10 Movies & Shows Like MLK/FBI (2020)

Description: A documentary that investigates the assassination of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, by Chicago police and the FBI. It highlights themes of government repression, activism, and the violent suppression of Black leaders.

Fact: The film was nearly lost after the FBI confiscated the original footage, but it was later recovered and restored.

Description: A landmark documentary series on the Civil Rights Movement, covering key events and figures. It shares themes of racial justice, activism, and the long struggle for equality, providing historical context for ongoing battles against systemic racism.

Fact: The series faced challenges in securing rights to archival footage, which delayed its release for years.

Description: This biographical epic traces the life of Malcolm X, from his early years to his transformation into a civil rights leader. It shares themes of racial identity, activism, and the struggle against systemic oppression, as well as the scrutiny faced by Black leaders.

Fact: Denzel Washington's portrayal of Malcolm X earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Description: This documentary examines the radical activist group the Weather Underground, focusing on their opposition to government policies and their clashes with law enforcement. It explores themes of dissent, surveillance, and the consequences of militant activism.

Fact: The film includes interviews with former members of the Weather Underground, reflecting on their actions and ideologies decades later.

Description: A documentary about the 1971 Attica Prison uprising and its violent suppression by state authorities. It delves into themes of systemic abuse, racial injustice, and the fight for human rights within the prison system.

Fact: The film features never-before-seen footage and interviews with survivors of the uprising.

Description: A biographical drama about the last day of Oscar Grant III, a young Black man killed by police in Oakland. The film delves into themes of racial profiling, police violence, and the human cost of systemic injustice.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in

Description: This documentary recounts the wrongful conviction of five Black and Latino teenagers in the Central Park jogger case, highlighting racial bias in the justice system and media sensationalism. It shares themes of injustice, wrongful imprisonment, and the impact of systemic racism.

Fact: The film was directed by Ken Burns, his first foray into contemporary social issues after decades of historical documentaries.

Description: This documentary explores the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party, focusing on their activism, government surveillance, and the FBI's counterintelligence efforts against them. It shares themes of civil rights, systemic oppression, and the impact of government surveillance on activist movements.

Fact: The film includes rare archival footage and interviews with former members of the Black Panther Party, providing an intimate look at their struggles and achievements.

Description: This drama follows a young Black girl who witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend, exploring themes of racial injustice, activism, and the personal toll of systemic violence. It mirrors the emotional and societal impact of police brutality and the fight for justice.

Fact: The film is based on the bestselling novel by Angie Thomas, which was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

Description: A powerful documentary that chronicles the Ferguson uprising after the killing of Michael Brown, highlighting grassroots activism and the fight against police brutality. It resonates with themes of racial injustice, community resistance, and the role of media in shaping public perception.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Sabaah Folayan, who became involved in the Ferguson protests after traveling there to support the movement.