MUST-WATCH Films and Documentaries for Black History Month
By: Mayra
Black History Month isn’t just about honouring history; it’s about recognizing the legacy being built right now. This year’s theme, Becoming Blueprints of Legacy, is a reminder that the future is built collectively, through everyday choices, the stories we uplift, and the communities we show up for.
And what better way to tap into that than through film? 🖤
We intentionally dug beyond the obvious BHM choices and curated a list that’s a bit more under the radar, filled with hopeful stories that challenge our reality. These films explore identity, ambition, resilience, and collective care and deserve to be spotlighted and seen.
So grab a snack, open Kanopy (love a free, library-powered win), and get ready to add some new favourites to your watchlist.
Daughters of the Dust (1991)
Why watch it: Few films honour the past while looking so boldly toward the future. Julie Dash’s lyrical masterpiece centers on three generations of Gullah women as they prepare to migrate north, challenged by the decision of what to carry forward and what to leave behind.
Possible takeaway: It reminds us that building the future doesn’t mean abandoning our roots nor clinging to the objects that remind us who we are, but letting our stories and experiences guide us into what’s next.
2. Alma’s Rainbow (1994)
Why watch it: I’ll start by saying NEVER discard a film by how “old” it is. This one was filmed more than 20 years ago and is still incredibly REFRESHING. It delivers comedy, tenderness, and radicalism. A coming-of-age story that captures Rainbow’s journey toward autonomy, desire, and self-definition within a vibrant Black community.
Possible takeaway: This story shows that legacy isn't always obvious or linear; sometimes it’s about having the courage to grow into yourself and claim space in unconventional ways.
3. The Inheritance (2020) Documentary
Why watch it: Because, visually, it is SO stimulating, and also because it is simply beautiful. This piece, blending documentary and fiction, gathers artists and activists living in a communal home dedicated to continuing the work of the Civil Rights Movement. It is so well-made that you will feel like you want to be part of the cast.
Possible takeaway: This film opens the door to reflect on collective care and how movements survive when people choose to build together.
4. Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. (1993)
Why watch it: You will be immersed in the 90’s aura. Not only for its aesthetics, I feel this film perfectly captures the spirit of women in that decade who wanted to break free from societal expectations. This indie classic film follows an intense and brilliant Brooklyn teen determined to design a life bigger than the one expected of her.
Possible takeaway: Creativity and rebellion when deciding how our lives should be are also valid and loving acts of resistance.
5. Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility in America (2020)
Why watch it: This eye-opening documentary explores how something as ordinary as travel shaped Black survival, entrepreneurship, and community, especially during segregation.
Possible takeaway: It reframes history as infrastructure for the present, showing how resilience literally paved the roads many walk today.
6. The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (2015)
Why watch it: Through chilling archival footage, this documentary reveals the humanity, strategy, and community care behind one of the most misunderstood movements in U.S. history.
Possible takeaway: A clear, yet shocking proof of the power of massive communication channels and a (very much needed) reminder that courage and organized action can transform our societies.
7. Playing Through (2022)
Why watch it: It’s heartfelt without being cheesy, which, honestly, is rare for a sports film. Based on a true story, it follows a young golfer navigating racism, belonging, and the quiet pressure of proving you deserve to take up space in rooms that weren’t built with you in mind. It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you: grounded, inspiring, and very human.
Possible takeaway: Legacy isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like showing up anyway, playing your game, and widening the path so others don’t have to fight as hard to walk it.
8. A Star Without a Star: The Untold Juanita Moore Story (2022)
Why watch it: If you love uncovering the stories Hollywood somehow forgot to spotlight, this one is a gem. The film honours Juanita Moore, an Oscar-nominated actor whose talent helped shape the industry, even when recognition didn’t always follow.
Possible takeaway: Talent can open doors, but persistence keeps them from closing!
9. On Becoming A Guinea Fowl (2024)
Why watch it: Equal parts unsettling and darkly funny, this Cannes-selected film from Rungano Nyoni begins with a chilling discovery. After a woman finds her uncle’s body on a deserted road, long-buried family secrets start pushing their way to the surface, exposing silence, denial, and the complicated ways communities protect themselves. With a hint of surrealism and social commentary, it’s the kind of film that leaves you thinking about family dynamics, both positive and negative.
Possible takeaway: Sometimes creating a positive future means speaking up about what the past tried to normalize, even if it feels very uncomfortable.
And that’s a wrap! Hope you feel inspired to watch some of these films and if you have a movie you would add, tell us in the comments!
Looking for Black History Month Resources? 🖤
Explore our curated content featuring creative contests, ONG’s, art, and music that celebrate Black stories, creativity, and cultural impact.
Celebrate Black History Month 2026 with a curated watchlist of films that spotlight legacy, courage, and stories that shape the future. From indie gems to festival favourites, these picks are thought-provoking, unexpected, and perfect for pressing play this month. 🖤