What to Watch for Black History Month and Beyond

Since its inception in 1915, Black History Month has served as a vital platform to document the journey of Black individuals from the shackles of slavery, through their relentless fight for equality and civil rights, to celebrating their significant civic and cultural contributions to society. Every February, and increasingly throughout the year, major streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu seize this opportunity to spotlight films and series created by Black artists and featuring Black talent.

This period presents an excellent opportunity for viewers to deepen their understanding of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers, or to reframe and enrich their knowledge of U.S. history through compelling documentaries. Whether you're eager to expand your viewing repertoire with content that showcases Black creatives in pivotal roles on or off the screen, or you're simply looking to revisit the classics that have defined and continue to shape cultural narratives, Black History Month is the perfect time to do so.

Jump to the streaming platform picks:

What to Watch on Apple TV+What to Watch on Disney+What to Watch on HuluWhat to Watch on MaxWhat to Watch on NetflixWhat to Watch on PeacockWhat to Watch on Paramount+What to Watch on Prime Video

Engaging with Black creativity is as easy as selecting a few movies and shows that feature Black casts or focus on Black perspectives. You may find unexpected connections or resonances with these stories. Below, we've compiled some of the best and most popular titles available across various streaming platforms to help you curate your watchlist and continue celebrating and reflecting on Black history.