Best 20 Movies Written to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day
As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to reflect on the profound impact of a visionary leader in the civil rights movement, what better way to honor his legacy than through the powerful medium of film? This curated list celebrates the intersection of cinematic brilliance and the enduring spirit of justice, equality, and hope. Join us on a cinematic journey as we highlight the “20 Best Movies to Ever be Written to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day.” From gripping portrayals of historic moments to intimate glimpses into the lives of those who fought for change, each film on this list serves as a testament to the struggles and triumphs that defined the era and continue to inspire us today. As we immerse ourselves in these narratives, we pay homage to Dr. King’s timeless message and the ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
1. Selma
Chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr.
2. King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis
A documentary that follows the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.
3. Boycott
A dramatization of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.
4. Selma, Lord, Selma
Based on true events, this film tells the story of the Selma to Montgomery marches through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl.
5. The Mountaintop
An animated short film that reimagines the last moments of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.
6. Our Friend, Martin
An animated film that follows a young boy who travels through time and meets Martin Luther King Jr. at various stages of his life.
7. Eyes on the Prize
While not a movie, this documentary series is a comprehensive look at the civil rights movement.
8. A Raisin in the Sun
A classic film adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s play, exploring racial and social issues in 1950s America.
9. The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306
A documentary that explores the events surrounding the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
10. The Butler
Follows the life of Cecil Gaines, a White House butler who served eight U.S. presidents, including during the civil rights era.
11. The Long Walk Home
Set in Montgomery during the 1955 bus boycott, this film explores the impact of the civil rights movement on a white family.
12. Ghosts of Mississippi
Based on the true story of the trial of Byron De La Beckwith, the assassin of civil rights activist Medgar Evers.
13. Remember the Titans
Inspired by a true story, this film follows a high school football team’s journey as it deals with racial integration in Virginia during the early 1970s.
14. Freedom Writers
A drama about a teacher who inspires her at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school.
15. The Rosa Parks Story
A biographical drama that focuses on the life of Rosa Parks, a key figure in the American civil rights movement.
16. The Great Debaters
Inspired by a true story, this film follows the debate team at a historically Black college in the 1930s.
17. King in the Wilderness
An HBO documentary that provides a deeply humanizing and comprehensive look at the last years of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.
18. At the River I Stand
A documentary that examines the events leading up to the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
19. Sounder
Set in rural Louisiana during the Great Depression, this film tells the story of an African American family’s struggles and resilience.
20. Cry, the Beloved Country
An adaptation of Alan Paton’s novel set in apartheid-era South Africa, highlighting racial injustice and the journey toward reconciliation.