Black History Month is a time to celebrate African American culture and history, and many streaming services have been creating film lists designed to do just that. Disney+ has a handpicked selection of movies this month which includes familiar favorites and more recent hits. 

Black Panther (PG-13, 2018)

After Prince T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) father dies, he returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to become king and the warrior Black Panther. When his enemies gain control of Wakanda, T’Challa struggles to protect his people and their secret. Slowly, the Black Panther gains the skills and knowledge necessary to become a true king and aims to take back his country.

Remember the Titans (PG, 2000)

Set in the year 1971, this awarded football movie tells the story of a segregated community in Virginia. Due to law, the school board was forced to integrate an all-black school with an all-white school, shaking the students’ whole world. Throughout the duration of the film, the struggles of showing acceptance and working together as a team is shown as the Head Football Coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) works to unify the team. Realizing that unity is key, the team begins to win game after game as they learn to love each other. This is truly a heartwarming and inspirational movie based on a true story.

Soul (PG, 2020)

Middle school band teacher Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) realizes that his life is not all that he cut out for himself. In love with jazz, Gardner believes that it is his soul. But after traveling to another realm, he finds that it might not be. While helping Soul 22 (Tina Fey), Joe finds out what it means to live life to its fullest. In this inspiring Disney film, the world is taught how to find meaning in their own lives. 

Safety (PG, 2020) 

Based on a true story about Clemson Football player Ray McElrathbey, this film documents the battle to escape the barriers given to the young star. McElrathbey, portrayed by Jay Reeves, has to learn to succeed on the field while simultaneously raising his younger brother Fahmarr. 

Princess and the Frog (G, 2009)

This movie is about a hard-working waitress named Tiana who lives in New Orleans in the 1920s. After kissing a cursed prince, she transforms into a frog and tries to find a way to turn herself and the prince back into humans. On their journey filled with singing animals and daunting magic, Tiana and Prince Naveen learn to not only solve their problems but fall in love along the way. This animation can teach us all to love one another no matter the color of our skin.

Hidden Figures (PG, 2016) 

This film follows three brilliant African-American women who are the brains behind the operation to put John Glenn into orbit. Even when hardships were imposed and prejudice was acted upon, Katherine Johnson (Traraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) were able to accomplish this “impossible task” through dedication and perseverance. Teaching that anyone can accomplish anything even when there are obstacles to hurdle. 

The growing collection of movies that celebrate Black History Month are a perfect opportunity to embrace African American culture. Check these five movies out before continuing to explore and learn more about other cultures.