Hulu is home to some of the most excellent TV and movies. Viewers will find a wealth of different offerings, including some incredible Black movies and TV shows. When it comes to enjoying all that Hulu has to offer, the hard part can be finding the perfect movie or show to enjoy. So if you’re looking for some of the most amazing Black movies on Hulu to stream tonight, we have the list to help you narrow it down. We’re exploring our top ten picks for must-watch black movies on Hulu, particularly those that fall into the hidden treasure category. Let’s jump in!

The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)

Billie Holiday was a pioneer in many ways. “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday,” explores Billie Holiday’s struggles as she was repeatedly silenced and harassed, first by the FBN (Federal Bureau of Narcotics), under then-director Anslinger, and then later by the FBI.

Starring Andra Day, Trevante Rhodes, Garrett Hedlund, Leslie Jordan, and Miss Lawrence, among others, this film explores the lengths that government officials went to suppress and silence Billie Holiday, the struggles that she and others around her faced, and her life. You can watch the trailer here.

Bad Hair (2020)

“Bad Hair,” starring Elle Lorraine, takes the concept of a bad hair day to new extremes. In so doing, the film also explores heavy topics surrounding how black women face struggles to fit in and are often made to feel that they must forgo their natural hair in favor of more commonly accepted hairstyles in order to be successful in the workplace.

In “Bad Hair,” Anna, played by Elle Lorraine, navigates the often-complex, and sometimes exploitative world of the entertainment industry, working at a television station. When she is told to adopt a new hair style and adopts a weave, her career begins to move forward, but soon, it’s revealed that her weave holds a mysterious and chilling secret. You can watch the trailer here.

Aftershock (2022)

Black women in the United States face a disproportionate amount of danger in childbirth — which can be three times as dangerous when compared to white women. The documentary film, “Aftershock” attempts to shed light on the crisis unfolding in America today; the mortality rate, when compared to other developed nations in particular, for women giving birth is alarmingly high in the first place, across all ethnicities.

For black women, this number is even higher than for any other ethnic group. “Aftershock,” directed by Tonya Lewis Lee, and Paula Eiselt, features Omari Maynard and Bruce McIntyre, who lost their partners to childbirth complications, and explores their efforts to effect change amid this crisis. You can watch the trailer here.

MLK/FBI (2020)

Martin Luther King Jr., was a major force in the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. His message of peace, anti-racism, unity, and nonviolence endures as a crucial facet of many American civil rights movements of today. However, he faced incredible challenges — not the least of which being that he was targeted by the FBI, under the leadership of then-director J. Edgar Hoover.

While it’s been long known that the FBI targeted Dr. king, this documentary takes a closer look, using now-declassified files, to illuminate the ways in which the FBI attempted to undermine Dr. King and his message of peace through vilification, spying, harassment, and more. You can watch the trailer here.

Summer of Soul (2021)

“Summer of Soul” takes a deep dive into the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which saw some of the most well-known acts of the time — including The 5th dimension, and Stevie Wonder, as well as Sly and the Family Stone, and many others.

The documentary pulls together footage from the time, interviews with some of the people who were there, and clips from the news at the time to create a comprehensive look at this incredible festival that, despite presenting a number of very well known entertainers, was relatively overlooked, especially compared with the Woodstock festival that happened around the same time during the same year. You can watch the trailer here.

Antwone Fisher (2002)

“Antwone Fisher,” named for its main character, is inspired by the real Antwone Fisher’s autobiography, “Finding Fish.” Antwone Fisher led a difficult existence as he grew up, and suffered ongoing abuse for years, which would leave a lasting impact on him for the rest of his life. “Antwone Fisher,” follows his story as he begins to attend therapy at the orders of his commanding officer in the Navy.

Starring Derek Luke, Joy Bryant, and Denzel Washington, this 2002 masterpiece follows Antwone’s story as he seeks closure and to improve his life despite the incredible odds stacked against him. The film deals with a number of heavy themes, including a foster care system that has disproportionate negative effects on Black youth. You can watch the trailer here.

Belly (1998)

Finding some of the older Black movies on Hulu can be difficult, but “Belly” is a late 1990’s crime drama that mad the cut, and since its premiere two decades ago, it has since become a cult classic. Featuring starring appearances from both Nas and DMX, the film follows Bunds and Sincere, two friends who quickly become powerful forces in the local drug trade. However, the film soon shows how dangerous the criminal underground can truly be, and matters become increasingly escalated.

Ultimately, both Bund and Sincere want nothing more than to leave a violent life of crime behind them, after suffering immense trauma and loss. The film explores some heavy themes, including the effects of poverty and a corrupt criminal justice system on local communities. You can watch the trailer here.

Man on Fire (2004)

When John Creasy (played by Denzel Washington,) who is an ex-CIA officer-turned-bodyguard, begins to bond with his new charge — a young girl named Pita, it seems as though he’s found a path toward healing and overcoming his demons. When Pita is kidnapped against his best efforts, so begins his one man war on those responsible.

“Man on Fire” is a classic action flick, packed with everything viewers have come to expect from high-octane thrillers. The film touches on some heavy issues, such as corruption and mental health struggles of veterans, while offering viewers the simple catharsis of seeing someone take on evil in the world. You can watch the trailer here.

Whose Streets? (2017)

“Whose Streets” takes a deep look into the 2014 killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Directed by Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis, the documentary brings real life footage, interviews, and stories together to bring a more comprehensive look at the killing and the movement that it sparked.

In an interview with Filmmaker Magazine, Sabaah Folayan expressed a desire to “get to the truth and to positive dialogue.” in creating the film, and the film offers a rare and comprehensive look at a complex range of issues that surround the death of Michael Brown and others like him. You can watch the trailer here.

Find More on Black Oak TV

Whether you’re looking for more articles detailing the Black movies on Hulu, or if you’re looking for a list of the classic Black love movies on Netflix, you’ve come to the right place. For more articles like this one, deep dives, and everything Black in entertainment, TV, and film, look no further than Black Content Review, our review and newsletter that explores Black voices in the entertainment industry.

Watching these masterpieces on Hulu is a great way to support Black creators, including writers, actors, musicians, and directors. For an amazing selection of even more Black TV shows and movies, don’t hesitate to get started with Black Oak TV!