There are many great films to watch during Black History Month that are informational, and this is important in order for people to learn about certain events that have occurred. Here is a shortlist of great examples of films you can watch featuring black actors.

The first film that is available to watch is Hidden Figures. This movie is great to watch because it highlights black women and the success they have achieved. This film stars Empire Taraji P. Henson as Katherine G. Johnson, Ma Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan, and Moonlight Janelle Monáe as Mary Jackson. The story follows a group of women who are mathematicians that end up playing an important role in NASA. They helped with the launching of astronaut John Glenn into orbit and changed the Space Race for the better. The genres of this film are drama and history, and it was directed by Theodore Melfi. The movie is rated PG, and has 7.8/10 stars according to IMDb.com. Hidden Figures won a BET Award for Best Movie back in 2017.

Another film that is a great watch is Black Panther. The main character T’Challa is amongst one of the first popular superheroes of African descent, and he represents true strength. This film stars 42 Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther, Fantastic Four Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger, Us Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, The Walking Dead Danai Gurira as Okoye, and Small Axe Letitia Wright as Shuri. Chadwick Boseman sadly passed away back in August of 2020 to cancer. The story follows T’Challa who becomes King of Wakanda because of his father’s passing. But, this may change due to conflict between him and his cousin, Erik Killmonger. The genres of this film are action and adventure, and it was directed by Ryan Coogler. The movie is rated PG-13, and has 7.3/10 stars according to IMDb.com. Black Panther also won a BET Award for Best Movie back in 2018.

Pixar’s film Soul is another great movie to watch. Soul is the first film released by Pixar that features a black lead. Although this is an animated film, it still sends out a strong message to value everything in your life. This film stars Mean Girls Tina Fey as 22, Law Abiding Citizen Jamie Foxx as Joe Gardner, Wonder Daveed Diggs as Paul, and Moana Rachel House as Terry. The story follows Joe Gardner, a lover of jazz, who finds himself in a different world. The genres of this film are animation and adventure, and it was directed by Pete Docter. The movie is rated PG, and has 8.1/10 stars according to IMDb.com. Soul is nominated for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Score at the 78th Golden Globe Awards that will premiere on February 28.

These are just a few examples of films you can watch during Black History Month. There are many other great movies that are worth the watch not mentioned above. Not only are these films entertaining, they also made history.