Films about Martin Luther King Jr. explore the life and legacy of the iconic civil rights leader. Dr. King, well-known for his use of nonviolent civil disobedience and eloquent speeches, such as “I Have a Dream,” played a significant role in the American Civil Rights Movement. These films may dramatize real events, use documentary footage, or even blend both to depict his struggle for racial equality, his leadership, and the impact he has had on history and society.
“Selma”, 2014
Director: Ava DuVernay
Directed by Ava DuVernay, this historical drama is centered around the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Bevel, Hosea Williams, and John Lewis.
Starring: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Lorraine Toussaint, Common, Giovanni Ribisi, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr.;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Selma” on the website imdb.com
“King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis”, 1970
Director: Sidney Lumet, Joseph Leo Mankiewicz
This documentary film uses archival footage to follow Dr. King from 1955 to 1968, illustrating his role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Starring: Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Ruby Dee, James Earl Jones, Clarence Williams III, Burt Lancaster, Ben Gazzara, Charlton Heston, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier;
Production year: 1970;
Genre: documentary, biography, history;
Duration: 185 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis” on the website imdb.com
“Boycott”, 2001
Director: Clark Johnson
Directed by Clark Johnson, this film tells the story of the 1955-1956 Montgomery Bus Boycott, following Martin Luther King Jr.'s rise to prominence.
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Terrence Howard, CCH Pounder, Carmen Ejogo, Reg E. Cathey, Brent Jennings, Iris Little Thomas, Shawn Michael Howard, Erik Dellums, Mike Hodge;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Boycott” on the website imdb.com
“Our Friend, Martin”, 1999
Director: Michael Maliani, Robert Brousseau, Vincenzo Trippetti
This animated children's educational film features two teenagers who travel through time, meeting Dr. King at several points during his life.
Starring: Edward Asner, Angela Bassett, Lucas Black, Theodore Borders, LeVar Burton, Jessica Garcia, Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, James Earl Jones;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: animation, drama, family;
Duration: 60 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Our Friend, Martin” on the website imdb.com
“All the Way”, 2016
Director: Jay Roach
Although primarily focused on President Lyndon B. Johnson's efforts to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this film also features Anthony Mackie as Martin Luther King Jr. and explores their relationship during the civil rights campaign.
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, Melissa Leo, Frank Langella, Bradley Whitford, Stephen Root, Todd Weeks, Ray Wise, Ken Jenkins, Dohn Norwood;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“King”, 2022
Director: David Moreau
This three-part television miniseries stars Paul Winfield as Martin Luther King Jr. and provides an extensive biographical account of King's life and work during the Civil Rights Movement.
Starring: Gérard Darmon, Lou Lambrecht, Léo Lorléac'h, Thibault de Montalembert, Clémentine Baert, Artus, Marius Blivet, Laurent Bateau, Vanessa David, Marie-Sohna Condé, Natālija Živeca;
Production year: 2022;
Genre: comedy, adventure, family;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,1;
These films vary in their approach, from straightforward historical narrative to creative educational tools, and together help to paint a comprehensive picture of Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for civil rights and equality.
In conclusion, films about Martin Luther King Jr. play a pivotal role in educating and inspiring audiences by bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of this legendary civil rights leader. From documentaries that offer a detailed look into his impactful strategies and speeches, to feature films that portray his personal vulnerabilities and steadfast resilience, each film provides a unique lens through which to appreciate and understand King's enduring legacy. These films not only serve as a reminder of the progress achieved through nonviolent protest but also underscore the ongoing relevance of King's message in advocating for justice and equality in contemporary society.
