Black History Month provides a significant opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Hulu, a popular streaming platform, recognizes this and has curated a compelling collection of Black history movies, showcasing powerful stories, biopics, and documentaries that illuminate the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the Black community. In this article, we will delve into the Best Black History Movies on Hulu, exploring a diverse range of narratives that have shaped the course of history.
Women of the Movement (2022)
Women of the Movement is a captivating biopic series that follows the life of Mamie Till-Mobley, a courageous woman who fought for justice after the brutal murder of her son in the Jim Crow South in 1955. This Hulu original series serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of Black women who refused to let their sons’ deaths be in vain, sparking movements that changed the course of history.
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Judas and the Black Messiah is an Oscar-winning film that delves into the Illinois Black Panther Party’s infiltration by the government in the late 1960s. Starring Daniel Kaluuya as Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton, the movie explores the betrayal within the organization and the government’s attempts to suppress revolutionary movements.
Antebellum (2020)
Produced by the creators of Get Out and starring Janelle Monáe, Antebellum is a gripping horror story that transports viewers to a terrifying alternate reality on a slave plantation. The film weaves a narrative that intertwines past and present, forcing the protagonist to confront the dark secrets of the plantation’s leaders and fight for her life and the lives of her loved ones.
The 1619 Project (2023)
This six-part Hulu Original docuseries, in collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times, explores democracy, race, music, capitalism, fear, and justice. The 1619 Project aims to reframe America’s story by highlighting the undeniable contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
Bad Hair (2020)
Bad Hair, a Hulu Original film, directed by the acclaimed creator of Dear White People, explores the struggles Black women face in an image-obsessed world. With a star-studded cast, including Elle Lorraine, Judith Scott, Laverne Cox, and Usher, Bad Hair presents a horror-satire twist on societal expectations and beauty standards.
The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
Directed by Oscar-nominated Lee Daniels and starring Grammy-nominated Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday portrays the life of the iconic jazz music icon and civil rights activist. The film sheds light on Billie Holiday’s resilience in the face of government targeting and racialized efforts during the war on drugs, capturing her indomitable voice that refused to be silenced.
The Gentle Giant (2022)
The Gentle Giant is a biographical short film that explores the bond between George Floyd and his sister Bridgett, providing a deeper understanding of the man whose death had a profound impact on the world. Through Bridgett’s perspective, viewers gain insights into the systemic issues of police brutality and racial injustice that persist in our society.
Aftershock (2022)
Aftershock is a documentary that sheds light on the preventable deaths of Black mothers, Shamony Gibson and Amber Rose Isaac, during childbirth. The film follows their families’ journey to advocate for healthcare equality for Black women and addresses the maternal health crisis in the United States.
Exploring the Hulu Black History Movie Collection:
- If Beale Street Could Talk (2018):
- Based on James Baldwin’s novel, this Oscar-winning film follows the story of Tish and Fonny, a young couple fighting for justice when Fonny is wrongfully convicted.
- Hidden Figures (2016):
- “Hidden Figures” recounts the true story of three brilliant Black mathematicians working at NASA during the 1960s space race, overcoming segregation to contribute significantly to the space program.
- The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974):
- Based on Ernest J. Gaines’ novel, this inspiring fictional story chronicles Jane Pittman’s life, born into slavery during the Civil War, and her role in the civil rights movement.
- The Hate U Give (2018):
- Following Starr Carter, the film explores themes of racial injustice as she witnesses her best friend’s death at the hands of a police officer and grapples with finding her voice.
- Boyz n the Hood (1991):
- Directed by John Singleton, this coming-of-age drama portrays the struggles of three friends growing up in South Central Los Angeles and addresses themes of systemic racism and violence.
Wrapping It All Up!
Hulu’s Black History movie collection serves as a rich tapestry, weaving together narratives that span different periods, genres, and social issues. From biographical dramas to powerful documentaries, each film contributes to a deeper understanding of Black history, encouraging viewers to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and work towards a more equitable future. As we celebrate Black History Month, let these movies be a reminder that Black history is not confined to a month; it is an integral part of the ongoing narrative of humanity.
