10 Movies & Shows Like Harriet (2019)

Description: A poignant story of a Black woman's journey through abuse, love, and self-discovery in the early 20th century South. It addresses themes of racism, sexism, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Fact: The film was adapted from Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name.

Description: This historical drama focuses on one of the first all-Black regiments in the Union Army during the Civil War. It portrays their bravery and the racial prejudices they faced, both from the enemy and their own side.

Fact: The film features the first all-Black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, and won three Academy Awards.

Description: Based on true events, this film recounts the 1839 mutiny aboard the slave ship La Amistad and the subsequent legal battle in the U.S. It explores themes of justice, freedom, and the inhumanity of the slave trade.

Fact: The case of the Amistad captives went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, with former President John Quincy Adams representing them.

Description: This film follows the life of a White House butler who served under eight U.S. presidents, offering a unique perspective on the Civil Rights Movement and American history through his eyes.

Fact: The story is loosely based on the real-life experiences of Eugene Allen, who worked in the White House for 34 years.

Description: Set during the Civil Rights Movement, this movie explores the lives of African American maids working in white households, showcasing their courage and the bonds they form. It delves into themes of racial inequality and the power of storytelling.

Fact: The novel it's based on was rejected by 60 literary agents before being published and becoming a bestseller.

Description: This film shares a powerful narrative of resilience and survival against the backdrop of slavery, focusing on the true story of a free Black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Its historical accuracy and emotional depth highlight the struggles and injustices faced by African Americans.

Fact: The film is based on Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race woman raised in an aristocratic British family. The film examines issues of race, class, and identity in 18th-century England.

Fact: Dido Belle's portrait is one of the earliest known portraits of a Black woman in British art.

Description: A historical drama about Nat Turner's 1831 slave rebellion, highlighting his leadership and the brutal realities of slavery. It's a story of resistance and the fight for freedom.

Fact: The film shares its title with the controversial 1915 silent film but presents a radically different perspective on race and history.

Description: This film celebrates the untold story of African American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race. It highlights their intelligence, perseverance, and the barriers they overcame in a segregated workplace.

Fact: The real-life Katherine Johnson, one of the featured mathematicians, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in

Description: This film tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge and became one of the most important tools in medicine. It raises questions about ethics, race, and medical advancement.

Fact: Henrietta Lacks' cells, known as HeLa cells, were the first human cells to be successfully cloned and have been used in countless medical breakthroughs.