If you were moved by the powerful storytelling and social commentary in 'Notes from the Field' (2018), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores gripping narratives that tackle systemic injustice, resilience, and activism, offering viewers thought-provoking content that resonates long after the credits roll.

Fruitvale Station (2013)
Description: A poignant dramatization of the last day of Oscar Grant's life, this film highlights police brutality and racial profiling, offering a deeply personal look at injustice.
Fact: The film won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.


The Central Park Five (2012)
Description: This documentary delves into the wrongful conviction of five teenagers of color, highlighting systemic racism and media bias. It mirrors the exploration of justice and racial prejudice.
Fact: The case became a symbol of racial injustice in the U.S., and the documentary was later expanded into a Netflix series titled 'When They See Us.'


What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
Description: This documentary explores the life of Nina Simone, focusing on her activism and the intersection of art and civil rights, resonating with themes of racial and social justice.
Fact: The film includes rare archival footage and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.


Just Mercy (2019)
Description: This film explores themes of racial injustice and the flaws in the American legal system, focusing on the wrongful conviction of a Black man. It shares a deep commitment to social justice and systemic critique.
Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Bryan Stevenson, a real-life lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for wrongly convicted prisoners. It was shot in just 29 days.


The Prison in Twelve Landscapes (2016)
Description: An innovative documentary that examines the far-reaching impact of the prison system on communities, offering a unique perspective on mass incarceration.
Fact: The film uses landscapes rather than prison interiors to tell its story, providing a fresh take on the subject.


The Hate U Give (2018)
Description: This film tackles police violence and racial identity through the eyes of a young Black girl, emphasizing the personal and societal impacts of systemic racism.
Fact: The movie is based on a bestselling YA novel, which was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.


The Force (2017)
Description: This documentary provides an inside look at the Oakland Police Department, revealing systemic issues and the challenges of reform, aligning with critiques of law enforcement.
Fact: The filmmaker spent two years embedded with the department, capturing unprecedented access to their operations.


Whose Streets? (2017)
Description: A powerful documentary about the Ferguson uprising, it captures grassroots activism and the fight against police brutality, resonating with themes of community resistance and systemic oppression.
Fact: The film was made by activists and filmmakers who were on the ground during the protests, providing an intimate perspective on the events.


The Sentence (2018)
Description: This documentary follows the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing on a family, shedding light on the human cost of harsh prison policies.
Fact: The filmmaker is the daughter of the woman whose story is told, adding a deeply personal layer to the narrative.


True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality (2019)
Description: A documentary chronicling Bryan Stevenson's legal battles for racial justice, it underscores the ongoing struggle against systemic inequality and wrongful convictions.
Fact: The film features never-before-seen footage of Stevenson's work, including his efforts to confront the legacy of lynching in America.
