10 Movies & Shows Like Fences (2016)

Description: A moving story about the lives of African American women in the early 20th century, exploring themes of abuse, resilience, and the power of sisterhood.

Fact: The film was Steven Spielberg's first dramatic film and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, though it won none. Oprah Winfrey made her acting debut in this movie.

Description: A vibrant and intense portrayal of racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood, exploring the complexities of community, conflict, and moral choices.

Fact: The film was shot in the summer of 1988, and the heat was so intense that the crew had to take frequent breaks. The movie's iconic radio host, Mister Señor Love Daddy, was inspired by real-life DJs Spike Lee listened to growing up.

Description: A historical war drama that highlights the bravery and sacrifices of the first all-black volunteer company in the Civil War, focusing on themes of honor and racial equality.

Fact: The film features one of the earliest uses of digital audio in cinema. Denzel Washington won his first Academy Award for his role in this movie.

Description: A gritty and realistic depiction of life in South Central Los Angeles, focusing on the challenges faced by young African American men and the impact of systemic issues on their lives.

Fact: John Singleton became the youngest person and the first African American to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for this film. The movie was shot in just 34 days.

Description: A biographical epic that chronicles the life of the influential civil rights leader, exploring themes of racial identity, transformation, and activism.

Fact: Denzel Washington lost 30 pounds to portray Malcolm X in the later stages of his life. The film's budget was so tight that Spike Lee had to raise additional funds from prominent African American celebrities to complete it.

Description: A deeply emotional drama that explores themes of perseverance, fatherhood, and the struggles of the African American experience in the face of systemic adversity.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, whose memoir inspired the screenplay. The misspelling of 'happiness' in the title is intentional, taken from a mural Gardner saw in real life.

Description: A compelling drama that addresses racial inequality and the voices of African American maids in the 1960s South, focusing on their personal stories and struggles.

Fact: The novel on which the film is based was rejected by 60 literary agents before being published. The film's iconic pie scene was made with a real chocolate pie, but the actors spat it into napkins between takes.

Description: A harrowing depiction of slavery in America, focusing on the brutal realities and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable oppression.

Fact: The film is based on Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir, which was one of the few firsthand accounts of slavery written by a free man who was kidnapped and enslaved. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Description: A powerful narrative about overcoming racial and gender barriers, highlighting the resilience and brilliance of African American women in a historically significant context.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of three African American women who worked at NASA during the Space Race. It was shot in locations that closely resembled the actual NASA facilities of the 1960s.

Description: A poignant coming-of-age story that delves into identity, masculinity, and the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment, with a strong focus on personal and emotional struggles.

Fact: Moonlight is the first LGBTQ+ film and the first film with an all-black cast to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film is divided into three acts, each representing a different stage of the protagonist's life.