Walt Disney Studios has developed and published some of the most amazing family movies and series. The company has a complicated history with topics like race and diversity. But in more recent decades, the company has attempted to make up for lost time by embracing diversity in its team, actors, and narratives.
Now, there is a wide selection of Black Disney movies that your family can enjoy on movie night. Even on Disney Plus there are some great movie options.
10 Black Disney Movies for Family Night
Treat your family to a special movie night with these 10 Black Disney movies we think you and your family will love.
1. The Princess and the Frog
In Disney’s retelling of The Princess and the Frog, the story features Tiana, a young Black woman living in New Orleans in the 1920s. In this retelling, the Prince is turned into a frog by a voodoo doctor. Then Tiana is turned into a frog as well. Together, they have an incredible journey that features new friends and great jazz.
2. Soul
Soul is the story of a Black middle school teacher who longs to be a jazz pianist. After auditioning for a famous singer, Mr. Gardner, is offered the job of his dreams. Then, a strange incident traps him in a world between life and the afterlife. His journey back to Earth is a fun adventure for all ages.
3. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
For fairytale fans, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella starring Brandy is a tale you don’t want to miss. Based on the original story, this adaptation features more diversity and a more relatable cast of characters. This version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella even features Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother.
4. Sister Act
Sister Act is a movie that everyone loves. The massive success stars Whoopi Goldberg in her famous role as a choir director for a group of nuns. While under the witness protection program, Deloris (Goldberg), becomes a choir director under Mother Superior. As the choir grows, so does the word of the famous choir director – which becomes a problem due to the inability to conceal her identity.
5. A Wrinkle in Time
Disney’s adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time is something adults and children consistently love. Meg is a Black teenager whose father mysteriously disappears. The movie takes you on a journey with Meg and three wise women who help her solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. The adventure takes Meg and her friends on through time and space.
6. Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans is one of the best feel-good family movies of recent decades. Starring Denzel Washington, the film retells the story of The Titans football team. The true story follows the coach of T.C. Williams High School Football, a Black head coach in a formerly all-white school. On their journey to football history, the story delves into race, diversity, and acceptance.
7. Black Panther
Black Panther has become one of Marvel’s greatest successes. The majority Black cast and Black director made headlines due to the movie being the first mega-budget film in Hollywood to have such. The film is a great combination of the action of the Marvel universe and the family-friendly attitude of Disney films.
8. The Proud Family Movie
If your family were fans of The Proud Family, make sure you’ve seen The Proud Family Movie. First airing in 2011, the movie continues to be popular with fans of classic TV shows. The movie centers around a family cruise that goes horribly wrong.
9. Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures is the true story of three Black women who made history at NASA. In this film, three women in Hampton, Virginia made history and broke down barriers after they solved the calculation that made space travel possible for humans. Their groundbreaking calculation was instrumental in John Glenn being launched into space.
10. Red Tails
Red Tails is a film that tells the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of Black airmen in the United States Army during World War I. The stories of the Airmen are not as publicized, even in Black communities. But that makes it all the more important for families to learn this important part of history. The film features Cuba Gooding, Jr., Michael B. Jordan, Ne-yo, and Terrance Howard.
These 10 Black Disney movies are a great way to enjoy a movie night with your family and friends.
