Black History Month 2019: 7 Movies To Watch About African American History

It’s the first day of February and, therefore, Black History Month, which means it’s the perfect time to brush up on African-American history. There are a few different ways one could go about doing this, but we’re going to focus on some of the films from the past few decades that’ll help with this endeavor.

Here are seven movie suggestions for Black History Month and where you can watch them online:

“Glory” (1989)

Find out just why Denzel Washington nabbed an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in this film, which is about a Union Army during the Civil War made up solely of African American soldiers, by checking it out during Black History Month. It can be seen via Amazon Video, Vudu, YouTube, iTunes or Google Play.

“42” (2013)

Starring Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson, the film tells the story of the baseball player’s journey of becoming the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. It’s currently streaming online on Netflix and can also be watched on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play and Vudu.

“12 Years a Slave” (2013)

Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in this film, which was adapted from the 1853 memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup. It follows the author’s life as a free man who was sold into slavery in the South. It’s currently available to watch on YouTube, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes, starting at $3.99.

“Malcolm X” (1992)

Let Denzel Washington show you the story of Malcolm X in this Spike Lee-directed flick. It’s available to view on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play and Vudu, for as little as $3.99.

“Ali” (2001)

This early-2000s movie shares the ups and downs of Muhammad Ali’s (Will Smith) career between 1964 and 1974. You can check it out on STARZ, or you can see it on Amazon Video, YouTube, Vudu, Google Play or iTunes.

“Hidden Figures” (2016)

The Oscar-nominated film centers on three African-American women who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Vudu, Amazon Video, YouTube, iTunes and Google Play have the movie, starting at $3.99.

“Selma” (2014)

Head to YouTube, Amazon Video, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu to see this Oscar-winning film about the 1965 march for suffrage, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo).