The life story and enduring impact of Malcolm X have been depicted on various screen media, ranging from dramatizations, documentaries, and TV movies. These cinematic works follow his transformation from his younger days to becoming a renowned figure on a global scale. Filmmakers employ archived footage, interviews, and scripted enactments to record his religious transformation, leadership qualities, and the significant events that marked his later life.
This collection gathers ten stories – movies, TV shows, and documentaries – that focus on Malcolm X or highlight his role in crucial historical events. They delve into important connections, pivotal journeys, and the context leading to his death.
In this revised version, I aimed to preserve the meaning of the original text while simplifying the language and making it more engaging for the reader.
‘Betty and Coretta’ (2013)
This television movie chronicles the lives of Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King following the deaths of their respective spouses, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. It focuses on Betty’s efforts to safeguard Malcolm X’s legacy, manage her family, and remain actively involved in the community. The ensemble features Mary J Blige portraying Betty Shabazz, with Angela Bassett taking on the role of Coretta Scott King.
This performance reenacts public events, lectures at universities, and ongoing activities that kept the influence of both figures alive within the community. It further showcases instances where Malcolm X’s thoughts were disseminated via schools, artistic venues, and grassroots movements led by Betty Shabazz.
‘Death of a Prophet’ (1981)
In this television movie, the events leading up to the assassination are depicted using a blend of fictionalized scenes and documentary-like elements. Morgan Freeman takes on the role of Malcolm X in segments that recreate the series of movements, meetings, and moments that transpired before the tragic incident at the Audubon Ballroom.
The movie employs interviews and carefully crafted contemplations to establish the background of key characters and settings. It primarily concentrates on the specifics of time, location, and organization to illustrate the sequence of events on that day and record the individuals who interacted with Malcolm X during his last moments.
‘The Real Malcolm X’ (1992)
In this TV documentary, clips of news broadcasts, speeches, and contemporary accounts are assembled to scrutinize the journey of Malcolm X into a prominent national figure. The production includes press briefings, college debates, and interviews, revealing the evolution of his public discourse throughout the years.
The program arranges the content in a timeline fashion, allowing viewers to trace evolutions in his roles and associations. Moreover, it places significant events in the context of the media landscape of the era, demonstrating how media coverage impacted public perception.
‘Ali’ (2001)
This biographical drama traces Muhammad Ali’s professional journey from the mid-1960s to early 1970s, featuring Malcolm X as a pivotal figure during Ali’s spiritual evolution. Mario Van Peebles portrays Malcolm X in various scenes depicting their meetings, public events, and the time when they were associated with similar social circles.
The movie features scenes demonstrating the intersection of travel experiences, training sessions, media engagements, and spiritual guidance, along with friendships. It aims to depict Muhammad Ali in the broader societal context to illustrate how individual decisions and public personas were influenced.
‘One Night in Miami…’ (2020)
In this portrayal, we’re transported to a Miami evening in February 1964, where iconic figures like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown are imagined to be engaged in a conversation. Kingsley Ben Adir brings Malcolm X to life in scenes that recreate the atmosphere post-Ali’s title victory and the private exchanges that ensued thereafter.
The show references historical timeframes to establish accurate settings, costumes, and details of the era. It links each character’s professional phase to the topics discussed during that specific night, and demonstrates Malcolm X’s documentation of the event through photos and written notes.
‘Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali’ (2021)
In this film, we delve into the complex bond that once united Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, only to later drive them apart. The narrative is richly woven from conversations with family members, companions, and scholars who shed light on the formation and dissolution of their unique relationship.
The movie structures its storyline around crucial meetings, public events, and travel plans. Additionally, it incorporates historical recordings that illustrate the evolving dynamic between the two figures and reveal how internal pressures led to their separation.
‘Brother Minister: The Assassination of Malcolm X’ (1994)
This film-length documentary delves into the investigation of the murder that took place at the Audubon Ballroom, along with the subsequent inquiries. It compiles testimonies from eyewitnesses, reporters, and former accomplices to revisit the preparations, the shooting incident, and the judicial consequences that followed.
In my opinion, this movie meticulously explores the intricate details of names, locations, and chronology, which were once subjects of debate in the annals of public record. Moreover, it sheds light on previously undisclosed testimonies and documents that surfaced post-1965, challenging initial presumptions about accountability.
‘Malcolm X’ (1972)
Titled ‘Malcolm X: His Authentic Life Story’, this documentary chronicles Malcolm X’s life journey, from his youthful years up until his last year. Narrated by James Earl Jones, it seamlessly connects the various chapters using interviews, speeches, and historical recordings as primary sources.
1) The movie features lengthy dialogues that help audience follow shifts in language and stress over various timeframes. Additionally, it contains information about travels in Africa and the Middle East which significantly impacted his future views.
‘Malcolm X: Make It Plain’ (1994)
This documentary, created specifically for ‘American Experience’, chronicles Malcolm X’s evolution within the Nation of Islam, including his global travels and spiritual transformation driven by a newfound religious perspective. Alfre Woodard guides us through a narrative that intertwines key personal achievements with significant political moments in history.
This program includes interviews with relatives, coworkers, and experts, as well as an abundance of historical records. It offers a comprehensive overview of the background and establishment of new entities, along with the significant safety issues that surfaced during their final stages.
‘Malcolm X’ (1992)
This powerful biographical movie by Spike Lee is headlined by Denzel Washington portraying Malcolm X. It is based on significant parts of ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’. The film spans through Malcolm’s life, including his childhood, time in prison where he underwent self-education, his rise as a leader within the Nation of Islam, his journey to Mecca, and the events culminating in his assassination.
The show features extensive outdoor filming at authentic locations and meticulous set designs for important backdrops. Additionally, it integrates real photos and publications from that time period to ensure scene accuracy based on actual history.
Which film about Malcolm X would you add to this list and why not share your pick in the comments?
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Wuchang Fallen Feathers Save File Location on PC
- From Stage to Screen: 20 Singers Who Tried Acting and How They Fared!
- Prediction: Boeing Won the F-47 Contract — and Maybe F/A-XX as Well
- Umamusume: All current and upcoming characters
- Umamusume: Gold Ship build guide
- Fallen Angels in Circuitry: Two Tech Stocks Reborn
- 15 Actors Perfect for the Role of the Firestorm in the DCU
- A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: This Blue Chip Healthcare Stock Down 50% Could Double Your Money
- Should You Forget Pfizer and Buy This Magnificent Dividend Stock Instead?
2025-08-26 21:45