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25 Black History Movies on Netflix

The library of Black History movies on Netflix, will teach you more about slavery, black power, racism, segregation, documentaries, civil rights, and other African-American experiences. These are only some of the many great Black movies on Netflix,

25 Black History Movies on Netflix

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.

Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America

Through a powerful lecture and archival film, civil rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson draws a sobering timeline of anti-Black racism in the United States. | Stream on Netflix

Loving
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Joel Edgerton, Marton Csokas, Ruth Negga (Actors)

Loving

A young couple's interracial marriage in 1958 sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court. Based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving. | Stream on Netflix

Lee Daniels' The Butler
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey (Actors)

Lee Daniels' The Butler

The life of a White House butler who worked for eight presidents unfolds against a backdrop of unparalleled change in American history. | Stream on Netflix

Colin in Black and White

Colin Kaepernick narrates this drama series recounting his formative years navigating race, class and culture while aspiring for greatness. | Stream on Netflix

Passing

In 1920s New York City, a Black woman finds her world upended when her life becomes intertwined with a former childhood friend who's passing as White. | Stream on Netflix

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Amend: The Fight for America

Will Smith hosts this look at the evolving, often lethal, fight for equal rights in America through the lens of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment. | Stream on Netflix

High on the Hog

Black food is American food. Chef and writer Stephen Satterfield traces the delicious, moving throughlines from Africa to Texas in this docuseries. | Stream on Netflix

Who Killed Malcolm X?

Historian, activist and investigative journalist Abdur-Rahman Muhammad helms this deep dive into Malcolm X's murder.  | Stream on Netflix

Rucker 50

This documentary celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Harlem basketball tournament that turned city hoopers into local legends and professional stars. | Stream on Netflix

Civil: Ben Crump

Ben Crump, also known as “Black America's attorney general,” pulls back the curtain on his life as a family man and civil rights leader. | Stream on Netflix

Rodney King

Roger Guenveur Smith gives voice to the man at the center of the brutal police beating that helped fuel the 1992 LA uprising. Spike Lee directs. | Stream on Netflix

Amina

In 16th-century Zazzau, now Zaria, Nigeria, Amina must utilize her military skills and tactics to defend her family's kingdom. Based on a true story. | Stream on Netflix

Afrobeats the Backstory

Music pioneers Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo “D1” Adeneye, Paul “Play” Dairo and others dive into the rise of Afrobeats, the Nigerian global music phenomenon. | Stream on Netflix

Is That Black Enough for You?

Culture critic and historian Elvis Mitchell traces the evolution — and revolution — of Black cinema from its origins to the impactful films of the 1970s. | Stream on Netflix

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Toni Morrison, Angela Davis, Fran Lebowitz (Actors)

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

Author Toni Morrison leads an assembly of her peers, critics and colleagues on an exploration of race, history, America and the human condition. | Stream on Netflix

The Who Was? Show

Fresh voices bring some of the most famous names in history to life. A live-action sketch comedy show based on a series of best-selling books. | Stream on Netflix 

King Tut – Season 1, Episode 3

An iconic ruler of ancient Egypt and an influential Elizabethan playwright each left behind priceless relics that earned them rock-star status. 

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Louis Armstrong – Season 1, Episode 5 

The beloved king of jazz and the relived queen of France came from different worlds. Yet both achieved royalty -and left behind a dazzling legacy.

George Washington Carver – Season 1, Episode 10

A fierce conqueror who built an empire and a scientist who made peanuts famous? Sure, they're important. But so is Ron's birthday.

Who Killed Jam Master Jay?

Larger than life and wedded to his roots, Jam Master Jay was a hip-hop superstar. So who killed him in cold blood, and why? (Stream on Netflix)

Quincy

This documentary profiles music and culture icon Quincy Jones, offering unprecedented access to his private life and stories from his unparalleled career. (Stream on Netflix)

ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke

While Sam Cooke rose to stardom as a soul singer, his outspoken views on civil rights drew attention that may have contributed to his death at age 33. (Stream on Netflix)

ReMastered: The Lion's Share

South African journalist Rian Malan tracks down the family of Solomon Linda, the writer of the legendary song `The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and tries to help them fight for a fair share of the royalties. (Stream on Netflix)

Self Made: Inspired by The Life of Madam C.J. Walker

This limited series chronicles the incredible true story of Madam C.J. Walker, who was the first African American self-made millionaire. (Stream on Netflix)

Kevin Hart's Guide to Black History

Kevin Hart highlights the fascinating contributions of black history’s unsung heroes in this entertaining — and educational — comedy special. (Watch on Netflix)

When They See Us

Five teens (high schoolers) from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. (Watch on Netflix)

Barry

A young Barack Obama forges his identity while dealing with race, divergent cultures, and ordinary life as a New York City college student.

Rated TV-MA (This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. ) – Please view before you watch with your children and/or watch with your children. (Watch on Netflix)

In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists, and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S.  

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Oprah Winfrey sits down with Los Angeles-born director Ava DuVernay to discuss her Oscar-nominated film, historical cycles of oppression, and the broken prison system. 

  

To continue this unit study, check out the History with Musicals Movie Study Bundle.

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.

MORE MOVIES ABOUT BLACK HISTORY AND THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE ON NETFLIX:

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