If you enjoyed 'Reel Injun' (2010), a thought-provoking documentary exploring the portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article highlights movies and series that delve into Indigenous representation, history, and culture, offering insightful perspectives for fans of the genre.

The Exiles (1961)
Description: A groundbreaking docudrama that captures a night in the life of urban Native Americans in Los Angeles, offering an unfiltered look at their experiences.
Fact: The film was lost for decades before being rediscovered and restored in the early 2000s.


Smoke Signals (1998)
Description: Explores contemporary Native American life with a mix of humor and poignant storytelling, focusing on identity and cultural heritage.
Fact: First feature film written, directed, and co-produced by Native Americans to achieve widespread distribution.


Trudell (2005)
Description: A powerful documentary chronicling the life of Native American activist and poet John Trudell, emphasizing his advocacy for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation.
Fact: The film includes rare archival footage and interviews spanning over 30 years of Trudell's life and work.


Four Sheets to the Wind (2007)
Description: A quiet, introspective drama about a young Native American man navigating grief and self-discovery, highlighting the nuances of modern Indigenous life.
Fact: The film's title refers to a traditional Native American saying about the unpredictability of life.


Older Than America (2008)
Description: A supernatural thriller that uncovers the traumatic legacy of residential schools, blending historical injustice with personal and communal healing.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events and oral histories from Native American survivors of boarding schools.


Barking Water (2009)
Description: A road movie that tenderly portrays the journey of an elderly Native American couple, emphasizing themes of reconciliation and the passage of time.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in Oklahoma, using local Native American actors and non-professionals to enhance authenticity.


The Lesser Blessed (2012)
Description: A coming-of-age story set in a remote Indigenous community, blending dark humor with the struggles of youth and cultural dislocation.
Fact: Based on the novel by Richard Van Camp, the film captures the stark beauty of Canada's Northwest Territories.


Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013)
Description: A gritty, visually striking film that delves into the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, blending harsh realities with elements of magical realism.
Fact: Set in the 1970s, the film uses a comic book aesthetic to tell its dark yet hopeful story.


Drunktown's Finest (2014)
Description: A character-driven drama that weaves together the lives of three young Navajo individuals, each grappling with identity and belonging in a modern world.
Fact: The film was crowdfunded and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, gaining critical acclaim.


Mekko (2015)
Description: A raw and atmospheric film following a homeless Native American man in Tulsa, exploring themes of survival, spirituality, and community.
Fact: The director used non-actors from the local homeless population to bring authenticity to the story.
