Celebrate Black History Month: Must-Watch Shows and Films

Since its inception in 1915, Black History Month has served as a pivotal time to chronicle the journey of Black individuals from the shackles of enslavement to their ongoing fight for equity and civil rights. It's also a celebration of the Black community's significant civic and cultural contributions to society. Each February, and increasingly throughout the year, major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu seize this national holiday as an opportunity to spotlight their extensive collections of works by Black creatives and featuring Black talent.

This period is an excellent opportunity for viewers to deepen their understanding of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers. It's a chance to either add context to or correct the narratives often presented in traditional US history classes through engaging documentaries. If you're keen on expanding your "watched list" with content that showcases Black creatives both in front of and behind the camera, or if you're simply looking to revisit classic movies and shows that have significantly shaped cultural discourse then and now, Black History Month offers a perfect platform.

Jump to the streaming platform picks:

• What to Watch on Apple TV+
• What to Watch on Disney+
• What to Watch on Hulu
• What to Watch on Max
• What to Watch on Netflix
• What to Watch on Peacock
• What to Watch on Paramount+
• What to Watch on Prime Video

There are numerous ways to learn about and celebrate Black creativity, and one of the simplest and most enjoyable methods is by watching movies and shows that feature Black casts or focus on the perspectives of Black individuals. You never know how these stories might resonate with you personally. To help you curate your watchlist and continue to reflect and celebrate Black history, here are some of the best and most popular titles available across various streaming platforms.