There are only a few short weeks left of Black history month, but that does not mean that the immersion and celebration of the rich culture of Black America must stop. One way to celebrate Black history month year-round is by watching movies that act as staples in the Black community. There are countless films to watch but here are ten classics that could possibly teach you a thing or two…
- The Color Purple (1985)
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Possibly one of the most famous films of all time, this film is worth seeing for its all-star cast alone including Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. This movie centers around the life of a Black woman amidst her string of abusive relationships, trying to find both her roots and where she belongs.
- Boyz n the Hood (1991)
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Debuting in 1991, Boyz n the Hood is a classic coming of age story, South Central LA style. It is a classic story about friendship, full of heart and tears, and most importantly it starts conversations that still need to happen in the Black community today.
- The Help (2011)
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My personal favorite, The Help is the film adaptation of the bestselling novel that came out in 2009. Not only did it earn Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis multiple awards, it told the story of the secret life of maids in the civil rights period. It includes romance, sadness, friendship, family, and is a must see for anybody.
- Selma (2014)
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It’s not hard to guess what this one is about. Directed by the one and only Ava Duvernay, Selma is the real-life story about the historic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. This tearjerker also has a spectacular soundtrack that features Ledisi, John Legend, and Common.
- Loving (2016)
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If you are looking for romance this February, Loving is the movie to watch. It is the story of a biracial couple, Richard and Mildred Loving, who fall in love and stick together despite the odds. They fearlessly beat the statistics and face racial barriers head on.
- Hidden Figures (2016)
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In a way, Hidden Figures is the Cinderella story that all young black girls need to hear. Except this time, instead of glass slippers and Prince Charming’s, these ladies are working with algebra and astronauts. Finally, some light is shed on three amazing Black women who were a vital part of the iconic mission to the moon.
- Black Panther (2018)
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A favorite of Marvel fans, not much needs to be said about Black Panther. Extremely well produced and executed, Black Panther is in every sense the superhero every Black person has been waiting for. If you have not seen it yet, go give it a watch right now. You will not be disappointed. (Michael B. Jordan in like every scene is a bonus too).
- The Hate U Give (2018)
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The Hate U Give is based on a bestselling YA novel. It is set in modern society and focuses on a young girl who is caught between two worlds and struggling with the harsh reality that surrounds her and how to change it using her own voice.
- Harriet (2019)
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One of the more recent films on this list, Harriet is an up close and personal view of the life of Harriet Tubman. Starting at the beginning, Harriet is the heartfelt true story of one of the most famous women in Black history. Her story of strength, courage, and perseverance is inspiring to anyone watching at home.
- Queen and Slim (2019)
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Often referred to as the “Black Bonnie and Clyde”, Queen and Slim is a thriller that centers on a young and unexpected couple. Together, they go on a crazy action-packed journey that audience members get to witness as a backseat passenger.