talk follows the story of a woman who seeks to clear the name of her wrongly convicted lover to prove his innocence before the birth of their child.
Judas and the Black Messiah
Judas and the Black Messiah is based on a true story. After being offered a plea deal, William O’Neal becomes an FBI informant who has a role in the 1969 killing of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party.
Hidden Figures
This movie based on a true story follows three African-American women at NASA who worked as the hidden brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
The Best of Enemies
The Best of Enemies follows the true story of the unlikely relationship between an outspoken civil rights activist and a local Ku Klux Klan leader.
Ruby Bridges
This Disney film is about segregation in schools and the uproar when a young black schoolgirl attends an all-white school.
Related Information
Find out more about Black History Month.
Black History Month book recommendations.
Check out the BBC’s top watches for Black History Month 2021.
