Next on the Watch List: Black TV Shows & Movies
As we move out of Black History Month, we at Golden Mag want to recommend some of the best Black cast movies and TV shows that are out right now. Even though every month should be recognized as a time to appreciate Black films and television, we want to steer you in the right direction! Here are our top watches, what they’re about, and where to find them.
Films
Malcolm and Marie
This film was just released on Netflix, an intense drama starring Zendaya and John David Washington. It’s a great movie shot in black and white, keeping it timeless. The plot focuses on a singular night in the lives of a strained couple. Though very simple, this movie will throw you through a rollercoaster of emotions.
Moonlight
Also on Netflix is this world-renowned coming-of-age film that is about Chiron, a young Black man growing up in Miami. Throughout the movie he goes along a journey of self and sexual identity that is bound to jerk some tears in a painful and wholesome way.
Sorry to Bother You
This film, available on Hulu, is a dark comedy about a man named Cash looking to elevate his career, finding himself in the deep and disturbing corporate world after finding the key to glory. He and some coworkers organize to protest against corporate oppression, but soon finds himself sucked into the control of a CEO who offers him a dream salary.
Judas and the Black Messiah
This film, just released and available to watch on HBO Max, follows the true story of the betrayal of Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Black Panther Party. A man named William O’Neal is offered a plea deal to infiltrate the Illinois chapter and report back information about Hampton.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
A documentary film re-examing the suspicious 1992 death of legend transgender activist, Marsha P. Johnson. Her body was found floating in the Hudson River and NYPD ruled her death a suicide, however, those close to her and the community believe she was murdered.
TV Shows
When They See US
This Netflix show is a non-fiction show based on the infamous 1989 case of the Central Park Five. This is a heartbreaking story everyone should be educated about. Follow these amazing actors through the series for some insight on the corrupt system of racial injustice and wrongful convictions (this case didn’t even settle until 2014).
Blackish
Black-ish is a show on Hulu that follows through the typical life of a middle-class black family consisting of a mother, father, and four kids. Though a comedic and more upbeat watch, it’s very educational and informing about the sociopolitical disadvantages that Black citizens deal with on a daily basis- definitely worth the watch.
Grownish
Grown-ish, a spinoff show of the series Black-ish, available on Hulu that follows the college life of the eldest daughter Zoey. It explores the different stages and difficulties of stepping into adulthood and the realities of life beyond the nest.
Dear White People
This Netflix Original show follows students of color that attend a predominantly white college. Just like Blackish, this comedy-packed drama incorporates humor with underlying truth about racial injustice and discrimination that Black students face when an offensive Halloween party arises, causing the Black students to fight back for equality.
Insecure
Insecure is a show available to watch on HBO Max that follows the life and friendship of two best friends, Issa and Molly. Full of funny moments and the trial and tribulations of dealing with insecurities of everyday life, the show rejects the typical portrayal of modern day Black women as strong and confident.
