American cinema has a rich history, with the contributions of Black filmmakers, actors, and storytellers playing a pivotal role in molding the industry from its inception to the present day. 

Pioneers such as Maria P. Williams, Oscar Micheaux, Sidney Poitier, Julie Dash, and Spike Lee laid the groundwork for future generations, by bravely challenging the narrow, stereotypical and often derogatory portrayals of Black lives in early films. Poitier made history as the first African American man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964, while Micheaux’s “race films,” were recognized as some of the earliest movies created for black audiences.  Independently produced and primarily starring an all-Black cast and crew, these films gave a platform to Black stories at a time when such stories were largely ignored by Hollywood and cinemas were segregated.

Today, we see a remarkable lineage of creative visionaries such as Ava DuVernay, Nia DaCosta, Barry Jenkins, Jordan Peele, and Ryan Coogler, who continue to break barriers, create resonant stories, and elevate Black voices on a global stage. The record-breaking success of films like Black Panther, illustrate the lasting influence of Black filmmakers on the global cinema landscape. With that being said, now is a perfect time to appreciate the dynamic evolution of Black stories in film. We wanted to give a nod to Black cinema history before recommending a few recent films that spotlight other elements of Black American history for you to jump into this Black History Month. Without further ado, here are five movies you should add to your watchlist. 

1. Shirley (2024)

The biopic film Shirley, directed by John Ridley and starring Regina King in the role of Shirley Chisholm, tells the story of the extraordinary life of the first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm.  It dives into her historic presidential campaign in 1972 where she bid to become the first Black woman president of the United States. The film also explores the challenges and triumphs she encountered in her run for presidency, including experiencing sexism and racism and her perseverance and achievements throughout her career. 

You can catch this one on Netflix.  

2. Nickel Boys (2024)

The Nickel Boys was directed by RaMell Ross and based on Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Set in 1960’s Jim Crow-era Florida, the film tells the story of Elwood Curtis — played by breakthrough actor Ethan Herisse — a young Black teenager sent to Nickel Academy, a brutal reformatory school for boys, for a crime he didn’t commit. There, he meets Jack Turner, played by Brandon Wilson, and the two teenagers form a strong friendship as they navigate the challenges posed by the school's corrupt administrators.

The film draws parallels with the real-life Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Florida, which was notorious for decades of abuse and mistreatment before it closed in 2011. 

Visually, The Nickel Boys stands out for its immersive first-person perspective storytelling, primarily centered on the characters Elwood and Turner, as the film jumps between the 1960’s and present day. This singular point-of-view style of cinematography, invites viewers to experience the world through the eyes of these boys, creating a sensory experience that deepens an emotional bond with the characters. The film powerfully captures America’s racist past and how it informs the present, during the Jim Crow era, making it an urgent and essential watch. 

You can watch this one on Apple TV or Prime Video.

3. The Six Triple Eight (2024)

While popular World War II movies like Dunkirk, Patton, and The Longest Day often focus on male (often white) soldiers and leaders on the frontline, The Six Triple Eight shifts the narrative to spotlight Black women’s contributions during this historical period. Directed and written by Tyler Perry, this historical drama film tells the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps that served overseas during World War II. Featuring a stellar-cast including Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Sarah Jeffrey, Oprah Winfrey, and Shanice Shantay, the film portrays the fierce efforts of 855 Black women who resolved a years-long backlog of undelivered mail to American soldiers. Despite facing sexism, racism, and the turmoil of war, they sorted 17 million pieces of mail in just three months. This film not only showcases their remarkable determination but also honors a vital yet often overlooked piece of history.

You can catch this one on Netflix.

4. The Fire Inside (2024)

The Fire Inside is a sports biopic directed by Oscar-nominee Rachel Morrison and written by Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins. It tells the inspiring true story of Claressa Shields, a determined teenage boxer from Flint, Michigan, played by actress and singer Ryan Destiny. 

With the unwavering support of her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, played by Brian Tyree Henry, Shields defied the odds to become the first American female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal at just 17 years old. The film also delves into Shields' life before, during, and after her Olympic success, highlighting her experiences as a prominent Black woman boxer who faced challenges securing support and endorsements in the aftermath of her success. 

This one’s currently available to watch on Apple TV.

5. The Piano Lesson (2024)

The Piano Lesson, directed by Malcolm Washington, is a heartfelt film adaption of August Wilson’s Pulitzer-Prize winning play with the same name. Set in 1936, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the wake of the Great Depression, the film centers on lives of the Charles family, particularly siblings Boy Willie, played by Washington’s brother, John David Washington, and Berniece, played by actor Danielle Deadwyler. They are at odds over the fate of a cherished family heirloom: a piano adorned with carvings that tell the family’s history, a unique piece that was made by their enslaved ancestor. The tension arises with Boy Willie’s desire to sell the piano, while Berniece is determined to keep it. 

The film delves into themes of family legacy,  identity, ancestral reparation, generational grief, and trauma. Their uncle, Doaker Charles, played by the legendary Samuel L. Jackson, acts as mediator between the siblings, sharing the emotional story of how the family piano was made, how it later came to be in Pittsburgh, and the family's struggles that lend the piano its deep significance. With striking visuals and exceptional performances, this adaptation stands as a powerful tribute to Wilson’s timeless work.  

You can catch this one on Netflix

These films celebrate pivotal moments in Black American history and highlight the incredible talent of Black filmmakers and actors reshaping the film and cinema industry both in Hollywood and internationally. From the inspiring story of Shirley Chisholm to the powerful themes explored in Nickel Boys and The Piano Lesson, these movies created by and featuring exceptional Black talent, challenge stereotypes, celebrate black culture, and address important social issues.