10 Shows Like Self Made: Madam C.J. Walker

Description: A biographical film about the life and career of legendary musician Ray Charles, showcasing his rise to fame despite personal and professional challenges, including blindness and racial barriers.

Fact: Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles. The real Ray Charles was involved in the production but passed away before the film's release.

Description: Inspired by a true story, this film follows an African-American debate team that challenges racial prejudices and achieves national recognition, emphasizing the power of education and eloquence.

Fact: Denzel Washington directed and starred in the film. The story is based on the Wiley College debate team of the 1930s, which defeated Harvard in a debate.

Description: A musical drama that follows the rise of a female singing group in the 1960s and 1970s, exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and the price of fame in the music industry.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the story of The Supremes and other Motown acts. Jennifer Hudson won an Academy Award for her supporting role, marking her film debut.

Description: A biographical sports film about Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, highlighting his struggles and triumphs against racial discrimination.

Fact: The number 42 was retired across all MLB teams in 1997 in honor of Jackie Robinson. Chadwick Boseman, who played Robinson, later became famous for his role as Black Panther.

Description: A powerful story of perseverance and determination, focusing on a struggling salesman who overcomes homelessness to achieve success, embodying the spirit of overcoming adversity.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, whose memoir inspired the screenplay. Will Smith's real-life son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son.

Description: Set in the 1960s, this film explores the lives of African-American maids working in white households, addressing themes of racial inequality and empowerment through personal narratives.

Fact: The movie is based on Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

Description: A biographical film about Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and became a leading abolitionist, illustrating courage and the fight for freedom against overwhelming odds.

Fact: Cynthia Erivo, who plays Harriet Tubman, also co-wrote and performed the film's original song 'Stand Up,' which was nominated for an Academy Award.

Description: This film highlights the untold story of African-American women mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA's space program, showcasing resilience and breaking racial and gender barriers.

Fact: The movie is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: A biographical drama about Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, focusing on one of his early career cases and his fight for justice.

Fact: The film highlights a lesser-known case in Marshall's career before he became a Supreme Court Justice. It was produced by Reginald Hudlin, known for his work in black cinema.

Description: This film delves into the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her consent and became one of the most important tools in medicine, raising ethical questions about race and medical research.

Fact: The movie is based on Rebecca Skloot's bestselling book. Henrietta Lacks' cells, known as HeLa cells, have been used in research for diseases like polio and cancer.