11 Must-See Films To Honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy

Planning to watch a movie this weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.? Luckily, we’ve rounded up a list of movies, shows and documentaries that touch on the struggles in this country for civil rights, focusing mainly on Martin Luther King Jr. but also including some others who preceded and followed the period of his work.

From incisive biographical dramas to eye-catching documentaries, these gems are sure to delight everyone with their universal themes of equality, freedom and tolerance. So make sure to check them out.

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“Selma” (2014) — David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey; directed by Ava DuVernay

A poignant film directed by Ava DuVernay, "Selma" chronicles the life of Martin Luther King Jr., narrowing in on the turbulent three-month period in 1965 when he led a perilous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Watch the trailer.

“I Am MLK Jr.” (2018) — Martin Luther King Jr., Carmelo Anthony; directed by John Barbisan and Michael Hamilton

The feature-length documentary takes an in-depth look into the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the tremendous impact he had on civil rights through the present day, featuring interviews from the late Congressman John Lewis, civil rights activist Diane Nash, Ambassador Andrew Young, the Rev. Al Sharpton and more.

Watch the trailer.

“The Boy King” (1986) — Howard E. Rollins Jr., Candice Afia; directed by Billy J. Parrott

Billy J. Parrott’s drama sheds some light on Martin Luther King’s childhood experiences and the nurturing and loving he received from his family, which became the bedrock of his unwavering commitment and leadership in the civil rights movement.

“The Rosa Parks Story” (2002) — Angela Bassett, Peter Francis James; directed by Julie Dash

This biographical drama follows the life story of Rosa Parks, the inspirational civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a late-night bus, sparking major civil rights demonstrations in Montgomery, Alabama, that lasted 381 days. Her struggle helped galvanize the civil rights movement. Angela Bassett delivers a magnificent performance as the title heroine, while Dexter King (Martin Luther King Jr.'s real-life son) exudes artistic flair in his portrayal of his father.

Watch the trailer.

“Boycott” (2001) — Jeffrey Wright, Terrence Howard; directed by Clark Johnson

A film adaptation of Stewart Burns’ 1997 book, “Daybreak of Freedom,” Clark Johnson’s biographical drama is a depiction of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which took place after Rosa Parks' arrest Dec. 1, 1955. The rest is history as we know it.

“Harriet” (2019) — Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr.; directed by Kasi Lemmons

Kasi Lemmons’ period piece is the first-ever theatrical film about the remarkable life of the iconic abolitionist whose sheer determination knew no bounds. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as the title heroine whose courage and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. Although the film does not feature Martin Luther King Jr., “Harriet” nevertheless evokes his universal message of freedom and equality for all.

Watch the trailer.

“MLK/FBI” (2020) — Martin Luther King Jr,. Edgar Hoover; directed by Sam Pollard

Using archival footage of Martin Luther King Jr. between 1955 and 1968, Sam Pollard’s documentary film provides some insight into the recently declassified files about King’s life and his experiences with the FBI.

Watch the trailer.

“BlacKkKlansman” (2018) — John David Washington, Adam Driver; directed by Spike Lee

Subtle yet trenchant, Spike Lee’s adaptation of Ron Stallworth’s 2014 memoir chronicles the author’s successful efforts to infiltrate the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the 1970s. The film stars John David Washington as Stallworth, the first African-American detective in the city’s police department.

Watch the trailer.

“The Help” (2011) — Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer; directed by Tate Taylor

Kathryn Stockett's 2009 bestseller comes to life in writer-director Tate Taylor’s historical period drama. The film follows the story of an aspiring author (Emma Stone), who musters the will to write an exposé about the pains and suffering of African American maids (Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer) in the South during the civil rights movement in 1963.

Watch the trailer.

“The Butler” (2013) — Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack; directed by Lee Daniels

Loosely based on the true story of Eugene Allen, Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” follows the life story of Cecil Gaines, an African American waiter who becomes a White House butler. For nearly four decades, he will witness a number of sweeping socio-economic and political changes while serving in the White House.

Watch the trailer.

“King In The Wilderness" (2018) — Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, John Lewis; directed by Peter W. Kunhardt

The documentary film, interspersed with historical archives footage, follows the civil rights leader during the last years of his life, featuring King’s closest friends and colleagues such as Bernard Lafayette, Andrew Young, Diane Nash, John Lewis, Dorothy Cotton, Joan Baez, Xernona Clayton, Jesse Jackson and more.

Watch the trailer.