Movies with Inspiring Black Girls and Women

Hollywood has made some progress toward diversity in films, but it's not enough. Fortunately, there are movies with inspiring Black role models who positively affect girls' ideas of their self-worth. From Tiana, the first Black Disney princess, to Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater, the hardworking heroines in these films work hard and overcome adversity to accomplish their goals. Some of these titles might need more parental input when tough topics like racism and enslavement come up. But ultimately they provide kids with messages of strength and perseverance. For more fantastic picks, check out our lists of Great Movies with Black Characters, TV Shows with Black Leads, and Movies with Strong Female Characters.

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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)
Cinderella (1997) Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Cinderella (1997)

age 5+

Musical take on classic fairy tale is an inclusion landmark.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)
The Princess and the Frog Poster Image
MOVIE

The Princess and the Frog

age 6+

First African American Disney princess is a good role model.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Akeelah and the Bee Movie Poster: Akeelah stands at a microphone in a pink shirt, with various other characters' faces above her
MOVIE

Akeelah and the Bee

age 8+

Inspiring drama about a young spelling champ has swearing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Amazing Grace Poster Image
MOVIE

Amazing Grace

age 8+

Aretha documentary has soaring music but no narration.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
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)
Dr. Dolittle 3 Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Dolittle 3

age 8+

Positive messages throughout tween-friendly animal comedy.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey Poster Image
MOVIE

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

age 8+

Christmas musical has imagination, positivity, diversity.

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

The Wiz

age 8+

1970s all-Black remake has positive messages, violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1978)
Woman in Motion Poster Image
MOVIE

Woman in Motion

age 8+

Docu about role model Nichelle Nichols inspires, delights.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
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)
Becoming Poster Image
MOVIE

Becoming

age 9+

Enlightening journey with Michelle Obama on her book tour.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
We Are the Radical Monarchs Poster Image
MOVIE

We Are the Radical Monarchs

age 9+

Docu about girls' social justice troop inspires all ages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Hidden Figures Poster Image
MOVIE

Hidden Figures

age 10+

Inspiring true story of African American women at NASA.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia Poster Image
MOVIE

Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia

age 10+

Biopic has positive messages, some violence.

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

Ruby Bridges

age 10+

Historical drama lacks subtlety but has positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
A Wrinkle in Time Poster Image
MOVIE

A Wrinkle in Time

age 10+

Inclusive but imperfect take on classic story of hope, love.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
All In: The Fight for Democracy Poster Image
MOVIE

All In: The Fight for Democracy

age 11+

Powerful docu about the need to protect voters' rights.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Betty & Coretta Poster Image
MOVIE

Betty & Coretta

age 11+

Moving tribute to two civil rights widows' legacies.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Coded Bias Poster Image
MOVIE

Coded Bias

age 11+

Must-see docu about tech bias has some strong language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)