32 Must-See Movies That Celebrate Black History, Culture, And Joy

Black History Month is more than tradition—it's a celebration. It's when Americans proudly honor the contributions and legacies of Black leaders, thinkers, and trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. And while much of what we reflect on this month evokes stories of the pain Black Americans have endured throughout this country's past and present, we also honor Black people's joy, their talents, their beauty, their innovations, and their culture—as we should every single day of the year.

One of the many areas that reflects the richness of Black culture is film. In documentaries, biopics, and fictional stories made for Black people about Black people, Black narratives of all kinds are front and center. They, of course, entertain—undoubtedly a critical component of cinema—but these projects also enlighten viewers by shedding light on stories that have been buried, the subject matter spilling over into dinnertime conversations and your group chats. And an incredible number of these movies also teach, whether it’s by spotlighting Black creativity and resilience or by informing unfamiliar viewers about the Black experience.

This February, consider making time for every one of these 32 must-watch films. From Ava Duvernay’s 13th, which breaks down the racist and systemic loopholes in place to keep Black Americans imprisoned and disenfranchised, to George Tillman Jr.’s The Hate U Give, to Beyoncé's Coachella performance in Homecoming—the range of Black stories and of the Black talent telling them is endless.