The issue of slavery has been an ongoing battle around the world. And one way to help combat the problem is to learn just how brutal and cruel the act of slavery can be. With the help of slavery movies, viewers can get a glimpse of some of the harrowing stories that surround the horrors that took place in this historic era.
From inspirational stories about slaves who made their way to freedom to enlightening tales of well-known historic figures, there’s no shortage of amazing movies about slavery to stream right now.
Whether you’re looking for an educational story or an inspirational film, you’re sure to find something to watch on this list of slavery movies. Keep reading to see the best historical fiction featuring stories of slavery throughout the United States. Rated: R Starring: Djimon Hounsou, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, Directed by Steven Spielberg After the slave ship Amistad sets sail from Cuba to America, a man leads the slaves in an uprising. When the enslaved people from the ship are then held prisoner in Connecticut for a short time, their release becomes the subject of heated debate. With the help of a freed slave and a property lawyer, the group of slaves work to earn their freedom. Rated: R Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o When a free black man from upstate New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South, he is subjected to the cruelty of his first owner. But he also finds unexpected kindness from a new owner. For nearly 12 years, he struggles to survive and attempts to maintain his dignity, when a chance meeting with an abolitionist changes his life forever. Rated: R Starring: Ken Norton, Susan George, Perry King Based on Kyle Onstott's novel, Mandingo uncompromisingly shows the brutal nature of slavery in the South. Rated: R Starring: Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz Two years before the Civil War begins, a slave named Django works with a bounty hunter in an attempt to capture the vicious Brittle brothers. When their mission is successful, Django is freed and together they work together to hunt the South's most-wanted criminals. It’s then that their travels take them to the plantation where Django's long-lost wife is still a slave, giving him a chance to free his love and seek revenge. Rated: PG-13 Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odam Jr., Joe Alwyn This interesting biopic follows the life of Harriet Tubman, from her escape from the shackles of slavery through the dangerous treks she led through the Underground Railroad to liberate hundreds of slaves across the South. Rated: PG Starring: Margaret Brown Filmmaker Margaret Brown returns to her hometown of Mobile, Alabama, to reconnect with the ancestors of the survivors of the Clotilda. The discovery of the remains of the last-known slave ship to arrive in the United States may give these descendants a more tangible link to their enslaved ancestors. Rated: PG-13 Starring: Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Cary Elwes Rated: R Starring: Will Smith Ben Foster, Mustafa Shakir After being whipped nearly to death, a slave flees his plantation in Louisiana. In order to survive his trip north, he’s forced to outwit cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of the state through a torturous journey to freedom. Rated: R Starring: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King An enslaved Baptist preacher lives on a Virginia plantation when he hears rumors of an insurrection. A cleric convinces him to preach to other slaves in hopes of stopping an uprising in its tracks. But when the preacher witnesses the horrific treatment of his fellow slaves, he realizes that he can no longer just stand by and do nothing. Rated: R Starring: Janelle Monae, Gabourey Sidibe, Kiersey Clemons A successful author is on the verge of finishing her fourth book when she unexpectedly finds herself trapped in the body of a slave who has tried to orchestrate an escape attempt. While enduring the seemingly endless abuse at the hands of a Confederate soldier, she’s forced to confront her past, present, and future before it’s too late. Rated: R Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali The story of a Mississippi farmer led a revolt against the Confederacy in 1863. This one alliance and rebellion changes the country's history forever. Rated: R Starring: Cuba Gooding, Jr., Peter Cousens, Sharon Leal Set in two different time periods, this slavery movie follows a runaway slave and his family as they find help from the underground railroad, as well as the man’s grandfather while he is held captive aboard a slave ship headed to the United States. Rated: R Starring: LeVar Burton, Cicely Tyson, Edward Asner Based on Alex Haley's novel, Roots is set in the 18th century and tells Kunta Kinte's story. He is an African captured as an young man and forced into into slavery in Africa then North America.Best Slavery Movies on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
While we recognize that most of the historical accuracy may not be perfect in these historical dramas, some are based on a true story. Our goal is that watching any of these slave movies can bring a new level of awareness to the watchers.
After watching this of slavery movies, you may also like:
- 21 Best Black History Movies for Kids, Teens & Families
- Best Black Romance Movies You’ll Love
- Inspirational Movies for College Students & High School Kids
- 365 Mindfulness Journal Prompts for Adults
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