60 Best Black Movies to Watch on Netflix, Disney+ & More
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After years of narrow representation and problematic stereotypes in movies, it seems that Hollywood is finally getting the hint: Black stories are worth telling.
In recent years, we've enjoyed some of the best Black movies that go beyond Black trauma and the familiar slave narrative. And according to the Entertainment Diversity Progress Report, published by Luminate in 2022, it's all thanks to Hollywood's commitment to supporting more Black talent.
Per the report, the number of Black actors in main title film roles increased by over 20 percent that year, while the number of films released with at least one Black main character increased by 30 percent. However, films that center on Black stories actually dropped by 16.7 percent (just 35 films total). So yes, there's still some progress to be made. But this doesn't dismiss all the successful Black films that have made a cultural impact and educated viewers about the Black experience.
For instance, there's Marvel's milestone superhero film, Black Panther, which won three Academy Awards and brought in a whopping $1.3 billion at the box office. With its top-notch cast and brilliant storytelling, the film successfully tackles themes like colonialism and loyalty while addressing what it means to be Black, so it comes as no surprise that the movie turned into a big pop culture moment. Following the Black Panther's release, Fandango correspondent Chris Witherspoon called the film a "groundbreaking cinematic cultural movement." He added, “You have this audience with social media that’s applauding, praising and amplifying the wave of what’s happening right now with this film and it will open the door for more films like this to happen.”
From Jordan Peele's thought-provoking horror, Get Out, to Steve McQueen's mesmerizing romance, Lovers Rock, keep reading for 60 of the best Black films to watch on Netflix, Prime Video, Max and more.
Romance
1. Love & Basketball (2000)
Who's in it: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 124 minutes
This timeless gem revolves around two childhood best friends and aspiring basketball players who develop feelings for each other as adults. However, their demanding careers threaten their chances of being together. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood makes female basketball fans feel seen in this semi-autobiographical romance, which raises valid questions about gender inequality in sports.
2. Love Jones (1997)
Who's in it: Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington, Lisa Nicole Carson
Rating: R
Runtime: 108 minutes
Even with all the break-ups and make-ups, Darius and Nina's love story is truly one for the ages. Love Jones chronicles their complicated romance, which starts at a Chicago club when they bond over music and poetry.
3. Sylvie's Love (2020)
Who's in it: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 114 minutes
Set in 1950s New York, this swoon-worthy period drama follows an ambitious musician who falls in love with an aspiring filmmaker. Their whirlwind romance comes to a halt at the end of summer, with their lives pulling them apart. However, they get a second chance at love when they cross paths again in the future.
4. Lovers Rock (2020)
Who's in it: Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn, Micheal Ward, Kedar Williams-Stirling
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 68 minutes
In this intimate, second installment of Steve McQueen's Small Axe anthology series, Martha falls for the charming Franklyn when she attends a reggae dance party. Ninety percent of this film takes place in a packed home with reggae music blasting, so viewers will likely have the floorplan of this house memorized by the time the movie ends.
5. Brown Sugar (2002)
Who's in it: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Mos Def, Nicole Ari Parker
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 109 minutes
Childhood friends Dre and Sidney have grown up to become successful names in the music industry. But when Dre gets engaged and Sidney starts dating an athlete, both come to realize that they have romantic feelings for each other. Hip-hop fans will appreciate this film's timeless soundtrack.
6. Queen & Slim (2019)
Who's in it: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloë Sevigny
Rating: R
Runtime: 132 minutes
Kaluuya and Turner-Smith star as a young couple who are forced to go on the run after a heated argument with a police officer turns deadly. The film is a sobering portrait of what it's like to be Black in modern America, but it's especially fascinating to see the dynamic shift between the "Black Bonnie and Clyde."
7. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Who's in it: KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Regina King, Colman Domingo
Rating: R
Runtime: 117 minutes
When Tish Rivers's partner, Fonny, is wrongly convicted of a crime in 1970s New York, she enlists the help of her family to prove his innocence. This love story will have you crying one moment and swooning the next, thanks to its successful approach to heavier themes like prejudice, racial violence and mental health.
8. Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Who's in it: Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine
Rating: R
Runtime: 124 minutes
Honestly, nothing beats watching Bernie torch her husband's car in a fit of rage in Waiting to Exhale—but there's plenty more to the drama than this iconic scene. It follows the lives of four women as they navigate friendship and their (often problematic) romantic relationships.
9. She's Gotta Have It (1986)
Who's in it: Tracy Camilla Johns, Tommy Redmond Hicks, John Canada Terrell, Spike Lee
Rating: R
Runtime: 84 minutes
Not to be confused with Netflix's 2019 reboot, Spike Lee's comedy-drama centers on Nola Darling, a Brooklyn-based artist who juggles her relationships with three men. Thanks to the film's daring exploration of female sexuality, it turned out to be one of Lee's most groundbreaking titles during the '80s.
Drama
10. A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
Who's in it: Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, Diana Sands
Rating: NR
Runtime: 128 minutes
A poor Black family strives to build a better life in 1950s Chicago. However, when they receive a big life insurance policy after the patriarch's death, it only breeds more chaos and division. Poitier delivers one of his best performances here, and director Daniel Petrie struck the perfect balance between humor and social commentary.
11. The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)
Who's in it: Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors, Rob Morgan, Tichina Arnold
Rating: R
Runtime: 121 minutes
This heartfelt drama tells the story of Jimmie, who, with the help of his best friend, goes to great lengths to preserve and reclaim his childhood home in San Francisco, to the dismay of the new owners. The story will deeply resonate with anyone who's seen a dramatic shift in the place they used to call home.
12. Waves (2019)
Who's in it: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Taylor Russell, Sterling K. Brown, Lucas Hedges
Rating: R
Runtime: 135 minutes
Waves in an emotional and thrilling ride, to say the least. Set in South Florida, it follows the complicated journey of a Black family as they deal with the aftermath of a terrible loss. It's packed with standout performances and tackles themes like grief, forgiveness and redemption.
13. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Who's in it: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix, Nick Nolte
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 121 minutes
Based on the Rwandan genocide that occurred in 1994, the movie follows hotel manager and human rights activist Paul Rusesabagina, who struggles to protect hundreds of Tutsi refugees when Hutu extremists embark on a mission to wipe them all out. All we can say is, get your tissues ready.
14. American Gangster (2007)
Who's in it: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr.
Rating: R
Runtime: 157 minutes
Washington shines as the notorious drug dealer, Frank Lucas, whose meteoric rise to power in 1970s Harlem gets the attention of Richie Roberts, a hard-working cop who's determined to track him down. Fans of Scarface and The Sopranos will appreciate this Oscar-nominated classic.
15. Miss Juneteenth (2020)
Who's in it: Nicole Beharie, Kendrick Sampson, Alexis Chikaeze, Lori Hayes
Rating: NR
Runtime: 103 minutes
Turquoise Jones, a single mom and former winner of the local Miss Juneteenth pageant in Texas, is eager to get her 14-year-old daughter, Turquoise, involved in the competition. However, Turquoise isn't exactly thrilled to follow in her mom's footsteps. Overcoming insecurities and the complexity of mother-daughter relationships are just a few themes the movie covers.
16. Moonlight (2016)
Who's in it: Mahershala Ali, Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes
Rating: R
Runtime: 111 minutes
This touching coming-of-age tale follows the life of Chiron as he grapples with challenges like emotional abuse and rejection while trying to figure out his own identity and sexuality. The critically acclaimed drama earned an Oscar for Best Picture, and Ali's powerful performance earned him a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
17. Boyz N the Hood (1991)
Who's in it: Laurence Fishburne, Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Nia Long
Rating: R
Runtime: 112 minutes
After moving to South Central L.A., Tre Styles receives plenty of guidance and discipline from his father, who helps him stay out of trouble in a dangerous neighborhood filled with gangs. Meanwhile, his friend Doughboy resorts to a life of violence and crime, and his half-brother, a promising young athlete, works hard to land a scholarship that could be his ticket to success.
18. Glory (1989)
Who's in it: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes
Rating: R
Runtime: 122 minutes
Robert Gould Shaw is tasked with leading the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the U.S. Civil War's first all-Black regiment. With the help of Junior Officer Cabot Forbes, Shaw builds a solid unit that's ready to join the battle, although he deals with prejudice from fellow officers and Confederates along the way.
19. Set It Off (1996)
Who's in it: Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Blair Underwood
Rating: R
Runtime: 120 minutes
Years before Moya Bailey coined the term "misogynoir"—the unique discrimination that Black women face—director F. Gary Gray offered an accurate illustration in this '90s heist drama. It follows a tight-knit group of four Black women who decide to rob banks in hopes of creating better lives for themselves and their loved ones. But with tensions brewing within the group and a determined police officer on their trail, their chances of succeeding are slim.
20. Soul Food (1997)
Who's in it: Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach
Rating: R
Runtime: 115 minutes
Eleven-year-old Ahmad is determined to get his family together for Sunday dinner after the family matriarch, Mother Joe, suffers a stroke. But when conflicts arise and they grow apart, he comes up with a creative plan to get them together again. Soul Food serves up plenty of laughs and soapy drama, and by the end, you'll feel like you're one of the Josephs.
21. Fences (2016)
Who's in it: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson, Jovan Adepo
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 133 minutes
If you pair two Hollywood legends with a brilliant, gut-wrenching storyline and timely themes, you'll get Fences. The drama film follows Troy Maxson, a garbage collector whose dreams of playing professional football are crushed due to the Major League color barrier. As a result, he takes his bitterness out on his family, risking his own son's football career in the process.
22. Menace II Society (1993)
Who's in it: Tyrin Turner, Jada Pinkett Smith, Vonte Sweet, Larenz Tate
Rating: R
Runtime: 97 minutes
Loaded with social commentary about teen violence and drug use, Menace II Society follows 18-year-old Caine, who's determined to escape the projects and get a fresh start, against all odds. The film's raw drama and bleak tone will remind you of Boyz N the Hood.
23. One Night in Miami (2020)
Who's in it: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr., Eli Goree
Rating: R
Runtime: 110 minutes
Regina King's directorial debut offers a fascinating, intimate look at four real-life icons—Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown—through a fictionalized gathering that takes place during the Civil Rights Movement. Filled with unforgettable performances and thought-provoking discussions, this film serves as a powerful reminder that there's still work to do.
24. The Hate U Give (2018)
Who's in it: Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, K.J. Apa
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 133 minutes
Inspired by Angie Thomas's YA novel of the same name, The Hate U Give revolves around Starr Carter, whose world is turned upside down after she sees her childhood best friend get killed by a police officer. The movie expertly tackles white privilege, the Black Lives Matter movement, police brutality and conflicts within the Black community.
25. Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Who's in it: Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback
Rating: R
Runtime: 126 minutes
This riveting crime drama follows the life of William O'Neal, an FBI informant who infiltrated the Black Panther Party and betrayed Fred Hampton, the leader of the organization's Chicago chapter. The Academy Award-winning film is both unsettling and eye-opening.
26. Higher Learning (1995)
Who's in it: Omar Epps, Michael Rapaport, Kristy Swanson
Rating: R
Runtime: 127 minutes
We can't resist a thoughtful coming-of-age film about college life. Set during the '90s, Higher Learning follows a group of freshmen who enroll at Columbus University and struggle to adjust to the new environment, where students deal with violence, sexism and racism.
Comedy
27. House Party (1990)
Who's in it: Robin Harris, Christopher Reid, Christopher Martin, Martin Lawrence
Rating: R
Runtime: 60 minutes
Despite getting grounded by his dad, Kid sneaks out of his house to attend his friend's party, which turns out to be one of the wildest nights of his life. This light-hearted classic features an epic hip-hop soundtrack. Plus, many of the jokes still hold up.
28. Do the Right Thing (1989)
Who's in it: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson
Rating: R
Runtime: 120 minutes
In Spike Lee's timeless classic, a young Black customer calls out a pizzeria owner for not including Black talent on his "Wall of Fame." However, his complaint sparks an even bigger conflict that turns into chaos and violence. Per usual, Lee smartly tackles heavy themes, like bigotry and gentrification, with humor and nuance.
29. Cooley High (1975)
Who's in it: Glynn Turman, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, Garrett Morris, Cynthia Davis
Rating: PG
Runtime: 107 minutes
Before he became "Dr. War" on A Different World, Turman was Preach, a high schooler who, with his BFF Cochise, led a carefree life in 1960s Chicago. In the film, his life takes a turn for the worse when he crosses paths with a pair of criminals.
30. Drumline (2002)
Who's in it: Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldaña, Orlando Jones, Leonard Roberts
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 118 minutes
Despite his lack of musical training, Devon, a talented street drummer, enrolls at the fictional A&T University and joins their famous marching band. However, his pride and immaturity cause trouble with his leader. This fish-out-of-water comedy drama will have you laughing one minute and swooning the next—thanks to Devon's budding romance with Laila, an upperclassman dancer.
31. Shaft (1971)
Who's in it: Richard Roundtree, Moses Gunn, Christopher St. John, Charles Cioffi
Rating: R
Runtime: 100 minutes
We know it's a bold statement, but Private Detective John Shaft walked so Detective Benoit Blanc could run. In this action-packed film, the suave investigator and fearless hero is hired to rescue a young girl from a group of Italian mobsters who kidnapped her.
32. Coming to America (1988)
Who's in it: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, John Amos, James Earl Jones
Rating: R
Runtime: 116 minutes
Whether it's Oha crooning "She's your queen to be!" or Darryl drenching his Jheri curls with Soul Glo, Coming to America never fails to keep us entertained. Join Prince Akeem and Semmi as they venture to Queens, New York to find his new bride.
33. Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Who's in it: LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Omari Hardwick
Rating: R
Runtime: 105 minutes
When Cassius lands a new job as a telemarketer, he takes his co-worker's advice and decides to adopt a "white" accent to succeed at his job. This leads to a promotion and causes him to adapt with ease. Except he starts to change—so much so that it jeopardizes his relationships with friends and his partner.
34. Dear White People (2014)
Who's in it: Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, Teyonah Parris
Rating: R
Runtime: 106 minutes
In this satirical comedy, a group of white students throws a black-face Halloween party, sparking major controversy and racial tensions among the school's Black and white students. With its unapologetic tone and sharp wit, the film boldly addresses the complexity of racism.
35. Friday (1995)
Who's in it: Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tommy Tiny Lister
Rating: R
Runtime: 91 minutes
Aside from being filled with memorable one-liners ("Bye, Felisha!"), this laugh-out-loud comedy paints a refreshingly different picture of living in the hood. Set on a Friday, the movie centers on two unemployed friends who spend their day getting high and brainstorming ideas to repay the money they owe a drug dealer.
36. They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
Who's in it: John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, Kiefer Sutherland
Rating: R
Runtime: 122 minutes
The Netflix film follows an unlikely trio who team up to investigate a wild government conspiracy after learning that one of them was seemingly cloned. The genre-bending sci-fi comedy examines themes like identity, whitewashing and capitalism.
Horror & Thriller
37. The Blackening (2022)
Who's in it: Antoinette Robertson, Dewayne Perkins, Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler
Rating: R
Runtime: 97 minutes
To celebrate Juneteenth, a group of Black friends go away for the weekend. Their getaway quickly turns into a nightmare, however, when they find themselves trapped in a cabin with a mysterious killer.
38. Get Out (2017)
Who's in it: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford
Rating: R
Runtime: 104 minutes
When Chris discovers that his white girlfriend hasn't told her family he's Black, he worries that their first get-together may cause a stir. Little does he know that he's about to have one of the most terrifying experiences of his life...
39. Us (2019)
Who's in it: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Rating: R
Runtime: 116 minutes
Another win from Peele, Us follows Adelaide Wilson, a young wife and mother who's still dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic childhood experience. When her family moves to a new home, they're targeted by masked attackers who have more in common with them than they realize.
40. His House (2020)
Who's in it: Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, Matt Smith
Rating: TV-14
Runtime: 93 minutes
When two refugees arrive in England, they're less than thrilled to be placed in a run-down home that's infested with pests. But that's not even the worst of it. After experiencing random supernatural events, they discover that something sinister is hiding in their new home.
41. Blade (1998)
Who's in it: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright
Rating: R
Runtime: 120 minutes
No offense to Buffy, but Blade will always be remembered as the ultimate vampire slayer. In the film, Blade is a Dhampir and vampire hunter who uses his unique strengths to hunt the night creatures down. It's packed with suspense and epic action sequences that still hold up.
Action
42. Black Panther (2018)
Who's in it: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 134 minutes
Arguably Marvel's best superhero movie, Black Panther follows the newly crowned King T'Challa as he faces off against Killmonger, a dangerous new enemy who intends to take over Wakanda and abandon their traditions. It features strong, nuanced characters, intense action scenes and stunning visuals of the fictional kingdom.
43. Black Dynamite (2009)
Who's in it: Michael Jai White, Kym Whitley, Tommy Davidson, Kevin Chapman
Rating: R
Runtime: 90 minutes
In this smart tribute to the Blaxploitation genre, White stars as former CIA agent Black Dynamite, who's determined to defeat a dangerous enemy who killed his brother and seeks the destroy the community with a powerful new drug.
44. BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Who's in it: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, Topher Grace
Rating: R
Runtime: 134 minutes
A Black detective named Ron Stallworth is given his most challenging assignment yet when he's tasked with infiltrating and exposing a local division of the Ku Klux Klan. Per usual, the Spike Lee joint sheds light on racism in the U.S. through sharp social commentary and just the right amount of humor.
45. The Harder They Fall (2021)
Who's in it: Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, LaKeith Stanfield
Rating: R
Runtime: 137 minutes
This dazzling, star-packed Western is like no other, thanks to its diverse cast and killer soundtrack. The groundbreaking flick tells the story of Nat Love, a famous cowboy who seeks revenge against Rufus Buck, a recently escaped criminal who murdered his parents.
46. Foxy Brown (1974)
Who's in it: Pam Grier, Antonio Fargas, Peter Brown, Sally Ann Stroud, Stroud Deb
Rating: R
Runtime: 91 minutes
Our list wouldn't be complete without this iconic Blaxploitation film, complete with steamy intimate scenes, intense car chases and wild bar fights. Grier commands every scene as Foxy Brown, a young woman who seeks to avenge the murder of her government agent boyfriend.
47. The Woman King (2022)
Who's in it: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 135 minutes
Think Gladiator or Braveheart, but with fierce, Black female warriors. The film revolves around the Agojie, an all-female military team who's tasked with protecting the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 1800s. When a new enemy threatens the nation, their leader, General Nanisca, must recruit new women to defeat them.
Documentaries and Biopics
48. Malcolm X (1992)
Who's in it: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr.
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 201 minutes
Spike Lee honors the legacy of the great Malcolm X by offering a more intimate look at his life in this dramatized biopic. The movie covers several key moments throughout his life, including his conversion to Islam and his pilgrimage to Mecca.
49. Paris Is Burning (1990)
Who's in it: Dorian Corey Pepper LaBeija Venus Xtravaganza Octavia St. Laurent
Rating: R
Runtime: 78 minutes
Paris Is Burning, which is credited for bringing ball culture to mainstream media, documents the ballroom community in New York City during the '80s. The film features notable figures like Pepper LaBeija and Dorian Corey, and it tackles many relevant issues, ranging from the AIDS epidemic to homophobia.
50. Selma (2014)
Cast: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Carmen Ejogo, Common
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 128 minutes
This insightful, star-studded historical drama depicts the Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights in 1965, which was led by Martin Luther King Jr. Watch for Oyelowo's unforgettable performance and, of course, the film's Oscar-winning anthem, "Glory."
51. King Richard (2021)
Who's in it: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Saniyya Sidney
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 146 minutes
King Richard shines the spotlight on Venus and Serena Williams's father, who was instrumental in jumpstarting the careers of both of his girls. The sports drama, which earned Smith an Oscar for Best Actor, sends positive messages about hard work, perseverance and the importance of family.
52. Fruitvale Station (2013)
Who's in it: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz, Ahna O'Reilly
Rating: R
Runtime: 85 minutes
From Black Panther director Ryan Coogler comes his directorial debut, which follows the true story of Oscar Grant. The film chronicles the events surrounding his untimely death, where he was killed by a Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer at the Fruitvale district station in Oakland.
53. Good Hair (2009)
Who's in it: Chris Rock, Maya Angelou, Nia Long, Meagan Good
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 95 minutes
What exactly is good hair? This is the question that Chris Rock sets out to answer as he interviews several stylists and Black women about the styling industry, how they perceive their natural hair and what the world deems "acceptable."
54. John Lewis: Good Trouble (2020)
Who's in it: Elijah Cummings, Anthony Johnson, Hillary Clinton
Rating: PG
Runtime: 96 minutes
What better way to honor the legacy of the civil rights activist than by watching this illuminating documentary? Through archived footage and interviews, the film discusses the former U.S. Congressman's upbringing, as well as his legislative action on civil rights, gun control, health care reform and more.
55. Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019)
Who's in it: Toni Morrison, Oprah Winfrey, Russell Banks, Walter Mosley
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 119 minutes
If you've ever fantasized about having a drink (or two) with one of the most brilliant authors of our time, then here's your chance to experience the next best thing. In this intimate documentary, the late Toni Morrison opens up about her life and her writings while exploring race and American culture.
56. 13th (2016)
Who's in it: Michelle Alexander, Bryan Stevenson, Van Jones, Newt Gingrich
Rating: PG
Runtime: 100 minutes
Named after the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the documentary examines the meaning of the amendment and its implications—especially the latter half about involuntary servitude being permitted as "punishment for conviction of a crime." The eye-opening film also discusses how race and mass incarceration intersect.
57. Get On Up (2014)
Who's in it: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 138 minutes
Before he graced the big screen as Black Panther, Boseman delivered an unforgettable performance as the legendary James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. The movie chronicles his harrowing, yet inspiring journey from poverty to stardom.
58. Amazing Grace (2018)
Who's in it: Aretha Franklin, The Rev. James Cleveland, Alexander Hamilton
Rating: G
Runtime: 87 minutes
Soul Queen Aretha Franklin is at her best in this concert film, where she recorded her top-selling gospel album, Amazing Grace, live from the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in 1972. "How I Got Over", "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Precious Memories" are among the songs she performed. Plus, fellow musicians Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts are spotted in the audience throughout the film.
59. Hidden Figures (2016)
Who's in it: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner
Rating: PG
Runtime: 127 minutes
Hidden Figures shines the spotlight on Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three brilliant Black mathematicians who make history at NASA by helping astronaut John Glenn launch into orbit. Even if you're clueless about math and science, the solid performances and timely subject matter will have you hooked.
60. I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
Who's in it: Samuel L. Jackson, Tristao Darius
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 95 minutes
Inspired by James Baldwin's final, unfinished manuscript, director Raoul Peck examines the history of racism in America and details Baldwin's relationship with civil rights icons, including Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. The Oscar-nominated movie is sure to foster thoughtful conversation about the civil rights movement and racial identity.
