13th is a powerful documentary that delves into the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. If you found this genre compelling, here are 16 more movies that explore similar themes of social justice, systemic inequality, and the fight for civil rights.
1. The Central Park Five
The Central Park Five is a harrowing documentary that recounts the wrongful conviction of five Black and Latino teenagers in New York City. Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, the film features interviews with the exonerated men, shedding light on the racial injustice they endured.
2. Selma
Selma chronicles the 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo, the film captures the struggle and triumph of the civil rights movement.
3. 13th
Ava DuVernay’s 13th is a thought-provoking documentary that examines the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the nation’s prisons. Featuring interviews with activists, politicians, and scholars, the film exposes the systemic racism embedded in the criminal justice system.
4. When They See Us
When They See Us is a miniseries that dramatizes the true story of the Central Park Five, directed by Ava DuVernay. Starring Jharrel Jerome, Asante Blackk, and Niecy Nash, the series portrays the lives of the five teenagers wrongfully convicted of rape and their subsequent fight for justice.
5. Do the Right Thing
Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing is a seminal film that explores racial tensions in a Brooklyn neighborhood on a hot summer day. Starring Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, and Ossie Davis, the film is a powerful commentary on race relations and social justice.
6. Just Mercy
Just Mercy tells the true story of Bryan Stevenson, a defense attorney who fights to free a wrongly condemned death row inmate. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, the film highlights the systemic racism within the legal system.
7. The Hate U Give
Based on the novel by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give follows Starr Carter, a young girl who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend. Directed by George Tillman Jr. and starring Amandla Stenberg, the film addresses police brutality and racial inequality.
8. American Son
American Son is a gripping drama that unfolds in a police station as an interracial couple searches for their missing son. Directed by Kenny Leon and starring Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale, the film delves into themes of race, identity, and systemic bias.
9. Fruitvale Station
Fruitvale Station recounts the tragic true story of Oscar Grant, a young Black man who was fatally shot by police in Oakland. Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, the film is a poignant portrayal of racial injustice.
10. The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
This documentary by Stanley Nelson explores the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party. Featuring interviews with former members and FBI agents, The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution provides an in-depth look at the movement’s impact on American society.
11. I Am Not Your Negro
Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, I Am Not Your Negro is a documentary based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, Remember This House. Directed by Raoul Peck, the film examines the history of racism in America through Baldwin’s reflections on civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.
12. 13th
Ava DuVernay’s 13th is a thought-provoking documentary that examines the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the nation’s prisons. Featuring interviews with activists, politicians, and scholars, the film exposes the systemic racism embedded in the criminal justice system.
13. The Kalief Browder Story
This documentary series tells the tragic story of Kalief Browder, a young man who spent three years in Rikers Island jail without a trial. Directed by Jenner Furst and starring Kalief Browder, Jay-Z, and Rosie O’Donnell, the series highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system.
14. If Beale Street Could Talk
Based on James Baldwin’s novel, If Beale Street Could Talk follows a young African-American woman who seeks to clear her fiancé’s name after he is wrongfully imprisoned. Directed by Barry Jenkins and starring KiKi Layne and Stephan James, the film is a poignant love story set against the backdrop of racial injustice.
15. The 24th
The 24th is a historical drama that tells the story of the Houston Riot of 1917, an event triggered by racial tensions between Black soldiers and white civilians. Directed by Kevin Willmott and starring Trai Byers and Aja Naomi King, the film sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history.
16. Time: The Kalief Browder Story
This documentary series tells the tragic story of Kalief Browder, a young man who spent three years in Rikers Island jail without a trial. Directed by Jenner Furst and starring Kalief Browder, Jay-Z, and Rosie O’Donnell, the series highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system.
These films and documentaries offer a deep dive into the complex issues of race, justice, and equality in America. Each one provides a unique perspective on the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.
