This February, why not offer yourself a new challenge? If you’re seeking a deeper engagement with black history through the lens of pop culture, consider this list of movies and shows that provide a comprehensive timeline of American history and the black experience. Be sure to watch this list in chronological order, starting with the transatlantic slave trade and culminating with the election of our nation’s first black president.
Our nation’s history is complicated, tense, and fraught with turmoil. Yet when we take a moment to appreciate the progress made over time, we can marvel at the resilience of those who came before us. In 2024, let’s reflect on how far we’ve come while recognizing the beauty of the journey ahead.
Here’s a timeline mapping out movies and shows during Black History Month, following the chronology of Black history in America from the transatlantic slave trade to the election of Barack Obama: (for more information, see the fuller details below).
- Transatlantic Slave Trade Era (1500s-1800s)
- Benefit: Understanding the origins of African American history and the brutality of the slave trade.
- Movies: “12 Years a Slave” (2013), “Amistad” (1997), “Roots” (1977)
- Antebellum Period and Civil War (1800s)
- Benefit: Insight into the struggles for freedom and the fight against oppression.
- Movies: “Glory” (1989), “The Birth of a Nation” (2016), “Harriet “(2019)
- Reconstruction and Jim Crow Era (late 1800s-early 1900s)
- Benefit: Understanding the challenges faced by African Americans post-Civil War and during segregation.
- Movies: “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” (1974) , “The Help” (2011), “The Color Purple” (1985)
- Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)
- Benefit: Learning about the activism and sacrifices made to achieve equality.
- Movies: “Selma” (2014), “Malcolm X” (1992), “Hidden Figures” (2016)
- Black Power Movement and Cultural Renaissance (1960s-1970s)
- Benefit: Exploring the empowerment and cultural resurgence within the African American community.
- Movies: “Detroit” (2017) , Black KkKlansman (2018), “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021).
- Late 20th Century Struggles and Progress (1980s-2000s)
- Benefit: Understanding the ongoing challenges and advancements in civil rights.
- Movies: “Black Panther” (2018), “Fruitvale Station” (2013). “Do the Right Thing” (1989)
- 21st Century and Obama Era (2000s-2010s)
- Benefit: Witnessing the significance of Barack Obama’s presidency and its impact on Black history.
- Movies: “Barry” (2016), “Southside with You” (2016), “The Obama Years: The Power of Words” (2017)
Transatlantic Slave Trade (1500s-1800s)
Amistad (1997)
Overall, “Amistad” serves as a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of the transatlantic slave trade, challenging viewers to confront the horrors of slavery, reckon with the injustices of the past, and strive for a more just and equitable future. Fans may recognize the stellar ensemble cast, from Djimon Hounsou, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaughey, and Antony Hopkins.
Twelve Years A Slave (2013)
Director Steve McQueen offers up “12 Years a Slave”, which paints a harrowing portrait of the horrors of slavery, offering a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against enslaved people in America’s past. Through its uncompromising portrayal, the film serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for freedom and justice. This movie offers a fantastic cast — Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Brad Pitt, and more.
Roots (1977)
“Roots” is a groundbreaking miniseries based on Alex Haley’s novel of the same name, first aired in 1977. The series follows the journey of Kunta Kinte, a young African man captured and sold into slavery, and traces his descendants through several generations. This docuseries stars LeVar Burton, John Amos, Madge Sinclair, Cicely Tyson, and more.
Antebellum Period and Civil War (1800s)
Glory (1989)
“Glory” is a 1989 historical war drama film directed by Edward Zwick, based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, one of the first African-American units in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This movie stars Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Matthew Broderick, Andre Braugher, and Cary Elwes.
Birth of a Nation (2016)
“The Birth of a Nation” is a 2016 historical drama film written, directed by, and starring Nate Parker. The film is not to be confused with the controversial 1915 silent film of the same name. Set in the antebellum South, “The Birth of a Nation” tells the story of Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher who leads a rebellion against the oppressive plantation system. The film explores Nat Turner’s transformation from a trusted servant to a revolutionary leader, driven by his belief in God and his desire for freedom. Nate Parker, Colman Domingo, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor star in this film.
Harriet (2019)
“Harriet” is a 2019 biographical film directed by Kasi Lemmons, which tells the extraordinary true story of Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist and political activist who escaped from slavery and helped hundreds of enslaved people to freedom along the Underground Railroad. This film stars Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom, Jr. and Janelle Monae.
Reconstruction and Jim Crow Era (late 1800s-early 1900s)
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974)
“The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” is a 1974 novel by Ernest J. Gaines, later adapted into a television film in 1974 directed by John Korty. The story is presented as the oral history of Miss Jane Pittman, an African American woman born into slavery in the Southern United States. This brilliant film stars a young Cicely Tyson.
The Help (2011)
“The Help” is a 2011 drama film directed by Tate Taylor, based on Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 novel of the same name. The story is set in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s, and it revolves around the lives of African American maids working for white families. Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis give defining performances, along with Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Jessica Chastain. Although this film has faced criticism for perpetuating a ‘white savior‘ trope, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of race, class, and courage through adversity.
The Color Purple (1985)
“The Color Purple” is a 1985 drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The movie follows the life of Celie, an African American woman living in the Southern United States during the early 20th century. The original film stars Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, and Oprah Winfrey. And the updated version features a strong performance by Fantasia Barrino.
Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)
Selma (2014)
“Selma” is a 2014 historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay, focusing on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by James Bevel, Hosea Williams, John Lewis, and Martin Luther King Jr. The movie stars David Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding, Jr. Oprah Winfrey, and Tim Roth.
Malcolm X (1992)
“Malcolm X” is a 1992 biographical drama film directed by Spike Lee, based on the autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley. The film stars Denzel Washington in the title role. Through its compelling storytelling and nuanced portrayal of its subject, Malcolm X remains a landmark work of cinema that continues to inspire and provoke audiences to this day.
Hidden Figures (2016)
“Hidden Figures” is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Theodore Melfi, based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly. The film tells the untold story of three African American women mathematicians who played pivotal roles at NASA during the early years of the space program. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae.
Black Power Movement and Cultural Renaissance (1960s-1970s)
Detroit (2017)
“Detroit” is a 2017 historical crime drama film directed by Kathryn Bigelow, based on the events of the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 Detroit riots. It serves as a powerful and timely reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in America, and the importance of confronting the legacy of racism and violence in order to create a more just and equitable society. The film stars Jon Boyega, Algee Smith, and Will Poulter.
Black KkKlansman (2018)
“BlacKkKlansman” is a 2018 biographical crime film directed by Spike Lee, based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, an African American detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. Through its gripping storytelling and incisive social commentary, the film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and present, and to take action in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. The film stars John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace and Laura Harrier.
Judas & the Black Messiah (2021)
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a 2021 biographical drama film directed by Shaka King, based on the true story of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal, the FBI informant who infiltrated the organization. The film is set in the late 1960s in Chicago, where Fred Hampton, portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya, emerges as a charismatic and influential leader in the civil rights movement. LaKeith Stanfield and Jessie Plemons also round out stellar performances.
Late 20th Century Struggles and Progress (1980s-2000s)
Do the Right Thing (1989)
“Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” is a 1989 drama film that explores racial tensions in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn on the hottest day of the summer. Spike Lee’s bold and uncompromising vision challenges viewers to question their own beliefs and actions, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of the African American community. Samuel L. Jackson, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosie Perez, and Bill Nunn’s performances leave memorable marks on this film.
Fruitvale Station (2013)
“Fruitvale Station” is a 2013 drama film directed by Ryan Coogler, based on the true story of the events leading to the death of Oscar Grant, a young African American man, on New Year’s Day in 2009. The film received critical acclaim for its authentic storytelling, compelling performances, and its exploration of the broader social issues surrounding Oscar Grant’s tragic death. This film stars Michael B. Jordan in a breakout role.
Black Panther (2018)
It’s difficult to overstate the cultural significance of 2018’s Black Panther. It grossed over $1 billion at the box office and received multiple accolades, including an argument for why a comic-book film could contend for best picture at the Oscars. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film also features an outstanding ensemble cast, helmed by the late Chadwick Boseman. In terms of cultural touchpoints, the storyline intertwines the mid-90s urban decay of America’s inner cities alongside an imagined afro-futurist landscape.
21st Century and Obama Era (2000s-2010s)
Barry (2016)
“Barry” is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Vikram Gandhi. The film focuses on a pivotal period in the life of Barack Obama, who would later become the 44th President of the United States. “Barry” offers a compelling and intimate portrait of Barack Obama’s formative years, shedding light on the personal and political experiences that shaped his worldview and influenced his journey to the White House.
Southside With You (2016)
“Southside with You” is a 2016 biographical romantic drama film directed by Richard Tanne. The film portrays the first date between Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson, who would later become the 44th President and First Lady of the United States.The story offers a charming and romantic portrayal of Barack and Michelle Obama’s early relationship, capturing the essence of their connection and the beginnings of their journey together.
While we await an eventual biopic of Obama’s later years that detail his presidential legacy, we have these films that offer a look at his early days.
Honorable Mentions:
“Remember the Titans” (2000),
“The Butler” (2013)
“Lean on Me” (1989)
“Something the Lord Made” (2004)
Pop Banter 