Watching a movie together is a great opportunity to discuss hard issues in American history. Here are the best black history movies for kids.
Using movies to start a conversation is a great way to get your kids talking about important topics like race and racism.
And with the help of the black history movies for kids, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to help you get the conversation started.
Whether you’re looking for hopeful stories to inspire your kids or biopics based on important figures your teens are learning about, each of these historic films is a great way to learn about black history.
Best Black History Movies for Kids
There are a variety of amazing black history movies your kids will love, which means you’ll have plenty of titles to enjoy throughout the year.
And no matter their age, from young kids to teens, there’s an inspirational title for everyone in the family to watch. With that said, some of these movies won’t be suitable for younger children.
There are a variety of amazing black history movies your kids will love, which means you’ll have plenty of titles to enjoy throughout the year. And no matter their age, from young kids to teens, there’s an inspirational title for everyone in the family to watch. We've organized the best movies for Black History Month based on where they are available to stream. The first movies featuring African Americans and black stories are available on Amazon Prime Video. The last set of movies are found on Disney Plus. Rated PG-13 The Golden Globe winning film, Selma, is based on the true story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fighting for equal voting rights for all during a violent three month period in 1965. The film stars David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, and Cuba Gooding Jr. Rated PG Learn about the three brilliant black women at NASA behind turning of the Space Race and the launch of John Glenn into orbit in this moving family-friendly film. The cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. They play the 3 African Americans that are brilliant geniuses at NASA. Rated PG-13 This moving drama follows abolitionist Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo) as she makes several journeys back and forth along the underground railroad to help free slaves. Rated R Your teenagers can learn a lot from Denzel Washington as he stars as the historic civil rights leader Malcom X in this black history biopic directed by Spike Lee. Rated PG-13 When a young girl witnesses her best friend's murder at the hands of the police, she decides to stand up for what's right. This movie stars Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, and Russell Hornsby. Rated PG-13 This interesting documentary shows the trials and triumphs of Misty Copeland, the first black woman to hold a principal role in the American Ballet Theater. Rated PG-13 Jackie Robinson signs on as the first black player in Major League Baseball when he starts playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946 in this family-friendly historical drama. Rated R An FBI informant infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther party and is tasked with reporting information back to the bureau about the group's charismatic leader, Fred Hampton, in this teen-friendly movie. Rated PG In spite of the odds being stacked against her, a young girl makes her way to the national spelling bee in this uplifting family feature. Since this movie is one of the PG options, we recommend it if you're looking for a family movie! Rated PG-13 Fighting for death row inmates in the south, lawyer Bryan Stevenson (who later starts the Equal Justice Initiative) takes on a case to save a black man from death row after proving his innocence. Rated R This biopic about a young Thurgood Marshall -- the first black man to serve on the supreme court -- stars Chadwick Boseman as the attorney battling through one of his career-defining cases. Rated PG-13 This movie classic shows the battles and triumph of an African American teenager raised in rural Georgia as she details her life-long trauma through personal letters to God. Rated PG-13 Learn about legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis’ legacy of more than 60 years of activism, from his teenage years on the front lines of the civil rights movement to becoming a legislative powerhouse. Rated PG-13 Your kids can be inspired by the rise of Jesse Owens from college track star to Olympic legend after he wins four gold medals in the 1936 games. Below are the movies available to stream on Disney+. These movies don't have images, but you can click on each one to view more information and photos. Rated PG A jazz musician draws inspiration from his community and music to help him see what a full life he has lived. Rated PG-13 Featuring the first black superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther must lead the fictional nation of Wakanda after facing a challenge to his leadership. Starring Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan. Rated PG A newly integrated high school football team must learn to come together as a team to win. Rated G This animated Disney classic features the first black princess, Tiana, who dreams of opening her own restaurant in New Orleans but ends up finding adventure and love through an epic journey. Rated PG When six year old Ruby Bridges becomes the first African-American to integrate into the local elementary school, she must overcome the ugliness of racism. Rated G Two friends from different backgrounds spend a semester together and soon learn that their preconceptions of each other were wrong. They must overcome their assumptions to learn about the true color of friendship. Rated PG A Ugandan girl’s life changes forever when she learns that she has an amazing talent for the game of chess in this inspirational story.21 Best Black History Movies for Kids, Teens, & Families
Disney+ Movies
Ava DuVernay’s Netflix documentary is also a great choice about racial injustice and discrimination in the United States.
The documentary brings awareness to that fact the U.S. prisons are disproportionately filled with black people.
