Movies delving into themes such as slavery, civil rights, and segregation consistently resonate with viewers. These tend to be individuals who are deeply invested in these subjects or those eager to expand their knowledge while appreciating a diverse range of top-tier productions. Currently, Netflix boasts an impressive collection of films centered around slavery, and we’ve compiled a list of 15 must-watch titles available for streaming immediately. While some directly tackle the subject, others subtly reference it or explore related themes of oppression against African-Americans throughout history.
The Help
Drawing inspiration from Katherine Stockett’s acclaimed novel titled “The Help”, this dramatic narrative is set in the heart of the American South, specifically Mississippi during the 1960s. The story revolves around Skeeter, a courageous and headstrong young woman who returns home from college with a burning ambition to make her mark as an author.
The individual chooses to conduct interviews with black women residing in her locality who have devoted their lives to caring for affluent southern families, particularly their children. Once their stories become public knowledge, her friends’ lives and this town in Mississippi will be significantly impacted, as it uncovers the appalling treatment these women have endured from their employers.
12 Years a slave
In the film “12 Years a Slave,” we delve into the life of Solomon Northup, a free black man living in upstate New York who is inhumanely thrust into slavery. Unaccustomed to the harshness and malevolence he encounters from his cruel slave owner, Solomon must endure tremendous hardships just to stay alive, while simultaneously holding onto his dignity throughout this harrowing ordeal.
During the course of his extraordinary twelve-year journey, Solomon encounters a Canadian activist against slavery who will irrevocably alter the course of his life. The tale of Solomon’s struggle for freedom is an incredible and memorable one, brimming with adventure, surprising acts of compassion, and shocking instances of brutality.
Django Unchained
This outstanding drama, skillfully crafted by Quentin Tarantino, boasts an exceptional ensemble featuring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christoph Waltz, making it a highly recommended viewing experience. Despite centering on a free man, it provides a powerful depiction of American slavery and the interactions between white people and slaves.
The film revolves around a bounty hunter named King Schultz, portrayed superbly by Jamie Foxx, who enlists the aid of a slave called Django. Once Django assists him, both characters team up to locate Django’s wife, Broomhilda. Upon discovering where she was taken, Django and Schultz collaborate on a strategy to infiltrate the plantation owner based in Mississippi.
Beloved (1998)
Drawing inspiration from Toni Morrison’s seminal novel Beloved, this compelling drama unfolds the tale of a former slave named Sethe. Primarily driven by her desire to secure liberty for her offspring, she embarks on a quest.
In this gripping tale, I found myself drawn into the complex world of a protagonist tormented by her turbulent past, shrouded secrets that gnaw at her peace. An unexpected reunion with an old acquaintance named Paul D offers some respite, but his arrival is far from solitary – another enigmatic figure, a young and intriguing woman, also makes her presence felt in the protagonist’s life. As she grapples with her past and navigates this new dynamic, I found myself eagerly following her journey to uncover the truth behind this stranger while seeking stability with Paul D’s assistance.
The Long Walk Home
In this captivating historical drama, we revisit the pivotal moments in Montgomery, Alabama during 1955 and 1956. Here, African Americans initiated a bus boycott due to their growing frustration over being forced to occupy seats at the rear of public transportation vehicles.
In the home where she works, Odessa is given good care, and along with her employer Miriam Thompson, they must decide on a course of action as protests start happening in their city. Despite potentially arriving late, Odessa feels it’s her responsibility to make her way to work on foot.
Glory (1989)
In this compelling biopic, featuring Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick in leading roles, we follow the life of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw – a military officer serving in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Notably, he was the one who bravely agreed to command the first regiment of African-American soldiers.
As a white male, Shaw often faced challenges with his leadership decisions and endured the racial prejudice from his adversaries who were commanded to eliminate black commanding officers as well as those in his own ranks.
Harriet
Another captivating and enthralling drama is centered around the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman, a legendary American abolitionist widely recognized. This narrative unfolds the tale of her journey to freedom, leading to her becoming an iconic figure in American history.
She displayed remarkable bravery, persistence, and a resolute spirit that was unyielding. Her unwavering determination and stubbornness led to the liberation of hundreds of slaves and significantly altered the trajectory of history.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
This engrossing biographical drama offers a glimpse into Nelson Mandela’s life, his activism, and the incarceration of him and his comrades due to treason charges. A South African attorney, he became part of the African National Congress in 1940, as he found the laws under the oppressive regime of Apartheid unjust for his fellow citizens.
Throughout his long imprisonment, he tirelessly fought for his cause, even while shackled for decades. His relentless struggle eventually garnered global attention, transforming him into a revered figurehead of his movement. Unfortunately, his wife was no longer able to lead peacefully, so he will need to discover a path to a peaceful resolution upon his release, ensuring that his nation and people emerge unscathed from the strife.
13th (2016)
This exceptional crime documentary explores the surge of incarcerations in the U.S., revealing a staggering increase from approximately 200,000 prisoners in 1970 to over two million today. The film delves into intriguing topics like chattel slavery and sheds light on America’s historical struggle with racial disparity.
This source discusses numerous significant historical occurrences and aspects related to racial disparity, including D.W.Griffith’s film “The Birth of a Nation”, the civil rights movement, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Ronald Reagan’s declaration of the war on drugs, among others.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
In this engaging historical film, Samuel L. Jackson serves as our guide, transporting us to the year 1979. During this time, author James Baldwin penned a letter to his literary representative, detailing his upcoming work titled “Remember This House.
He intended to compose a book detailing the lives and assassinations of his three dearest friends – Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. However, when he passed away in 1987, just 39 pages of his manuscript were completed. In this documentary film, Raoul Peck offers a glimpse into the unfinished book by James Baldwin.
Free State of Jones (2016)
In a more engaging and simplified manner: This captivating mix of war, western, and drama unfolds during the Civil War era, focusing on Newt Knight, a determined farmer who led an armed rebellion against the Confederacy. He teamed up with fellow small farmers and local slaves to spark an uprising that caused Jones County, Mississippi to break away from the Confederacy.
The entity established the Free State of Jones, and Knight persisted in his fight during Reconstruction, thereby becoming a fascinating yet contentious character whose influence lingered well past the War’s end.
Freedom Riders (2010)
In this documentary, we delve into the account of over 400 individuals who took part in a risky endeavor aimed at stirring the collective consciousness of the entire nation. Known as the Freedom Riders, they embarked on a mission to confront racial segregation during the Civil Rights Era by testing and defying Jim Crow laws.
They focused on the issue of racial discrimination within American interstate travel, often moving in integrated groups, freely choosing their seating on buses and trains. Their aim was to challenge unequal access to dining facilities and waiting areas at terminals across the South, drawing attention to the segregation that persisted in those regions during this period.
The Butler (2013)
In simpler terms, “The Butler” is a captivating biographical film that follows the life of Cecil Gaines, who worked as a butler for eight U.S. presidents in the White House. This movie explores his personal journey amidst significant historical events like the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and other influential moments in history.
In the 1920s, I was born and spent my early years serving a white household. Unfortunately, their treatment of me left scars that lasted long after I left their employment. Determined to forge my own path and never again rely on anyone else’s goodwill, I set out on my own journey. During this time, I had the unique opportunity to work closely with various presidents and bear witness to pivotal moments in the civil rights movement. However, as tensions within my family reached a boiling point, I realized it was time for me to take matters into my own hands and make a difference.
Selma (2014)
One standout film addressing this subject matter from the past ten years is a biographical drama set against one of the pivotal moments in the civil rights movement’s history and post-emancipation era. The narrative unfolds through the course of three interconnected stories spanning over a three-month period in 1965.
In ’65, I found myself deeply moved by Martin Luther King Jr.’s crusade for equal voting rights. It was a time that saw the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, an epic journey that ultimately led to President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act – a momentous milestone in the civil rights movement’s triumphant struggle.
Descendant (2022)
Among the latest documentaries on Netflix focusing on slavery is an engaging tale set in Alabama within the close-knit African community of Africatown. This film delves into the individual experiences and historical background of this community, who are descendants of the Clotilda.
The historical vessel, known as Clotilda, is acknowledged as the final clandestine slave ship that ferried people across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to the United States, illegally. Recently, a group of marine archaeologists have verified the presence of this old, long-rumored ship in history.
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2025-05-23 16:25