February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month. This month recognizes the significant impact that African Americans have had on American society as well as appreciating the culture and acknowledging the history of the black community.
With all of the streaming platforms, there are plenty of movies to watch in honor of this month to celebrate the contributions of African American actors and filmmakers and to bring awareness to the racial issues of the past and the present.
For the Family
Soul
Disney’s,“Soul” came out in 2019 starring Jamie Foxx in the lead role, a jazz loving band teacher who goes on a journey and finds out what it’s truly like to live- or to have “soul.”
The movie shows themes of self-discovery, the importance of community and the significance of appreciating the small things in life. These themes are emphasized in the barber shop scene adding to the movie’s cultural authenticity. This movie can be streamed on Disney+ with a monthly subscription.
Hidden Figures
Based in 1961, “Hidden Figures” follows the story of three African American Mathematicians- Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson- working for NASA and overcoming segregation barriers as they launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This movie can be purchased or rented on Youtube or Prime Video.
The Princess and the Frog
In 2009, Disney broke history releasing their first movie to star a black princess- Princess Tiana. She is hardworking, ambitious and has proven she doesn’t need a prince to save her. She actually saves the prince. She has a dream to open her own restaurant and will not stop until it happens.
This empowering movie is based in New Orleans, highlighting diverse culture. The soundtrack incorporates jazz, blues and gospel music attributing to the culture of New Orleans. This is a great film to watch with the entire family and can be found on Disney+.
Dr. Doolittle
Based on the children’s book series, “Dr. Doolittle” tells the story of a doctor who realizes he can talk to animals. Eddie Murphy plays the role of Dr. Doolittle. He tries to ignore it and even sends himself to an institution thinking that he’s crazy, until he realizes he can save a lion’s life. This family friendly comedy is a great watch for all ages and can be found on Hulu and Disney+.
Black Panther
Released in 2018, “Black Panther” played a large role impacting society as he was Marvel’s first black superhero. This PG-13 movie stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, or “Black Panther” and Micheal B. Jordan as antagonist Eril Killmonger. Killmonger’s motivation stems from racial injustices.
The soundtrack blends together traditional African music with hip-hop. Featuring a predominantly black cast, the film showcases its celebration of African heritage. From fashion to music, the producers made sure to authenticate African culture. Black Panther is serving as a cultural milestone. Viewers can stream this movie on Disney+.
Based on a true story
When They See Us
This tragic series tells the story of five black and Latino boys- Antron McCray, Kevn Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise- who were wrongfully convicted for assaulting a white jogger in 1989.
While learning their stories, viewers begin to connect with the characters, and they begin to feel the injustice on a deeper level. “When they See Us” is a prime example of the ongoing fight for social justice and racial equality as it exposes systemic racism and abuse of authority. This series can be found on Netflix.
42
“42” tells the inspiring story of famous baseball player, Jackie Robinson- played by Chadwick Boseman. Robinson was the first African American to play major league baseball. Though he was able to accomplish a dream, it did not make life easier for him. Robinson broke barriers while fighting against racism. He inspired many by continuing his career despite the challenges and discrimination he faced on the field.
“I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me…All I ask is that you respect me as a human being,” is a famous quote from the real Jackie Robinson.
This movie can be streamed on Max with a monthly subscription.
Malcom X
Starring Denzel Washington, this film is based on the life of civil rights activist leader, Malcom X. Adapted from “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”, the movie came out in the fall of 1992 and can be found on Max.
The Six Triple Eight
“The Six Triple Eight,” is based on an all-black female Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. While overcoming prejudice, the women made sure the soldiers overseas got their letters from their loved ones.
This inspiring film full of empowerment can be streamed on Netflix with a monthly subscription.
Comedy
Daddy Daycare
This is a PG film starring Eddie Murphy as Charlie Hinton who gets laid off and decides to start an at home day care, but it was not as simple as it seemed.Hinton and his fellow laid off coworker work through challenges as they care for the young children.
It is a perfect comedy for family movie night. “Daddy Daycare” can be streamed on Netflix with a monthly subscription.
Friday
Starring Ice Cube, “Friday” is considered a classic to most of America who grew up in the 90’s and 2000’s. There are four movies in this series with the first following two friends who are trying to come up with $200. With the film being rated R, viewers should make sure to watch this one without the kiddos. This hit comedy can be rented or bought on Prime Video or Youtube.
Little Man
“Little Man” is a Wayans brother classic. After a diamond lands in a woman’s purse, a very short man poses as a baby in order to get his hands back on the jewel. Full of twists and turns, this movie is sure to keep viewers laughing.Viewers can stream this movie on Netflix.
Historical Fiction
The Help
Found on Disney+, The Help is a PG-13 movie that follows a reporter interviewing the lives of black house maids in Jackson, Ms. The film, starring Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis and as Emma Stone has won 79 academy awards. This movie will leave viewers feeling emotional, but brings awareness to how black women could be treated in the south in the 1960’s.
The Hate U Give
Adapted from Angie Thomas’s novel, “The Hate U Give,” is a movie that will leave viewers in tears. Inspired by the shooting of Oscar Grant- a 22 year-old, unarmed black man who was shot by the police in 2009- this film explores systemic racism, injustice and police brutality. This heartbreaking, realistic film can be watched for free on Tubi.
After watching this list, if viewers are looking for more to watch in honor of Black History Month, most streaming services have a Black History Month category. Hulu has a “Black Stories Always,” section, Netflix has a “Black Brilliance” category while Prime Video had a theme for each week: Black Joy, Black Love, Black History Makers, and Black Girl Magic. Although these are some amazing films to watch during Black History Month, these movies are classics that are great watches throughout the year.
by Sami Jordan
