Since its inception in 1915, the purpose of Black History Month has been to chronicle Black people’s path out of enslavement, the continued struggle for equity and civil rights, and to highlight the Black community’s civic and cultural contributions to society. Now each February and beyond, the biggest streamers – Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu – use the national holiday to showcase the titles in their libraries by Black creatives and featuring Black talent.
It’s a great time to expand what you know about Black activists, icons, and trailblazers or add context to (and/or correct) what you may have learned in US history by watching documentaries. Maybe you’re looking to expand your “watched list” by adding content featuring Black creatives in front of or behind the camera. Perhaps you’re just interested in (re)watching some of the movies and shows that shaped the culture then and continue to now.
Jump to the streaming platform picks:
What to Watch on Apple TV+What to Watch on Disney+What to Watch on HuluWhat to Watch on MaxWhat to Watch on NetflixWhat to Watch on PeacockWhat to Watch on Paramount+What to Watch on Prime VideoThere are many ways to learn about and celebrate Black creativity; the easiest is checking out a few movies and shows with Black casts or centering the perspective of Black people. You never know how you’ll connect or relate. Here are some of the best and most popular titles in the streamers’ libraries to help you curate that watchlist and continue to reflect and celebrate Black history.
What to Watch on Apple TV+Louis Armstrong’s Black and BluesWhere to Stream Black and BluesLouis Armstrong’s Black and Blues delves into the impact of his groundbreaking career, his personal trials as a lightning rod figure, and the lasting impact of his musical legacy and oft-contentious role in the civil rights movement across eras of social and racial tension. Watch it now.
SidneyWhere to Stream SidneySidney Poitier is an intimate portrait of the iconic actor, activist and enigmatic man. This documentary explores the impact of his barrier-breaking career and honors the legendary talent’s life and legacy. Stream now.
SwaggerWhere to Stream SwaggerThis sports drama, loosely based on the life of Kevin Durant, walks a tightrope with its exploration of youth basketball and the pressures of working towards a dream, family expectations and trying to stay grounded. It reimagines the sports drama and offers a captivating look at the complexities of raising young Black children. Stream Swagger here.
The ChangelingThe ChangelingThe Changeling turns a seemingly fairytale romance into a twisted tale about a woman who comes to believe her baby’s been replaced and the death-defying hunt her husband embarks on once she goes missing. Based on Victor LaValle’s novel, this supernatural horror story will redefine how you think about fables and parenthood. Watch Changeling.
The Last Days of Ptolemy GreyThe Last Days of Ptolemy GreyThe Last Days of Ptolemy Grey is a slow-building drama based on Walter Mosley’s novel that unravels the struggles plaguing an aging Black man succumbing to dementia and what he chooses to do before his time runs out. Watch now.
Additional Titles on AppleTV:
They Call Me MagicEl Canto Del CisneThe BankerHijackStephen Curry: Underrated Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4Driving While BlackWhat to Watch on Disney+Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in VegasBlack in VegasBlack in Vegas takes a walk down memory lane and into the history of Black entertainers in Las Vegas. These frank testimonials, anecdotes and rarely-seen images make for a riveting portrait of the heyday of Black entertainment on the strip and its continued impact on the city. Stream now.
Clotilda: Last American Slave ShipWatch Clotilda: Last American Slave ShipFrom National Geographic, Clotilda follows the hunt for the last slave ship to sail to the United States, the archaeologists who study the recovered schooner, and the history of the vessel’s descendants still living in the Alabama community. Stream now.
Moon Girl and Devil DinosaurThe animated series, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, centers on a 13-year-old Black girl-genius who inadvertently opens a vortex transporting a Tyrannosaurus rex to New York. The series offers a vibrant adaptation of the comic of the same name that’s full of hijinks, life lessons, and a relatable, close-knit family. See our review of the premiere episode and stream it here.
Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens RisingWatch Screen Queens RisingAlso from National Geographic, Screen Queens Rising interrogates the barriers Black women face as actors, their historical roots in the industry, and the contemporary ways they are succeeding and redefining the path to stardom (and what success means). Watch it now.
Harlem IceWatch Harlem IceA 5-part documentary series, Harlem Ice follows the girls of Figure Skating in Harlem as they prepare for competitions, performances, and a life changing global experience. We see through their eyes as they experience the highs and lows of the season, witnessing the unique experiences they have as girls of color breaking the ice ceiling. Watch here.
Additional Titles on Disney+:
Black Travel Across AmericaBlack Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverThe Falcon and the Winter SoldierSecret InvasionThe MarvelsLoopKizazi Moto: Generation of FireUs AgainCinderella Black Is KingSoulThe Proud FamilyThe Princess and the FrogRemember the TitansCool RunningsQueen of KatweSafetyRise Sister Act I and II That’s So RavenBlack Girls Play: The Story of HandgamesWhat to Watch on HuluRye LaneWatch Rye LaneFrom Searchlight Pictures comes a Black rom-com called Rye Lane, centering on a duo who cross paths just after each experiences a horrible break-up. An awkward meeting in a bathroom turns into a quixotic jaunt across London and what amounts to a hilarious yet revelatory accidental first date. This modern take on dating is a lighthearted look at coupling up, compatibility, and embracing the risks of falling in love. Stream now.
Invisible BeautyWatch Invisible BeautyFrom Magnolia Pictures, Invisible Beauty is the personal narrative of fashion luminary and industry maverick Bethann Hardison as she looks back at her life and journey from barrier-breaking supermodel to revolutionary modeling agent. The documentary follows Hardison as she works on her memoir and navigates her changed role in an ever-evolving fashion industry. Stream now.
Black CakeWatch Black Cake on HuluThis miniseries called Black Cake follows estranged siblings drawn back together in the aftermath of their mother’s death. What they discover sends them on a journey into the past to discover the true origins of their family and their mother’s personal history. Stream now.
Summer of SoulFrom Searchlight Pictures and directed by Questlove, Summer of Soul chronicles the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival to celebrate Black history, culture, music, and fashion in New York City. This award-winning documentary, designed to emulate the style of the times, marries a concert attendee experience and the behind-the-scenes moments of what it took to pull this phenomenal musical showcase together. Stream it now.
Searching for Soul FoodWatch Searching for Soul FoodCelebrity chef Alisa Reynolds travels the world experiencing what soul food looks like in different communities. She explores how food traditions intersect with Black food and her own Southern roots. Stream now.
Additional Titles on Hulu:
AftershockThe 1619 ProjectGrails: When Sneakers Changed the GameToni Morisson: The Pieces I Am Dear MamaHomeroom The Other Black Girl The Wonder YearsAbbott ElementaryPoseLiving Single227Saint OmerBruiserIf Beale Street Could TalkThe United States vs. Billie Holiday Crime + Punishment Your Attention PleaseWhat to Watch on MaxLittle Richard: I Am EverythingWatch Little Richard: I Am EverythingFrom Magnolia Pictures, Little Richard: I Am Everything details the life of the dynamic queer icon who helped shape rock n’ roll and propel pop culture into a new era of self-expression. See the series’ trailer and stream on Max now, (Max plans start at $9.99/month).
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni ProjectStream Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni ProjectFrom HBO Documentary Films, Going to Mars navigates the life and legacy of poet and activist Nikki Giovanni through an unconventional lens, framing her life in terms of inspiration, controversy, reconciliation and acceptance. This lyrical biography strives to honor Giovanni’s aesthetic and engage with the complicated life of a living legend. Watch it now.
Young LoveYoung Love SeriesYoung Love expands creator Matthew Cherry’s award-winning short film “Hair Love” into a 12-episode series centering on a young Black family as they navigate everyday life’s highs and lows. This animated series offers a heartwarming and nuanced depiction of Black life as this tight-knit group strives to make their dreams a reality. Read our review and stream it on Max.
Donyale Luna: SupermodelWatch Donyale Luna: SupermodelHBO Documentary Films’ Donyale Luna: Supermodel is an insightful look at the life of the fashion pioneer known as the first Black supermodel. Stream now on Max.
How We Get FreeWatch How We Get FreeAlso from HBO Documentary Films, this award-winning short film, How We Get Free, chronicles activist Elisabeth Epps’ two-year effort to end cash bail and her run for the Colorado General Assembly as its first ‘abolitionist candidate. Watch now on Max.
Additional Titles on Max:
Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall StreetThe Beauty of BlacknessThe Gospel According to AndreTinaBlack Art: In the Absence of LightEyes on the Prize: Hallowed Ground (series and film)South to Black PowerEqualParis Is BurningI May Destroy YouA Black Lady Sketch ShowWatchmenSouth SideThe Fresh Prince of Bel-AirFamily MattersCraig of the CreekThe BoondocksThe Jamie Foxx ShowInsecureLove and Basketball The Loving StorySomething the Lord MadeMalcolm XWhat to Watch on NetflixStamped From the BeginningStamped From the BeginningStamped From the Beginning turns Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s book into an easy to process yet significant look at anti-Black racist ideology bound to the history of the nation and the power these ideas wield throughout history and into the present day. Stream now.
RustinWatch RustinRustin introduces the revolutionary activist responsible for the successful 1963 March on Washington and interweaves his personal trials and struggle for respect as an openly gay man within the civil rights movement itself. Stream now.
Is That Black Enough for You?!?Watch Is That Black Enough for YouIs That Black Enough for You?!?, from film critic and historian Elvis Mitchell, is a celebratory examination of the evolution, lasting impact and dynamism of Black cinema in the 1970s. Stream here.
DescendantWatch DescendantDescendant unravels the little-known history of Africatown, Alabama, the home of the descendants of the survivors from the Clotilda, the last ship carrying enslaved Africans to the United States. The documentary follows the townspeople as they celebrate their heritage and efforts to gain control over their legacy when the wreckage of the Clotilda is discovered. Stream it now.
Civil: Ben CrumpWatch Civil: Ben Crump on NetflixCivil: Ben Crump chronicles the life and career of civil rights attorney Ben Crump and his mission to go all-in in order to challenge the criminal justice system in pursuit of justice. Stream it now.
Additional Titles on Netflix:
High on the Hog: How African-American Cuisine Transformed AmericaAmerican SymphonyAmend: The Fight for AmericaA Love Song or LatashaThe Black GodfatherBecoming13thThe KitchenThey Cloned Tyrone Survival of the ThickestSpider-Man: Across the Spider-VerseEntergalaticCanvas YasukePassingMonsterThe Perfect FindThe Piano LessonDa 5 Bloods Toni Morrison: The Pieces I AmCourt of GoldKevin Hart’s Guide to Black HistoryWhat to Watch on PeacockThe Rebellious Life of Rosa ParksThe Rebellious Life of Rosa ParksThe Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks pulls back the veil, taking a deep dive into this courageous Black woman that goes much further than her part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This documentary frames Park’s life in terms of her radical politics, unsung contributions to the civil rights movement and personal sacrifices through intimate interviews, archival footage and her own words. Stream now.
Kings From Queens: The RUN DMC StoryStream Kings From Queens: The RUN DMC StoryCelebrate one of the most influential rap group in the history of music with the never-been-told story of Queens, NY natives Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. Stream Kings From Queens: The RUN DMC Story.
BoscoWatch BoscoBased on the true story of Quawntay “Bosco” Adams, Bosco tells the tale of a man sentenced to 35 years in 2004 for possession of marijuana, who then made a spectacular escape from prison in 2006. Aubrey Joseph (Cloak & Dagger), Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray), Thomas Jane, Vivica A. Fox, and Tyrese Gibson star. Stream it here.
Twisted MetalWatch Twisted MetalBased on the video game franchise, and starring the MCU’s Anthony Mackie and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Stephanie Beatriz, Twisted Metal will return for its second season this summer, bringing with it all the comic carnage and vehicular mayhem that Zombieland/Deadpool’s Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick can muster. Watch it here.
Lowndes County and the Road to Black PowerLowndes County and the Road to Black PowerLowndes County and the Road to Black Power shares the tale of how young Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) organizers rallied the community to fight for voting rights and enfranchise the Black community in 1960 Lowndes County, Alabama. This engaging account about the fight for enfranchisement comes together through harrowing personal accounts and archive footage, painting a captivating look at the fight for self-determination. Stream now.
The Night James Brown Saved BostonThe Night James Brown Saved BostonThe Night James Brown Saved Boston highlights the pivotal part James Brown’s 1968 concert played in keeping simmering outrage and grief from pouring out into the streets of Boston two days after the assassination of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Stream it here.
Additional Titles on Peacock:
FoundBel-Air The IrrationalKilling ItThe Autobiography of Miss Jane PittmanThe Hurricane The Best Man: The Final ChaptersThe Amber Ruffin ShowGood TimesEverybody Hates ChrisHart to HeartShooting StarsPraise ThisTyler Perry’s SistasEat, Slay, LoveWhat to Watch on Paramount+Bree Wayy: Promise, Witness, RemembranceBree Wayy: Promise, Witness, RemembranceAward-winning documentarian Dawn Porter follows how art and protest come together in the wake of the killing of Breonna Taylor in Bree Wayy: Promise, Witness, Remembrance. You can try Paramount Plus for free to stream this documentary and the other Paramount+ top picks below.
Lawmen: Bass ReevesLawmen: Bass ReevesThis revisionist Western, Lawmen: Bass Reeves was inspired by the real-life first Black deputy U.S. Marshall brings the untold story of Bass Reeves to life. Watch it here.
The InspectionWatch The InspectionFrom A24 comes the wrenching story of a young Black gay man who enlists in the military in the hopes of finding his way. Drawn from the real-life experience of director Elegance Bratton, The Inspection explores rejection, prejudice, hope and the struggle to find acceptance. See the trailer and stream it here.
Lynching Postcards: ‘Token of a Great Day’Lynching Postcards: ‘Token of a Great Day’Lynching Postcards: ‘Token of a Great Day’ is an incisive and sobering interrogation of lynchings as social events and the tokens created to commemorate this horrific period. You can watch this historic Paramount+ exclusive here.
Additional Titles on Paramount+:
America’s Hidden Stories: The Black Wild WestAngola Do You Hear Us: Voices from a Plantation PrisonLoudmouthThe Loyola ProjectAs We Speak: Rap Music on Trial (premiering 2/27/2024)The Equalizer Being Mary Jane Sister SisterMoeshaBlack WingsWu Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men FencesSelmaDreamgirlsBeverly Hills Cop I, II, and IIILast HolidayMr. Malcolm’s ListWatsonBob Marley: One LoveThe ChiFancesKey & PeeleChapelle’s ShowFlightCoach CarterPoppa’s HouseHustle & FlowAs We SpeakWhat to Watch on Prime VideoSilver Dollar RoadSilver Dollar Road Silver Dollar Road draws a direct line from the height of the civil rights era to present-day fights for legal protection as it follows the Reels family’s fight to reclaim valuable ancestral land sold off to a developer by a distant relative using a legal loophole. Watch the trailer and stream now.
My Name Is Pauli MurrayWatch My Name Is Pauli MurrayMy Name Is Pauli Murray puts little-known lawyer, teacher, cleric, poet and activist Pauli Murray centerstage with a rigorous examination of their life and legacy. This non-binary Black trailblazer had a far-reaching impact on both racial and gender social justice movements. This documentary, built on archive footage, memoir notes and interviews, brilliantly makes the case for why they should be a household name. Stream it here.
The One and Only Dick GregoryThe One and Only Dick GregoryFrom Showtime, The One and Only Dick Gregory honors and examines the towering figure of Dick Gregory, the comedian, activist and social agitator, and his resonating impact on generations of stand-up comedy and social justice activists alike. Stream it here.
A League of Their OwnA League of Their OwnA League of Their Own centers on the WWII All-American professional women’s baseball league players. Inspired by true events, this adaptation also centers queer and Black stories as the series reimagines the teams by going in-depth with the players’ stories. See our review and stream the adaptation here.
The Underground RailroadThe Underground RailroadDirector Barry Jenkins adapts Colson Whitehead’s novel The Underground Railroad into a limited series that conceptualizes the underground railroad as a literal railroad. The story follows an enslaved woman named Cora’s escape from a Georgia plantation as she boards the rails to escape just narrowly ahead of the slave hunter committed to thwarting her bid for freedom. Stream this series now.
You can watch any of these Prime picks with a free 30-day trial.
Additional Titles on Prime Video:
Chisholm ’72: Unbought & UnbossedSubnormalEmergencyThe BlackeningI’m a VirgoHarlemRichesOne Night in MiamiSmall AxeThe Clark Sisters: First Ladies of GospelUsRedefined: J. R. SmithReggieCandyman The WizTimeSylvie’s LoveYou can also support Black game developers with Humble Bundle’s Indie Allies 2025 Game BundleGet the Indie Allies Bundle here.For all the gamers, be sure to check out the new indie gaming bundle from Humble honoring Black devs. Play great titles that help support BIPOC game developers & studios with the Indie Allies 2025 Bundle. Speed through a futuristic Japanese-style Detroit in the 3D runner Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield. Save the world as adorable robots in Illuminaria, a robust resource management sim. Ollie, shred, and ride the rails in Skater Gator 3D plus more indie standouts—and help support Xperience Studios with your purchase.
Ro is a freelance film and television critic who’s definitely going to suggest you read Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga because she needs that television adaptation. You can always find her talking about anime, villain agendas, invasive species, costume dramas, or with her nose in a book.
