Must-Watch Black History Movies for Kids

Learning about Black history can be incredibly eye-opening and inspiring, even for young kids. It’s no surprise that movies are a great way to bring this subject to life! 

Watch these Black History movies for kids in a classroom, home, or church to educate elementary students, high school students, or adults about Black History. Then watch these Black History Movies for Kids on Netflix.

Black History Movies for Kids

THE ROSA PARKS STORY (NOT RATED)

Age: Elementary

This biopic tells the story of civil rights activist Rosa Parks from her days as a private-school student to her public battle against racism and segregation. As a secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Parks defends local children who have been victimized by racism. 

But when she is arrested after refusing to give up her bus seat for a white passenger, Parks inspires the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott.

A BALLERINA’S TALE (NOT RATED)

Age: 9+

Nelson George’s documentary explores the rise of Misty Copeland, who made history as the first African American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theater. It gives audiences an intimate look at a groundbreaking dancer during a crucial period in her life, as she makes the transition.

HIDDEN FIGURES (PG)

Age: 10+

 Three brilliant African-American women at NASA — Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson — serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world. Learn more about Black women in history.

To continue learning, check out the Hidden Figures Movie Guide.

By the People: The Election of Barack Obama (NOT RATED)

Age: 13+

This 2009 documentary film produced by Edward Norton and broadcast in November 2009 on HBO, follows Barack Obama and various members of his campaign team, including David Axelrod, through the two years leading up to the United States presidential election on November 4, 2008.

ROOTS (NOT RATED)

Age: 14+

 In this remake of the 1970s miniseries based on Alex Haley’s novel, a new generation of actors retraces the roots of American slavery through the saga of Kunta Kinte — a young man taken from a Gambian village and brought to America to serve. I found several Slavery movies on Netflix.

The Gabby Douglas Story (NOT RATED)

Age: 12+

This biographical drama tells the story of Gabby Douglas, the American gymnast who made history at the 2012 Summer Olympics by becoming the first black woman to win the Individual All-Around Championship.

The African Americans (PG)

Written and presented by Professor Gates, the six-hour series explores the evolution of the African-American people, as well as the multiplicity of cultural institutions, political strategies, and religious and social perspectives they developed — forging their own history, culture, and society against unimaginable odds.

Selma (PG-13)

In the face of violent racist attacks, Martin Luther King Jr. leads a protest in Alabama that culminates in a historic march from Selma to Montgomery.

To continue learning, check out the Black History Research Unit. 

Related Posts:

• 20 Movies About Black History to Stream on Netflix
• Movies About Women in Black History
• 20+ Black History Movies on Amazon Prime
• 10 Best Black History Movies for Kids in the Classroom