Movies with Inspiring Black Girls and Women

Last updated: December 9, 2025

Hollywood has made some progress toward diversity in films, but it's not enough. Fortunately, there are movies with inspiring Black role models who positively affect girls' ideas of their self-worth. From Tiana, the first Black Disney princess, to Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater, the hardworking heroines in these films work hard and overcome adversity to accomplish their goals. Some of these titles might need more parental input when tough topics like racism and enslavement come up. But ultimately they provide kids with messages of strength and perseverance. For more fantastic picks, check out our lists of Great Movies with Black Characters, TV Shows with Black Leads, and Movies with Strong Female Characters.

Filter by:
Sort by:
Cinderella (1997) Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Cinderella (1997)

age 5+

Musical take on classic fairy tale is an inclusion landmark.

November 2, 1997 1997 G (99 minutes)
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)
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)
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)
Amazing Grace Poster Image
MOVIE

Amazing Grace

age 8+

Aretha documentary has soaring music but no narration.

May 10, 2019 2019 G (89 minutes)
Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Poster Image
MOVIE

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

age 8+

Inspirational docu has positive messages, role models.

November 27, 2020 2020 NR (120 minutes)
Dr. Dolittle 3 Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Dolittle 3

age 8+

Positive messages throughout tween-friendly animal comedy.

April 25, 2006 2006 PG (98 minutes)
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)
The Wiz Poster Image
MOVIE

The Wiz

age 8+

1970s all-Black remake has positive messages, violence.

October 24, 1978 1978 G (135 minutes)
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)
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)
Becoming Poster Image
MOVIE

Becoming

age 9+

Enlightening journey with Michelle Obama on her book tour.

May 6, 2020 2020 PG (89 minutes)
We Are the Radical Monarchs Poster Image
MOVIE

We Are the Radical Monarchs

age 9+

Docu about girls' social justice troop inspires all ages.

December 8, 2019 2019 NR (95 minutes)
A Wrinkle in Time Poster Image
MOVIE

A Wrinkle in Time

age 10+

Inclusive but imperfect take on classic story of hope, love.

March 9, 2018 2018 PG (109 minutes)
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)
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia Poster Image
MOVIE

Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia

age 10+

Biopic has positive messages, some violence.

April 3, 2021 2021 NR (106 minutes)
Ruby Bridges Poster Image
MOVIE

Ruby Bridges

age 10+

Historical drama lacks subtlety but has positive messages.

May 8, 1998 1998 PG (96 minutes)
All In: The Fight for Democracy Poster Image
MOVIE

All In: The Fight for Democracy

age 11+

Powerful docu about the need to protect voters' rights.

September 9, 2020 2020 PG-13 (102 minutes)
Betty & Coretta Poster Image
MOVIE

Betty & Coretta

age 11+

Moving tribute to two civil rights widows' legacies.

June 11, 2013 2013 PG (120 minutes)
Coded Bias Poster Image
MOVIE

Coded Bias

age 11+

Must-see docu about tech bias has some strong language.

November 11, 2020 2020 NR (90 minutes)
Common Sense Media

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.