10 Movies to Stream for Black History Month

A collection of groundbreaking Black films spanning nearly a century

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:15am

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Founded in 1926 as a one-week observance by historian Carter G. Woodson, the annual celebration of Black history has greatly morphed over the decades, becoming a monthlong occasion in 1976. It has also changed names, from Negro History Week to African American History Month to Black History Month. Each alteration reflects the developing presentation of Blackness, while the latter intimates a broader acknowledgment of the African diaspora. Likewise, Black cinema has expanded. The films in this collection chronologically present the emergence of groundbreaking Black directors, expansive female and queer-centered stories, and their wrestling with Black representation.

Why it matters

This list of 10 films highlights the evolution of Black cinema over the past century, from the early "race films" produced outside of Hollywood to the modern era of acclaimed Black directors and stories that have gained wider recognition. These films showcase the diversity, artistry, and social impact of Black storytelling on screen.

The details

The films in this collection include 'The Flying Ace' (1926), a pioneering "race film" produced by the Norman Studios in Jacksonville, Florida; 'Murder in Harlem' (1935), an early sound film by prolific director Oscar Micheaux; 'The Blood of Jesus' (1941), a fantasy film by actor-director Spencer Williams; 'Cry, the Beloved Country' (1951), an adaptation of the novel starring Sidney Poitier; 'Black Girl' (1966), the debut feature by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène; 'Killer of Sheep' (1978), the landmark independent film by Charles Burnett; 'Losing Ground' (1982), a groundbreaking film by Kathleen Collins centering a female protagonist; 'Daughters of the Dust' (1991), the first feature film directed by an African American woman to gain wide distribution; 'Bamboozled' (2000), Spike Lee's audacious satire on racism in media; and 'Moonlight' (2016), Barry Jenkins' acclaimed coming-of-age drama.

  • Black History Month was founded in 1926 as Negro History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson.
  • Black History Month became a monthlong observance in 1976.

The players

Carter G. Woodson

A historian who founded Negro History Week in 1926, which later became Black History Month.

Richard E. Norman

The founder of Norman Studios, which produced the 1926 film "The Flying Ace."

Oscar Micheaux

A prolific director who made over 30 films, including the 1935 movie "Murder in Harlem."

Spencer Williams

An actor who transitioned to directing, and made the 1941 film "The Blood of Jesus."

Sidney Poitier

A pioneering Black actor who starred in the 1951 film "Cry, the Beloved Country."

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What they’re saying

“Black cinema has expanded. The films in this collection chronologically present the emergence of groundbreaking Black directors, expansive female and queer-centered stories, and their wrestling with Black representation.”

— Robert Daniels, Author

The takeaway

This collection of 10 films showcases the rich history and evolution of Black cinema, from the early "race films" to modern acclaimed works, highlighting the diverse perspectives, artistry, and social impact of Black storytelling on screen over the past century.