Black History on the Screen: Dance, Games & Sports

Whether you're watching or participating, dance, games, and sports have always been critical sources of cultural influence. Nothing brings a community together quite like a competition, from the competitors themselves and the coaches pushing them forward, to the families and supporters cheering from the sidelines. Black athletes and players have made their mark in all areas of competition, whether challenging prejudiced barriers to participate, achieving groundbreaking "firsts," or setting new high records. Choose from the movies and TV shows on this list to honor Black triumphs and achievements in dance, games, and sports. And when you're done here, come back to discover more Black history in arts, business and culture; activism, civics, and social justice; and science, technology, engineering, and math.

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Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story Poster Image
MOVIE

Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story

age 5+

Inspirational animated tale of famous black ballerina soars.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Cool Runnings Poster Image
MOVIE

Cool Runnings

age 8+

Delightful, tween-friendly story of Jamaican bobsledders.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Poster Image
MOVIE

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

age 8+

Inspirational docu has positive messages, role models.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
In Search of Greatness Poster Image
MOVIE

In Search of Greatness

age 8+

Insightful sports docu connects passion, play to genius.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Your Attention Please Poster Image
TV

Your Attention Please

age 8+

Unapologetic tour of Afro-aesthetics; fab docu for all.

Network: Hulu (2020)
A Ballerina's Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

A Ballerina's Tale

age 9+

Engrossing dance docu introduces powerful role model.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar Poster Image
MOVIE

The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar

age 9+

By-the-book yet inspiring biopic of superstar gymnast.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Citizen Ashe Poster Image
MOVIE

Citizen Ashe

age 10+

Inspiring documentary about Black tennis player/activist.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
From the Rough Poster Image
MOVIE

From the Rough

age 10+

Solid sports tale has positive messages, feel-good themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
I Am Bolt Poster Image
MOVIE

I Am Bolt

age 10+

Winning docu celebrates world's fastest man; mild cursing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Queen of Katwe Poster Image
MOVIE

Queen of Katwe

age 10+

Inspiring true tale of girl Ugandan chess champ.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Remember the Titans Poster Image
MOVIE

Remember the Titans

age 10+

Inspiring football drama brings history to life.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2000)
Sisters on Track Poster Image
MOVIE

Sisters on Track

age 10+

Inspiring docu about track star sisters has mature themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Step Poster Image
MOVIE

Step

age 10+

Dance gives teen girls focus, power in moving documentary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Woodlawn Poster Image
MOVIE

Woodlawn

age 10+

Heartwarming fact-based drama about faith, race, football.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Zion Poster Image
TV

Zion

age 10+

Exceptional short docu tells teen's story of perseverance.

Network: Netflix (2018)
42 Movie Poster
MOVIE

42

age 11+

Feel-good Jackie Robinson biopic is simplistic but positive.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
The League Movie Poster: A baseball jersey and gear are pictured, with the words "The League" in black
MOVIE

The League

age 11+

Insightful, informative Black baseball docu; violent images.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Runner Poster Image
MOVIE

Runner

age 11+

Stirring, inspiring sports docu about overcoming adversity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Safety Poster Image
MOVIE

Safety

age 11+

Emotional, intense, inspiring true tale of family, teamwork.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)