аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

30 Must-See Movies about Slavery

Slavery is one of the darkest chapters in human history. Though abolished in much of the world, it persists illegally today. As hard as it is to confront, examining slavery’s cruelty and inhumanity through film exposes its horror and helps us understand the human capacity for evil. Movies about slavery also highlight the resilience of the human spirit under oppression and celebrate those who fought for freedom and human rights. This article lists must-watch films that thoughtfully and powerfully explore slavery and its legacy.

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

From the iconic Roots miniseries that gripped the nation in the 1970s to modern masterpieces like 12 Years a Slave, these unflinching films bring history to life. They showcase tremendous acting performances and nuanced storytelling, balancing raw depictions of oppression with uplifting narratives of resistance and redemption. We can celebrate people who liberated humanity by fighting for freedom as depicted in some of ±á´Ç±ô±ô²â·É´Ç´Ç»å’s best films such as Harriet Tubman. They bear witness to one of humanity’s darkest eras while illuminating the ongoing struggle for liberty and justice.

Here are thirty movies about slavery that you must watch:

1. Django Unchained (2012)

Here is Jamie Fox at his best in the 2012 film Django Unchained. In this provocative and highly stylized Western film set against the backdrop of slavery in the pre-Civil War American South, a slave is once again the hero of the day. The story revolves around Django, a freed slave played by Jamie Foxx, who teams up with a bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a sadistic plantation owner, Calvin Candie played by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. The film combines elements of revenge, social commentary, and dark humor while shedding light on the brutality and inhumanity of slavery. Django Unchained challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of the slavery era. Everyone must watch this movie.

2. 12 Years a Slave (2013)

The director Steve McQueen had an eye on movies about slavery and the 2013 film 12 Years a Slave is one of the best. The film tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the nineteenth century. The film follows Northup’s agonizing journey as he is separated from his family and forced into grueling, dehumanizing labor on Southern plantations. It vividly depicts the physical and psychological brutality of slavery. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s powerful performance as Northup and the film’s unflinching portrayal of the era’s cruelty earned it critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. You will never know what history has in store unless you watch 12 Years a Slave.

3. The Help (2011)

The twenty-first-century film The Help follows African-American maids working in white households. The main character Skeeter writes a book from their perspective, exposing the racism and hardships they face. The maids include Aibileen, who raises and loses seventeen white children, and Minny, who speaks out against her abusive employer. The book puts the maids in danger but ultimately makes their voices heard. Though set during the Civil Rights Movement, the film demonstrates how little has changed socially for black domestic workers since slavery. The film shows one way that people used to liberate themselves from slavery.

4. Glory (1989)

Before slavery became an illegal business, men fought and died for what they deemed right-equality. The film Glory depicts what African-American soldiers went through to liberate their tribe from slavery. The film focuses on the fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first African-American regiments in the American Civil War. Here, Colonel Robert Shaw, a white officer leads this courageous group of black soldiers into battle. The men faced challenges and social prejudice but never quit fighting for freedom and proved their worth. Glory tells the story of racial discrimination during the American Civil War era and the significant contributions of African-American soldiers to the fight for freedom and the abolition of slavery. Glory is a powerful portrayal of history and sacrifice.

5. Tamango (1958)

The film Tamango centers on a slave ship captained by John Tamango in the nineteenth century. Tamango smuggled slaves despite the slave trade being abolished. On board is Aiche, an African woman Tamango kidnaps to be his concubine. Aiche incites a slave revolt, refusing to submit to Tamango. In the uprising, the slaves gain control of the ship, drowning most of the crew. Tamango and Aiche are the last left alive. As passions between them reignite, they choose suicide over slavery and oppression, jumping into the sea locked in a final embrace. The film dramatizes the brutality of the slave trade and the dehumanization faced by enslaved Africans.

6. Beloved (1998)

When Oprah Winfrey appeared on the silver screen, everything was different just as it was in the film Beloved. Based on the novel by Toni Morrison, directed by Jonathan Demme in 1998 the movie is set in the years following the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery. The story revolves around Sethe, a former slave played by Oprah Winfrey, who is haunted by a traumatic past. She is living in a house that is visited by a mysterious and vengeful spirit that she believes is the reincarnation of her deceased daughter, whom she killed rather than let her be returned to slavery. Beloved reminds us about the psychological and emotional scars that slavery left among us as we battle the lasting effects of the dehumanizing acts. Beloved is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the legacy of slavery and the struggle for healing.

7. Nefarious: Merchant of Souls (2011)

Even though slavery is a thing of the past, there is enough evidence that we still have slavery in the modern world as depicted by the film Nefarious: Merchant of Souls. The movie sheds light on modern-day human trafficking, which is a form of contemporary slavery. The film explores the dark and hidden world of sex trafficking, particularly focusing on the experiences of women and children who are forced into the commercial sex industry. The film shows organizations that help combat human trafficking. Nefarious: Merchant of Souls is one way to raise awareness about modern-day slavery. It provides firsthand accounts and interviews with survivors, law enforcement, and advocates, offering a sobering and eye-opening perspective on the ongoing battle against human exploitation. If you thought slavery ended with illegalizing the business, watch Nefarious: Merchant of Souls.

8. Half the Sky (2012)

The name of the film Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide is enough to prompt everyone to watch. The film released in 2012 is based on the best-selling book by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. We see slavery in the form of sex trafficking and forced prostitution shown in this film. The film follows celebrity activists and experts as they travel to different parts of the world, highlighting the struggles and resilience of women who face gender-based violence and discrimination at the hands of their enslavers. To combat slavery begins with having the right knowledge and Half the Sky is a good starting point.

9. Not My Life (2011)

Films have shown us enough and we can agree that slavery, though illegal, still prevails in the twenty-first century as depicted in the film Not My Life. Women and children are again in the spotlight as they are easy targets for human trafficking. They are sold into forced prostitution and forced labor to undercover organizations across the world. Firsthand survivors have been essential in spreading the message of awareness and the constant fight against modern-day slavery.

10. Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1987)

Harriet Beecher Stowe’s influential 1852 novel called Uncle Tom’s Cabin still lives on and the film of the same name in 1987 continued with the legacy. The story in this film follows the experiences of Tom, an enslaved African American, who is owned by the cruel and abusive Simon Legree. The film highlights the inhumanity and brutality of slavery in the American South during the nineteenth century. Only resilient and morally upright individuals had a better chance to survive during the hard times. Through Uncle Tom’s Cabin, we are reminded of the historical atrocities that men and women in the past went through at the hands of their oppressors.

11. Mandingo (1975)

Despite not being on top of the list, Mandingo is considered the most controversial film about slavery. The story focuses on the exploitative and brutal aspects of slavery, particularly within the context of the practice of “breeding” slaves for profit. The film delves into the relationships and power dynamics between white slave owners and their enslaved Black individuals, particularly focusing on the sexual exploitation of enslaved women. This is the most criticized for its graphic and exploitative depiction of slavery and its tendency to sensationalize the subject matter. Mandingo has sparked debates and discussions regarding its portrayal of slavery.

12. Roots (1977)

Here is Alex Haley’s novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family adaptation; the 1977 miniseries called Roots. The miniseries spans multiple generations, following the story of Kunta Kinte, an African man captured and enslaved in the eighteenth century, and his descendants in America. It provides a comprehensive and historically accurate portrayal of the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade, the brutality, and the enduring struggle for freedom and identity. The fact that Roots had a significant impact on American society, sparking discussions about race, history, and the lasting effects of slavery makes it one of the miniseries about slavery that everyone needs to watch. The miniseries is widely regarded as a seminal work in the depiction of slavery and remains an important part of American cultural history.

13. Sankofa (1993)

The 1993 film Sankofa is a tale that shows the world the legacy of slavery and its impact on the African-American community. Sankofa follows a woman named Mona, a contemporary African-American model who is transported back in time to experience the horrors of slavery firsthand. The film is an eye-opener for people to think about the past and confront the painful events that happened many years ago to have better days ahead. The word “Sankofa” itself, derived from the Akan people of West Africa, represents the idea of learning from the past to build a better future. Sankofa is a must-watch film to learn about history and slavery and its connection to the present day.

14. Amistad (1997)

Although we have witnessed films where slaves instantly became heroes, some show how heroism led men to trouble. Amistad is a historical movie that shows how slaves were framed for crimes and faced the consequences. Amistad tells the true story of the 1839 mutiny on the slave ship La Amistad. The film follows the legal battle that ensues when the captured African slaves are accused of murder and their subsequent fight for freedom. Led by their charismatic leader, Cinque, and with the help of dedicated lawyers, the enslaved individuals sought justice and their right to be recognized as free people rather than property. Amistad is an eye-opener for people who accept to be treated like property and stand up for their rights as human beings.

15. The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross (2013)

Films about slavery are so captivating to watch, and so are the series. The series The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross, created by Henry Louis Gates Jr. depicts the history of African Americans in the United States from the early colonial period to the present. The series explores the harrowing experiences of African Americans during the era of slavery, offering a comprehensive and historically grounded narrative. Through vivid storytelling and in-depth analysis, the series highlights the resilience, struggles, and contributions of African Americans in the face of slavery’s cruelty. Through The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross, we see a true perspective of African Americans during the difficult slavery era and the experience that will never be forgotten for many years to come.

16. Harriet (2019)

The 2019 film Harriet is a tribute to the legendary woman Harriet Tubman whose effort to liberate several enslaved people bore fruits. The movie follows the life of this iconic figure in the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement. We see her escape from slavery and her subsequent missions to rescue numerous enslaved individuals, leading them to freedom in the North. Harriet is a remarkable film that shows people’s courage, determination, and faith as they persist in regaining freedom and living as normal human beings. Tubman’s indomitable spirit and her tireless efforts to liberate others, shine a light on her pivotal role in the fight against slavery.

17. Alex Haley’s Queen (1993)

Another one of Alex Haley’s excellent works on the silver screen is the miniseries Alex Haley’s Queen. The film is based on one of his unpublished books Queen: The Story of an American Family. The story is about the life of a young African-American woman named Queen, portrayed by Halle Berry, who is enslaved in America during the mid-nineteenth century. Queen struggles in pain during her time in slavery as she tries to find freedom. She shows the world the harsh realities of slavery, the relationships formed among enslaved individuals, and the quest for identity and justice. After airing for the first time in 1993, Alex Haley’s Queen became a must-watch slavery film.

18. Free State of Jones (2016)

Slavery was an activity that was condemned by people from all walks of life including the whites as shown in the 2016 film Free State of Jones. This is yet another movie based on a true story, making it interesting and must-watch. This is the true story of Newton Knight, a Confederate deserter during the American Civil War. Knight, portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, leads a rebellion against the Confederacy in Mississippi and establishes a mixed-race community of escaped slaves and poor white farmers. Free State of Jones shows how both the African American and white people were adversely affected by slavery leading to the formation of a coalition to liberate people from slavery and destroy the institution of slavery during the Civil War era.

19. 13^th (2016)

Here is a movie that took a different trajectory on the topic of slavery; 13^th. Directed by Ava DuVernay in 2016, 13^th explores the intersection of race, mass incarceration, and the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, except as a punishment for a crime, is at the center of the film’s examination of the modern-day prison industrial complex. 13^th offers a thought-provoking critique of systemic racism, showing how slavery’s legacy has evolved into a form of institutionalized discrimination through the criminal justice system. Here we get to see how people still practice slavery while they try to cover it up for punishment.

20. Lincoln (2012)

This is President Abraham Lincoln’s tribute to his effort to push for equality in the United States of America. The film Lincoln is one of Steven Spielberg’s best on the list of slavery films. This historical drama focuses on a pivotal period in the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The film centers on Lincoln’s efforts to pass the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would abolish slavery throughout the nation. The movie portrays the political maneuvering and intense debate that took place in Congress as Lincoln and his allies worked to secure the amendment’s passage. Lincoln is a film that shows many that despite slavery being at its peak during the Civil War, some men and women worked tirelessly to get rid of the slavery institution in America. We can also appreciate the significance of the 13^th Amendment which ended slavery.

21. Drum (1976)

Media has played a major role in helping stop slavery in history and the film Drum is a piece of evidence. Drum is a South African drama set in the nineteenth century during the apartheid era and focuses on the complex and often brutal relationships between Black South African workers and their White colonial overlords. The story follows the experiences of the titular character, Drum, who is a Black journalist and editor for a magazine that represents the Black perspective in a racially segregated society. While he tries to report on social matters, Drum is often forced into failing to report on important issues because of constant threats and corruption in the country. The black South Africans suffered under the apartheid era despite being in their home country. Drum is a historical drama that reflects the tensions and hardships of its time.

22. Manderlay (2005)

Lars von Trier’s trilogy named USA-Land of Opportunities had a surprise hit in the second installment called Manderlay. The film is set in the 1930s and follows the story of a woman named Grace Margaret Mulligan played by Bryce Dallas Howard, who, while traveling through America, stumbles upon a plantation still practicing slavery decades after the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation. Grace attempts to bring about change and dismantle the plantation’s oppressive system, but her efforts lead to complex moral and ethical dilemmas. Manderlay is known for its thought-provoking take on the enduring impact of slavery on American society and its ongoing consequences. It is a special film for history lovers.

23. The Mission (1986)

Slavery pushed people to their limits as men devised ways to free themselves and others from the institution. The film The Mission shows us just how far people were willing to risk their lives to rescue others from slavery. This historical drama film is set in the eighteenth century in South America. The story follows the experiences of a Spanish Jesuit missionary, Father Gabriel, and a former slave and mercenary, Rodrigo Mendoza. They work together to establish a mission in the jungles of South America, aiming to protect the indigenous Guarani people from colonial exploitation and slavery. Here we can see the clash between the church and the state as men push for freedom and abolishment of slavery.

24. Amazing Grace (2006)

The phrase Amazing Grace reminds us of the man who composed the hymn of the same name; John Newton. The man who was once a slave trader but transformed through spiritual intervention to become a freedom fighter and abolitionist. His song inspired the 2006 film Amazing Grace. The film tells the story of William Wilberforce, a British parliamentarian and social reformer who was instrumental in the movement to abolish the transatlantic slave trade in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The film highlights Wilberforce’s tireless efforts to end the inhumanity of the slave trade and the profound moral and political challenges he faced in pushing for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. Many people did not know the complex social and political climate of the time and the determination of those who fought for justice and equality until Amazing Grace was released.

25. Belle (2003)

Do we all love movies that are based on true stories? Here is Belle, a historical drama based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race woman living in eighteenth-century England. Dido, portrayed by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, is the illegitimate daughter of a Royal Navy captain and an enslaved African woman. She navigates the complexities of her position in society thanks to her childhood when she lived with her aristocratic uncle and aunt. The film addresses issues of race, class, and discrimination in the context of eighteenth-century England. We can understand what women of mixed race went through during the slavery era in the century.

26. Runaway Slave (2012)

Breaking away from slavery was fueled by people’s urge for self-reliance, after self-discovery. The film Runaway Slave takes us through the life of Reverend C.L. Bryant who transformed from liberal to conservative. The film follows Bryant’s journey across America, where he interviews conservative leaders and activists to challenge the notion that African Americans must align with liberal political ideologies. Runaway Slave seeks to spark a debate on political ideologies and empowerment within the African-American community.

27. The Birth of a Nation (1915)

We have witnessed controversial films in recent years but producing a racially charged film in the early twentieth century was not just a bold move, but almost suicidal. The 1915 film The Birth of a Nation was one film at the center of discussions after its release during the silent film era. This film explores the period of the American Civil War; a period that had intense slavery and racial discrimination, and its aftermath. In The Birth of a Nation, we see the Ku Klux Klan as heroes. This distorts historical facts, and perpetuates racial stereotypes, contributing to the promotion of white supremacy. This is arguably one of the most notorious films for its racist content and its portrayal of African Americans.

28. Spartacus (1960)

The 1960 film Spartacus was an instant hit for touching several aspects of life including slavery, and war. This epic historical film tells the story of a gladiator and slave named Spartacus. The film is set in the Roman Republic where Spartacus leads a slave rebellion against the oppressive Roman Empire. Spartacus addresses the broader theme of slavery’s dehumanizing effects and the desire for liberation. Even though Spartacus is involved in constant battles and deemed a hero, he is only fighting to entertain his enslavers.

29. Gone With the Wind (1939)

Here is a film that has received a good share of praise and criticism at the same time; Gone with the Wind. The film is set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era when slavery damaged society. Gone with the Wind has been criticized largely because the film focused more on the romantic side of slavery and failed to address the realities that people went through at the hands of their enslavers. Although slavery is a backdrop to the story, the film focuses more on its characters and their experiences downplaying the brutality of slavery. This is a must-watch.

30. Ben-Hur (1959)

The epic film Ben-Hur follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted Roman brother Messala. Judah is enslaved and sent to the galleys while his mother and sister are imprisoned. After years as a galley slave, Judah escapes and returns to Jerusalem for revenge against Messala. There he encounters Balthasar and other slaves. The film examines the brutality and injustice of slavery in ancient Rome while highlighting ideas of freedom, redemption, and forgiveness.

These films not only serve as a cinematic journey into the agonizing past but also as a profound call to reflect on the enduring consequences of a painful history. Through the lens of these powerful narratives, we have witnessed the resilience, courage, and tenacity of those who endured unimaginable suffering. These films implore us to acknowledge the injustices of the past, inspiring conversations, and actions that can lead to a more equitable future. While we have explored just a handful of these impactful works, there are many more such films that deserve recognition. It is through these must-see movies about slavery that we find an opportunity to honor the memory of those who suffered, while also working towards a world where the mistakes of the past are never repeated, and where equality and justice are truly attainable for all.