Starting from the 1st of February, many countries around the world will observe Black History Month, an annual tradition originating in the United States (the UK celebrates Black History Month in October). Also known as African-American History Month, this annual observance is meant to celebrate important people and events that shaped the history of Black people.

There are many ways to engage kids this February and teach them about the importance of Black History Month (you can read more about this in our linked article on the topic). One way to inspire kids and make them proud of the rich history behind them is by watching Black History movies to get the best of both worlds – entertainment and education. 

Hollywood doesn’t always get the facts right, but there are some exceptional black history movies for kids that beautifully capture the struggles in overcoming racial prejudice and fighting for civil rights. If you’re a movie-fan, then the following list could be your best friend this month. 

The Best Black History Movies for Kids

Starting from the newest releases this year, the movies on this list are presented according to their release date. We also made sure to include information about the plot and age-appropriateness, so you can easily decide what’s the best choice for your family.

Soul (2020)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 8.

We start our selection of black history movies for kids with a promising new movie from Pixar Animation Studios that’ll take you through the streets of New York City and show you what life is really about. According to many reviews, Soul will remind you that life is a blessing even when things don’t go as planned. 

What does it mean to have a soul? The main protagonist of this movie will try to answer this question himself when he pursues his true passion in life – jazz. This is the first Pixar movie with a Black lead character, called Joe Gardener, voiced by the incredible Jamie Foxx.

The movie falls in the family, adventure, and comedy genres, with an age rating of 8+. However, some parents rated it 6+. The movie itself doesn’t feature any bad language or explicit scenes but the storyline is a bit complex and might be too overwhelming for kids younger than 7 years olds. 

Self Made (2020)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 14.

Another promising release last year was the inspiring story about the first female, African American, a self-made millionaire. This movie follows the story of Madam C.J. Walker who built a haircare empire in the late 1800s. 

Self Made is a drama series that parents love for its inspirational messages and positive role models. However, there are two sex scenes, which is why most parents set the age rate to 14+.

Side note: It might be worth mentioning that the character of Addie is loosely based on Annie Malone, who hired Madam C.J Walker, and it’s Annie who’s believed to be the first black female millionaire in real life. 

Harriet (2019)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 12.

Cynthia Erivo was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in this inspirational action-drama movie. It follows the story of Harriet, a girl from an enslaved family who was promised freedom that she and her family never get. Therefore, Harriet decides to escape, a plan that will change the course of history and transform her into one of America’s greatest heroes. 

We won’t spoil more than that as you and your family will definitely enjoy watching this movie.  

Common sense media rated this movie as suitable for kids at and over the age of 12. There are some scenes of violence and racial slurs. It also revolves around the concept of slavery, which means you should explain this to your child before watching the movie. Our article on How to Teach Dark Parts of History might be useful in this situation. 

Hidden Figures (2016)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 10.

Do you have a child who aspires to be a scientist one day? If so, then this movie is a must! Hidden Figures tells the true story about the three African-American mathematicians who worked in NASA and played a crucial role in launching John Glenn into orbit. 

Celebrating Black people who made astonishing contributions to our society is the main core of Black History Month, which makes this movie an amazing choice for everyone. It’s inspiring, motivational, and realistically shows the struggles that these women had to endure at work – racial and gender discrimination. 

A Ballerina’s Tale (2015)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 9.

While some kids aspire to become doctors or scientists, others are more creatively included and want to pursue a career in sports. If that’s the case with your kid(s), then this uplifting documentary will be a smart choice. A Ballerina’s Tale is the true story told and featured by the real-life African American legend, the ballerina Misty Copeland. 

She tells her story, struggles, and triumphs in the elite ballet world. The movie deals with racial prejudice, body image, and Copeland’s injury that threatened to end her career. 

Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story (2015)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 5.

Next on our black history movies for kids list we have another ballerina movie that’s appropriate even for the youngest movie-lovers, the 2015’s hit titled Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story. Just like the Misty Copeland documentary, this animated movie is based on a true story about Janet Collins, the first African-American ballerina who performed at the Metropolitan Opera House. 

It’s a short movie that falls in the family category. Parents love it because it’s educational, features positive role models, and leaves kids with a positive and uplifting message.  

The fact that it’s short means that it’s also a great choice for the classroom. Teachers can easily incorporate it in the classroom and later discuss it together with the students. 

Project Mc² (2015)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 7.

Okay, we may have cheated a little by including Project Mc² on this list as it’s a TV series and not a movie, but we promise it’s worth it. The TV series follows the stories of McKeyla, Adrienne, Bryden, and Camryn – four super smart girls who are recruited to join a secret spy organization.

This series breaks stereotypes and makes education and science skills look cool, which would be such an amazing and positive trend if it becomes a thing around middle and high school kids. 

Selma (2014)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 13.

The most prominent figure in Black History Month is Martin Luther King. As we mentioned in our article “How to Teach Kids About the Importance of Martin Luther King,” one of the ways to introduce his life work is through documentaries and movies such as Selma. 

Selma is a chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s campaign for the right of Black people to vote. It closely focuses on his march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, which resulted in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

Carmen Ejogo, David Oyelowo, and Oprah Winfrey are part of the cast who brought to life this history-altering event. 

Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 13.

Oprah Winfrey starred in another historical drama based on a true story that portrays the history of Black people in America. The history of the Civil Rights Movement this time is being told as seen through the eyes of a butler who served eight presidents at the White House. 

Ever wondered how events like the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War can change the life of a butler in the White House? Now you have a chance to find out. However, what parents need to know is that there are several scenes portraying hate crimes, graphic violence, and other atrocities that White Southerners did to Black people who protested. For these reasons, the movie is rated 13+, which means it’s not suited for younger children. 

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 6.

Taking a break from the intense dramas described above, we turn the page to something more cheerful and suited for kids as young as 6 years old. Disney’s ultimate fairytale The Princess and the Frog is a great pick as a Black History movie for kids. It doesn’t quite deal with history, although the movie itself is part of history as Tiana is the first African American Disney princess.

The movie is a spin-off of the classical story about the princess who finds her true love when she kisses a frog. But, the movie is so much more than finding true love. The Princess and the Frog is a hilarious adventure that every kid will enjoy!

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World (2008)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 4.

Again we stray a little from the strict definition of the word “movie,” but all with a good cause. “March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World” is a Storybook DVD that includes narrations of four children’s books about Black History. 

The narratives are accompanied by the images from the books and some other official photographs from the Civil Rights Movement and all of the books on which these narratives are based are suitable even for preschoolers. 

Whether you use the DVD in the classroom, homeschool environment, or during a family gathering, you can’t go wrong with this choice. March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World DVD pack is a great Black History movie for kids!

Garrett’s Gift (2007)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 4.

Next on our black history movies for kids list we have Garrett’s Gift, a short, 20-minute animated movie that introduces kids to the famous African-American inventor, Garrett Morgan. In the short movie, kids will learn how Garrett Morgan came to the idea for the traffic light. 

Parents praise this movie for being educational and inspirational as it shows how this boy who had a different way of looking at things and spent most of the day daydreaming invented such a significant safety measure. Can you imagine our world without traffic lights today? All the things that seem natural and without which we can’t imagine our world were invented by people just like you and your kids. For young minds, this message will make them more confident in their capabilities and can inspire them to pursue their ideas.

Pride (2007)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 12.

Pride is an inspiring sports drama set in the 1970s about a swim team composed of teens coming from a rough neighborhood. Their story is about facing overwhelming odds to become champions and save their inner-city rec center from destruction. 

In fact, this movie is based on a true story following the biography of the Philadelphia swim coach James “Jim” Ellis. The coach’s love of competitive swimming drives him to fix an abandoned pool building and train a team that can win against the odds. 

By watching this movie kids will learn about pride, determination, and resilience. 

The Great Debaters (2007)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 13.

Another great Black History movie for kids is “The Great Debaters,” a historical drama that follows Melvin B Tolson, a professor at Wiley College. Just like the movie “Pride,” “The Great Debaters” shows us that through hard work, determination, and a great motivational leader, we can beat the odds. Melvin B Tolson beats the odds when he motivates his students to form the first-ever debate team and win against Harvard in the national championship. 

Most parents gave this movie a rating of 13+ because of the racial and brutal violence that occurred against Black people in the 1930s. 

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 8.

Akeelah is an 11-year girl who has an incredible talent for spelling. Her goal is to become the National Spelling Bee Champion, but her mother doesn’t help her. Coming from a rough neighborhood, Akeelah must overcome a lot of difficulties if she wants to realize her aspirations.  

Can Akeelah overcome her insecurities and the distractions and obstacles in her environment? 

The movie doesn’t feature violence nor sex scenes, but it deals with emotional topics like mourning for the death of loved ones, family arguments, and some sad conversations. 

Shaka Zulu: The Citadel (2001)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 9.

Another amazing black history movie for kids is Shaka Zulu: The Citadel. This movie appeals to kids who love history and adventures as it tells the true story of Shaka Zulu, the legendary African warrior who was on a mission to unite his people and form the largest empire in the world. 

It’s worth mentioning that the movie is based on a much popular television series titled “Shaka Zulu: The Last Great Warrior”, which is why you might get the series as a first result when googling this movie. 

The movie about Shaka Zulu tells the story of how the Zulu Empire first emerged as a great force. It’s incredibly informational and holds immense historical value about the African Empires. 

Remember the Titans (2000)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 10.

Another inspiring sports drama movie is the 2000’s mega-hit “Remember the Titans.” The movie follows the story of the first African-American coach in a racially integrated high school. After being segregated for generations, students from one Black and one White school must integrate and study together. Just like many movies in this list, “Remember the Titans” is based on the real events that happened in 1971 in Virginia, and the struggles of integrating the children and teaching them to live together in harmony. As you’ll see in the film, gaining trust and respect is not easy, but with hard work it’s achievable. 

Sounder (1972)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 12.

The last three movies on our list are old classics that stand the test of time and remain many people’s favorites. You might be familiar with these movies, but watching them again together with your children is surely going to be a rewarding experience. 

Sounder is a heart-warming film that shares a beautiful message – strong family relations can overcome poverty and racism. The movie follows the story of an African-American teen’s coming of age. Although there are some violent scenes, the movie shows the power of education and literacy to overcome deeply rooted racial prejudices in one society. 

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 12.

The second of the old classics is a comedy-drama movie that captures the love of an interracial couple and their challenges when they announce their love to their families. Set in the 60s, this movie deals with topics on civil rights, love, and family drama. 

What parents need to know is that there are prejudices, racial attitudes, bigotry, and family arguments. Because of the language, the majority of parents set the age rate at 12+, although many parents have said that this movie is appropriate for children over the age of 10.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Most suited for children at and over the age of 12.

Finally, we end our list with the oldest movie in our Black History movies for kids selection and maybe the most famous title, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Even if you haven’t watched this movie, chances are you’ve heard about it. 

Standing strong as one of the highest-rated movies on IMDb, “To Kill a Mockingbird” tells the story of Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a black man accused of raping a White woman. 

The movie received an Oscar for Best Writing (adapted screenplay) which is why we won’t spoil any more details about the plot, but simply recommend it as a must-see. 

According to CommonSenseMedia, most parents agree that this movie is a masterpiece that teaches kids about the consequences of prejudice, but as well as the power of empathy and compassion. 

Before You Leave

Hopefully, you liked our black history movies for kids list and you’ve already bookmarked some of the movies for your next family movie night. If you’re a teacher or a homeschooling parent, remember that many of the movies can be watched in the classroom and analyzed later as a school assignment. Of course, simply enjoying the stories depicted in these movies is a great idea, too. 

For more resources on Black History Month, visit our website or browse through our Black History section. We have many worksheets you can choose from and utilize in your classes this month. 

Additionally, don’t forget to check out our blog where we regularly share interesting and insightful articles that answer many of the questions frequently popping in the heads of teachers and homeschooling parents.