Black History on the Screen: Arts, Business & Culture

Last updated: June 25, 2026

From the music you love to the clothes you wear and the food you eat, African Americans have influenced every aspect of our society today. To celebrate their contributions, we've made this list of excellent movies and TV shows that feature the art, music, literature, fashion, cuisine, businesses, and cultural movements originated by Black creatives. Once you've chosen what to watch, use our guide to help your family reflect on the legacy and global imprint of Black culture. And when you're done here, come back to discover more Black history in activism, civics, and social justice; science, technology, engineering, and math; and dance, games, and sports.

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Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices Poster Image

TV

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices

age 3+

Virtual book club for preschoolers spotlights Black authors.

Netflix Educational (2020)

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Rhymes Through Times Poster Image

TV

Rhymes Through Times

age 3+

Catchy short lessons in Black history for little ones.

Noggin Kids' Animation (2021)

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Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin TV Show Poster: Franklin, a Black boy cartoon character, stands smiling holding a suitcase

TV

Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin

age 4+

Charming Peanuts special about friendship and fitting in.

Apple TV Kids' Animation (2024)

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Imba Means Sing Poster Image

MOVIE

Imba Means Sing

age 8+

Vibrant, uplifting docu about African children's choir.

December 4, 2015 2015 NR (75 minutes)

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We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest Poster Image

MOVIE

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

age 8+

Docu about kids living MLK's legacy gives all the feels.

February 18, 2020 2020 NR (60 minutes)

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Your Attention Please Poster Image

TV

Your Attention Please

age 8+

Unapologetic tour of Afro-aesthetics; fab docu for all.

Hulu Educational (2020)

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Piece by Piece Movie Poster: A Lego man with lots of rainbow Lego pieces around him

MOVIE

Piece by Piece

age 9+

Creative Lego bio-doc has positive themes, implied drug use.

October 11, 2024 2024 PG (93 minutes)

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Thunder Soul Poster Image

MOVIE

Thunder Soul

age 9+

Uplifting docu spotlights legendary high school jazz band.

September 23, 2011 2011 PG (83 minutes)

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Butterfly in the Sky Movie Poster: Rainbow monarch butterfly emerges from a television, with LeVar Burton on the screen

MOVIE

Butterfly in the Sky

age 10+

Inspiring look at Reading Rainbow's legacy; mild language.

March 17, 2024 2024 NR (87 minutes)

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High on the Hog Poster Image

TV

High on the Hog

age 10+

Food doc gives powerful new perspective on American history.

Netflix Educational (2021)

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How It Feels to Be Free Poster Image

TV

How It Feels to Be Free

age 10+

Clear-eyed docu celebrates talented women facing racism.

PBS Educational (2021)

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River City Drumbeat Poster Image

MOVIE

River City Drumbeat

age 10+

Uplifting, heartfelt docu about life-changing drum corps.

August 7, 2020 2020 NR (95 minutes)

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Soul of a Nation Poster Image

TV

Soul of a Nation

age 10+

Raw but uplifting series on Black life, culture in America.

ABC Reality TV (2021)

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Liyana Poster Image

MOVIE

Liyana

age 11+

Inspiring, unique film tells two stories of perseverance.

October 9, 2018 2018 NR (76 minutes)

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MOVIE

Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé

age 11+

Beyoncé's silver tour hits the silver screen; some swearing.

December 1, 2023 2023 NR (169 minutes)

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A Raisin in the Sun Poster Image

MOVIE

A Raisin in the Sun

age 12+

Thoughtful, play-based drama examines racism.

February 22, 2008 2008 NR (131 minutes)

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Ice Cold: The Untold Story of Hip-Hop Jewelry Poster Image

TV

Ice Cold: The Untold Story of Hip-Hop Jewelry

age 12+

Hip-hop culture doc features drug use, profanity.

YouTube Educational (2021)

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American Symphony Movie Poster: Above, Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad sit together; below, Batiste faces a large audience

MOVIE

American Symphony

age 13+

Stellar docu on the power of music and perseverance.

November 24, 2023 2023 PG-13 (104 minutes)

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Back to Natural: A Documentary Film Poster Image

MOVIE

Back to Natural: A Documentary Film

age 13+

Social roots of Black hair history get insightful attention.

August 16, 2019 2019 NR (65 minutes)

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Daughters of the Dust Poster Image

MOVIE

Daughters of the Dust

age 13+

Beautiful, slow-paced historical drama; violence, cursing.

December 27, 1991 1991 NR (112 minutes)

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