8 Historical Movies To Watch During Black History Month

In February each year the United States celebrates Black History Month. This year, for 29 days, organizations, individuals, and governmental agencies will honor black history. We will uphold black leaders and visionaries. We will remember the terrible history of slavery. And, we will work on ways to overcome racial disparities. Some people criticize Black History Month. They are right to note that black history is American history, but regardless, February 2020 is Black History Month. It serves as an opportunity to educate ourselves and honor black heroes and black leaders all while remembering how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. 

As someone who enjoys books and films, I wanted to highlight eight great historical films of recent years that capture aspects of Black History Month. In fact, they can serve as a jumping off point for further Black History Month discussions. There are other great movies out there. Many that feature contemporary black experiences and starring black actors and actresses, but today, I want to focus on historical films. 

Harriet

The “Conductor” of the Underground Railroad comes to life in this 2019 film that stars Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr, Janelle Monae, and was directed by Kasi Lemmons. You can rent it on Amazon Prime or get it at your local public library. 

Hidden Figures

Women in STEM unite behind this tour-de-force story of black female scientists at NASA. The film stars Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, and more. You can rent it from Amazon Prime, YouTube, or get it at your local public library. 

Selma

Follow the journey to Selma, Alabama in this moving film about the Civil Rights Movement and the famous march that helped lead to the Civil Rights Act of 1965. The film stars David Oyelowo and was directed by Ava DuVernay. You can rent it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube, or get it at your local public library. 

Lee Daniels’ The Butler

This historical fiction movie feels contemporary in so many ways. It tells the story of Cecil Gaines, who ends up working as a butler at the White House and sees history changing, and not changing, before his eyes. The film stars Forest Whitaker and was directed by Lee Daniels. You can rent it from Amazon Prime or pick it up at your public library. 

Remember the Titans

Sports fans love this film that tells the story of a school district forced to integrate and the role of football in their lives. The film stars Denzel Washington and was directed by Boaz Yakin. You can rent it on Amazon Prime or YouTube, stream it on Disney Plus, or get it from your public library. 

42

The story of Jackie Robinson comes to life in this film that follows his career and his historic breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball. The film stars Chadwick Bosemen in the titular role and was directed by Brian Helgeland. You can rent it on Amazon Prime, YouTube, or get it at your public library. 

Queen of Katwe

This moving film begins in Uganda, where a young girl learns to play chess from a missionary, and her life is changed forever. The film stars Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong’o,and David Oyelowo and was directed by Mira Nair. You can rent it from Amazon Prime, stream it on Disney Plus, or get it from your public library. 

Loving

Follow this heartwarming story of a biracial couple who end up taking their fight for love and equality under the law to the Supreme Court in this 2016 film. The film stars Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton and was directed by Jeff Nichols.  You can rent it from Amazon Prime, YouTube, or stream it on Hulu.