These civil rights movies on Netflix feature historical documentaries surrounding the trials of Black and African-American people during the 1960s and beyond.
What are civil rights?
Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals' freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals. (Source)
These movies include everything from TV shows, to miniseries, documentaries, and more. These are great selections to add to your Netflix list.
Learn about Women in Black History, too!
What better way to learn about history than by watching Netflix? Check out these Civil rights documentaries on Netflix, too.
All the titles listed are currently on Netflix, but that is subject to change without notice.
10 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVIES ON NETFLIX
Rustin
Available on Netflix on November 17, 2023. Colman Domingo stars as Bayard Rustin, who dedicated his life to a quest for racial equality. | Stream on Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Taraji P. Henson, Sam Rockwell (Actors)
The Best of Enemies
In 1971, a summit on school integration in North Carolina pits a civil rights activist against a Ku Klux Klan leader, sparking an unlikely friendship. | Stream on Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown (Actors)
Marshall
This biopic of Thurgood Marshall, the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice, centers on his pivotal work in a sensational case as an NAACP lawyer. | Stream on Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Jeffery Robinson, Egunwale Amusan, Lessie Benningfield Randle (Actors)
Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America
Through a powerful lecture and archival film, civil rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson draws a sobering timeline of anti-Black racism in the United States. | Stream on Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Joel Edgerton, Marton Csokas, Ruth Negga (Actors)
Loving
A young couple's interracial marriage in 1958 sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court. Based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving. | Stream on Netflix
Related:
Amend: The Fight for America
Will Smith hosts this look at the evolving, often lethal, fight for equal rights in America through the lens of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment. | Stream on Netflix
Who Killed Malcolm X?
His quest for justice began with Malcolm X. But investigating the civil rights leader's death only exposed more corruption. | Stream on Netflix
ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke
While Sam Cooke rose to stardom as a soul singer, his outspoken views on civil rights drew attention that may have contributed to his death at age 33. (Stream on Netflix)
Winter on Fire Ukraine's Fight for Freedom
A civil rights movement erupts in Ukraine after a peaceful student protest quickly morphs into a violent revolution. (Stream on Netflix)
Mudbound
LA 92
Previously unseen footage is shaped into a fresh and timely retelling of the 1992 Rodney King trial — and the verdict that sparked civil unrest. (Stream on Netflix)
Kevin Hart's Guide to Black History
Kevin Hart highlights the fascinating contributions of black history’s unsung heroes in this entertaining — and educational — comedy special. (Stream on Netflix)
Unfortunately, these Police Brutality Movies are still relevant in 2020. Brush up on history, stimulate conversations with your children, or use in homeschooling with Netflix.
If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.
“I absolutely love sharing movies with my kids as a way to teach them valuable lessons. It's like this awesome bonding experience where we all snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn, and I get to see their little faces light up with curiosity. Whether it's a classic with timeless morals or a new animated flick with hidden gems of wisdom, it's a fantastic way to impart important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Plus, the post-movie discussions are priceless – hearing their take on the characters and the story adds a whole new dimension to our family time.” –a Homeschooling parent
With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:
- List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
- List of Monthly Observances
- List Of Movies for Unit Study
- Unit Study Resource
- Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
- (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher
These resources are worth it if you'd like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVIES ON NETFLIX?
MORE MOVIES ABOUT BLACK HISTORY AND THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE ON NETFLIX:
- 18 Upcoming YA Books Turned Movies - April 1, 2024
- 30 Best Rom Coms From the 80s & 90s - March 29, 2024
- The Best Shows to Watch for a US States Unit Study - March 26, 2024
5 Civil Rights Documentaries to Watch Today! - Best Movies Right Now
Wednesday 2nd of March 2022
[…] Civil Rights Movies on Netflix […]
10 Best Civil Rights - Best Movies Right Now
Friday 11th of February 2022
[…] these civil rights movies that will stimulate intense emotions and get to the roots of morality. These might change your […]
7 Civil Rights Documentaries on Netflix - Best Movies Right Now
Monday 17th of January 2022
[…] 10 Civil Rights Movies on Netflix […]
20 Movies About Black History to Stream on Netflix - Best Movies Right Now
Saturday 7th of August 2021
[…] 10 Civil Rights Movies on Netflix […]
30 Movies on Netflix About the African-American Experience - Best Movies Right Now
Tuesday 23rd of February 2021
[…] These movies about the African-American experience are great to watch during Black History Month. These are only some of the many great Black movies on Netflix, There are so many titles that cover slavery, black power, racism, segregation, documentaries, and civil rights. […]