Since its establishment in 1915, Black History Month has served as a vital platform to document the journey of Black individuals from the shackles of slavery to their ongoing fight for equality and civil rights. It also celebrates the significant civic and cultural contributions of the Black community to society. Each February, and throughout the year, leading streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu take the opportunity to spotlight titles created by Black filmmakers and featuring Black talent, aligning with the national holiday's ethos.
This period presents a perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers, or to add nuance and correction to the narratives you might have encountered in traditional US history classes through documentaries. Whether you're keen to diversify your watchlist with content that showcases Black creatives both in front of and behind the camera, or you're simply looking to (re)watch classics that have significantly influenced and continue to shape cultural landscapes, there's something for everyone.
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
Engaging with and celebrating Black creativity can be as simple as exploring a selection of movies and shows that feature Black casts or focus on Black perspectives. You might discover new connections or find relatable content. To help you curate your watchlist and continue to reflect on and celebrate Black history, here are some of the best and most popular titles available across these streaming platforms.