Civil rights films have the power to educate and inspire, offering windows into pivotal moments and movements that shaped history. For educators and librarians, these films provide valuable tools for fostering discussions on equality, justice, and social responsibility. The following list features ten must-watch films-both documentaries and narratives-that explore the fight for civil rights in America and beyond.
Selma
A dramatization of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights marches, Selma provides a powerful depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists as they fight for equal rights in the face of systemic violence and political obstruction. For classrooms, this film delivers a dynamic portrait of a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, encouraging students to understand the complexities behind nonviolent protests and the legislative struggles to secure voting rights. Teachers can use this film to foster discussions about civic engagement, perseverance, and the ongoing importance of protecting democratic participation.
While the film does contain scenes of intense violence and racial slurs, it handles its historical content with gravity and respect. Educators should consider reviewing these moments beforehand to ensure that the maturity level of their students aligns with the film’s difficult subject matter. With proper context and thoughtful guidance, Selma can be a profoundly instructive resource for older middle schoolers and high school learners.
Buy a copy of Selma on DVD.
John Lewis: Good Trouble
This documentary offers an intimate look at the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis, a Civil Rights icon who marched, organized, and advocated for equality over many decades. The film’s footage and interviews highlight his humble upbringing, early activism alongside Dr. King, and long career in public service. In the classroom, John Lewis: Good Trouble illustrates the capacity for ordinary individuals to effect extraordinary change and invites discussions about moral courage, nonviolent resistance, and the evolving nature of civil rights issues.
The documentary is accessible to most middle and high school audiences, helping students connect past struggles for justice with current movements. By featuring Lewis’s unwavering dedication and deeply humane approach to activism, the film encourages young viewers to stand up for their values and participate meaningfully in their communities.
Read our full review of John Lewis: Good Trouble.
Buy a copy of John Lewis: Good Trouble on DVD.
Ruby Bridges
Based on the true story of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African American girl who integrated an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, this film is especially relatable for younger students. It shows the Civil Rights Movement from a child’s perspective, highlighting the bravery, resilience, and strength required to face hostility and hatred with dignity. For classrooms, it offers a compelling narrative that makes history accessible and encourages students to empathize with the courage Ruby displayed.
This family-friendly film is suitable for elementary-age students and up, providing a gentle yet impactful introduction to segregation, racism, and social change. It encourages children to consider how even one small person’s actions can influence larger transformations. Educators can use Ruby’s story to foster discussions about fairness, compassion, and the significance of education in overcoming barriers.
Buy a copy of Ruby Bridges on DVD.
Video Project
Unspoken Racial History Documentary
Unspoken
Unspoken explores the legacy of systemic racism and the ongoing efforts to uncover, acknowledge, and address past injustices. This modern documentary frames civil rights not as a closed chapter in history but as a living, breathing conversation that must continue in communities and classrooms today. For educators, this film creates openings for meaningful dialogue about the ways in which historical silence and denial have shaped current social tensions, and how knowledge can be a critical step toward reconciliation.
Though it deals with challenging topics, Unspoken is suitable for high school students who can thoughtfully reflect on nuanced issues. By focusing on contemporary efforts to confront and understand historical wrongdoing, the film promotes critical thinking and a commitment to truth-telling as a fundamental tool of social progress.
Read our full review of Unspoken.
Buy a copy of Unspoken on DVD from Video Project.
To Kill a Mockingbird
A renowned adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird follows Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the segregated American South, as he defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime. For classrooms, the film provides a literary and historical springboard into discussions on racial injustice, legal ethics, and the power of empathy. Its central themes of fairness and moral courage help students understand that civil rights challenges existed—and persist—beyond organized protests.
While younger viewers can appreciate its central messages, educators should guide them through the film’s cultural and historical context. Atticus’s example as a moral exemplar and the injustices faced by Tom Robinson can prompt rich conversations about bias, prejudice, and the importance of standing up for what is right, regardless of one’s environment.
Buy a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird on DVD.
Rosa Parks: First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement
This documentary pays tribute to Rosa Parks, often celebrated for her courageous refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus, while also illuminating her full breadth of activism that stretched far beyond that iconic moment. In the classroom, this film helps students appreciate Parks as a strategic organizer and a key figure who inspired monumental changes in the fight against racial injustice. It encourages viewers to understand civil rights as a dynamic collective effort involving countless unsung heroes.
Appropriate for upper-elementary through high school students, the documentary blends historical footage and expert commentary to show how one woman’s moral stand sparked a movement. By examining Parks’s lifelong commitment to equality, educators can guide students toward recognizing the personal sacrifices involved in social activism and the importance of leadership at every level.
Read our review of Rosa Parks: First Lady of The Civil Rights Movement.
Buy a copy of Rosa Parks: First Lady of The Civil Rights Movement on DVD.
The Long Walk Home
Set against the backdrop of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The Long Walk Home tells the intertwined stories of two women—one Black, one white—whose lives are shaped and changed by this pivotal protest. In the classroom, it provides an accessible narrative that illustrates the costs of defying segregation and the strength forged through solidarity. Teachers can use it to highlight the sacrifices made by ordinary people who, day after day, chose collective action over injustice.
Sensitive for upper-elementary and above, the film’s emotional depth and personal focus make it a strong entry point for younger viewers. It encourages empathy and comprehension of how systemic bias affected everyday life. By showing individuals making moral choices in extraordinary times, it underscores that courage and conscience are accessible to everyone.
Buy a copy of The Long Walk Home on DVD.
Good Docs
The Picture Taker Social Issues Documentary
The Picture Taker
The Picture Taker unravels the story of photographer Ernest Withers, famous for documenting the Civil Rights Movement from the front lines, yet allegedly involved in complex relationships with law enforcement. This film encourages students to explore ethical questions about historical memory, journalistic integrity, and the complicated roles individuals can play in social struggles. For classroom use, it sparks conversations about how images shape our collective understanding of justice, power, and movement-building.
Because it delves into potentially controversial areas—surveillance, informants, and the gray areas of activism—this documentary is best suited for mature high school students. By critically analyzing the interplay between activism and potential compromise, learners gain a more nuanced understanding of human complexity within the Civil Rights era and beyond.
Read our review of The Picture Taker.
Buy DSL for The Picture Taker from Good Docs.
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures celebrates the vital, previously underrecognized role of three African American women mathematicians; Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson; working at NASA during the space race. Their perseverance, intellect, and dignity challenged both racial and gender barriers, making them instrumental in America’s achievements in space exploration. This film teaches students that breaking down social obstacles often intersects with advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
Appropriate for upper elementary and above, Hidden Figures invites discussions about representation in STEM fields, the interplay between social progress and scientific discovery, and the value of inclusion. By seeing these extraordinary women excel against incredible odds, students learn about the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience. The film encourages young viewers to dream big, pursue their passions, and stand firm in the face of discrimination.
Buy a copy of Hidden Figures on DVD.
Eyes on the Prize
This seminal documentary series chronicles key events and figures in the Civil Rights Movement, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Voting Rights Act and beyond. Through rare archival footage, interviews, and thoughtful narration, students can witness firsthand accounts and grapple with the complexity, sacrifices, and milestones of this transformative period. The series fosters a comprehensive, chronologically coherent understanding of the movement’s evolution, strategies, and legacies.
Suitable for middle and high school students, Eyes on the Prize can be viewed in segments to align with curricular goals and available class time. It provides an indispensable resource for understanding the fullness of the Civil Rights era, and each episode can be coupled with reflection activities, primary source analysis, and comparisons to contemporary social justice movements.
Buy a copy of Eyes on the Prize on DVD.
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