Want to dive deep into Black History Month? Look no further than these incredible films and TV series produced, directed, and written by talented Black creatives. From ground-breaking dramas to thought-provoking documentaries and hilarious comedies, these productions offer a powerful and insightful exploration of Black culture, history, and experiences.
Whether you're looking for a binge-worthy series or a thought-provoking film, this list has something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by the incredible storytelling and talent on display.
I May Destroy You
Michaela Coel: The Writer Who Changed Television
Available now on BBC iPlayer
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅98%
After a night out in London, writer Arabella's life is turned upside down when fragmented memories force her to confront what really happened. As she tries to rebuild her confidence, friendships and career, the series explores consent, trauma and identity with honesty, humour and surprising warmth.
Created, written by and starring Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You changed the conversation around storytelling on British television. Fearlessly personal and brilliantly written, it's a showcase for one of the UK's most distinctive creative voices
Dreaming Whilst Black
Adjani Salmon: Turning creative struggles into must-watch comedy
Available now on BBC iPlayer
Kwabena dreams of becoming a filmmaker, but between his day job, mounting bills and a lack of industry connections, breaking into television feels almost impossible. Every step forward seems to come with a new setback, forcing him to balance ambition with reality.
Created by and starring Adjani Salmon, Dreaming Whilst Black offers a funny and refreshingly honest look at life as a young Black creative trying to make it in Britain.
Queenie
Candice Carty-Williams: Bringing a generation's story to screen
Watch on Channel 4
Following a painful break-up, Queenie Jenkins finds herself caught between family expectations, friendships, work pressures and a search for her own identity. The result is messy, emotional and often laugh-out-loud funny.
Adapted from the bestselling novel by Candice Carty-Williams, Queenie captures modern life for a young Black British woman with warmth and humour, creating a character viewers can't help but root for.
Champion
Candice Carty-Williams: Celebrating Britain's music scene
Available on BBC iPlayer
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When rap sensation Bosco Champion is released from prison, he's ready to reclaim his place at the top of the music scene. But as his younger sister Vita begins stepping into the spotlight herself, sibling rivalry threatens to change both of their futures.
Created by Candice Carty-Williams, Champion dives into family loyalty, ambition and South London's music culture, giving centre stage to Black British stories rarely explored on mainstream television.
Small Axe
Steve McQueen: Telling stories from Britain's recent past
Available on BBC iPlayer
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From a community's fight against police harassment in Mangrove to the unforgettable house-party atmosphere of Lovers Rock, Small Axe tells five powerful stories inspired by the experiences of London's Caribbean community across several decades.
Created by Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen, the anthology shines a light on moments of resistance, joy, love and community that helped shape modern Britain.
Rye Lane
Raine Allen-Miller: A fresh voice in British film
Available on ITVX
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What starts as an awkward chance encounter in a South London gallery quickly turns into a whirlwind day across the city. Recently dumped Dom and free-spirited Yas spend hours sharing relationship disasters, revisiting old wounds and questioning whether they're truly over their exes.
Directed by Raine Allen-Miller in her feature film debut, Rye Lane brings a fresh perspective to the romantic comedy, filled with vibrant visuals, sharp humour and plenty of love for South London.
Mr Loverman
Bernardine Evaristo: From award-winning novel to must-watch drama
Available on BBC iPlayer
Barrington Walker appears to be living a conventional life. He's been married for decades, has grown-up daughters and is a well-known figure in his community. But behind closed doors, he's hiding a secret that has shaped his entire adult life.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Bernardine Evaristo, Mr Loverman is a funny, moving and deeply human story about identity, love and finally living life on your own terms.
Attack the Block (2011)
John Boyega: From South London hero to global star
Available on Channel 4
Rotten Tomatoes: 🍅96%
When aliens invade a South London housing estate, a group of teenagers find themselves on the front line. Led by Moses, they must protect their neighbourhood from increasingly dangerous creatures while evading police and outrunning chaos at every turn.
The film introduced audiences to John Boyega, whose breakout performance helped make Attack the Block one of Britain's most memorable sci-fi comedies. More than a decade later, it remains a cult favourite thanks to its action, humour and unique South London setting.
Three Little Birds
Sir Lenny Henry: Bringing Windrush stories to a new generation
Watch now on ITVX
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Following sisters Leah and Chantrelle as they leave Jamaica for Britain in the 1950s, Three Little Birds explores love, opportunity and the realities waiting for them on arrival. As they build new lives, they face challenges that test family bonds, friendships and their hopes for the future.
Created by Sir Lenny Henry and inspired by stories from his own family history, the series offers a moving look at the experiences of the Windrush Generation while celebrating the communities they helped build.
That's just the tip of the iceberg! Fancy some iconic biopics? Or just in the mood for some films to watch? We've got you covered! And, if you want even moreeee recommendations (and our are veryyy good) sign up to the Freely newsletter to get them delivered straight to your inbox... Trust us, you won't regret it...
