10 Movies & Shows Like Karen (2021)

Description: Spanning decades of American history, this film follows an African American butler serving in the White House, witnessing racial progress and setbacks firsthand.

Fact: The character is loosely based on Eugene Allen, who served eight U.S. presidents. The film features an ensemble cast portraying various historical figures.

Description: The film explores themes of racial inequality and social injustice through the lens of African American maids working in white households in the 1960s. It highlights the courage of marginalized women standing up against systemic oppression.

Fact: The novel on which the film is based spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. The film was shot in Mississippi, where the story is set, adding authenticity to the period setting.

Description: A harrowing depiction of slavery in America, this film presents an unflinching look at the brutality and dehumanization faced by enslaved people in the antebellum South.

Fact: The film is based on Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir, making it one of the few slave narratives adapted to film. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Description: This adaptation of August Wilson's play examines the complexities of African American family life and the lingering effects of racial discrimination in 1950s America.

Fact: Denzel Washington, who starred in and directed the film, had previously played the same role on Broadway. The movie was shot in just 33 days.

Description: This biographical film about Harriet Tubman highlights her extraordinary courage in leading slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad, emphasizing themes of resistance and liberation.

Fact: Cynthia Erivo, who plays Tubman, performed her own singing in the film. This was the first major motion picture about Tubman's life.

Description: This movie showcases the struggles and triumphs of African American women working at NASA during the Space Race, emphasizing themes of perseverance and breaking racial and gender barriers.

Fact: The real-life Katherine Johnson, one of the film's protagonists, was consulted during production to ensure accuracy. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $230 million worldwide.

Description: A horror-thriller that uses genre conventions to explore modern racism and cultural appropriation, presenting racial tensions in a unique, unsettling way.

Fact: Jordan Peele became the first African American to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for this film. The movie was made on a modest $

Description: A contemporary story addressing police violence and racial injustice, following a young black girl navigating between her predominantly white school and her black neighborhood.

Fact: The title comes from Tupac Shakur's THUG LIFE acronym. The novel it's based on was a New York Times bestseller for over 50 weeks.

Description: The film delves into racial tensions and unlikely friendships in the segregated American South, focusing on a black pianist and his white driver navigating prejudice and discrimination.

Fact: The title refers to 'The Negro Motorist Green Book,' a real guidebook for African American travelers during segregation. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in

Description: A poignant love story set against the backdrop of racial injustice, exploring how systemic racism affects personal relationships and dreams.

Fact: The film marks Barry Jenkins' follow-up to Moonlight. It features a score that blends jazz and classical music to reflect the story's emotional depth.