Every February, Black History Month shines a spotlight on celebrating and honouring the legacies of the Black trailblazers who paved a way for the next generation as well as help everyone learn about Black culture. While movies like Selma, 13th and 12 Years a Slave are the ones on  the top of everyone’s list, there are several other gems that not only shine the light on Civil Rights pioneers and confront systemic racism and prejudice, but also celebrate Black joy and Black artists.

Black Panther

Black Panther broke several records as the first big budget film to have a Black director and a predominantly black cast. The late Chadwick Boseman stars as T’Challa, who returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king after the death of his father. The stellar cast also includes Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira and Letitia Wright.

Where to watch: Disney+

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

This was Chadwick Boseman’s final performance that earned him all the award nominations and praise in George C. Wolfe’s adaptation of August Wilson’s award-winning play. Viola Davis stars as blues singer, Ma Rainey, while Boseman stars as trumpet player, Levee Green.

Where to watch: Netflix

Summer of Soul

This Osacr-nominated documentary follows the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which celebrates Black history, culture and music over six weeks. The concert series features performances by Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples and Mahalia Jackson, and more.

Where to watch: Disney+

The Hate U Give

This one is a powerful and moving film on police brutality and systemic racism through the eyes of a 16-year-old. Based on the book by Angie Thomas, it follows Starr Carter, who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. The film stars Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Anthony Mackie, Issa Rae, Russell Hornsby and Common.

Where to watch: Disney+

One Night in Miami

Regina King’s directorial debut dominated awards season last year. The film gives a fictionalized account of one night in 1964 where Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay), Malcolm X, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown are gathered in Miami as they discuss the responsibility of being successful black men during the civil rights movement. The film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir, Leslie Odom Jr., Eli Goree and Aldis Hodge.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

The Harder They Fall

This Black Western is based on real-life historical figures, like Stagecoach Mary, Nat Love, and Cathay Williams. The film’s opening placecard says: “While the events of this story are fictional, These. People. Existed.” Directed by musician Jeymes Samuel, the ensemble cast includes Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, LaKeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz, Damon Wayans Jr., and Deon Cole.

Where to watch: Netflix

Just Mercy

Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson star in the powerful true story of Harvard-educated lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan), who goes to Alabama to defend the disenfranchised and wrongly condemned. His client is Walter McMillian (Foxx), a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence. This film also played at TIFF and opened to rave reviews.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Princess and the Frog

This was one of the first Black princesses to be introduced by Disney in 2009. The animated film gave us Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) who dreams of her restaurant in New Orleans but after she kisses a Prince-turned-frog (Bruno Campos), she turns into a frog as well.

Where to watch: Disney+

Love & Basketball

A classic rom-com, this sports drama was written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Our lead characters Monica and Quincy fall in love with each other and the game of basketball while battling together life challenges from childhood to adulthood. The film stars Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Regina Hall and Gabrielle Union.

Where to watch: Disney+

The United States vs. Billie Holiday

This award-nominated film follows jazz singer Billie Holiday during her career as she is targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics with an undercover sting operation led by black Federal Agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair. Directed by Lee Daniels, this stars Andra Day, Trevante Rhodes and Tyler James Williams.

Where to watch: Crave