There is no better way to absorb information about the world and to be exposed to new ideas, cultures, and histories than through film. And these days, that means seeking out complex, beautiful, and sometimes uncomfortable films about black history in order to become more educated and a stronger white ally (opens in new tab). Some of them may be painful to watch, but that's exactly what matters. The desire for education and change often comes from feelings of sadness and anger. But these stories are wildly interesting and often Oscar-worthy. Also worth checking out if you are interested in this subject: a list of the most iconic black films (opens in new tab) and a documentary about black history (opens in new tab).

The absolute beauty of Ava DuVernay's "Selma" is that it is set in a small period of time (three months) in 1965, when the civil rights movement was at its most turbulent. David Oyelowo not only perfectly captures the voice and mannerisms of Dr. King, but also masterfully portrays him as a man, not only a great leader, but also a man full of his own quirks and flaws. The film is so compelling, you will hardly care how educational it is. Basically, it is the perfect historical drama.

The film is also on our list of "movies to watch at least once (opens in new tab)" because it is still terribly relevant in 2020. While not necessarily based on a specific true story, director Spike Lee has said that the film was partially inspired by the Howard Beach incident (opens in new tab), in which a black man was murdered while fleeing a mob of white men. The incident heightened racial tensions in New York City. The film is also ironic and funny, and all the characters are clearly and intricately portrayed, making it feel like a real community.

There is a good reason why this Academy Award-nominated film is so beloved. Not only because it highlights the untold stories of black women who played a key role in America's space race but were never known. It is also because the beautiful performances by Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monay, and Octavia Spencer are so heartwarming. The beautiful performances of Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monay, and Octavia Spencer give us the pleasure of watching them shine (and their talent at work). Sure, the film has received (valid (open in new tab) criticism for venturing into white savior territory, but it absolutely still has value as a cultural and educational tool.

An adaptation of Solomon Northup's memoir, "12 Years a Slave" is full of frank and horrific violence as free man Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is kidnapped from his happy life and sold as a slave in Louisiana. Director Steve McQueen carefully researched and verified the story to be as true to the actual events as possible. Rape and torture are depicted so unflinchingly that you'll be tempted to look away, but it's important not to. Take a deep breath and dive into this film, which has won multiple Oscars, including Best Picture.

Unfortunately, history often places Malcolm X as the violent counterpart to Martin Luther King, Jr. But as this film proves, there was more to his life than that. Denzel Washington plays the character with nuance and intensity from head to toe, his face radiating anger, power, and energy. Director Spike Lee succeeds in drawing a clear on-screen connection between the Rodney King beating and history, and it is not hard to see that connection continuing through 2020.

The Oscar-winning film does an impressive job of spotlighting another story previously lost to history. The 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first exclusively black regiments in the Union Army, is regularly undervalued and disparaged despite its heroic service in the Civil War. Now, more than 20 years later, the film is known primarily for its ending. It's not a perfect story (opens in new tab), and at times it leans toward a white savior, but the thoughtful performances throughout the film are worth watching. In fact, Denzel Washington won his first Oscar for "Glory."

If you know the rap group N.W.A., its members Eazy E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and their songs, this film is for you. And if you are unfamiliar with their work, this film is definitely for you: set in California in the 1980s and '90s, the film does a great job of explaining how their music and musicians embraced the zeitgeist and black experience of the time The film is a unique portrait of the rise and fall of the group. It is a unique and personal story of the rise and fall of the group, but it has a universal message of systemic racism and injustice. [It is a powerful and often frank portrayal of the career of the first black major leaguer, Jackie Robinson (the amazing Chadwick Boseman before the Black Panthers). And it is truly there, right down to the graphic smears. Boseman's Robinson is resilient and quiet, occasionally bursting with deep emotion, and beautiful to watch. Equally beautiful is his spectacular baseball performance: even if you have no interest in the sport, the way he dominates on the field is awe-inspiring.

You may have heard of this movie, as Mary J. Blige became the first person to be nominated for an Oscar for both singing and acting in the same year (2017). But the epic story is as impressive as her accomplishments: two families struggle against social and racial injustice in the post-World War II South, and sometimes against each other. She does not gloss over racism or gloss over the story, and she addresses the trauma of war with equal intelligence. The issues are as relevant today as they were then.

Based on the award-winning play of the same name, the film features a brilliant performance by legendary actor Sidney Poitier. (The original play was released in 1961.) Though a bit dated now, it paved the way for an honest story about a black family. In this film, the Younger family receives $10,000 in insurance money after the death of the patriarch. What should they do with that money? Is change and opportunity possible for them? [The Colorado Springs Police Department's first black detective impersonates a white man to go after the KKK gang and make an immediate impact. Spike Lee's third film on this list is perhaps his most overtly funny and one of his most impactful (it won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay). John David Washington (Denzel's son, and an excellent one himself) has perfect chemistry with Adam Driver as a white detective who goes directly undercover with the Klan. No need to leap to the current political climate.