Great Movies with Black Characters

Last updated: August 15, 2025

These memorable movies feature everything from Spike Lee's funny but powerful landmark film Do the Right Thing to the fierce call to action of Ava DuVernay's stirring documentary 13th. Kids and parents will find much to appreciate in these films that bring to life the experiences that have helped shaped the entire United States -- from the Civil War to civil rights. For more fantastic picks, check out our lists of Movies with Inspiring Black Girls and Women and TV Shows with Black Leads.

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March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World Poster Image

MOVIE

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World

age 4+

Powerful, kid-friendly intro to black history stories.

January 12, 2010 2010 NR (69 minutes)

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The Snowy Day Poster Image

MOVIE

The Snowy Day

age 4+

Love and community central to holiday book adaptation.

November 25, 2016 2016 NR (59 minutes)

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Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story Poster Image

MOVIE

Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story

age 5+

Inspirational animated tale of famous black ballerina soars.

July 1, 2015 2015 G (17 minutes)

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Garrett's Gift Poster Image

MOVIE

Garrett's Gift

age 5+

Smart animation introduces African-American inventor.

November 7, 2007 2007 G (20 minutes)

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The Journey of Henry Box Brown Poster Image

MOVIE

The Journey of Henry Box Brown

age 5+

Powerful tale of former slave with big ideas about freedom.

November 1, 2005 2005 G (28 minutes)

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The Princess and the Frog Poster Image

MOVIE

The Princess and the Frog

age 6+

First African American Disney princess is a good role model.

December 11, 2009 2009 G (97 minutes)

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Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her

MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

April 28, 2006 2006 PG (112 minutes)

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Amazing Grace Poster Image

MOVIE

Amazing Grace

age 8+

Aretha documentary has soaring music but no narration.

May 10, 2019 2019 G (89 minutes)

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Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey Poster Image

MOVIE

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

age 8+

Christmas musical has imagination, positivity, diversity.

November 13, 2020 2020 PG (122 minutes)

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Our Friend, Martin Poster Image

MOVIE

Our Friend, Martin

age 8+

Dated movie about MLK Jr. offers positive lessons for kids.

January 12, 1999 1999 G (61 minutes)

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Soul Poster Image

MOVIE

Soul

age 8+

Amazing animation, serious themes in thoughtful dramedy.

March 23, 2021 2021 PG (100 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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Woman in Motion Poster Image

MOVIE

Woman in Motion

age 8+

Docu about role model Nichelle Nichols inspires, delights.

March 1, 2019 2019 NR (105 minutes)

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A Ballerina's Tale Poster Image

MOVIE

A Ballerina's Tale

age 9+

Engrossing dance docu introduces powerful role model.

October 14, 2015 2015 NR (88 minutes)

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And the Children Shall Lead Poster Image

MOVIE

And the Children Shall Lead

age 9+

A sensitive, powerful drama on race issues.

April 11, 1988 1988 NR (58 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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Hidden Figures movie poster: Dorothy, Katherine, and Mary in 1950s clothing strut confidently

MOVIE

Hidden Figures

age 10+

Inspiring true story of African American women at NASA.

December 25, 2016 2016 PG (126 minutes)

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John Lewis: Good Trouble Poster Image

MOVIE

John Lewis: Good Trouble

age 10+

Inspiring, timely biography of Congress' legendary activist.

July 3, 2020 2020 PG (96 minutes)

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Remember the Titans movie poster: Silhouetted football players overlaid against a large image of Denzel Washington's face

MOVIE

Remember the Titans

age 10+

Inspiring football drama brings history to life.

September 29, 2000 2000 PG (113 minutes)

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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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