Films about race on Netflix explore the multifaceted experiences, challenges, and narratives surrounding racial identity, racism, and the struggle for equality across different cultures and societies. These movies often delve into historical events, personal stories, and the systemic nature of racial issues, offering viewers a chance to understand, reflect on, and engage with these critical themes through the lens of cinema.
“13th”, 2016
Director: Ava DuVernay
Directed by Ava DuVernay, this powerful documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, focusing on the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It delves into the historical progression from slavery to the modern prison-industrial complex, highlighting the racial disparities embedded within.
Starring: Melina Abdullah, Michelle Alexander, Cory Booker, Dolores Canales, Gina Clayton, Jelani Cobb, Malkia Cyril, Angela Davis, Craig DeRoche, David Dinkins;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: documentary, crime, history;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “13th” on the website imdb.com
“Da 5 Bloods”, 2020
Director: Spike Lee
Directed by Spike Lee, this film follows a group of African American veterans who return to Vietnam seeking the remains of their squad leader and the treasure they left behind. It's a poignant exploration of friendship, war, racial issues, and the aftereffects of Vietnam on Black soldiers.
Starring: Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Norm Lewis, Chadwick Boseman, Mélanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, Johnny Tri Nguyen, Jean Reno;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama, adventure, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 154 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Da 5 Bloods” on the website imdb.com
“Moonlight”, 2016
Director: Barry Jenkins
Directed by Barry Jenkins, this stunningly shot coming-of-age film explores the life of a young black man growing up in Miami grappling with his identity and sexuality. The film presents a touching narrative divided into three parts – childhood, adolescence, and early adult life. It offers a powerful look at the intersections of race, sexuality, and masculinity.
Starring: Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes, Naomie Harris, Janelle Monae, Mahershala Ali, Jaden Piner, Jharrel Jerome, André Holland, Patrick Decile;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Moonlight” on the website imdb.com
“See You Yesterday”, 2019
Director: Stefon Bristol
Directed by Stefon Bristol and produced by Spike Lee, this sci-fi drama blends time travel with social commentary, focusing on two teenage science prodigies who use their invention to try and save one of their brothers from being wrongfully killed by a police officer. It's a heartfelt and urgent plea for change, mixing humor with its serious message on race and violence.
Starring: Eden Duncan-Smith, Dante Crichlow, Astro, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Johnathan Nieves, Michael J. Fox, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Wavyy Jonez, Rayshawn Richardson, Khail Bryant;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: science fiction, action, thriller, drama, crime, adventure;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “See You Yesterday” on the website imdb.com
“The Trial of the Chicago 7”, 2020
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Directed by Aaron Sorkin, this film is based on the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy and more, arising from the countercultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. It includes powerful themes of political protest, racial discrimination, and justice.
Starring: Mark Rylance, Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Frank Langella, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeremy Strong, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Alex Sharp, John Carroll Lynch, Michael Keaton;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: thriller, biography, drama, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” on the website imdb.com
“When They See Us”, 2019
Director: Ava DuVernay
Created by Ava DuVernay for Netflix, this heart-wrenching miniseries revisits the harrowing story of the Central Park Five, a group of five black and Latino teenagers who were wrongfully convicted of raping a jogger in Central Park in 1989. It examines the racial injustices and the impact of systemic racism on these young men and their families.
Starring: Jharrel Jerome, Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Marquis Rodriguez, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Kylie Bunbury, John Leguizamo, Niecy Nash, Suzzanne Douglas;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: drama, crime;
Rating: IMDB: 8,8;
More information about the film “When They See Us” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a broad spectrum of perspectives on race, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that can educate, provoke thought, and foster empathy. Whether through documentary or narrative cinema, they reflect the ongoing struggles and stories that are part of the discussion on race and society today.
In conclusion, Netflix's curated selection of films about race offers a vital and engaging exploration into the complexities of racial identity, discrimination, and the quest for justice and equality. Through a diverse palette of storytelling—ranging from the historical recounting of racial struggles, stirring biopics of civil rights leaders, to contemporary tales of personal and community resilience—these films not only entertain but educate and provoke thought. They collectively serve as a reminder of the power of cinema to reflect societal issues and inspire dialogue and change. As viewers, we are afforded the opportunity to see the world through different lenses, to understand the pains and triumphs of others, and perhaps most importantly, to confront our own perspectives and biases. Netflix, by bringing together such a poignant collection, ensures that stories about race and identity continue to find a global platform, reminding us of the ongoing dialogue between the past, present, and the hopeful future of racial equality.
