In recent years, finding Black History Month movies for entertainment or educational purposes has become easier. However, finding monumental movies that prominently feature Black characters’ historical significance, triumphs and lived experiences besides trauma can still be challenging. It’s even more challenging when you’re attempting to find one the whole family can enjoy.
Whether based on a true story or of cultural significance, Black history movies for kids need to be engaging and digestible. Fortunately, it is possible to find family movies for Black History Month that are appropriate for even the littlest kids and easy to understand. We’ve rounded up some of the best movies and documentaries to help you make sure celebrating Black History Month is a family affair.
1. “A Ballerina’s Tale”
Journey back before Misty Copeland was one of the most recognizable American ballerinas. Together, families will get a behind-the-scenes look at the ballet world through the eyes of a Black woman. This documentary details Copeland’s road to becoming the first Black principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre. Children will also better grasp the race and body image challenges she had to face.
Director: Nelson George
Genre: Documentary
Release date: October 14, 2015
Runtime: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “A Ballerina’s Tale” on Tubi
2. “Akeelah And The Bee”
An adolescent girl with a knack for spelling defies the odds to compete in a national spelling bee. The all-star cast featuring the familiar faces of KeKe Palmer, Angela Bassett and more makes this selection a safe bet for kids and adults.
Director: Doug Atchison
Genre: Family, Drama
Release date: April 28, 2006
Runtime: 1 hour, 52 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Akeelah And The Bee” on Amazon Prime
3. “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella”
This version of the classic tale is a piece of history. The film stars Brandy as the first Black on-screen Cinderella. Its diverse cast made the film widely celebrated and earned it several awards and nominations.
Director: Robert Iscove
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Musical
Release date: November 2, 1997
Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Rating: G
Watch: “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” on Disney Plus
4. “The Color of Friendship”
This movie is based on a true story, documenting the unlikely friendship between a Black American girl and a white South African girl who traveled to America for a study abroad program. Together, the girls navigate their interracial friendship and uncover the realities of South African apartheid.
Director: Kevin Hooks
Genre: Drama, Biographical
Release date: 2000
Runtime: 1 hour, 23 minutes
Rating: G
Watch: “The Color of Friendship” on Disney Plus
5. “Hidden Figures”
The rarely told yet admirable story of three Black mathematicians who played a pivotal role at NASA is chronicled in this praised movie.
Director: Theodore Melfi
Genre: Drama, Biographical, Historical
Release date: January 6, 2017
Runtime: 2 hours, 9 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Hidden Figures” on Disney Plus
6. “All In: The Fight for American Democracy”
Despite living in a democracy, not all Americans are aware of the inner workings of a democracy. This documentary aims to enlighten others about voter rights, voter suppression and advocacy. Starring in the documentary is Stacey Abrams, the two-time democratic candidate for governor of Georgia.
Director: Liz Garbus, Lisa Cortes
Genre: Documentary
Release date: 2020
Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Watch: “All In: The Fight for American Democracy” on Amazon Prime
7. “Dream Girls”
Inspired by Motown Records group The Supremes, “Dream Girls” stars a cast recognized by multiple generations. Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Danny Glover, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy are among the credits. “Dream Girls” made history as the most expensive film made with an all-Black cast at the time.
Director: Bill Condon
Genre: Drama
Release date: December 25, 2006
Runtime: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Watch: “Dream Girls” on Paramount Plus
8. “Selma”
Beyond being an educational movie based on a true story, “Selma” is powerful and inspiring for adults and kids. Together, families can see what led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, starting with the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, organized by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Director: Ava DuVernay
Genre: Drama, Historical
Release date: December 25, 2014
Runtime: 2 hours, 8 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Watch: “Selma” on Apple TV
9. “And The Children Shall Lead”
This powerful drama highlights race issues with a takeaway that’s easy to grasp. It follows a young group of friends hoping to lessen racial tension in their hometown.
Director: Michael Pressman
Genre: Drama, History
Release date: 2023
Runtime: 55 minutes
Rating: G
Watch: “And the Children Shall Lead” on Family Time
10. “The Princess And The Frog”
The release of “The Princess And The Frog” made Disney history by debuting the first Black Disney princess. The animated musical tells the story of a hardworking princess who unexpectedly turns into a frog and finds her prince.
Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
Genre: Musical, Animated, Comedy
Release date: December 11, 2009
Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes
Rating: G
Watch: “The Princess and the Frog“ on Disney Plus
11. “Becoming”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama gives a peek into her life, inspirations and journey in politics while meeting others during her book tour.
Director: Nadia Hallgren
Genre: Documentary
Release date: May 6, 2020
Runtime: 1 hour, 29 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Becoming” on Netflix
12. “Rejoice and Shout”
Gospel has long played an important role in the Black community. Trace this music genre’s roots, transformation through the years and cultural significance in this inspiring documentary.
Director: Don McGlynn
Genre: Documentary, Music
Release date: 2010
Runtime: 1 hr, 55 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Rejoice and Shout” on Tubi
13. “The Long Walk Home”
Watch Black families navigate their commutes during the bus boycott of 1955. For many, it meant enduring a long walk to and from work. “The Long Walk Home” was adapted from a screenplay and explores segregation, poverty and racism throughout the plot.
Director: Richard Pearce
Genre: Drama
Release date: 1990
Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “The Long Walk Home” on Amazon
14. “Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History”
Black History isn’t usually a laughing matter, but laughter can be expected as comedian Kevin Hart delivers the facts in an informative yet light-hearted manner.
Director: Tom Stern
Genre: Comedy
Release date: February 8, 2019
Runtime: 1 hour, 3 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History” on Netflix
15. “Soul”
Sometimes it’s easier for children to experience Black history than it is to only learn about it. With actor Jamie Foxx voicing the main character, “Soul” became the first Pixar movie with a Black lead. “Soul” follows the journey of a music teacher with dreams of being a jazz musician, all while discovering his true life’s purpose.
Director: Pete Docter
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Animation
Release date: 2020
Runtime: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: PG
Watch: “Soul” on Disney Plus
