Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was to Honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy on January 16th. It is important to remember that he is more than a civil rights activist but a man of faith, a loving husband, and a strategic visionary.
If your way of commemorating Martin Luther is through movies, no worries. Here is a list of Movies for Martin Luther King Jr. Day to get you packed.
Movies for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
MLK movies typically focus on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., one of the key figures in the American Civil Rights Movement. These films delve into his inspirational leadership, nonviolent activism, and the struggles for racial equality, offering a poignant look at the challenges and triumphs of the civil rights era.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson (Actors)
Selma
Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it very difficult for Blacks to register to vote.
In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground in the fight for suffrage. Despite violent opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his followers pressed forward on an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, and their efforts culminated with President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Al Freeman, Jr. (Actors)
Malcolm X
Filmmaker Spike Lee, star Denzel Washington and other talents vividly portray the life and times of the visionary leader.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Rep. John Lewis, Rev. Al Sharpton, Van Jones (Actors)
I Am MLK Jr.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge (Actors)
One Night in Miami
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Beah Richards, Cecil Kellaway, Sidney Poitier (Actors)
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Clifford Alexander, Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte (Actors)
King in the Wilderness
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard (Actors)
The Help
In 1960s Mississippi, a young journalist roils her community when she interviews the domestic staff who serve the town's wealthy white families but have remained largely invisible until now. Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Jessica Chastain star.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Angela Bassett, Mary Blige, Gloria Reuben (Actors)
Betty and Coretta
Coretta Scott King and Dr. Betty Shabazz develop a friendship after the tragic deaths of their husbands; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X and through their strength and dignity they carried on the civil rights movement becoming role models for millions of women all over the world.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Jeffrey Wright, Terrence Howard, CCH Pounder (Actors)
Boycott
Jeffrey Wright stars as the young Martin Luther King Jr. in this powerful film that recreates the start of the Civil Rights movement.
If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.
“I absolutely love sharing movies with my kids as a way to teach them valuable lessons. It's like this awesome bonding experience where we all snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn, and I get to see their little faces light up with curiosity. Whether it's a classic with timeless morals or a new animated flick with hidden gems of wisdom, it's a fantastic way to impart important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Plus, the post-movie discussions are priceless – hearing their take on the characters and the story adds a whole new dimension to our family time.” –a Homeschooling parent
With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:
- List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
- List of Monthly Observances
- List Of Movies for Unit Study
- Unit Study Resource
- Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
- (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher
These resources are worth it if you'd like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.
More Martin Luther King, Jr. Movies:
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