10 Best Movies About African Slavery You Should See

The African experience of slavery, particularly through the lens of the Transatlantic slave trade, reveals the far-reaching impact of slavery on African societies and the lasting trauma felt by the African diaspora. For over four centuries, millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homes, sold into slavery, and transported across the Atlantic to work on plantations and in other industries in the Americas. This history of African slavery devastated many regions within Africa, both through human loss and profound economic disruption.

The Transatlantic slave trade disrupted social structures and destabilised communities, creating a culture of fear and mistrust. Families were torn apart, and generations of Africans were denied their freedom and subjected to unspeakable brutality and inhumane treatment. This slave trade’s unique scale and brutality created effects that reverberated through African societies, the Americas, and beyond, forming a painful legacy that still impacts African communities worldwide.

Economic and Social Impacts on African Societies

The slave trade’s economic effects were devastating, as able-bodied, skilled individuals were forcibly removed from communities, leaving a labour shortage that led to economic stagnation. This dependency contributed to Africa’s underdevelopment and impoverishment in subsequent years and created a reliance on European colonial powers. For many African societies, this history of African slavery has meant long-lasting challenges in economic and social recovery, shaping present-day dynamics.

It’s important to note that forms of slavery existed in African history before the arrival of Europeans. However, the Transatlantic slave trade was unique in its scale and brutality, leaving profound and lasting effects on African societies and their descendants across the diaspora.

The Role of Movies in Educating About African Slavery

Movies have a powerful impact on their viewers, providing educational insight into the history of slavery and its enduring impact on African American and African diaspora communities. Films about African slavery can raise awareness of the brutal conditions and human rights violations enslaved people endured, helping audiences understand the emotional and psychological trauma that persists for descendants today.

Approaching these films with critical thinking and an understanding of their historical and cultural context allows viewers to appreciate the different perspectives they offer. Movies can help foster a deeper connection with the experiences of Africans who were forced into slavery and highlight the legacy of slavery in Africa and the diaspora.

Here are ten impactful movies about African slavery, each offering unique insights into the experience of slavery, its historical contexts, and its lasting impact:

Mandingo (1975) 

 ‘Mandingo’ is a perfect one to lead this list of movies about African slavery. It is a 1975 American film directed by Richard Fleischer and based on the novel of the same name by Kyle Onstott. The movie is set in the 1840s and depicts the life of a wealthy plantation owner named Warren Maxwell (played by James Mason) and his family, who own a plantation in the Deep South of the United States.

The film’s plot centers around Maxwell’s obsession with breeding and training his male slaves to become skilled fighters, who engage in brutal and deadly matches in front of an audience of wealthy plantation owners. Maxwell’s main fighter is a slave named Mede (played by Ken Norton), who he sees as a valuable asset to his plantation.

Roots (1977) 

‘Roots’ is a 1977 American miniseries based on the novel ‘Roots: The Saga of an American Family’ by Alex Haley. The series traces the history of Haley’s family from the mid-18th century when Kunta Kinte (played by LeVar Burton) was captured in Gambia and sold into slavery in the United States, to the post-Civil War era when his descendants gained their freedom.

The series was groundbreaking at the time of its release for its unflinching depiction of slavery and its impact on African American families. It was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards, including nine Emmy Awards. The series also had a significant impact on American popular culture and sparked a renewed interest in genealogy and African American history.

‘Roots’ was also notable for its largely black cast and crew, including directors, writers, and actors. It was a significant step forward in representation in Hollywood and paved the way for other groundbreaking works of African American cinema.

Glory (1989) 

‘Glory’ is a 1989 American war drama film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman. The film is based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first all-black regiments to fight in the American Civil War.

The film follows the experiences of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (played by Matthew Broderick), a white officer who is tasked with leading the 54th regiment. The regiment faces numerous challenges, including racism from their own commanders, poor equipment and training, and prejudice and discrimination from their fellow soldiers.

Despite these challenges, the 54th regiment becomes known for their bravery and valor, particularly in their assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina, where they suffered heavy casualties. The film depicts the regiment’s struggles and sacrifices, as well as the impact of their contributions to the Union cause and the eventual emancipation of enslaved people.

‘Glory’, one of the best movies about African slavery you should see was a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards, for Best Supporting Actor (Denzel Washington), Best Cinematography, and Best Sound. The film is widely regarded as one of the most important works of African American cinema and a significant contribution to the representation of black soldiers in American history.

Sankofa (1993)  

‘Sankofa’ is a 1993 independent film directed by Haile Gerima. The film follows the story of Mona, a contemporary African-American model who is transported back in time to a plantation in the West Indies during the height of the transatlantic slave trade.

Mona is enslaved on the plantation, and she witnesses the brutal treatment of enslaved Africans by their white masters. She forms a relationship with a fellow slave named Shola, who becomes a leader of a rebellion against their oppressors. Through her experiences, Mona gains a new understanding of the legacy of slavery and the impact it has had on African Americans.

The film’s title, ‘Sankofa,’ is a word from the Akan language of Ghana, which means “to go back and fetch it.” It reflects the film’s themes of the importance of acknowledging and confronting the history of slavery and its ongoing impact on African American culture and identity.

‘Sankofa’ is a powerful and poignant film that challenges viewers to confront the legacy of slavery and its impact on contemporary society. The film was made on a low budget and received limited theatrical distribution but has since gained a cult following and is regarded as an important work of African diaspora cinema.

Amistad (1997) 

‘Amistad’ is a 1997 historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, and Anthony Hopkins. The film is based on the true story of the 1839 mutiny on board the Spanish slave ship La Amistad, and the subsequent legal battle to free the enslaved Africans who revolted.

The film follows the journey of the Amistad captives, who are brought to the United States and put on trial for their mutiny. The case attracts the attention of prominent abolitionists, who help the captives in their legal battle against the Spanish government and the U.S. government.

Through the course of the trial, the film explores the legal and ethical issues surrounding slavery, as well as the complexities of race and identity in America. The film also highlights the bravery and resilience of the captives and their fight for freedom.

‘Amistad,’ one of the best movies about African slavery you should see was a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous accolades, including four Academy Award nominations. The film is widely regarded as an important work of historical fiction and a significant contribution to the representation of slavery and its legacy in American history.

Beloved (1998) 

‘Beloved’ is a 1998 film directed by Jonathan Demme, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Toni Morrison. The film stars Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, and Thandie Newton.

The story follows Sethe, a former slave who lives in Ohio in the 1870s and is haunted by memories of her past as a slave. Sethe is visited by the ghost of her daughter, who she killed when she was an infant in an attempt to spare her from a life of slavery. The ghost, known as ‘Beloved,’ forces Sethe to confront the trauma and guilt of her past.

The film explores the themes of memory, trauma, and the legacy of slavery. It depicts the experiences of enslaved Africans and their struggle for survival and freedom, as well as the impact of slavery on future generations.

‘Beloved’ was a critical and commercial disappointment upon its release, but has since gained a following and is regarded as an important work of African American cinema. The film received numerous accolades, including a Best Actress nomination for Thandie Newton at the Academy Awards.

Django Unchained (2012) 

‘Django Unchained’ is a 2012 film directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film is a Western-style revenge fantasy that tells the story of a freed slave named Django, who teams up with a bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz to rescue his wife from a cruel plantation owner named Calvin Candie.

The film is set in the pre-Civil War era in the United States and explores the themes of slavery, racism, and revenge. It depicts the brutal treatment of enslaved Africans and the violence and injustice of the slave system.

The film received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Tarantino. However, the film was also controversial for its depiction of violence and its use of racial slurs.

Overall, ‘Django Unchained’ is an intense and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to confront the legacy of slavery and the ongoing impact of racism in contemporary society.

12 Years a Slave (2013) 

’12 Years a Slave’ is a 2013 historical drama film directed by Steve McQueen, based on the 1853 memoir ‘Twelve Years a Slave’ by Solomon Northup. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northup, a free man living in upstate New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery.

The film depicts Northup’s harrowing journey as he is transported to the Deep South and sold to various plantation owners, enduring physical and emotional abuse and witnessing the brutal treatment of other enslaved Africans. Through Northup’s story, the film explores the horrors of slavery, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring legacy of racism in American history.

’12 Years a Slave’ is one of the best movies about African slavery. It received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o, and Best Adapted Screenplay for John Ridley. The film is widely regarded as a landmark work of historical fiction that shines a light on the brutal realities of slavery and its ongoing impact on American society.

 The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross (2013) 

‘The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross’ is a six-part documentary series that premiered in 2013 on PBS, hosted by scholar and historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. The series explores the history of African Americans from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the 16th century to the election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States.

The documentary series covers a wide range of topics related to African American history, including the transatlantic slave trade, the American Revolution and the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Through interviews with scholars and historians, archival footage, and reenactments, the series provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the experiences of African Americans, including their struggles against slavery, racism, and discrimination. It is an important resource for anyone interested in understanding the history of African Americans and their ongoing contributions to American society.

Harriet (2019) 

‘Harriet’ is one of the best movies about African slavery. It is a 2019 biographical film directed by Kasi Lemmons, starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman, the African-American abolitionist, and political activist. The film follows Tubman’s journey from enslavement to freedom and her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom in the North.

The film also explores Tubman’s role as a suffragist and her service as a Union spy during the Civil War. Through her story, the film highlights the resilience, courage, and determination of African Americans in the face of slavery and oppression, as well as the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

‘Harriet’ received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its powerful performances, historical accuracy, and inspiring message. It is an important contribution to the representation of African American history in popular culture and a tribute to the legacy of one of America’s most influential and heroic figures.

In summary, the article ‘Best 10 Movies About African Slavery You Should See’ discusses the impact of the Transatlantic slave trade on African societies and communities. It mentions that slavery had devastating effects on Africa, both in terms of human loss and economic disruption. The article also provides a list of ten movies about African slavery that raise awareness of the brutal conditions and human rights violations that slaves endured. The movies offer different perspectives on the experiences of Africans who were forced into slavery and the legacy of slavery in Africa and the diaspora. Some notable movies mentioned include ‘Mandingo,’ ‘Roots,’ ‘Glory,’ and ‘Sankofa.’