We currently live in an age of relative peace, but the Civil Rights Movement will always remain a crucial period in our history. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the March on Washington and historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Learning about civil rights is vital to understanding the struggles and progress made by marginalized communities in the fight for justice and equity. There are various books, documentaries, and lectures on the subject. One channel that stands out from the rest is the movies. Human rights films depict historical events and social issues with a unique perspective. Plus, they create a lasting impression on the viewer. Read our list of top civil rights movies to watch and learn from below.
Top 5 Civil Rights Movies
Movies are one of the best teaching mediums in school. Unlike other education channels, films offer a visual representation of events and are more effective than reading. But that does not invalidate books. A civil rights movement essay provides exposure by allowing a student to research and explore civil rights topics in-depth. It reinforces learning if combined with movies. But taking a trip down memory lane requires all the help undergraduates can get. We recommend you use civil rights essay examples as extra research materials for more comprehension.
Human rights movies build a connection between the viewer and the subject matter. They are also widely available on various streaming platforms. If you enjoy storytelling, let us suggest movies about civil rights to learn about justice and the Civil Rights Movement.
1. Selma
Selma details the life of Dr. Martin Luther King and features a top cast, including Oprah Winfrey, Tom Wilkinson, and David Oyelowo. The 2014 film tells of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and the Civil Rights Movement in Selma. By focusing on the events surrounding the marches, the film showed how the peaceful marches were met with violent opposition from the police. In the end, it led to the passage of the Voting Rights Acts of 1965.
2. 42
42 was released in 2013, but it is a biographical sports film that tells the story of Jackie Robinson. As a result, it is one of the top educational movies every student should watch. Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. The late Chadwick Boseman starred as Robinson, and the movie covered his entire career. This includes the widespread racial discrimination and abuse he faced from opponents, fans, and teammates. Robinson’s determination paved the way for future African American players by breaking down the color barrier in professional baseball.
3. Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures is another civil rights movie that shows the struggle of African Americans for recognition and justice. Three African American women worked as mathematicians at NASA in the 1960s space race but faced discrimination and segregation at work. So much so that one of them had to use the bathroom that was half a mile away. Despite the discrimination, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan made groundbreaking contributions to the U.S. effort to launch the first American Astronauts into orbit.
4. Malcolm X
Malcolm X was one of the most prominent civil rights leaders in American History. The movie is a 1992 biographical drama, as told by Alex Haley. It covers his early years, Boston criminal years, leadership in the Nation of Island, and break away from the organization. The film explores Malcolm’s experience with racism and oppression, his time in prison, and his evolving political and social views in the years leading to his assassination in 1965. The film received acclaim for providing insights into his legacy and its powerful depiction of racism, discrimination, and social injustice in America.
5. The Help
The Help is a 2011 drama based on the 2009 novel of the same name. It is set in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement. The film tells the story of three black maids working for white families and their experiences. It explored the complexities of race relations, the social justice system, and the importance of empathy and understanding.
Conclusion
There is a vast collection of movie libraries about human rights and social justice in America online. They will help you gain a deeper understanding and serve as a starting point for more research into issues raised in the films.
