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, the ongoing fight for equality and civil rights, and to celebrate the Black community's significant contributions to society. Now, each February and beyond, major streaming platforms—Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and Hulu—use this national observance to spotlight films and shows created by Black creatives and featuring Black talent.

This is a wonderful opportunity to broaden your understanding of Black activists, icons, and trailblazers, or to add context to (and perhaps correct inaccuracies in) what you may have learned in U.S. history through documentaries. Whether you're looking to expand your viewing list with content showcasing Black talent on screen and behind the camera, or simply want to (re)watch culturally impactful films and shows, Black History Month offers a rich selection.

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

There are countless ways to learn about and celebrate Black creativity; one of the easiest is by watching movies and shows featuring Black casts or centering Black perspectives. You might be surprised by the connections you make. To help you curate your watchlist and continue reflecting on and celebrating Black history, here are some of the best and most popular titles available on major streaming services.