Black History Month: Must-Watch Films and Shows

Since its inception in 1915, Black History Month has served as a vital platform to chronicle the journey of Black people from the shackles of enslavement, through their ongoing struggle for equity and civil rights, and to celebrate their significant civic and cultural contributions to society. Every February, and increasingly throughout the year, major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu seize this national holiday as an opportunity to spotlight the rich array of content created by Black artists and featuring Black talent.

This period offers a perfect chance to delve deeper into the lives of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers, or to add nuance and perhaps correct misconceptions you might have picked up from traditional U.S. history classes by watching insightful documentaries. Whether you're eager to expand your "watched list" with films and series featuring Black creatives both in front of and behind the camera, or you simply want to (re)watch movies and shows that have significantly influenced and continue to shape cultural narratives, Black History Month provides the ideal backdrop.

Jump to the streaming platform picks:

• What to Watch on Apple TV+
• What to Watch on Disney+
• What to Watch on Hulu
• What to Watch on Max
• What to Watch on Netflix
• What to Watch on Peacock
• What to Watch on Paramount+
• What to Watch on Prime Video

There are countless ways to engage with and honor Black creativity, and one of the most accessible is by exploring movies and shows that feature Black casts or focus on Black perspectives. You might find personal connections or relate to these stories in unexpected ways. To help you curate your watchlist and continue celebrating Black history, here are some of the best and most popular titles available across various streaming platforms.