The end of February marks the end of black history month, and to honor it coming to a close, here’s a list of movies that show the impact that black people have made to our world.
1. Dreamgirls
A CLASSIC. I loved Dreamgirls. This movie has a bumping soundtrack and Beyonce… what more could you ask for? It features two songs that I defintely have tried to sing and really failed at: Listen (Beyonce) and And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going (Jennifer Hudson) — some serious pipes on these two.
2. Straight Outta Compton
So, I know literally nothing about rap, and for some reason I decided to see this movie. First of all, it’s a really good movie. Ice Cube’s son plays Ice and they look exactly alike. This film portrays the struggle with racism and stereotyping that black people have had to deal with (and still continue to.)
3. 42
Brooklyn we go hard. This is the story of Jackie Robinson’s rise to fame. This biopic follows Jackie’s life inside and outside of baseball during 1947.
4. The Secret Life of Bees
This is one of the first movies that I really sobbed at. It’s a touching film about a girl running away from her abusive father with her caregiver, and trying to reconnect with her dead mother. It’s based on the book (which if you haven’t read it, read it first.) It also takes place in the south in the 1960s.
5. The Pursuit of Happyness
Why is it spelled with a “y”? I guess you’ll have to watch to find out! This film is one of Will Smith’s best acting jobs, and you can feel the bond that Will and his real life son Jayden have, on screen and off.
6. Remember the Titans
This is one of those movies that you should see at some point in your life. Young (but problematic) Ryan Gosling — yes please.
7. Coming to America
This is one of those comedies that even after seeing it a billion times, I still crack up at. In true Eddie Murphy form, he plays like 5 characters. Also, that wedding dress is reason enough to rewatch this movie.
8. The Help
More movies about black segregation in the south. Octavia Spencer won her first Oscar with this film, and well deserved. It’s also based on the book, which I highly recommend. Prepare for tears at the end.