10 Movies & Shows Like Underground (2016)

Description: While primarily a story about the lives of African American women in the early 20th century, this film touches on themes of oppression, resilience, and empowerment. Its emotional depth and historical context resonate with narratives of struggle and triumph.

Fact: The film was Steven Spielberg's first dramatic movie and marked a departure from his earlier blockbusters. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards but won none, sparking controversy.

Description: This film recounts the true story of a mutiny aboard a slave ship and the subsequent legal battle for freedom. Its focus on the legal and moral struggles against slavery highlights themes of justice and human rights.

Fact: The case of the Amistad captives was a landmark legal battle in the U.S. The film's script was based on historical court records and testimonies.

Description: Adapted from Toni Morrison's novel, this film delves into the psychological scars of slavery and the haunting legacy of trauma. Its supernatural elements and emotional depth reflect the enduring pain of the past.

Fact: Oprah Winfrey, who starred in and produced the film, purchased the rights to the novel before it was even published. The movie was a passion project for her.

Description: This miniseries follows the journey of an enslaved woman who escapes to freedom and becomes a key figure in the British abolitionist movement. Its emphasis on personal agency and historical significance aligns with narratives of liberation.

Fact: The series is based on the award-winning novel by Lawrence Hill. It was filmed in South Africa and Canada, with a diverse international cast.

Description: A stylized revenge tale set in the antebellum South, this film blends historical brutality with a fictional narrative of retribution. Its focus on a freed slave's quest for justice and vengeance offers a unique take on resistance.

Fact: The film features an original soundtrack that mixes spaghetti western influences with modern hip-hop. It won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.

Description: This film explores the brutal realities of slavery in America, focusing on the resilience and suffering of enslaved individuals. Its unflinching portrayal of historical oppression and the fight for freedom aligns closely with the themes of resistance and survival.

Fact: The film is based on the 1853 memoir by Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: A remake of the classic miniseries, this show traces the generational impact of slavery on one family. Its deep dive into the personal and collective trauma of slavery resonates with themes of endurance and resistance.

Fact: The 2016 version was a remake of the groundbreaking 1977 miniseries. It featured an all-star cast and was praised for its modern retelling of the original story.

Description: This movie depicts the Nat Turner rebellion, a pivotal moment in the history of slave resistance. Its focus on rebellion and the quest for justice mirrors the struggles against systemic oppression.

Fact: The film was written, directed, and produced by Nate Parker, who also starred as Nat Turner. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize.

Description: Centered on Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and her work with the Underground Railroad, this film highlights courage, liberation, and the fight for human dignity.

Fact: Cynthia Erivo, who played Harriet Tubman, also performed the film's original song 'Stand Up,' which was nominated for an Academy Award. The movie was the first major biopic about Tubman.

Description: A reimagining of the Underground Railroad as an actual train system, this series blends historical fiction with magical realism. Its exploration of escape, survival, and the horrors of slavery offers a fresh perspective on the era.

Fact: The series was created by Barry Jenkins, who directed every episode. It was praised for its stunning cinematography and emotional depth.