Black History Month: Must-Watch Films and Shows

Since its establishment in 1915, Black History Month has served as a vital platform to document the journey of Black individuals from the shackles of slavery, their persistent fight for equality and civil rights, and to celebrate their significant civic and cultural contributions to society. Today, this celebration extends beyond February, as leading streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu leverage this national holiday to spotlight the rich array of content created by Black filmmakers and featuring Black talent.

This period offers a perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers, or to reframe and enhance your knowledge of U.S. history through compelling documentaries. Whether you're looking to diversify your viewing list with films and series that showcase Black creatives both in front of and behind the camera, or you're eager to revisit the cinematic and television works that have profoundly influenced culture in the past and continue to do so today, there's something for everyone.

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 numerous avenues to explore and honor Black creativity, and one of the simplest is by engaging with movies and shows that feature Black casts or center the narratives around Black experiences. You might discover unexpected connections or find new perspectives. Here, we've curated a selection of the most acclaimed and popular titles available across various streaming platforms to help you build your watchlist and continue celebrating and reflecting on Black history.