Top 10 Must-See Films on Race and Racial Injustice

Adapted from one of the most celebrated novels in American literature, To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful entry in the Top 10 Films on Race and Racial Injustice. The story centers on young Scout and her father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a wrongly accused Black man. Despite facing intense opposition and criticism, Atticus remains resolute in his fight for justice, solidifying his place as a beloved cinematic hero. The film went on to win three Academy Awards and earned a nomination for Best Picture at the Oscars.

Details:

• Release Year: 1962
  
• Studio: Universal
  
• Director: Robert Mulligan
  
• Cast: Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton
  
• Oscar Wins: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Art Direction, Best Picture (nominee)...
  

Django Unchained is a powerful film directed by the legendary Quentin Tarantino. Set in pre-Civil War America, when slavery was still rampant, the film follows Django, a freed Black slave, who is rescued by Dr. Schultz and becomes his partner in bounty hunting. With its trademark Tarantino style of violent action, dark humor, and sharp dialogue, Django Unchained received widespread acclaim. The film won two Oscars and was nominated for Best Picture.

Details:

• Release Year: 2012
  
• Studio: The Weinstein Company
  
• Director: Quentin Tarantino
  
• Cast: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio
  
• Oscar Wins: Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Picture (nominee)...
  

At the recent Oscars, alongside *Green Book*, another strong contender for Best Picture with a focus on racial issues was BlacKkKlansman (also known as *The KKK Conspiracy*). This film, based on real events, tells the story of Ron Stallworth, a Black police officer who infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist group known for terrorizing African Americans. Despite numerous challenges, threats to his life, and an ongoing battle to expose the group's plans, Ron ultimately uncovers and stops their dangerous activities.

Details:

• Release Year: 2018
  
• Studio: Focus Features
  
• Director: Spike Lee
  
• Cast: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier
  
• Oscar Nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Picture (nominee), Best Director (nominee)...
  

In 2017, *Get Out* (a.k.a. *Escape*) – the debut film of Jordan Peele – surprised audiences and critics alike by receiving a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. Before its release, the film had limited promotional support, and Peele was a relatively unknown director. However, *Get Out* stood out for its originality, telling the story of an African American man who visits his white girlfriend's family. What seems like a warm, welcoming gesture soon reveals itself as part of a sinister plot, leading to a shocking and terrifying conspiracy.

Details:

• Release Year: 2017
  
• Studio: Universal
  
• Director: Jordan Peele
  
• Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford
  
• Oscar Nominations: Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture (nominee), Best Actor (nominee)
  

Fences (also known as *Barriers of Race*) is a 2016 film directed by Denzel Washington, who also stars in the lead role. Based on the acclaimed play of the same name, the story takes place in post-World War II America, during a time of increased economic inequality. The Maxson family, struggling with poverty, is at the center of the narrative. Troy Maxson, a garbage collector, lives a modest life, but the scars of racial discrimination and his thwarted dreams of playing professional baseball weigh heavily on him. The film explores the personal and social barriers that shape Troy's existence.

Details:

• Release Year: 2016
  
• Studio: Paramount
  
• Director: Denzel Washington
  
• Cast: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson
  
• Oscar Nominations: Best Supporting Actress, Best Picture (nominee), Best Adapted Screenplay (nominee)...
  

Selma (translated as *The Dream that Changed the World*) is a historical film that chronicles the life of Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential figures in African American history. He spearheaded the nonviolent movement for racial equality, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience. The film centers on his efforts to secure voting rights for African Americans, particularly during the famous marches from Selma to Montgomery. Although *Selma* was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, it unfortunately did not win.

Details:

• Release Year: 2014
• Studio: Plan B Entertainment
• Director: Ava DuVernay
• Cast: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth
• Oscar Nominations: Best Original Song, Best Picture (nominee)

Mudbound (translated as *Bogs of Despair*) takes place in the aftermath of World War II, where Ronsel, an African American officer who served heroically against the Nazis, returns home only to face the harsh realities of racial discrimination. In his hometown, he forms an unlikely friendship with Jamie, a white war veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress and alcohol addiction. Their bond, forged in the spirit of camaraderie, is tested when Jamie’s father, a member of the Ku Klux Klan and an extreme racist, plots to teach Ronsel a deadly lesson. Despite not winning any Oscars, *Mudbound* was nominated for four Academy Awards and remains a powerful entry in the *Top 10 Films about African Americans and Racial Issues*.

Details:

• Release Year: 2017
• Studio: Armory Films
• Director: Dee Rees
• Cast: Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, Carey Mulligan
• Oscar Nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Viola Davis), Best Cinematography, Best Original Score

Following *12 Years a Slave*, *Moonlight* (translated as *Moonlight*) became the next film centered on African American experiences to win the Best Picture Oscar at the 2017 Academy Awards. That year, *Moonlight* triumphed over strong contenders like *La La Land* and *Manchester by the Sea* to take home the top honor.

Based on the stage play of the same name, *Moonlight* tells the powerful story of two African American men navigating their identities and sexuality within a poor, predominantly Black community in the U.S. The film follows Chiron, a young boy dealing with bullying and his unspoken love for Kevin, until life pulls them apart. As an adult, Chiron becomes a hardened drug dealer, but a phone call from Kevin unexpectedly reopens his heart to his true self.

Details:

• Release Year: 2016
• Studio: A24
• Director: Barry Jenkins
• Cast: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes
• Oscar Wins: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali) and additional nominations

At the 2019 Academy Awards, *Green Book* triumphed by winning Best Picture, defeating Alfonso Cuarón's *Roma*. The film is based on the true story of Tony Lip and Dr. Donald Shirley. Tony Lip, a white Italian-American from a working-class background, is hired as a driver and bodyguard for Dr. Shirley, a distinguished African-American pianist from a wealthy background. Despite their contrasting worlds, the journey forms an unexpected and enduring bond between the two, transcending racial and cultural divides to become a powerful symbol of friendship and mutual respect.

Details:

• Release Year: 2018
• Studio: Universal
• Director: Peter Farrelly
• Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini
• Oscar Wins: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali) and additional nominations