3 Must-See Movies to Watch on Juneteenth

Juneteenth isn't just the day slavery ended in the United States. The holiday is one of the most important days on the calendar to celebrate Black culture and the people and events that shaped Black American history.

These movies are perfect for uplifting the human spirit this Juneteenth. They are the ideal mix of education and entertainment value for people who want to remember the difficulties and the triumphs of those who came before us.

Harriet - 2019

Harriet Tubman is one of the most important women in the history of the United States. She famously used the Underground Railroad to transport slaves to safety and free them from the horrific lives inflicted on them by the country.

In Harriet, Cynthia Erivo plays this iconic historical figure with class, grace, and power in this fascinating biopic. She was nominated for Best Actress for her performance in the film. Other great actors include Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monáe.

BlacKkKlansman - 2018

While Do the Right Thing may be Spike Lee's most famous directorial effort, BlacKkKlansman is the more apt film for Juneteenth. The first Black detective in the history of Colorado Springs does whatever it takes to reveal the evil of the KKK during the 1970s. The movie is steeped in the history of the Klan's violence, dating back to the abolitionist era, making it a film that examines the Klan's modern and historical implications.

12 Years a Slave - 2013

One of the most acclaimed movies of the 2010s, 12 Years a Slave, tells the story of a free Black man from New York whose life turns into a nightmare when he is tricked into taking a job offer in Washington, D.C. That employment opportunity was a false claim, and he is forced into slavery in the American South.

Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the lead role. Other actors include Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch. Brad Pitt produced the film, and Steve McQueen directed it in what was one of the most awarded movies of the early part of the decade.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 2:21 PM.