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Genre Guide

Black Biopics

By:

IndyPL_NickT

The Indianapolis Public Library

Staff-created list

Biopics are films about historical figures and events. While directors and producers often take dramatic license in these films, at their core these films help audiences learn, become inspired, and share in the emotional journey of the characters. Below are biopics depicting Black stories and people. There are films about advocates and civil rights pioneers, singers, sportspeople, educators, mathematicians, and historical events that celebrate Black history. Hopefully these movies will inspire you to look more into the people and events depicted in them. #IndyPLAdults

By:

IndyPL_NickT

The Indianapolis Public Library

17 items

17 items

Ray

Ray

DVD - 2006

Jamie Foxx stars as Ray Charles. Here, Charles' rise to fame is documented, showing his humble beginnings in Florida, the loss of his vision, and his deco...Show more Jamie Foxx stars as Ray Charles. Here, Charles' rise to fame is documented, showing his humble beginnings in Florida, the loss of his vision, and his decorated music career. Overcoming substance abuse and racism, Charles' life inspires. Foxx earned an Academy Award for Best Actor in his performance. Show less

Jamie Foxx stars as Ray Charles. Here, Charles' rise to fame is documented, showing his humble beginnings in Florida, the loss of his vision, and his deco...Show more Jamie Foxx stars as Ray Charles. Here, Charles' rise to fame is documented, showing his humble beginnings in Florida, the loss of his vision, and his decorated music career. Overcoming substance abuse and racism, Charles' life inspires. Foxx earned an Academy Award for Best Actor in his performance. Show less

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Harriet

Harriet

DVD - 2020

Harriet Tubman, born a slave, dedicated her life to freeing other enslaved people. Her involvement in the Underground Railroad and later as a spy for the ...Show more Harriet Tubman, born a slave, dedicated her life to freeing other enslaved people. Her involvement in the Underground Railroad and later as a spy for the Union Army led to the freedom of hundreds of formerly-enslaved people. In this biopic, Cynthia Erivo portrays the incredible Tubman in a role nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Show less

Harriet Tubman, born a slave, dedicated her life to freeing other enslaved people. Her involvement in the Underground Railroad and later as a spy for the ...Show more Harriet Tubman, born a slave, dedicated her life to freeing other enslaved people. Her involvement in the Underground Railroad and later as a spy for the Union Army led to the freedom of hundreds of formerly-enslaved people. In this biopic, Cynthia Erivo portrays the incredible Tubman in a role nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Show less

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42

The Jackie Robinson Story

DVD - 2013

Chadwick Boseman plays Jackie Robinson in 42. Chronicled is Robinson's journey to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Dodgers executive Bran...Show more Chadwick Boseman plays Jackie Robinson in 42. Chronicled is Robinson's journey to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, who advocated for Robinson to play in the big leagues, is portrayed by Harrison Ford. Robinson's wife, Rachel, helped with producing the film. Show less

Chadwick Boseman plays Jackie Robinson in 42. Chronicled is Robinson's journey to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Dodgers executive Bran...Show more Chadwick Boseman plays Jackie Robinson in 42. Chronicled is Robinson's journey to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, who advocated for Robinson to play in the big leagues, is portrayed by Harrison Ford. Robinson's wife, Rachel, helped with producing the film. Show less

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Respect

Respect

DVD - 2021

Jennifer Hudson stars as the legendary Aretha Franklin. Respect focuses on the early years of Franklin's career, from dealing with the loss of her mother ...Show more Jennifer Hudson stars as the legendary Aretha Franklin. Respect focuses on the early years of Franklin's career, from dealing with the loss of her mother and an abusive husband/manager through becoming an international superstar. The vocals, led by Hudson, cover hits like "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and her cover of Otis Redding's "Respect" and culminate in Franklin's rendition of "Amazing Grace." The soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy Award. Show less

Jennifer Hudson stars as the legendary Aretha Franklin. Respect focuses on the early years of Franklin's career, from dealing with the loss of her mother ...Show more Jennifer Hudson stars as the legendary Aretha Franklin. Respect focuses on the early years of Franklin's career, from dealing with the loss of her mother and an abusive husband/manager through becoming an international superstar. The vocals, led by Hudson, cover hits like "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and her cover of Otis Redding's "Respect" and culminate in Franklin's rendition of "Amazing Grace." The soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy Award. Show less

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King Richard

King Richard

DVD - 2022

King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams, father to tennis superstars Venus and Serena. Focusing on their early lives, the movie shows how the pat...Show more King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams, father to tennis superstars Venus and Serena. Focusing on their early lives, the movie shows how the patriarch Williams cultivates the athletic talent in his daughters on the public courts in Compton before eventually finding a professional coach to take a chance on them. Will Smith's performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Show less

King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams, father to tennis superstars Venus and Serena. Focusing on their early lives, the movie shows how the pat...Show more King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams, father to tennis superstars Venus and Serena. Focusing on their early lives, the movie shows how the patriarch Williams cultivates the athletic talent in his daughters on the public courts in Compton before eventually finding a professional coach to take a chance on them. Will Smith's performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Show less

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Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures

DVD - 2017

Before the supercomputers of the Digital Age, NASA relied on a team of "human computers" to process the complex mathematics needed to get Americ...Show more Before the supercomputers of the Digital Age, NASA relied on a team of "human computers" to process the complex mathematics needed to get Americans into space. Hidden Figures focuses on the team at Langley Research Center, who are separated by race and gender. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson (played by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, respectively) earn the respect of the astronauts and the Administration through their superior intellect and hard work ethic. The movie earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Show less

Before the supercomputers of the Digital Age, NASA relied on a team of "human computers" to process the complex mathematics needed to get Americ...Show more Before the supercomputers of the Digital Age, NASA relied on a team of "human computers" to process the complex mathematics needed to get Americans into space. Hidden Figures focuses on the team at Langley Research Center, who are separated by race and gender. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson (played by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, respectively) earn the respect of the astronauts and the Administration through their superior intellect and hard work ethic. The movie earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Show less

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Selma

Selma

DVD - 2015

Director Ava DuVernay brings to audiences the story of the 1965 march from Selma, Alabama to the state capital in Montgomery where civil rights leaders pr...Show more Director Ava DuVernay brings to audiences the story of the 1965 march from Selma, Alabama to the state capital in Montgomery where civil rights leaders protested unjust voting laws. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., fresh from receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, pressures political leaders like President Lyndon Johnson and Alabama Governor George Wallace to change voting laws. Daniel Oyewolo and Carmen Ejogo portray Dr. and Mrs. King in this powerful movie, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song (John Legend and Common). Show less

Director Ava DuVernay brings to audiences the story of the 1965 march from Selma, Alabama to the state capital in Montgomery where civil rights leaders pr...Show more Director Ava DuVernay brings to audiences the story of the 1965 march from Selma, Alabama to the state capital in Montgomery where civil rights leaders protested unjust voting laws. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., fresh from receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, pressures political leaders like President Lyndon Johnson and Alabama Governor George Wallace to change voting laws. Daniel Oyewolo and Carmen Ejogo portray Dr. and Mrs. King in this powerful movie, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song (John Legend and Common). Show less

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The Woman King

The Woman King

DVD - 2022

The Woman King is a fictionalized story about the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors that protected the kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa in the 17th ...Show more The Woman King is a fictionalized story about the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors that protected the kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa in the 17th through 19th centuries. Viola Davis stars at the group's leader, General Nanisca, as she leads her soldiers against neighboring empires bent on continuing the slave trade. More inspired by true events than based on a true story, The Woman King shows the influence of the powerful Agojie in West Africa. Show less

The Woman King is a fictionalized story about the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors that protected the kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa in the 17th ...Show more The Woman King is a fictionalized story about the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors that protected the kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa in the 17th through 19th centuries. Viola Davis stars at the group's leader, General Nanisca, as she leads her soldiers against neighboring empires bent on continuing the slave trade. More inspired by true events than based on a true story, The Woman King shows the influence of the powerful Agojie in West Africa. Show less

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Straight Outta Compton

Straight Outta Compton

DVD - 2016

Straight Outta Compton portrays the rise and fall of California-based rap group N.W.A. The 5 members use music to vent their frustrations about growing up...Show more Straight Outta Compton portrays the rise and fall of California-based rap group N.W.A. The 5 members use music to vent their frustrations about growing up in tough neighborhoods and the mistreatment of Black people by police, about whom the group releases a successful diss track. The film follows the ups and downs of the group's relationships and influence on hip-hop culture. O'Shea Jackson, Jr. makes his acting debut in portraying his father, Ice Cube, in this movie nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Show less

Straight Outta Compton portrays the rise and fall of California-based rap group N.W.A. The 5 members use music to vent their frustrations about growing up...Show more Straight Outta Compton portrays the rise and fall of California-based rap group N.W.A. The 5 members use music to vent their frustrations about growing up in tough neighborhoods and the mistreatment of Black people by police, about whom the group releases a successful diss track. The film follows the ups and downs of the group's relationships and influence on hip-hop culture. O'Shea Jackson, Jr. makes his acting debut in portraying his father, Ice Cube, in this movie nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Show less

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What's Love Got to Do With It

What's Love Got to Do With It

DVD - 1999?

What's Love Got to Do With It chronicles Tina Turner's life and career. Born in Tennessee, a move to St. Louis leads to an encounter with Ike Tuner that c...Show more What's Love Got to Do With It chronicles Tina Turner's life and career. Born in Tennessee, a move to St. Louis leads to an encounter with Ike Tuner that changes her life forever. Churning out hits like "Proud Mary" and "River Deep - Mountain High," Ike and Tina Turner seem to have it all. Ike's drug use and abusive demeanor lead Tina to leave her husband and start a successful solo career. Angela Bassett stars as the electric Tina Turner. Show less

What's Love Got to Do With It chronicles Tina Turner's life and career. Born in Tennessee, a move to St. Louis leads to an encounter with Ike Tuner that c...Show more What's Love Got to Do With It chronicles Tina Turner's life and career. Born in Tennessee, a move to St. Louis leads to an encounter with Ike Tuner that changes her life forever. Churning out hits like "Proud Mary" and "River Deep - Mountain High," Ike and Tina Turner seem to have it all. Ike's drug use and abusive demeanor lead Tina to leave her husband and start a successful solo career. Angela Bassett stars as the electric Tina Turner. Show less

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Malcolm X

Malcolm X

DVD -

Denzel Washington stars as Malcolm X in Spike Lee's dramatization of the life of the civil rights leader. Despite overcoming racial prejudices from his te...Show more Denzel Washington stars as Malcolm X in Spike Lee's dramatization of the life of the civil rights leader. Despite overcoming racial prejudices from his teachers in Michigan, Malcom X ends up getting involved in crime. An encounter with the Nation of Islam inspires him to turn to advocate for the rights of Black Americans. Featuring an all-star cast led by Washington and Angela Bassett (who plays Betty Shabazz), don't skip on this portrayal of the civil rights martyr. Show less

Denzel Washington stars as Malcolm X in Spike Lee's dramatization of the life of the civil rights leader. Despite overcoming racial prejudices from his te...Show more Denzel Washington stars as Malcolm X in Spike Lee's dramatization of the life of the civil rights leader. Despite overcoming racial prejudices from his teachers in Michigan, Malcom X ends up getting involved in crime. An encounter with the Nation of Islam inspires him to turn to advocate for the rights of Black Americans. Featuring an all-star cast led by Washington and Angela Bassett (who plays Betty Shabazz), don't skip on this portrayal of the civil rights martyr. Show less

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Bessie

Bessie

DVD - 2015

Queen Latifah stars as Bessie Smith. Bessie chronicles her life from a struggling singer from Chattanooga into becoming "the Empress of Blues." Critically acclaimed, Bessie won the Emmy Award for Outstanding TV Movie. Queen Latifah stars as Bessie Smith. Bessie chronicles her life from a struggling singer from Chattanooga into becoming "the Empress of Blues." Critically acclaimed, Bessie won the Emmy Award for Outstanding TV Movie. Show less

Queen Latifah stars as Bessie Smith. Bessie chronicles her life from a struggling singer from Chattanooga into becoming "the Empress of Blues." Critically acclaimed, Bessie won the Emmy Award for Outstanding TV Movie. Queen Latifah stars as Bessie Smith. Bessie chronicles her life from a struggling singer from Chattanooga into becoming "the Empress of Blues." Critically acclaimed, Bessie won the Emmy Award for Outstanding TV Movie. Show less

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12 Years A Slave

12 Years A Slave

DVD - 2014

Solomon Northup, born a freeman, was captured and forced into slavery in 1841. Twelve years later, he secures his release and pens a memoir detailing the ...Show more Solomon Northup, born a freeman, was captured and forced into slavery in 1841. Twelve years later, he secures his release and pens a memoir detailing the dozen years he was kidnapped and forced into slavery in Louisiana. This film by Steve McQueen depicts Northup's life before, during, and after his years in captivity. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northrup in a film that was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, winning for Best Picture. Show less

Solomon Northup, born a freeman, was captured and forced into slavery in 1841. Twelve years later, he secures his release and pens a memoir detailing the ...Show more Solomon Northup, born a freeman, was captured and forced into slavery in 1841. Twelve years later, he secures his release and pens a memoir detailing the dozen years he was kidnapped and forced into slavery in Louisiana. This film by Steve McQueen depicts Northup's life before, during, and after his years in captivity. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northrup in a film that was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, winning for Best Picture. Show less

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Loving

Loving

Unknown - 2017

In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling, Loving v. Virginia. This is the story behind the court case. Mildred and Richard Loving lived in...Show more In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling, Loving v. Virginia. This is the story behind the court case. Mildred and Richard Loving lived in a rural Virginia community that had long been integrated despite its location in the South. Knowing that Virginia laws prohibited their marriage, the Lovings drive to Washington, D.C. to get married. What follows is a story of love and perseverance. Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga, who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, star as the eponymous couple. Show less

In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling, Loving v. Virginia. This is the story behind the court case. Mildred and Richard Loving lived in...Show more In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling, Loving v. Virginia. This is the story behind the court case. Mildred and Richard Loving lived in a rural Virginia community that had long been integrated despite its location in the South. Knowing that Virginia laws prohibited their marriage, the Lovings drive to Washington, D.C. to get married. What follows is a story of love and perseverance. Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga, who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, star as the eponymous couple. Show less

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Blackkklansman

Blackkklansman

DVD - 2018

A team led by Spike Lee and Jordan Peele bring to the screen the story of Ron Stallworth. Hired as the first Black officer in the Colorado Springs Police ...Show more A team led by Spike Lee and Jordan Peele bring to the screen the story of Ron Stallworth. Hired as the first Black officer in the Colorado Springs Police Department, Stallworth eventually infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan by posing as a white man over the phone. His phone conversations lead to regular chats with KKK Grand Wizard David Duke, who remained unaware of Stallworth's race until decades after their interactions. John David Washington stars as Stallworth in a film that received an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and nominations for Best Picture and Best Director. Show less

A team led by Spike Lee and Jordan Peele bring to the screen the story of Ron Stallworth. Hired as the first Black officer in the Colorado Springs Police ...Show more A team led by Spike Lee and Jordan Peele bring to the screen the story of Ron Stallworth. Hired as the first Black officer in the Colorado Springs Police Department, Stallworth eventually infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan by posing as a white man over the phone. His phone conversations lead to regular chats with KKK Grand Wizard David Duke, who remained unaware of Stallworth's race until decades after their interactions. John David Washington stars as Stallworth in a film that received an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and nominations for Best Picture and Best Director. Show less

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Introducing Dorothy Dandridge

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge

DVD - 2010

Dorothy Dandridge was a talented singer and actress. As a Black woman, she was confined to performing at the great Black venues of Harlem like the Cotton ...Show more Dorothy Dandridge was a talented singer and actress. As a Black woman, she was confined to performing at the great Black venues of Harlem like the Cotton Club and Apollo Theater. In 1954, she starred in Carmen Jones, a role that saw her become the first Black nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Written by Shonda Rhimes and starring Halle Berry, who won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her role as Dandridge, this tour through Dandridge's career is full of music and inspiration. Show less

Dorothy Dandridge was a talented singer and actress. As a Black woman, she was confined to performing at the great Black venues of Harlem like the Cotton ...Show more Dorothy Dandridge was a talented singer and actress. As a Black woman, she was confined to performing at the great Black venues of Harlem like the Cotton Club and Apollo Theater. In 1954, she starred in Carmen Jones, a role that saw her become the first Black nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Written by Shonda Rhimes and starring Halle Berry, who won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her role as Dandridge, this tour through Dandridge's career is full of music and inspiration. Show less

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The Great Debaters

The Great Debaters

DVD - 2008

Inspired by true events, The Great Debaters is the story of Melvin B. Tolson and the Wiley College debate team. Facing discrimination, the debate students...Show more Inspired by true events, The Great Debaters is the story of Melvin B. Tolson and the Wiley College debate team. Facing discrimination, the debate students at the historically Black Wiley College compete toe-to-toe with the best college debate teams in the country. Denzel Washington stars as Tolson in this inspirational movie that was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Picture - Drama. Show less

Inspired by true events, The Great Debaters is the story of Melvin B. Tolson and the Wiley College debate team. Facing discrimination, the debate students...Show more Inspired by true events, The Great Debaters is the story of Melvin B. Tolson and the Wiley College debate team. Facing discrimination, the debate students at the historically Black Wiley College compete toe-to-toe with the best college debate teams in the country. Denzel Washington stars as Tolson in this inspirational movie that was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Picture - Drama. Show less

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