9 Best Black Documentaries To Watch

Eyes on the Prize: America s Civil Rights Movement (1987):

A definitive documentary series that chronicles the American civil rights movement from its early beginnings in 1954 through the mid-1980s, highlighting key events and figures.

Muhammad Ali: When We Were Kings (1996):

This Academy Award-winning documentary provides an in-depth look at the cultural and historical significance of the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974, set against the backdrop of Zaire.

Four Little Girls (1997):

Spike Lee's Academy Award-nominated film explores the tragic murder of four young girls in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, shedding light on the racial violence and injustice of the time.

Good Hair (2009):

Chris Rock's documentary delves into the complex cultural and societal dynamics surrounding Black women's hair, exposing the multi-billion dollar industry and the pressures to conform to Eurocentric standards of beauty.

Freedom Riders (2010):

This documentary tells the courageous story of over 400 activists who risked their lives during the Freedom Rides of 1961, challenging segregation laws in the Deep South and paving the way for civil rights reform.

Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 (2011):

Through interviews and archival footage, this film explores the Black Power Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, examining its impact on American society amidst a backdrop of political turmoil.

Dark Girls (2011):

Addressing the issue of colorism within the Black community, this documentary provides insight into the experiences of Black women with darker skin tones and the societal biases they face.

Many Rivers To Cross (2013):

Narrated by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., this docuseries traces the history of Black people from Africa to the present day, offering perspectives from notable figures and examining pivotal moments in Black history.

Light Girls (2015):

A companion to Dark Girls, this documentary explores the impact of colorism on Black women with lighter complexions, shedding light on the complexities of race and identity within the Black community.