As we celebrate 2025’s Black History Month, I’d like to list off a few films, available to stream, to add to your Great Movie watchlist this February. Whether you have access to Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, or a combination of streaming services, here’s a list of ten movies and TV shows celebrating Black history and Black narratives in cinema.
Great Movies
“The Color Purple” (1985 and 2023 Versions)
Both the original and newest iteration of “The Color Purple” are available to stream on Max, and relate the decade-spanning story of Celie, a young woman growing up in the South who suffers insistent abuse and bigotry, but ultimately finds solace in sisterhood and the friendships she develops around her.
“13th”
Ava Duvernay’s seminal Netflix documentary uncovers the history and origins of the prison-industrial complex, and the racism so heavily imbued in its construction and continued practice.
“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker”
Starring the amazing Octavia Spencer, this Netflix miniseries recounts the story of C.J. Walker, America’s first female self-made millionaire.
“Sorry to Bother You”
Set in an alternate version of Oakland, “Sorry to Bother You” stars LaKeith Stanfield and follows the mystical journey of telemarketer Cassius Green as he finds success through a strange superpower, leading up down a bizarre path. The film is available on Hulu.
Nat Geo’s “Genius: MLK/X”
This docu-drama series follows the lives and formative years of MLK and Malcolm X, displaying their humanity through a unique and relatively unexplored perspective. Now streaming on Prime Video and Tubi.
“I am Not Your Negro”
Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, this documentary includes real footage of James Baldwin as he tells the story of race in America, through his unfinished novel “Remember This House.” Available to stream on Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock and Tubi.
“Silver Dollar Road”
Another documentary featured on Prime, “Silver Dollar Road” follows the story of the Reels family as they try to hold onto the land their family has owned for generations, in the wake of encroaching property developers.
“Harriet”
Nominated for multiple Academy Awards, the film (available on Hulu) chronicles the history of Harriet Tubman’s life and escape from slavery, and her work involved in the Underground Railroad.
“Fruitvale Station”
Starring Michael B. Jordan in his breakout role, “Fruitvale Station” tells the story of 22-year-old Oscar Grant III on the day leading up to the tragic moment where he was fatally shot by BART police. Now streaming on Max.
“Malcolm X”
This biographical epic stars Denzel Washington and chronicles the life and career of legendary leader Malcolm X, beginning from his early life up to his assassination in 1965. “Malcolm X” is another film available on Max.
Obviously, there are many more great movies and TV series celebrating Black history and narratives across multiple streaming platforms, but these are just a few that are worth checking out. Let me know in a comment below if you plan to watch anything from this list, or any others that you think should be added.
One Night in Miami