Looking for Kids Black History Movies on Netflix? There are some great titles you can stream on Netflix. These are only some of the many great Black history movies for kids.
February is Black History Month, and a wonderful way to share this rich culture and experience with our children is via fine films.
There are several other Black History Movies on Netflix, but not all of them are appropriate for children. That’s why I curated this list. These films and TV documentaries are a great resource any time of year.
Learn about Women in Black History, too!
Make the next family movie night an educational night with these 15 Kids’ Black History Movies on Netflix. It’s perfect for teachable moments and a great way to engage the kids with important topics. Here are just a few films that serve as conversation starters for the kids to discuss African American history.
15 Black History Movies for Kids on Netflix
- Sweet Blackberry Presents: Henry Box Brown
– Henry “Box” Brown was a 19th-century Virginia slave who escaped to freedom at the age of 33 by arranging to have himself mailed in a wooden crate in 1849 to abolitionists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Watch on Netflix)
- Garrett’s Gift
– A young boy’s creative mind gets him into trouble, until he begins to apply that creativity to life-changing inventions, including the traffic signal. (Watch on Netflix)
- Dancing in the Light
– A passionate and dedicated black dancer in 1930s America is asked to dance by the prestigious Ballet Russe, but they want her to paint her skin white. (Watch on Netflix)
- Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise – Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is celebrated using her own words set over rare photographs and video illustrating her remarkable life. (Watch on Netflix)
- What Happened Miss Simone
– A documentary about the life and legend Nina Simone, an American singer, pianist, and civil rights activist labeled the “High Priestess of Soul.” (Watch on Netflix)
- Nat Turner: A Troublesome Property
– This documentary combines historical documents, interviews and re-created scenes to dramatize the still-controversial 1831 Nat Turner Slave Rebellion. (Watch on Netflix)
- Ken Burns: The Civil War
– Ken Burns’s documentary depicts the action of famous Civil War battles, and relates the stories of soldiers, generals and a beleaguered president. … Beginning with an examination of slavery, this episode looks at the causes of the war and the burning questions of union and states. (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)
- To Kill a Mockingbird
– Atticus Finch defends an innocent black man against rape charges but ends up in a maelstrom of hate and prejudice. Gregory Peck won an Oscar for his role in this drama based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested – some material may not be suitable for children.) – Please view before you watch with your children and/or watch with your children. (Watch on Netflix)
- 42
– This biopic focuses on baseball icon Jackie Robinson, who in 1947 became the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. (Watch on Netflix)
- Teach Us All – It’s been decades since Brown v. Board of Education, yet American schools remain largely segregated. Some leaders are working to change that.
(Watch on Netflix)
- The Negro Soldier
– This documentary urged African Americans to enlist and join in the effort to be part of America’s continuing fight in World War II. (Watch on Netflix)
- Searching for Augusta: The Forgotten Angel of Bastogne
– Intrigued by her fleeting appearances in historical works, documentarians uncover the incredible, once-lost story of a black World War II nurse. (Watch on Netflix)
- For Love of Liberty
– This miniseries documents the sacrifices and accomplishments of African-American servicemen and women since the earliest days of the republic. (Watch on Netflix)
- #Rucker50
– This documentary celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Harlem sports program that has inspired countless city kids to become pro basketball players. (Watch on Netflix)
MORE POSTS FOR KIDS ABOUT BLACK HISTORY
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DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE BLACK HISTORY MOVIES ON NETFLIX?
I am a member of the Netflix #StreamTeam. I received a complimentary subscription and device. All opinions and selections are my own.
Titles #8 and #9 ( Barry and To Kill a Mockingbird) are not very kid friendly–depending on your child’s age. If you are exploring any titles on this list, please ensure you check the audience rating, prior to turning on for your kid to watch.
Hi Sidney,
Thanks for your comment. I have added a note to each of those titles.