My Favourite Films About Racism

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 was a huge fan of a book about the segregation era. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love to discuss an iconic book that he considered precious. He would speak fondly about a great book that had shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love for books about mockingbirds, my father 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 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 a great aptitude for making movies about racism that causes 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 fierce 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 Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to.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 on racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of a classic film about righteous lawyers fighting racism in a nerve-wracking courtroom case, it’s a fantastic reminder of a great genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly embrace.

2. 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 commonly care.

3. 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 undeniable doubt.

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 extremely special.

5. 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 modern-day Cinema.

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 commonly 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 tremendous appreciation.

8. 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 extremely special.

9. 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 commonly follow.

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.