14 Must-Watch Black History Movies and Documentaries on Netflix

Netflix's "Black Lives Matter" genre collection features titles about racial injustice and the experience of Black Americans—and makes for some perfect viewing to celebrate Black History Month, Juneteenth, or to help further your anti-racist education.

If you've finished reading the best books on race and want some direction on which movie titles to watch, we recommend starting with these Netflix documentaries, films, and TV series in the collection.
Self Made
Based on a true story, this Netflix series revolves around the inspirational life of Madam C.J. Walker, an African American washerwoman who rose from poverty to build a beauty empire and become the first female self-made millionaire.

Dear White People

While the movie is categorized as a comedy-drama, the film focuses on some very serious issues, primarily the escalating racial tensions at a predominantly white Ivy League college from the perspective of several Black students. This movie spawned a great TV show of the same name, also on Netflix.
Mudbound
While the setting of this historical drama is rural Mississippi just after World War II, sadly it details themes of race and class that are still very much prevalent today. It centers around two World War II veterans—one white, one Black—who return to their farmland homes in the Mississippi Delta where stateside racism and white supremacists challenge their respective lifestyles.

American Son

When Kendra Ellis-Connor's (Kerry Washington) son does not come home, she searches for him at a Florida police station with her ex-husband. Based on the Broadway play, this Netflix film shows the unconscious bias, race dynamics, and systemic tensions the interracial couple faces while dealing with the Florida police station.

When They See Us

Based on a true story, this story takes place in 1989 when a jogger was assaulted and raped in New York's Central Park. Five teens from Harlem are falsely accused of the crime, and although they declared their innocence, the quintet spends a quarter of a century fighting the convictions against them—starting from when the teens were first questioned about the incident in the spring of 1989, all the way to their ultimate exoneration in 2002 and settlement with New York City in 2014.

Trial 4

Trial 4 is a Netflix original documentary series that shows Sean K. Ellis's fight to prove his innocence and expose police corruption that wrongfully charged him for 22 years. This series uncovers the cultural cover up affecting police departments across the country.

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

This Netflix original documentary chronicles the life (and suspicious death) of iconic LGBTQ rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, who was a pioneer of the gay liberation movement and held a leading role in the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

13th

Ava DuVernay holds nothing back in this eye-opening documentary—her brutally honest portrayal of the disproportionate placement of African Americans in prison speaks volumes on the institutionalized racism that looms over America.

Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee's movie tells a side of the Vietnam story that's rarely brought to light. The drama cleverly interweaves hard-hitting emotions with social commentary as it explores the mindset of Black soldiers who fought for their country at a time when African Americans were being oppressed at home.

Two Distant Strangers

This Oscar-winning short film feels more timely than ever. It follows a Black man facing a horrific Groundhog Day scenario—where he's looping back through a deadly run-in with a cop on an innocent walk home.

Becoming

Explore the life of former first lady Michelle Obama as she takes to the road to promote her autobiography in this moving documentary.

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

This documentary series explores the history of African American cuisine, from its roots in Africa to a modern-day Juneteenth feast—and its profound impact on what we eat.

Barry

This Netflix film shows the journey of a young Barack Obama, who goes by "Barry" at Columbia University in New York City. Taking place in 1981, Barry faces struggles with race, strained family relationships, and life as a college student.

Zion

This inspirational short documentary film follows Zion Clark, a teen born without legs due to a rare medical condition who grew up in foster care and his journey building confidence through competitive wrestling.