Here is a list of the top 10 movies you need to watch during Black History Month. These movies celebrate Black culture and life. In this list you will find a variety of genres with some containing deeper topics and messages than others; see trigger warnings (TW).

1. Moonlight (2016)

Genre: Thriller/Romance

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Age rating: R

Moonlight is the story of Chiron through three key stages of his life; Little, Chiron, and Black. Moonlight’s cinematography is magnificent, playing with colors (especially blue) and using silence as a character itself. The soundtrack is phenomenal as well. 

Moonlight is gut-wrenching yet so beautiful. This movie is quiet while also being loud and clear in its message, however it doesn’t force it on you. 

This is one of my favorite movies of all time and a movie I think everyone should watch at least once. Moonlight also won Best Picture in 2016, beating La La Land.

 TW include: Homophobia, emotional abuse and drug use, implied sex.

     2. The Color Purple  (2023)

Genre: Musical/Drama

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Age Rating: PG-13

The Color Purple was turned into a movie musical in 2023. I saw it in theaters without having watched the original, however I was pleasantly surprised. This story was so inspiring and empowering. The Black joy embedded in these songs as well was so nice to see and hear. 

This story, set in the early 1900s, follows Celie as she navigates through oppression to independence. I don’t want to share too much as I think it is best you experience the story as it is told. Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys musicals and an inspiring story.

TW: Sexual and domestic abuse, incest.

      3. Get out (2017)

Genre: Horror/Comedy

Where to watch: Hulu/Amazon Prime

Age Rating: R

Most of you have probably either seen or heard of this amazing Jordan Peele film. Get Out has one of the best plot twists ever in my opinion as well as an innovative plot. I haven’t been the same person since I saw this movie. 

We follow Chris and his girlfriend as they are ready to take the next step in the relationship; meeting the parents, and that is about all that I will say about this movie. Enjoy!

TW include: Violence, sexual references.

   4. Let it Shine (2012)

Genre: Musical/Comedy

Where to watch: Disney+

Age Rating: G

If you watch any movies from this list watch this one! This is such an underrated Disney classic. My brothers and I have proudly memorized the entire soundtrack and will randomly quote this all the time. 

This movie follows Cyrus (Aka Truth), an aspiring rapper who is, unknowingly to his religious family, trying to make it into the industry. A story of family, friendship and love, this soundtrack doesn’t have a single miss. If anyone wants to rap battle me after watching this movie, you know where to find me!

TW: None.

     5. Us (2019)

Genre: Horror/Mystery

Where to watch: Hulu/Amazon Prime

Age Rating: R

Another Jordan Peele film; Us is in the same genre as Get Out, however their only similarity is that they both have an insane plot twist. This movie is my personal favorite of Peele. 

It follows a family that goes on vacation together to their mother, Adelaide’s, beachfront home where she grew up. As you can guess, weird stuff starts happening and Adelaide’s childhood trauma starts to creep back up. This movie is truly chilling, but so good.

TW include: Violence.

   6. When They See Us (2019)

Genre: Drama

Where to watch: Netflix

Age Rating: TV-MA 

Based on a true story, this mini-series( I know I said movies in the title but this one is just too good to leave out) follows five Harlem boys as they are falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. 

This is such an important mini-series that puts a spotlight on the mistreatment of Black People in the system, injustice, and police brutality. It is honestly terrifying how this is based on a true story and breaks my heart every time I rewatch or talk about it. 

This would be the perfect mini-series to watch during Black History Month and it is only four episodes long. 

TW include: Violence, physical and emotional abuse, race-based police harassment, suggestions of sexual assault.

    7.  Rye Lane (2023)

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Where to watch: Hulu

Age Rating: R

This has now become my new comfort movie. This came out early 2023 and doesn’t get nearly enough attention. This is your typical rom-com, however the cinematography takes it to another level. 

This story is so wholesome as we follow two twenty-somethings as they navigate post-breakup life when they meet and connect one day in South London. This is the directorial debut of Raine Allen Miller and what a debut this movie is. It’s truly spectacular.

TW include: Some sexual content.

    8. His House (2020)

Genre: Horror/Drama

Where to watch: Netflix

Age Rating: TV-14

This movie shows the struggle of a refugee couple as they try to settle into a new life in an English town. As you can guess, weird and suspicious things start happening in their new house. This movie was genuinely terrifying to me and is definitely the scariest movie on this list. Recommend to any horror/thriller fanatics.

TW include: Violence.

    9. The Hate U Give (2018)

Genre- Crime/Thriller

Where to watch- Hulu

Age Rating- PG-13

Secretly first watched this movie in middle school, because for some reason my parents didn’t want me to watch it. This movie highlights the contrast between the main characters Black neighborhood and White prep school she attends. This movie is so important as well as the storyline is upsetting yet accurate to what many Black communities experience.

TW include: Police brutality, gun violence.

    10. Cinderella (1997)

Genre- Musical/Fantasy

Where to watch- Disney+

Age Rating- G

Why aren’t more people talking about this movie? I grew up with this movie so it holds a special place in my heart. This Cinderella remake is one of my favorites not only because Brandy and Whitney Houston are in it, but because the soundtrack is magnificent. Not to mention this movie was ahead of its time with a female Black lead and male Asian love interest. Highly recommend this beautiful story.

TW: None.

If you have made it this far, I hope this list can give you some new favorites.

         Happy Black History Month!