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 book about racism my teacher has always loved dearly. I remember forming a strong bond with a teacher that appreciated a commemorated book he considered legendary literature. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love discussing a book he considered precious. He spoke fondly about literature that affected his identity. Through his appreciation for books about mockingbirds, my teacher inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. In 1962, my teacher’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the film “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Ever since its release in the 1960’s, Robert Mulligan’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about racism. With the greatest film of his career, Mulligan did an extraordinary job adapting a classic book about lawyers battling racism in a Southern town facing despair. Mulligan always had an aptitude for making great movies about racism putting lives in 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 a great 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 bold appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the release of a classic film about brave lawyers fighting racism in a sad legal case, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced great movies which audiences embrace.

2. 12 Years a Slave

Slavery is a subject about which my friend always spoke passionately. At an early age, I formed relationships with a friend possessing knowledge about slavery causing damage. He made efforts to educate classmates about the slave trade. My friend always believed movies were art that couldn’t capture atrocities tearing slaves apart. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that was fascinated with ways slaves behave, I appreciated “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s movie honoured true story of a real-life slave’s survival in American history. 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 masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about freedom which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after Solomon Northup became a slave experiencing trauma, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.

3. Just Mercy

Wrongful conviction has shaped my personality. During my childhood, my life changed when I was wrongfully accused of cheating on a science-fair project. Throwing a tantrum, a girl in my class accused me of plagiarism. A terrible lie, being accused of a crime I hadn’t committed caused me to cry. As someone haunted by memories of wrongful conviction without mercy, I appreciated “Just Mercy”. Released in 2019, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured a black man wrongfully accused of a crime he didn’t commit in legal proceedings. Cretton uses captivating monologues capturing tensions that a lawyer defending a black convict is facing. For instance, the scene in which Bryan Stevenson becomes aware of the legal injustice in the court causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jamie Foxx, who portrayed a man facing wrongful conviction. Ultimately, what makes “Just Mercy” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most courtroom dramas, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about consequences of wrongful conviction affecting everyone. A powerful portrait of racism experienced by convicts in the modern American legal system, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated genre with wisdom that has always manufactured unforgettable movies about lawyers which have achieved stardom.

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. She always made a great effort to do her job regardless of how much money 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 breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured 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. A spectacular portrait of slaves in American history that are unchained, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has gained a following by manufacturing movies that leave audiences entertained.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Inglorious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker that achieved fame years ago. With their witty dialogue, compelling characters and strong acting, Tarantino’s movies have earned a huge fan following. Tarantino has often explored racial injustice in his movies, and it is most evident in “Inglorious Basterds”. Released in 2009, Tarantino’s movie captured Nazi Germany. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inglorious Basterds” stand out is its bravery. Tarantino took a huge risk by tackling the sensitive subject of the Holocaust with humour, but it paid off tremendously. Assisted by Brad Pitt who is amazing in the lead role, Tarantino created a historical satire that’s compelling. A glorious depiction of a frightening mass genocide, it’s a grand reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies leaving audiences satisfied.

9. Judas and the Black Messiah

Fred Hampton is a legendary African-American political leader that earned recognition. During the 1960’s, Hampton was an African-American social activist that fought racism. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic political leader that changed America in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” stand out is its depiction of politics. King uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a black political leader during the segregation era was facing. Assisted by Daniel Kaluuya who is sensational in the lead role, King honoured an iconic leader in America. Nearly 60 years after Fred Hampton became an African-American political leader that’s inspiring, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making engaging movies which are worth celebrating.

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 to depict racism in history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Don Shirley’s desire to overcome racism in history, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies about racial injustice causing tragedy which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I value highly.