Black cinema is enjoying a renaissance, marked by the surge in films highlighting diverse stories that are experiencing both critical acclaim and commercial success. Films like Black Panther, Get Out, and Moonlight have won academy awards, and Sinners has been nominated for a record-breaking 16 Oscars this year. 

Here are six of our favorite movies to watch during Black History Month.

Soul (PG)

In the animated movie Soul from Pixar, Jaime Foxx voices a middle-aged band teacher whose soul gets stuck in the afterlife and tries to return to his earthly body. The movie explores compassion, empathy and perseverance, and is an exploration of the meaning of life that’s good for young kids. 

Hidden Figures (PG)

This movie tells the story of three brilliant African-American women mathematicians at NASA who played a pivotal role in the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit while dealing with racial and gender discrimination. 

We Grown Now (PG)

A look at poverty, imagination and hope through the eyes of two teenage boys growing up in 1990s Chicago. Though they live in a housing project, their ability to see the best even in the worst situation presents a positive message to kids.

Harriet (PG-13)

From her escape from slavery through the dangerous missions she led to liberate hundreds of enslaved black Americans through the Underground Railroad, this movie tells the story of heroic abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History (PG/Comedy Special)

Kevin Hart highlights the fascinating contributions of Black history’s unsung heroes in this entertaining—and educational—comedy special.

All In: The Fight For Democracy (documentary)

This film looks at the suppression of young black voters and those living in poverty from exercising their constitutional right to vote. Children will learn how voter roll purges, ID laws and other modern obstacles make it harder to vote, while archival video footage shows historical violence against Black civil rights activists. This documentary is appropriate for kids 11 and up. 

For more movies, check out this list of 10 movies to watch during Black History Month and more suggestions from Common Sense Media.