David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Selma'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Selma'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

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!


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

1999's 'Selma, Lord, Selma'. Photo: Walt Disney Television.

1999's 'Selma, Lord, Selma'. Photo: Walt Disney Television.

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.

Selma, Lord, Selma

Selma, Lord, Selma

G1 hr 34 min Jan 17th, 1999

In 1965 Alabama, an 11 year old girl is touched by a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. and becomes a devout follower. But her resolution is tested when she s... Read the Plot


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.

Path to War

Path to War

67
Not Yet Rated2 hr 45 min May 18th, 2002


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.

King in the Wilderness

King in the Wilderness

"When his dream for American became a nightmare"
Not Yet Rated1 hr 51 min Apr 2nd, 2018


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.

In the Hour of Chaos

In the Hour of Chaos

Not Yet Rated1 hr 47 min Jan 15th, 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. Read the Plot


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.

Bringing King to China

Bringing King to China

Not Yet Rated1 hr 25 min Jan 1st, 2011


10. 'All the Way' (2016)

(L to R) Anthony Mackie as Martin Luther King Jr. and Bryan Cranston as President Lyndon B. Johnson in 'All the Way'. Photo: HBO Films.

(L to R) Anthony Mackie as Martin Luther King Jr. and Bryan Cranston as President Lyndon B. Johnson in 'All the Way'. Photo: HBO Films.

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.'

All the Way

All the Way

"Politics is war."
67
Not Yet Rated2 hr 12 min May 21st, 2016
Showtimes & Tickets


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.


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.

I Am MLK Jr.

I Am MLK Jr.

Not Yet Rated1 hr 31 min Apr 4th, 2018
Showtimes & Tickets


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.

Our Friend, Martin

Our Friend, Martin

NR

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... Read the Plot


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.


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

Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Genius: MLK/X.' Photo: National Geographic/Richard DuCree.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Genius: MLK/X.' Photo: National Geographic/Richard DuCree.

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

Genius

Genius

"Martin Luther King Jr / Malcolm X. Two minds, one movement."
77
NR4 Seasons April 25th, 2017


4. 'MLK/FBI' (2021)

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

MLK/FBI

Not Yet Rated1 hr 44 min Jan 15th, 2021
Showtimes & Tickets


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.

Betty and Coretta

Betty and Coretta

"Together they kept the dream alive."
Not Yet Rated1 hr 30 min Feb 2nd, 2013


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).

Boycott

Boycott

"The Story of Martin Luther King and One Act of Defiance That Changed a Nation"
PG1 hr 58 min Feb 24th, 2001


1. 'Selma' (2015)

(Center) David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Selma'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

(Center) David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Selma'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

'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.

Selma

"One dream can change the world."
74
PG-132 hr 7 min Jan 9th, 2015
Showtimes & Tickets