15 Best Martin Luther King Jr. Movies and TV Shows to Watch on MLK Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on January 20th and there have been many documentaries, movies and TV shows made about the iconic civil rights leader.

From films like director MLK/X', there are plenty of movies and TV shows to watch to learn more about King's life and contributions.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Moviefone is counting down the 15 best movies and TV shows about the civil rights leader, his family and his legacy.

Let's begin!

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15. 'Selma, Lord, Selma' (1999)

In 1965 Alabama, an 11 year old girl (Jurnee Smollett) is touched by a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. and becomes a devout follower. But her resolution is tested when she s others in the famed march from Selma to Montgomery.

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14. 'Path to War' (2002)

A powerful drama of soaring ambition and shattered dreams that takes a provocative insider's look at the way the USA goes to war—as seen from inside the LBJ (Michael Gambon) White House leading up to and during the Vietnam War.

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13. 'King in the Wilderness' (2018)

A chronicle of the final chapters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, revealing a conflicted leader who faced an onslaught of criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.

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12. 'In the Hour of Chaos' (2016)

Documentary film about the life and trials of the Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. ("Daddy King"), father of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

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11. 'Bringing King to China' (2011)

'Bringing King to China' is a father's "love letter" to his adult daughter, a young American woman struggling to bring Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of nonviolence to China, and then back to the United States.

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10. 'All the Way' (2016)

JFK's assassination, through the fight to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and his own presidential campaign, culminating on the night LBJ is actually elected to the office – no longer the 'accidental President.'

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9. 'We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest' (2020)

Every year, hundreds of children from pre-K through 12th grade take the stage at the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest, a public speaking competition where they perform poetry and speeches inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The film covers the months leading up to the 40th annual festival, as schools across the city send their top-placing students to compete. It is a portrait of young people raising their voices about issues they care about and of the unique community that celebrates and s them.

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8. 'I Am MLK Jr.' (2018)

This feature documentary deeply explores Dr. King, his experience, his legacy and the Movement at large through key events – The Montgomery Bus Boycott, The Birmingham Campaign, March on Washington, the Selma Movement and Assassination and Legacy.

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7. 'Our Friend, Martin' (1999)

'Our Friend, Martin' is a 1999 animated children's educational film about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American civil rights movement. Two friends travel through time, meeting Dr. King at several points during his life. It featured an all-star voice cast and was nominated for an Emmy award in 1999 for Outstanding Animated Program.

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6. 'King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis' (1970)

Constructed from a wealth of archival footage, the documentary follows Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from 1955 to 1968, in his rise from regional activist to world-renowned leader of the Civil Rights movement. Rare footage of King's speeches, protests, and arrests are interspersed with scenes of other high-profile ers and opponents of the cause, punctuated by heartfelt testimonials by some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

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5.'Genius: MLK/X' (2024)

The fourth season chronicles the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. (Aaron Pierre).

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4. 'MLK/FBI' (2021)

Based on newly declassified files, the film explores the US government’s surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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3. 'Betty and Coretta' (2013)

The widows of Martin Luther King (Mary J. Blige) and how they carry on as single mothers after the assassination of their husbands.

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2. 'Boycott' (2001)

This made-for-TV movie dramatizes the historic boycott of public buses in the 1950s, led by civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Jeffrey Wright).

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1. 'Selma' (2015)

'Selma,' as in Alabama, the place where segregation in the South was at its worst, leading to a march that ended in violence, forcing a famous statement by President Lyndon B. Johnson (David Oyelowo plays Martin Luther King Jr.