When it comes to media, especially film, Black culture and history is often ignored, minimized or poorly represented. As time goes on, that seems to be changing. “Sinners” was just nominated for 16 Oscars, but this record-breaking movie is not the only fantastic Black film out there. In honor of Black History Month, here are some incredible films, old and new, to add to your watchlist.
‘Sing Sing’
Underrated is not a strong enough word to describe this film. Released by A24 in 2023, “Sing Sing” follows a group of men in a prison outreach theater program as they devise and perform their newest piece. “Sing Sing” is a sobering look at the American prison system, what comes from the pain and dehumanization of incarceration and how art can not only heal, but inspire. Colman Domingo stars in what is one of his greatest performances ever. Based on real people, with some of them even acting in the movie, there is so much beauty and heart in a film like this.
‘One Night in Miami…’
When you think of historical figures of the ’60s and the American Civil Rights Movement, it may be hard to imagine what they’re like all together. This film follows Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Muhammad Ali and Jim Brown on an imaginary night with them all together as they wrestle with the reality of their lives during the Civil Rights Movement. Starring “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom Jr., and with beautiful and moving performances all around, there is so much to enjoy and understand with “One Night in Miami…”
‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’
Set in Louisiana, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” is a film that follows six-year-old Hushpuppy in her bayou community as her father grows sick and prehistoric beasts begin to roam free. A Sundance Film Festival winner, this is the wild and emotional movie to take a chance on.
‘Miss Juneteenth’
Released in 2020, “Miss Juneteenth” is about former pageant queen and mother Turquoise Jones and her daughter, Kai, as she goes through the Miss Juneteenth pageant in hopes that she will win a full-ride scholarship to a historically Black college.
‘Nickel Boys’
Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book of the same name, “Nickel Boys” is about two boys forced to attend an abusive reform school. Set in the 1960s, the film is a story reflecting the real experiences of those who did and did not survive the reform school system.
‘Last Holiday’
Though it is a holiday movie, “Last Holiday” is always a good choice when trying to find something heartwarming to watch. Starring Queen Latifah, the movie is about Georgia Byrd and her journey to appreciate life after learning she has a terminal illness.
‘Wendell & Wild’
Produced by the iconic Jordan Peele, “Wendell & Wild” is another stamp in the history of stop motion animation. Directed by Henry Selick, the creator of Coraline, the movie is about punk rock teen, Kat, who summons demon brothers to help her after the loss of her parents.
‘Cinderella’ (1997)
A little bit older, but always a classic, is the 1997 adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” starring Whitney Houston, Brandy Norwood and Whoopi Goldberg. This film is an iconic retelling that is just as fun, colorful and sonically wonderful as it was almost 30 years ago.
‘One of Them Days’
The most recent movie on this list, “One of Them Days,” is a hilarious comedy starring SZA and Keke Palmer playing roommates on a mission to make enough money to pay their rent. As hijinks ensues, their characters do their best to get through one of those just absolutely long and somewhat crazy days.
‘If Beale Street Could Talk’
One of the most beautiful love stories put to film in recent years, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” is about Tish and Fonny as they build a life together. Set in the 1970s in The Bronx, the film follows this couple and their family as they deal with the reality of Fonny getting arrested for a crime he didn’t commit.
From stories about the human condition to tales of magic and whimsy, there are so many lesser-known films to pick from and watch during Black History Month.
