Must-Watch Movies & Shows Like Stockton on My Mind

Description: This documentary explores the challenges and hopes of families navigating the education system, focusing on the lottery-based admission process for charter schools. It highlights systemic inequalities and the pursuit of better opportunities, resonating with themes of social justice and community resilience.

Fact: The film was shot in Harlem and follows four families over the course of a year. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Description: A documentary that examines the wrongful conviction of five teenagers in the infamous Central Park jogger case. It highlights systemic racism and the failures of the justice system, resonating with themes of injustice and the fight for truth.

Fact: The film was directed by Ken Burns and his daughter Sarah Burns. It won a Peabody Award for its in-depth investigation of the case.

Description: This documentary follows two African American boys over 13 years as they navigate the challenges of education and identity in a predominantly white private school. It addresses issues of race, class, and the pursuit of the American Dream, aligning with themes of perseverance and systemic barriers.

Fact: The film was co-directed by the parents of one of the boys. It won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This film tells the true story of a young lawyer fighting to free a wrongfully convicted man on death row. It addresses themes of racial bias in the criminal justice system and the power of advocacy, aligning with narratives of justice and perseverance.

Fact: The film is based on Bryan Stevenson's memoir. It received critical acclaim for its portrayal of systemic injustice and was nominated for several awards.

Description: A documentary that focuses on at-risk high school students in a rural community and the educators who go above and beyond to help them succeed. It highlights the impact of poverty and trauma on education, echoing themes of resilience and the power of mentorship.

Fact: The film was shot over four years at a high school in the Mojave Desert. It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: A narrative film that follows a young black girl who witnesses the police shooting of her childhood friend. It explores themes of racial injustice, activism, and finding one's voice, resonating with stories of community and systemic change.

Fact: The film is based on the bestselling novel by Angie Thomas. It was praised for its powerful performances and timely message.

Description: This documentary provides an inside look at the Oakland Police Department as it attempts to reform amid scandals and community distrust. It explores themes of accountability and the challenges of policing in America, aligning with narratives of systemic change.

Fact: The film was shot over two years and offers unprecedented access to the police department. It won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: A documentary that chronicles the Ferguson uprising after the police killing of Michael Brown. It captures the grassroots activism and community response to systemic racism, echoing themes of resistance and social change.

Fact: The film was made by first-time directors Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim.

Description: A documentary that follows the family of Dontre Hamilton, who was killed by police, as they fight for justice and systemic reform. It highlights the emotional and political struggles of families affected by police violence, resonating with themes of activism and resilience.

Fact: The film was shot over three years and premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. It was praised for its intimate portrayal of the Hamilton family's journey.

Description: A powerful documentary that delves into the lives of Baltimore residents and community leaders striving for change amid violence and systemic neglect. It captures the spirit of grassroots activism and the fight for justice, mirroring themes of urban struggle and hope.

Fact: The film was shot over three years and provides an intimate look at the daily lives of Baltimoreans. It won the Special Jury Prize for Documentary at the SXSW Film Festival.