15 Movies to Celebrate Juneteenth: A Journey Through History and Culture

1. Black Panther 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 845485, ID: 1825683
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Black Panther is a Marvel superhero film that transcends the genre to emerge as an epic of operatic proportions. The film is set in the unapologetically Black universe of Wakanda, a place woven into a tapestry of the richest, sharpest colors and textures. This film is a celebration of African heritage and a powerful commentary on racial issues, making it a fitting choice for Juneteenth.
2. Hidden Figures 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 259157, ID: 4846340
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Hidden Figures is a film that tells the story of three African-American women who played pivotal roles in NASA during the space race in the 1960s. The film highlights the struggles these women faced due to racial and gender biases, and their resilience in overcoming these challenges. This film is a testament to the strength and resilience of African-American women, making it a great watch for Juneteenth.
3. Soul 2020，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 386798, ID: 2948372
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Soul is a Pixar film that explores existential themes through the journey of a jazz pianist who has a near-death experience. Despite its complex themes, the film is filled with colorful visuals and gentle wisdom. However, some critics argue that it fails to capture the greatness of other Pixar films. Soul offers a unique perspective on life and purpose, making it a thought-provoking film to watch on Juneteenth.
4. Civil: Ben Crump 2022，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 262, ID: 19859458
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Civil: Ben Crump is a Netflix documentary that provides an intimate look into the life of civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Known as ‘Black America’s attorney general’, Crump has represented families whose loved ones have been killed by the police. The film showcases Crump’s dedication to seeking justice for these families. This documentary is a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for racial justice, making it a fitting choice for Juneteenth.
5. Judas and the Black Messiah 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 92298, ID: 9784798
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A powerful portrayal of the struggle for racial equality, ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ tells the story of Fred Hampton, the chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and his betrayal by FBI informant William O’Neal. The movie’s exploration of racial tensions and the fight for justice makes it a fitting choice for Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
6. Miss Juneteenth 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 2204, ID: 11394158
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‘Miss Juneteenth’ is a poignant tale of a mother’s love and her dreams for her daughter. The film beautifully captures the essence of the Juneteenth spirit, with Turquoise Jones, a former beauty queen, pushing her daughter to compete in the Miss Juneteenth pageant, symbolizing her hope for a better future. The film’s exploration of Black heritage and achievements makes it a compelling watch for Juneteenth.
7. The Color Purple 1985，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 98226, ID: 0088939
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‘The Color Purple’ is a deeply moving film that explores the life of Celie, an African American woman facing adversity and discovering her self-worth. The film’s exploration of the struggles and resilience of African Americans throughout history resonates with the spirit of Juneteenth. It’s a film that comes closer to reflecting the state of race relations in America than any other movie of our time.
8. Do the Right Thing 1989，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 113817, ID: 0097216
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Spike Lee’s ‘Do the Right Thing’ is a powerful exploration of race relations in America. Set in a Brooklyn neighborhood, the film portrays the racial tensions and conflicts on a hot summer day. The film’s honest depiction of the complexities of race relations makes it a significant watch for Juneteenth.
9. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2018，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 684218, ID: 4633694
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‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ is a vibrant and innovative animated film that brings a fresh perspective to the superhero genre. The film’s unique animation style and engaging storyline make it a standout. Its celebration of diversity and individuality, with multiple ‘Spider-People’ from different dimensions, aligns with the spirit of Juneteenth, a day that celebrates African American freedom and achievement.
10. Malcolm X 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 102863, ID: 0104797
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Spike Lee’s ‘Malcolm X’ is a powerful biopic that portrays the life journey of one of the most influential African American leaders. The film’s depiction of Malcolm X’s transformation and his fight for civil rights makes it a significant watch for Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery. Denzel Washington’s compelling performance brings depth to the character, making the film an engaging experience.
11. Waiting to Exhale 1995，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 12355, ID: 0114885
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A story of friendship and love, ‘Waiting to Exhale’ offers a glimpse into the lives of four African-American women navigating through personal and professional challenges. While the film doesn’t directly relate to Juneteenth, its exploration of the experiences of African-American women provides a perspective that enriches the understanding of black history and culture.
12. Killer of Sheep (1978) 2022，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 31379657
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‘Killer of Sheep’ is a poignant depiction of the African-American community in Los Angeles’ Watts district. The film’s focus on the struggles of a working-class family offers a raw and authentic portrayal of life in a marginalized community. Although not directly related to Juneteenth, the film’s exploration of the socio-economic challenges faced by African-Americans contributes to the broader conversation about racial inequality.
13. 13th 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 37882, ID: 5895028
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Ava DuVernay’s ’13th’ is a hard-hitting documentary that examines the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. It provides a stark look at the racial disparities in the American prison system, making it a must-watch for Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery but also prompts us to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
14. Daughters of the Dust 1991，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 3370, ID: 0104057
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‘Daughters of the Dust’, directed by Julie Dash, is a lyrical portrayal of a multi-generational family in the Gullah community, descendants of former slaves. The film beautifully captures their struggle to maintain their cultural heritage in the face of change. While not directly linked to Juneteenth, it offers a deep dive into a unique aspect of African-American history and culture.
15. If Beale Street Could Talk 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 52801, ID: 7125860
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A poignant tale of love and racial injustice, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ is a compelling narrative that resonates with the spirit of Juneteenth. The film’s portrayal of a young African-American couple’s fight against racial bias, coupled with their unwavering love for each other, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.