10 Movies & Shows Like Selma (2014)

Description: A powerful story about African-American women in the early 20th century South, dealing with abuse, racism, and ultimately finding strength and independence.

Fact: Oprah Winfrey made her film debut in this movie, losing 20 pounds for the role. The film marked Steven Spielberg's first dramatic film without his usual composer John Williams.

Description: A crime drama based on the FBI investigation into the murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi during 1964, highlighting racial tensions and justice.

Fact: The film's title refers to the burning of black churches during the civil rights era. It was criticized for fictionalizing events and focusing on white protagonists in a black struggle story.

Description: Tells the story of one of the first all-black regiments in the Union Army during the Civil War, focusing on their struggles for equality and recognition.

Fact: The film used actual descendants of the 54th Massachusetts regiment as extras. It features one of Denzel Washington's earliest acclaimed performances.

Description: A powerful biographical drama about a prominent civil rights leader, showcasing his transformation and impact on racial equality in America.

Fact: Denzel Washington lost 20 pounds to accurately portray Malcolm X in his later years. The film's budget was partially funded by prominent African-American celebrities who believed in the project.

Description: A historical drama centered on President Lincoln's efforts to pass the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, during the final months of his life.

Fact: Daniel Day-Lewis spent a year preparing for the role, including learning to write with a quill pen. The film used only natural light for interior scenes to maintain historical accuracy.

Description: This film explores the civil rights movement through the eyes of a White House butler, offering a personal perspective on historical events and social change.

Fact: The film's protagonist is loosely based on Eugene Allen, a real-life White House butler who served eight presidents. The movie features a star-studded cast with over 40 famous actors in various roles.

Description: Set during the civil rights movement, this film examines racial tensions through the relationships between white families and their black domestic workers in Mississippi.

Fact: The novel the film is based on was rejected by 60 literary agents before being published. The pie scene was filmed using real chocolate pies made by the crew.

Description: A harrowing depiction of slavery in America, based on a true story of a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery.

Fact: The film was shot on location at several actual Louisiana plantations where slavery occurred. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture, the first by a black director.

Description: Based on the true story of Oscar Grant, a young black man killed by police, this film examines racial profiling and police violence in contemporary America.

Fact: The film's climax was shot at the actual Fruitvale BART station where the incident occurred. It won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Sundance.

Description: Focuses on the untold story of African-American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the space race, highlighting racial and gender discrimination.

Fact: The real-life Katherine Johnson, one of the main subjects, attended the premiere at age