My Favourite Films About Discrimination of All-Time

Not many genres have earned appreciation of discrimination. Since the 1960’s, stories of discrimination have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s righteous lawyers, police-officers or comical drivers, the genre has created several compelling characters. Given the 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 acknowledged a book about the segregation era. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love discussing an iconic book that he considered to be precious. He would speak fondly about a book that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love for great books about mockingbirds, my father inspired me to make my film criticism dreams come true. In 1962, my father’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Ever since its release in the 1960’s, Robert Mulligan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about discrimination. Mulligan always had an aptitude for making great movies about racism causing danger, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Mulligan effectively used dramatic monologues to capture racism during the segregation era. 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 discrimination 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 Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to.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 great genre that has made bold movies about discrimination 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 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 the 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about slavery, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 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 commemorated genre that has manufactured great 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. 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. A powerful portrait of racism experienced by convicts in the modern American legal system, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre with wisdom that has made great movies about issues of discrimination which have achieved stardom.

4. Get Out

Racism is a devastating problem that shaped my friend’s identity. In high school, I formed friendships with an African-American classmate enduring racism that was cruel. He would commonly complain about being treated poorly by racist bullies causing pain. Few films I’ve ever seen have demonstrated hardships black men experience facing racism causing doubt as powerfully as “Get Out”. Released in 2017, Jordan Peele’s movie captured the racism faced by a black man mistreated by his girlfriend’s family. Peele used captivating satire to capture hardships that a black man mistreated by white families is facing. For instance, the scene in which Chris becomes aware that he is being deceived by his girlfriend’s racist family causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Daniel Kaluuya, who embodied a black man facing racism trauma. Ultimately, what makes “Get Out” a masterpiece is bold appeal. Unlike most horror movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about the dangers of racism which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ desire to get out, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about discrimination which deserve to be talked about without a single doubt.

5. Fruitvale Station

Police brutality is a sensitive subject that my friend always cared about deeply. I remember forming a friendship with an African-American kid in school that would speak out against police causing danger. He was passionate about an issue he felt needed to be addressed without a doubt. My friend would often criticize police brutality that destroyed the lives of his people. As someone treasuring memories of a companion that hated police brutality, I appreciated “Fruitvale Station”. Released in 2013, Ryan Coogler’s movie honoured a real-life victim of police brutality. Coogler used captivating handheld camerawork to capture tensions that an African-American man victimized by police brutality is facing. For instance, the scene in which Oscar is held captive by police in the train station causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Michael B. Jordan, who portrayed a victim of police brutality facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Fruitvale Station” a classic is its timeliness. Despite taking place in 2009, its themes are relevant today. It delivers a message about police brutality which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years after Oscar Grant faced police brutality causing despair, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making great movies about which audiences care.

6. The Pianist

Discrimination affected Jews during the Holocaust that faced destruction. During WWII, Jewish people were persecuted by Nazis without being able to make their dreams come true. In 2002, Roman Polanski honoured the long list of Jewish people that faced racism in his movie “The Pianist”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Pianist” stand out is its depiction of the Holocaust. Polanski uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a Jewish pianist in WWII was facing. Assisted by Adrien Brody who is extraordinary in the lead role, Polanski honoured genocides in history.Nearly 90 years after a Jewish musician fond of playing the piano survived a Warsaw ghetto, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which give audiences dreams to follow.

7. Judas and the Black Messiah

Fred Hampton is a legendary African-American politician that faced discrimination. During the 1960’s, Hampton was an African-American social activist that fought racism. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic 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 racism. 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. 60 years after Fred Hampton became a political leader that’s powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies about racism audiences consider special.

8. Hidden Figures

When it comes to the most inspiring women in NASA’s space history, it’s worth discussing the hidden figures. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The motivated women broke barriers of colour to become historic figures. In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. What makes “Hidden Figures” stand out in the space genre is its empowering depiction of women. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing. Accompanied by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards African-American women that participated in NASA, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

9. Beasts of No Nation

Africa is a nation that has had a long history of discrimination. Africa has built an image of being a country where child soldiers face discrimination causing damage. The negative impact of discrimination on child soldiers in Africa is beautifully depicted in the movie “Beasts of No Nation”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Beasts of No Nation” stand out is its depiction of child soldiers. Released in 2015, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s movie captured child solders facing discrimination in Africa. Fukunaga used captivating handheld camera capturing tensions faced by child soldiers in Africa. Assisted by Idris Elba who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fukunaga honoured Africa. As powerful as guns used by Agu, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured timeless movies which audiences value.

10. Crash

Few movies ever made about discrimination causing the lives of people to crash are as beloved as “Crash”. Released in 2004, Paul Haggis’ movie captured racism in Los Angeles. Haggis used captivating montages capturing hardships that individuals in L.A. affected by racism are facing. Assisted by Michael Pena who is amazing in the lead role, Haggis captured racism in America. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s heavy-handed message about racism that can be solved through acts of kindness has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. A powerful portrait of racism in a doomed city, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies about discrimination causing tragedy which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.