HOLLYWOOD, CA — To this day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of equality and justice remains a beacon worldwide. His influence has continued over the years, inspiring people to treat each other with respect, justice and dignity.
There is no doubt that MLK's immense cultural legacy will continue to touch people's lives for generations to come, a sentiment expressed by Rosa Parks in 1955:
“It seemed like every time he spoke, he was saying something I wanted or needed to hear.”
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To celebrate the Day of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we've compiled a list of must-see gems, focusing primarily on his lifelong commitment to the Civil Rights Movement, as well as themes that resonate from his lasting legacy.
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16 must-see gems in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
“King: A Filmed Record…Montgomery to Memphis” (1970)
Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, James Earl Jones; directed by Sidney Lumet and Joseph L. Mankiewicz
The 175-minute Oscar-nominated documentary chronicles Martin Luther King's rise to become a steadfast leader of the Civil Rights Movement, spanning several years of his arduous journey for the cause from 1955 to 1968. With rare archival footage of speeches by Dr. King, protests and arrests, the film boasts a series of passionate testimonies from some of Hollywood's most notable icons, including James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, Paul Newman, Charlton Heston, Burt Lancaster, Joanne Woodward.
“4 Little Girls” (1997)
May Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley and Carole Rosamond Robertson. directed by Spike Lee
The Oscar-nominated documentary directed by Spike Lee is a narrative account of the horrific racial, terrorist bombing of an African-American church during the Civil Rights Movement. On that fateful day of September 15, 1963, four girls were killed in the explosion. Martin Luther King traveled to Montgomery, shedding light on what would become one of the most notorious incidents of racial violence in America.
“The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” (1974)
Cicely Tyson, Eric Brown, Joel Fluellen; directed by John Korty
Ernest J. Gaines' classic novel comes to life in John Korty's film of the same name. Cicely Tyson brings the eponymous centenarian to life in her fictional journey through the end of slavery to surviving Jim Crow and eventually joining the Civil Rights Movement at age 110. And in case you're wondering, Jane Pittman is a fictional character.
“Legacy of Love” (2020)
Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott. directed by Roberto Mighty
Love conquers all in “Legacy of Love,” a PBS documentary about the boundless love between Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott. The 26-minute television special shows how their union became the pillar of strength in their pursuit of equality and justice for all.
“Eyes on the Prize” (1993)
Julian Bond, Coretta Scott King and John Lewis. show created by Henry Hampton
Gripping as it is, “Eyes on the Prize” is a must-watch series about the Civil Rights Movement. Using archival footage and stills as well as appearances by participants and opponents of the movement, the 14-episode show spans from 1954 to 1985.
“I'm MLK Jr.” (2018)
Martin Luther King Jr., Carmelo Anthony? directed by John Barbisan and Michael Hamilton
The feature documentary “I Am MLK Jr.” takes an in-depth look at the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the enormous impact he had on civil rights to this day. Includes interviews with the late Congressman John Lewis, civil rights activist Diane Nash, Ambassador Andrew Young, Reverend Al Sharpton and others.
“Selma” (2014)
David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey? directed by Ava DuVernay
A stirring film directed by Ava DuVernay, “Selma” chronicles the life of Martin Luther King Jr., confined to the turbulent three-month period in 1965 when he led a perilous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The Selma to Montgomery march culminated in President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
“King In The Wilderness” (2018)
Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, John Lewis? directed by Peter W. Kunhardt
The powerful documentary was part of the 2018 Sundance Film Festival program. Interspersed with historic archival footage, “King in the Wilderness” follows the civil rights leader in his final years, with King's closest friends and colleagues including Bernard Lafayette, Andrew Young, Diane Nash, John Lewis, Dorothy Cotton, Joan Baez. , Xernona Clayton, Jesse Jackson and others.
“Boycott” (2001)
Geoffrey Wright, Terrence Howard? directed by Clark Johnson
A film adaptation of Stewart Burns' 1997 book Daybreak of Freedom, Clark Johnson's biographical drama Boycott is a depiction of the Montgomery Bus Boycott that took place after the arrest of Rosa Parks on December 1, 1955 .The rest is history as we know it.
“The Rosa Parks Story” (2002)
Angela Bassett, Peter Francis James; directed by Julie Dash
This biographical drama follows the life story of Rosa Parks, the inspirational civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a late-night bus, sparking massive civil rights protests in Montgomery, Alabama, that lasted 381 days . Her fight helped energize the civil rights movement. Angela Bassett gives a wonderful performance as the titular heroine, while Dexter King (the real-life son of Martin Luther King Jr.) exudes artistic flair in his portrayal of his father.
“Harriet” (2019)
Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr. directed by Kasi Lemmons
Kasi Lemmons' period piece is the first feature film about the remarkable life of the iconic abolitionist, whose sheer determination knew no bounds. “Harriet” stars Cynthia Erivo as the titular heroine whose courage and perseverance freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. Although Martin Luther King Jr. is not featured in the film, “Harriet” nonetheless echoes his universal message of freedom and equality for all.
“BlacKkKlansman” (2018)
John David Washington, Adam Driver; directed by Spike Lee
Subtle yet borderline, Spike Lee's adaptation of Ron Stallworth's 2014 memoir chronicles the author's successful attempts to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan chapter in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the 1970s. BlacKkKlansman stars John David Washington as Stallworth, the first African-American detective in the city's police department.
“The Butler” (2013)
Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack? directed by Lee Daniels
Loosely based on the true story of Eugene Allen, Lee Daniels' “The Butler” follows the life story of Cecil Gaines, an African-American waitress who becomes a White House butler. For nearly four decades, he would witness a series of sweeping socio-economic and political changes while serving in the White House.
“All The Way” (2016)
Anthony Mackie, Bryan Cranston, Melissa Leo; directed by Jay Roach
The made-for-TV autobiographical drama “All The Way” is based on Robert Schenkkan's 2012 play of the same name, starring Anthony Mackie as Martin Luther King Jr., Bryan Cranston as President Lyndon B. Johnson and Melissa Leo as First Lady Lady Bird. Johnson. The film is a depiction of the monumental partnership between Johnson and King to help advance sweeping landmark human rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“The Help” (2011)
Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer? directed by Tate Taylor
Kathryn Stockett's 2009 bestseller comes to life in writer-director Tate Taylor's period drama. “The Help” follows the story of an aspiring writer (Emma Stone), who musters the will to write an exposé about the pain and suffering of African-American maids (Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer) in the South during the suffrage movement. civil rights in 1963. .
“MLK/FBI” (2020)
Martin Luther King Jr., Edgar Hoover; directed by Sam Pollard
Using archival footage of Martin Luther King Jr. between 1955 and 1968, Sam Pollard's documentary film, “MLK/FBI,” provides some insight into recently declassified records about King's life and experiences with the FBI.
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