The month of February gives us a lot of important things, with the entirety of Black History Month being at the top of the list. This important time shines a light on a beautiful culture full of art, music and diverse figures that have pioneered some of Black history’s most incredible moments. While there are endless ways to honor Black History Month and celebrate the many facets of Black culture, film is a fantastic place to start.

The sky is the limit when it comes to recognizing the importance of Black history. From witnessing brilliant minds make waves at NASA to following the journey of individuals who have paved new roads for the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, there are thousands of movies perfect for the occasion. The best part is, these films offer something for every age group, so it’s easy for everyone to get involved! Here’s our list of twelve of the best movies that honor Black History Month.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

12 12 Years a Slave

     Via: Fox Searchlight Pictures

This raw, moving film tells the story of Solomon Northup, a brilliant violinist and loving family man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery despite his free status. Based on Northup’s real memoir of the same name, 12 Years a Slave is powerful and masterful in its recounting of life as a slave during the 1800s. Masterful performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o immerse audiences into a setting that’s both devastating and fueled by hope and justice.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

11 Fences

     Via: Bron Creative

A periodical tale that takes place in 1950s Pittsburgh, Fences weaves a narrative of love, loss and trying to make the right decisions in a world that is constantly against you. Protagonist Troy was an incredible baseball player that faced prejudice in the form of ‘color barriers’ in the NBL. As he struggles to deal with racism and give his family the life they deserve, he attempts to stop his son Cory from becoming an athlete, fearing that he’ll face the same barriers in his career.

10 Malcolm X

     Via: Warner Bros.

To capture the life of such an influential figure like Malcolm X is a massive undertaking, but this film does so beautifully. Executed with brilliance by Denzel Washington, we see the life of one of history’s most notable civil rights activists in a powerful new way. Malcolm X gives us a deeper look at his journey into Islam, his campaign for equal rights and his life as a husband, father and friend.

9 The Butler

     Via: Laura Ziskin Productions

Stories of United States Presidents are easy to come by; stories about butlers of the White House? Far rarer, and an absolute gem when done well. Lee Daniels’ The Butler brings us into the world of Cecil Gaines, who served the White House as one of its most distinguished and skilled butlers for several decades. The juxtaposition of Gaines’ character with the many presidents he served gives way for incredible chemistry between the actors, making the film a joy to watch.

8 The Princess and the Frog

     Via: Walt Disney Pictures

For younger audiences, The Princess and the Frog highlights the richness of Black and Cajun culture in New Orleans with great music, fantastic humor and a lot of heart. Heroine Tiana has a natural gift for cooking, and she aspires to fulfill her father’s dream of opening a restaurant right on the water. After voodoo magic turns her and a spoiled prince into frogs, the duo bands together to set things right and, along the way, discover that dreams really can come true.

7 Hidden Figures

     Via: Fox 2000 Pictures

Some of NASA’s most innovative mathematicians were women of color, and Hidden Figures brings recognition to their groundbreaking work. The movie follows Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson, three brilliant analysts who face workplace discrimination for their sex and race. Despite numerous attempts to stifle them, the three women go on to become indispensable members of NASA, ultimately gaining well-deserved respect in the industry.

6 Tangerine

     Dulles's Brothers Productions

Aptly blending comedy and drama, Tangerine puts the spotlight on Black and transgender characters alike. We join Sin-Dee Rella and Alexandra, two transgender sex workers, as they build their careers, get answers from Sin-Dee’s cheating boyfriend and overcome prejudice. It’s definitely a film for adults, but it’s as hilarious as it is eye-opening and honest.

5 Moonlight

     Via: A24

The beautiful coming-of-age movie Moonlight shares the emotional story of Chiron, a young boy who faces countless obstacles in life. Receiving no love from his crack-addicted mother, Chiron struggles to open up about his sexuality in the face of torment by a relentless bully. Over time, he creates an unbreakable bond with his friend Kevin, and the two find peace and support in each other as they grow.

4 42

     Warner Bros. Pictures

For baseball fans, 42 is an amazing retelling of the life of NBL legend Jackie Robinson, the first Black player to join the Major League. Here, we get to enjoy the unrelenting spirit and unbridled talent of Robinson, who made waves and saw countless wins in his career. The late Chadwick Boseman gave us a performance for the ages, and his love and dedication to the role shows through in the final product.

3 Selma

     Paramount Pictures

One of the quintessential figures in Black history, Selma paints a picture of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a series of voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965. The film doesn’t shy away from displaying the honest hardships faced by civil rights protestors of the time, and the journey leads up to an incredible finale that showcases one of Dr. King’s most iconic speeches in history.

2 The Color Purple

Capturing the difficulty of sexism and abuse with tact and grace, The Color Purple has rightfully earned the widespread critical acclaim it’s received over the years. The narrative follows Celie, a young woman who faces abuse at the hands of her father and husband throughout her life. As time passes, she bonds with the women in her circle, ultimately finding the courage to speak out against her abusers and take her life back.

1 The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give perfectly highlights the issues of anti-Black racism in today’s world. Though she lives in a mostly Black neighborhood, protagonist Starr attends a predominantly white private school. After witnessing the murder of her friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer, her worlds collide, and she finds her voice to speak out against police brutality and systemic racism.