Skip to Content

10 Best Black History Movies for Kids in the Classroom

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.

 

I started elementary school in the mid-1980s and graduated from high school in the mid-1990s. Back when I was in school, I don’t remember watching any movies during Black History Month in school.

I’m not saying that we didn’t watch any, rather, only that I don’t remember watching any. And in current times, educators have access to the Internet and streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.

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.

So, there are so many movies that can be watched and discussed in the classroom to enrich student’s learning in this rich pool of history during the month.

Watch these movies with your students, discuss them, and use this movie review questionnaire or other activities that I have linked to that will provide an interactive learning experience for your students as it relates to Black History.

These Black History month movies are great for kids, children of many ages, and students.

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.

Best Black History Movies for Kids

Black history movies are all about showcasing the rich and diverse experiences, struggles, and triumphs of the African American community. They delve into historical events, key figures, and untold stories, offering a powerful and often emotional journey that highlights the resilience, contributions, and cultural heritage of Black people throughout history.

Roots: The Complete Miniseries
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • LeVar Burton, Cicely Tyson, Edward Asner (Actors)

 (NOT RATED)

Age: 14+

RELATED:  10 Black Women in History Through Black History Movies

Rosa Parks Story: Ride To Freedom, The
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Angela Bassett, Cicely Tyson, Peter Francis (Actors)

 (NOT RATED)

Age: Elementary

  

 (NOT RATED)

Age: Elementary

 

Gabby Douglas Story
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Gabrielle Douglas, Imani Hakim, Regina King (Actors)

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.

A Ballerina's Tale
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Misty Copeland (Actor)

 (NOT RATED)

Age: 9+

RELATED:  Best Christmas Movies for Kids

 

Sale
By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
  • Barack Obama (Actor)
  • Amy Rice (Director) - Dan O'Meara (Producer)

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.

The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Actor)

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.

Hidden Figures
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner (Actors)

 (PG)

Age: 10+

To continue this unit study, check out the Hidden Figures Movie Guide.

Selma
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, Giovanni Ribisi (Actors)

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.

I Am Not Your Negro
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Samuel L. Jackson, James Baldwin, Dick Cavett (Actors)

 (TV-MA)

  

RELATED:  Lewis Howard Latimer Movies

To continue learning, check out the Black History Research Unit

Have you watched any of these black history movies for kids as a family?

Be sure to check out these Black History Month Worksheets and Printable Black History Month Activities for Kids.

If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.

“I absolutely love sharing movies with my kids as a way to teach them valuable lessons. It’s like this awesome bonding experience where we all snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn, and I get to see their little faces light up with curiosity. Whether it’s a classic with timeless morals or a new animated flick with hidden gems of wisdom, it’s a fantastic way to impart important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Plus, the post-movie discussions are priceless – hearing their take on the characters and the story adds a whole new dimension to our family time.” –a Homeschooling parent

With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:

  • List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
  • List of Monthly Observances
  • List Of Movies for Unit Study
  • Unit Study Resource
  • Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
  • (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher

These resources are worth it if you’d like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.

Grab your membership here.

Related Posts:

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.

 

 

Best Movies Right Now
Follow me
Latest posts by Best Movies Right Now (see all)

Sharing is caring!

All the Black History Movies on Disney Plus - Best Movies Right Now

Sunday 27th of February 2022

[…] 10 Best Black History Movies for Kids in the Classroom […]

3 Ways to Entertain Your Kids During School Closures

Sunday 6th of February 2022

[…] 10 Best Black History Movies for Kids in the Classroom […]

Mary McLeod Bethune Movies - Best Movies Right Now

Thursday 27th of January 2022

[…] you are looking for great movies to watch during Black History Month, Women’s History month, or supplement at-home learning, you’ll want to check out these Mary […]

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler Movies - Best Movies Right Now

Thursday 27th of January 2022

[…] you are looking for great movies to watch during Black History Month, Women’s History month, or supplement at-home learning, you’ll want to check out these Dr. […]

Lewis Howard Latimer Movies - Best Movies Right Now

Thursday 27th of January 2022

[…] you are looking for great movies to watch during Black History Month or supplement at-home learning, you’ll want to check out these Lewis Howard Latimer […]