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Your Guide for Planning a Black History Month Movie Night

There’s nothing like a good family movie night to bring everyone together. As someone who proudly claims my status as an '80s baby and ‘90s kid, I can tell you that some of my best childhood memories were made via a good Blockbuster night with the family. These were the moments that shaped me and helped to connect us as a family.

Fast forward to today, and I’m the one making the popcorn and picking the movies—but the heart of it hasn’t changed. Family movie nights are still about laughter, learning, and maybe even a little dancing if the soundtrack hits just right (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” anyone?). Black History Month is the perfect excuse to make this tradition meaningful by diving into stories that celebrate our culture, explore our history, and inspire important conversations. Bonus? You can sneak in some education while the kids think they’re just hanging out. A win is a win!!


So, dust off your VHS tapes (just kidding—or am I?) or fire up your streaming service, and get ready to relive some of those unforgettable moments while creating new ones with your crew. Trust me—this will be a movie night to remember.

As always, be sure to preview films under the mature audiences category before sharing them with your kids to determine what’s right for your family. Films are art—they are made to reflect complex realities and spark essential discussions, no matter how heavy the subject.

2025 Black History Month Movie List

Family-Friendly (All Ages)

42 (2013) The story of Jackie Robinson, the First African American player in Major League Baseball.
Hair Love (2019) A heartwarming animated short about family and self-love.
Soul (2020) A soulful Pixar film exploring purpose and passion.
Ruby Bridges (1998) The inspiring story of a young girl who integrated an all-white school.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” (1997) A stunning reimagining of the classic fairytale starring Brandy and Whitney Houston.
Hidden Figures (2016) A captivating and inspiring true story of three brilliant Black women mathematicians at NASA.
The Hate U Give (2018) A thought-provoking film about a teen navigating activism and systemic racism.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) The story of a young girl from South LA who strives to win a national spelling bee.
Selma (2014) The story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights.
March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World (2010) A short documentary about the March on Washington, told by Dr. King's sister.
Black Panther (2020) A National Geographic documentary exploring the cultural impact of Marvel’s Black Panther.
A Ballerina’s Tale (2015) A feature documentary on ballerina Misty Copeland’s rise to fame after getting a traditionally late start to dance. 
Remember the Titans (2000) A moving sports drama about teamwork during school desegregation.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham (2013) A family road trip that brings history to life during the Civil Rights Movement.
Crooklyn (1994) A nostalgic look at a young girl’s childhood in 1970s Brooklyn.
Cooley High (1975) A nostalgic coming-of-age story set in 1960s Chicago, capturing the humor, heart, and challenges of Black youth navigating friendship and ambition during turbulent times.

For Mature Audiences

Malcolm X (1992) A powerful biographical film about the life and legacy of Malcolm X.
Higher Learning (1995) A powerful exploration of race, identity, and social issues on a college campus.
Do the Right Thing (1989) Spike Lee's iconic film about racial tensions on a hot summer day in Brooklyn.
Shirley (2024) A powerful biopic chronicling the life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. The film highlights her courage, resilience, and groundbreaking impact on American politics
Roots (1977) A groundbreaking miniseries chronicling the history of an enslaved family from Africa to America.
Lean on Me (1989) The inspiring true story of a tough high school principal who transforms a struggling inner-city school.
The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992) A biographical miniseries about the rise of the Jackson family and their lasting cultural impact.
Eyes on the Prize (1987) A critically acclaimed documentary series covering the Civil Rights Movement and its lasting legacy.
Crooklyn (1994) A semi-autobiographical Spike Lee film that captures the joys and challenges of growing up in Brooklyn during the 1970s.

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