Shows Like Roots: A History Revealed to Watch Next

Description: This exploitation film depicts the brutal realities of slavery in the antebellum South, focusing on the dehumanization and violence faced by enslaved people. It is known for its unflinching portrayal of the era's horrors.

Fact: The film was controversial upon release for its graphic content and was banned in several countries. It has since been reevaluated as a critique of slavery and racism, despite its exploitative elements.

Description: This adaptation of Alice Walker's novel follows the life of Celie, an African-American woman in the early 20th century, as she endures abuse and finds her voice. It touches on themes of oppression, resilience, and sisterhood.

Fact: The film was Steven Spielberg's first dramatic film and marked Whoopi Goldberg's acting debut. It received 11 Academy Award nominations but won none, sparking controversy.

Description: This war film focuses on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African-American units in the Civil War. It explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the fight for equality and recognition.

Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was a real unit, and the film is based on their letters and historical accounts.

Description: This historical drama recounts the 1839 mutiny aboard the slave ship La Amistad and the subsequent legal battle in the United States. It delves into themes of justice, human rights, and the moral complexities of slavery.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of the Amistad case, which reached the U.S. Supreme Court. It features a powerful speech by John Quincy Adams, played by Anthony Hopkins, which was largely based on historical records.

Description: This adaptation of Toni Morrison's novel blends historical drama with supernatural elements to tell the story of a former enslaved woman haunted by her past. It addresses themes of trauma, memory, and the lingering effects of slavery.

Fact: The novel 'Beloved' won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in

Description: This Quentin Tarantino film is a stylized revenge story set in the antebellum South, blending brutal violence with dark humor. It explores themes of vengeance, justice, and the dehumanization of slavery.

Fact: The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. The character Django is inspired by the 1966 spaghetti western 'Django,' but the story is original.

Description: This film is a harrowing depiction of slavery in America, focusing on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. It shares themes of resilience, the brutality of slavery, and the quest for freedom.

Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making it the first film from a Black director to win the award. It is based on Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir of the same name.

Description: This historical drama depicts the 1831 Nat Turner slave rebellion, focusing on themes of resistance, liberation, and the brutal realities of slavery. It offers a visceral portrayal of the fight for freedom.

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

Description: This biographical film tells the story of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and then risked her life to lead others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. It highlights themes of courage, determination, and the fight for justice.

Fact: Cynthia Erivo, who plays Harriet Tubman, performed her own stunts in the film. The movie was released on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia.

Description: This series reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as an actual railroad system, blending historical fiction with magical realism. It explores themes of escape, survival, and the enduring impact of slavery on individuals and communities.

Fact: The series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead. Each episode is named after a location along the protagonist's journey, symbolizing different stages of her escape.