My Favourite Films About Racism of All-Time

Not many genres have gained stardom of racism. Since the 1960’s, the genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s righteous lawyers, undercover police-officers or comical drivers, the genre has created several compelling characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about racism which deserve to be celebrated.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a legendary piece of literature that always inspired by father. I fondly recall with nostalgia a father that always adored a book about the segregation era. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love discussing an iconic book he considered to be precious. He would speak fondly about a book that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love for books about mockingbirds, my father inspired me to make film criticism dreams come true. In 1962, my teacher’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book, Robert Mulligan’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about racism. Mulligan always had an aptitude for making movies about racism causing danger, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Atticus delivers his final monologue in court about all men being created equal during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who embodied a lawyer fighting racism in history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” my favourite film about racism of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of a commemorated film about righteous lawyers fighting racism in an intense courtroom case, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences embrace.

2. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that fascinated my teacher. Several years ago, I was taught about genocide by a teacher whose parents died in a ghetto. In college, I was taught about the genocide by a professor that had immense knowledge. He would take pride educating students about genocides in which his parents died. My teacher believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a genocide that tore lives apart. As someone treasuring a teacher that loved to list facts about the Holocaust, I adored “Schindler’s List”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie honoured a mass genocide in history. Spielberg used symbolism to capture a genocide that tore apart lives of Jewish people. For instance, the scene in which Schindler reacts with horror at seeing the girl in the red coat face grim warfare causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodied a despicable Nazi commander. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about the Holocaust, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 90 years after a frightening mass genocide in which Jewish people died, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre that has made great films which have left audiences satisfied.

3. 12 Years a Slave

Slavery is a subject about which my friend always spoke passionately. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a friend possessing knowledge about slavery causing damage. I remember he grew up to treasure slavery as an important subject matter. He always made efforts to educate people in my school about the slave trade. Few films I’ve seen have captured grave racism of slavery in American history as powerfully as “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s movie honoured true story of a real-life slave’s survival. McQueen uses captivating montages to capture a slave struggling to survive on a plantation that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Solomon Northup is forced to whip Patsey in front of everyone on plantations causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who embodied a real-life slave that survived tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “12 Years a Slave” a historical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of freedom which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after Solomon Northup became a runaway slave experiencing trauma, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured timeless movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.

4. The Help

Housekeepers have always helped my family. At an early age, I bonded with a housekeeper that delivered a message. I remember a kind housekeeper that always treated my family in a generous manner. Dedicated to every chore, she was a person my family came to adore. A devoted housemaid, she often devoted herself to her job regardless of how much she was paid. As someone treasuring fond memories of a housemaid that gave my family valuable help, I adored “The Help”. Released in 2012, Tate Taylor’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about the segregation era. Taylor used captivating montages capturing a black housemaid treated poorly by her white employers. For instance, the scene in which Aibileen faces despair bidding goodbyes to a young child she was taking care of after being fired by her employer during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Viola Davis, who embodied a housemaid treated poorly in the segregation era. Ultimately, what makes “The Help” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about housemaids that would resonate with everyone. A bold adaptation of a book about housemaids that are helpful, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies audiences consider special.

5. Django Unchained

Racism is a sensitive subject matter that doesn’t lend itself to humour. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a friend that loved discussing racism with humour. He would never be afraid of discussing slavery with a sense of humour even when it was offensive. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that was entertained by racism, I adored “Django Unchained”. Released in 2012, Quentin Tarantino’s movie offered a humorous portrait of slavery in American history. It isn’t easy to infuse humour into a subject as serious as slavery but Tarantino succeeded tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Django first meets Calvin Candie during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jamie Foxx, who embodied a slave seeking to escape harrowing realities of history. Ultimately, what makes “Django Unchained” a masterpiece is its bravery. Tarantino takes a huge risk by reimagining slavery through the perspective of a western, but it pays off tremendously. The film delivers a meaningful message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of slaves in American history that are unchained, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has gained a massive following by producing movies that leave audiences entertained.

6. American Fiction

Stories penned by minorities are rarely recognized by the publishing industry. The publishing profession has built barriers against stories black authors write. In an industry mistreating black authors with discrimination, it’s worth praising “American Fiction”. Released in 2023, Cord Jefferson’s movie depicted barriers black authors fight. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “American Fiction” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Jefferson effectively uses satire to capture racism faced by black authors that’s dire. Assisted by Jeffrey Wright who is extraordinary in the leading role, Jefferson created a spectacular satire about race. As precious as stories Monk seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has managed to accomplish great feats making timeless movies that audiences cherish.

7. BlackKklansman

Few African-American cops in history are worth the recognition of Ron Stallworth. During the 1970’s, Stallworth was a renowned police-officer that infiltrated the Klu Klux Klan. In 2018, Spike Lee honoured the undercover cop in his movie “BlackKklansman”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “BlackKklansman” stand out is its sharp satire. Lee effectively uses satire to capture the frightening obstacles faced by an African-American police officer that are dire. Accompanied by John David Washington who is amazing in the lead role, Lee created a captivating satire about discrimination in history. As strong as Ron Stallworth’s desire to become a successful undercover police officer, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

8. Hidden Figures

Black women have always played a pivotal role in NASA’s space program. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The women broke barriers of colour to become legendary figures. In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hidden Figures” stand out is its depiction of women. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing.  Assisted by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent in the lead role, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards commemorated African-American women in NASA that fought discrimination, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has manufactured great movies deserving appreciation.

9. Get Out

Jordan Peele is a great director that has often made movies about racism. Peele has built an image of being a director that thrives at making movies capturing racism causing damage. Peele’s strength for making movies about racism that’s rarely talked about is evident in his movie “Get Out”. Released in 2017, Peele’s movie offered a unique horror perspective on racism. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Get Out” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Peele uses humour to tackle a sensitive subject matter in an effective manner. Assisted by Daniel Kaluuya who is superb in the lead role, Peele created a powerful satire about racism in America. As strong as Chris’ desire to get out of his girlfriend’s house, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies which deserve to be talked about without a doubt.

10. Green Book

When it comes to movies about racism that have took the world by storm, it’s worth discussing “Green Book”. Released in 2018, Peter Farrelly’s movie honoured a renowned black pianist. Farrelly used captivating montages capturing a real-life friendship. Assisted by Mahershala Ali who is amazing in the lead role, Farrelly created a powerful portrait of the segregation era. Although I have always been a fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s use of a white saviour narrative has forever tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Don Shirley’s desire to overcome racism, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has achieved stardom manufacturing memorable movies offering wisdom on a societal problem which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.