13 Movies to show during Black History Month

Movies have a unique power in the classroom: they don’t just tell stories, they invite students into them. During Black History Month, showing films rooted in Black experiences is more than a break from routine—it’s an opportunity to center voices that have too often been marginalized, simplified, or omitted altogether. When students see Black history portrayed through real people, emotions, and lived realities, history moves from the abstract into something human and memorable.

Hearing Black stories matters because representation shapes understanding. Films can illuminate joy alongside struggle, excellence alongside injustice, and resistance alongside resilience. They help students recognize that Black history is not a single narrative confined to the past, but a rich, ongoing story that continues to influence culture, science, art, and civic life today. When thoughtfully selected and paired with discussion, movies become a bridge—connecting students to empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for voices that deserve to be heard all year long, not just in February.

K–2nd Grade (Early Elementary)

Hair Love (2019)

Rating: G

Description: A heartwarming animated short about a father learning to style his daughter’s hair, celebrating love, confidence, and Black family life.

Why it’s a good choice: Highlights Black joy, family, and self-acceptance in an age-appropriate way.

Extension activities:

• Draw and write about something that makes you proud of your family.

• Read a picture book about hair or self-love and discuss similarities.

Our Friend, Martin (1999)

Rating: TV-G

Description: Two students travel back in time to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a child and adult.

Why it’s a good choice: Introduces MLK and the Civil Rights Movement in a way young children can understand.

Extension activities:

• Create a timeline with pictures of MLK’s life.

• Practice kindness acts inspired by Dr. King’s message.

3rd–5th Grade (Upper Elementary)

Ruby Bridges (1998)

Rating: TV-PG

Description: The true story of Ruby Bridges, who integrated an all-white elementary school in New Orleans.

Why it’s a good choice: Shows courage, resilience, and the importance of standing up for equality.

Extension activities:

• Write a journal entry from Ruby’s point of view.

• Discuss fairness and bravery using real-life examples.

Hidden Figures (2016) (selected scenes)

Rating: PG

Description: The story of three Black women mathematicians who helped NASA during the Space Race.

Why it’s a good choice: Highlights Black excellence in STEM and perseverance against discrimination.

Extension activities:

• Research another Black scientist or mathematician.

• Solve age-appropriate math or logic problems.

6th–8th Grade (Middle School)

Remember the Titans (2000)

Rating: PG

Description: A high school football team learns to work together during school integration in the 1970s.

Why it’s a good choice: Addresses racism, teamwork, and leadership in a relatable sports context.

Extension activities:

• Group discussion on how teamwork helps overcome prejudice.

• Write an essay connecting the film to modern social issues.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham (2013)

Rating: PG

Description: A family road trip turns serious when they experience the realities of the Civil Rights Movement.

Why it’s a good choice: Combines humor, family, and history to explore a pivotal moment in Black history.

Extension activities:

• Compare the movie to the novel.

• Research the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.

9th–12th Grade (High School)

Selma (2014)

Rating: PG-13

Description: Chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign for voting rights and the Selma marches.

Why it’s a good choice: Provides a powerful, realistic look at the Civil Rights Movement and activism.

Extension activities:

• Analyze primary source speeches from the movement.

• Debate the role of protest in social change.

Just Mercy (2019)

Rating: PG-13

Description: A lawyer fights for justice for a wrongly convicted Black man on death row.

Why it’s a good choice: Explores systemic racism, justice, and empathy in modern America.

Extension activities:

• Research mass incarceration and write a reflection.

• Hold a mock trial or legal ethics discussion.

Honorable Mentions (Rated R or TV-MA)

These films contain mature themes or language and may not be appropriate to show in full. Selected clips or references can be powerful instructional tools when framed with clear context and discussion.

13th (2016) (selected clips)

Rating: TV-MA (use excerpts)

Description: A documentary examining the connection between race, history, and mass incarceration.

Why it’s a good choice: Encourages critical thinking about the long-term impact of slavery and discrimination.

Extension activities:

• Analyze statistics presented in the film.

• Write a persuasive essay proposing solutions.

A Time to Kill (1996)

Rating: R

Description: A courtroom drama centered on a Black father who takes justice into his own hands after a horrific crime against his daughter, and the trial that follows.

Why it’s a good choice for Black History Month: Explores racism in the legal system, moral complexity, and the historical legacy of racial violence in the American South.

Possible assignment options:

• Analyze a courtroom clip and discuss how bias can affect legal outcomes.

• Write a reflection on the difference between justice and revenge, using historical examples.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017)

Rating: TV-MA

Description: Tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken without consent and became vital to medical research.

Why it’s a good choice for Black History Month: Highlights ethical issues in medicine, the exploitation of Black bodies, and the often-uncredited contributions of Black Americans to science.

Possible assignment options:

• Discuss medical ethics and informed consent using real-world scenarios.

• Research another overlooked Black contributor to science or medicine.

Malcolm X (1992)

Rating: PG-13 / R (depending on cut)

Description: A biographical film chronicling Malcolm X’s life, activism, and evolving views on race, identity, and justice.

Why it’s a good choice for Black History Month: Provides insight into Black nationalism, civil rights, and differing approaches to achieving racial equality.

Possible assignment options:

• Compare Malcolm X’s philosophy with that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Analyze a speech excerpt and identify key themes and rhetorical strategies.

Fruitvale Station (2013)

Rating: R

Description: A dramatization of the final day in the life of Oscar Grant before his fatal encounter with police in Oakland.

Why it’s a good choice for Black History Month: Encourages discussion about modern civil rights, policing, and the human impact behind headline events.

Possible assignment options:

• Write a response connecting the film’s themes to current events or historical patterns.

• Hold a guided discussion on media representation and empathy.

Instructional note: Always preview clips, provide content warnings, and clearly explain the historical and social context before viewing.

As we conclude this list of films, it’s essential to remember that showcasing a movie during Black History Month is not merely about checking a box—it’s about creating a space for learning, reflection, and meaningful conversation. Each of these stories offers students a chance to engage with Black history in a personal way, to see individuals rather than just events, and to better understand how the past shapes the present.

It’s also worth acknowledging that some of these films carry loose or strong political ties, reflecting the realities of the times and systems they portray. That context matters. When we bring these movies into the classroom, we have a responsibility to frame them thoughtfully, encourage respectful dialogue, and recognize that students may come to the discussion with different backgrounds and viewpoints. Hearing voices from multiple perspectives strengthens understanding, but it also requires care—especially when navigating stories that deal with injustice, power, and deeply held beliefs. By approaching these films with intention, balance, and empathy, educators can help students learn not only about Black history but also how to listen, question, and engage with complex stories in a meaningful way.