Judas and the Black Messiah is a powerful historical drama that delves into the life of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in late-1960s Chicago. If you found this film compelling, you’ll likely appreciate these 17 other movies that explore similar themes of activism, social justice, and historical significance. Check out the film here.

1. Malcolm X

Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical drama stars Denzel Washington as Malcolm X, the influential African American leader. The film covers his life from his early days to his assassination, exploring his impact on the civil rights movement.

2. Selma

This historical drama, directed by Ava DuVernay, stars David Oyelowo as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The film focuses on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, highlighting the struggle for equal voting rights.

3. The Butler

Lee Daniels directs this biographical drama featuring Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, a butler who served eight presidents at the White House. The movie spans several decades, showing the changes in American society through his eyes.

4. Detroit

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this crime drama stars John Boyega and Will Poulter. It is based on the 1967 Detroit riots and the violent police raid that led to one of the largest citizen uprisings in U.S. history.

5. 12 Years a Slave

Steve McQueen’s historical drama, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, tells the harrowing true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film also features Lupita Nyong’o and Michael Fassbender.

6. The Birth of a Nation

Directed by and starring Nate Parker, this film chronicles the life of Nat Turner, an enslaved man who led a rebellion in 1831. The movie delves into the brutality of slavery and the fight for freedom.

7. Just Mercy

This legal drama, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, stars Michael B. Jordan as Bryan Stevenson, a defense attorney fighting to overturn the wrongful conviction of Walter McMillian, played by Jamie Foxx. The film is based on a true story.

8. Fruitvale Station

Ryan Coogler’s directorial debut stars Michael B. Jordan as Oscar Grant, a young black man who was fatally shot by police on New Year’s Day in 2009. The film portrays the last day of Grant’s life.

9. The Help

Directed by Tate Taylor, this drama stars Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone. Set in the 1960s South, it tells the story of African American maids working in white households and the challenges they face.

10. Hidden Figures

Theodore Melfi directs this biographical drama, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. The film celebrates the African American women mathematicians who played a crucial role at NASA during the Space Race.

11. Fences

Directed by and starring Denzel Washington, this drama also features Viola Davis. Based on August Wilson’s play, it explores the struggles of a former baseball player trying to provide for his family in 1950s Pittsburgh.

12. Mississippi Burning

Alan Parker directs this crime drama, starring Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. The film is loosely based on the FBI investigation into the 1964 murders of civil rights workers in Mississippi.

13. BlacKkKlansman

Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical crime film stars John David Washington and Adam Driver. It tells the true story of Ron Stallworth, an African American detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s.

14. 42

Brian Helgeland’s biographical sports film stars Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. The film highlights Robinson’s challenges and triumphs.

15. Marshall

Directed by Reginald Hudlin, this biographical legal drama stars Chadwick Boseman as Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice. The film focuses on one of his early cases.

16. The Color Purple

Steven Spielberg directs this drama, based on Alice Walker’s novel, starring Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover. It tells the story of African American women facing oppression in the early 20th century South.

17. Amistad

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this historical drama stars Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, and Morgan Freeman. The film is based on the true story of a group of enslaved Africans who led a revolt on the Spanish ship La Amistad in 1839.