Martin Luther King Jr. Day has officially arrived, and nationwide, schools and offices are closed in observance of his legacy. As you enjoy your time off, we suggest reserving a few hours of your vacation day to learn a bit more about how the legendary civil rights leader rose to prominence and changed the course of history.
To help you do that, we’ve assembled some films that cover Dr. King's fascinating life story—from his early days as a civil rights organizer, to his home life, to his political brush-ups, and his devastating assassination. These projects are a must-watch for anyone looking to gain more knowledge about one of history’s greatest figures. Ready to dive in? Here are 11 movies about Martin Luther King Jr. for you to watch this holiday.
I Am MLK Jr. (2018)
This documentary explores the life of Martin Luther King Jr, the leader’s legacy, and the persistence of racism and prejudice in America. The film features commentary from the late Representative John Lewis, Rev. Al Sharpton, Van Jones, and more.
All The Way (2016)
Starring Anthony Mackie as MLK and Bryan Cranston as President Lyndon B. Johnson, this film was based on the 2012 play of the same name (which Cranston also starred in). The story follows the political push by Johnson, King, and civil rights leaders to enact the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in Congress.
Betty and Coretta (2013)
Mary J. Blige and recent Golden Globe winner Angela Bassett star in this Lifetime drama as Dr. Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King, the widows of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., who forged a friendship following the murders of their husbands.
The Boy King (1986)
This 1986 drama focuses on the early years of a young Martin Luther King Jr. before he became the MLK we remember today. It details the leader’s early experiences with racism in America and his drive to speak up against injustices against Black people.
Boycott (2001)
This 2001 drama stars Jeffrey Wright as Martin Luther King Jr. alongside Terrence Howard as Ralph Abernathy and Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King. The film focuses on the 1955—1956 Montgomery bus boycott, a protest following the arrest of Rosa Parks after she famously refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.
King: A Filmed Record…Montgomery to Memphis (1970)
Released in 1970, this documentary explores the life and legacy of MLK through only original newsreel and primary material, so if you're looking for a hyper-accurate historical retelling, this is the film for you. King was shown in movie theaters for one night only in March 1970 before airing on television.
King in the Wilderness (2018)
This HBO documentary focuses on the final two years of MLK’s life, including never-before-seen footage and interviews from the time. This is a great, all-encompassing overview for anyone looking to revisit the full history of MLK’s legacy. (Not to mention, it won an Emmy for Outstanding Historical Documentary.)
MLK/FBI (2020)
This 2020 documentary is a deep dive into the political harassment faced by Martin Luther King Jr. throughout his years as a civil rights leader, specifically the investigation by J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI. The film features newly declassified documents and exclusive interviews that paint a picture of the alienation and harassment levied at MLK by the U.S. government.
MLK: The Assassination Tapes (2012)
A somber viewing, this made-for-TV documentary from the Smithsonian Channel focuses on Martin Luther King Jr's assassination on April 4, 1968. James Earl Ray fatally shot Dr. King in Memphis and was later sentenced to 99 years in a Tennessee state prison.
Selma (2014)
The most famous flick on this list, Selma is an Oscar-winning film from 2014 starring the great David Oyelowo as MLK. The movie focuses on the 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery in the battle for voting rights for Black people. In 2015, the film was re-released for the 50th anniversary of the march and remains one of the most lauded historical dramas ever made.
4 Little Girls (1997)
From the mind of Spike Lee, 4 Little Girls is a historical documentary that details the horrific murder of four young Black girls by the Ku Klux Klan in 1963. A local chapter of the white supremacist group in Birmingham, Alabama, planted multiple bombs at a local Baptist church, detonating them at the start of Sunday morning services on September 15, 1963. Four Black girls were murdered, ranging in age from 11 to 14. This film follows the civil rights demonstrations that took place following the attack and documents the day that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attended the funerals of the four girls. Spike Lee's work earned an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary and has since been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
