What to Watch for Black History Month and Beyond

Since its inception in 1915, Black History Month has served to document the journey of Black people from enslavement, their ongoing fight for equality and civil rights, and their significant civic and cultural contributions to society. Now, each February and beyond, major streaming platforms—Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu—leverage this national observance to spotlight films and shows created by Black creatives and featuring Black talent.

This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your understanding of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers, adding depth and potentially correcting any misconceptions learned from traditional US history lessons through documentaries. Whether you aim to expand your viewing list with content showcasing Black talent on-screen and behind the camera, or simply wish to revisit influential films and shows that shaped and continue to shape culture, this month offers ample opportunity.

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

Celebrating Black creativity is readily accessible; simply exploring films and shows with Black casts or centering Black perspectives offers a powerful way to connect and learn. The following highlights some of the best and most popular titles available on various streaming platforms to help you curate your watchlist and continue reflecting on and celebrating Black history.