Celebrate Black History Month with These Must-Watch Picks

Since its inception in 1915, Black History Month has served as a pivotal time to document the journey of Black people from the chains of enslavement to the ongoing fight for equity and civil rights. It also celebrates the significant civic and cultural contributions of the Black community to society. Each February, and throughout the year, major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu take the opportunity to spotlight the rich array of content created by Black artists and featuring Black talent.

This period offers a perfect opportunity to delve deeper into the lives and achievements of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers. It's also a chance to enhance your understanding or correct misconceptions about US history through insightful documentaries. Whether you're aiming to broaden your viewing repertoire with works by Black creatives or simply wish to revisit the movies and shows that have significantly influenced culture both historically and currently, there's something for everyone.

To make your selection easier, here's a curated list of recommendations tailored to each streaming service:

Jump to the streaming platform picks:

What to Watch on Apple TV+What to Watch on Disney+What to Watch on HuluWhat to Watch on MaxWhat to Watch on NetflixWhat to Watch on PeacockWhat to Watch on Paramount+What to Watch on Prime Video

There are numerous ways to engage with and honor Black creativity, and one of the simplest is by watching movies and shows that highlight Black casts or focus on the experiences and perspectives of Black individuals. You might find unexpected connections or insights through these stories. Below, we've compiled some of the most acclaimed and popular titles available on these streaming platforms to help you build your watchlist and continue celebrating and reflecting on Black history.