10 Must-Watch Documentaries That Break Down the Legacy of Black Hollywood

Black Hollywood has shaped every part of the industry — from comedy clubs and TV screens to horror flicks and Oscar stages.

These 10 documentaries spotlight the creators, moments, and movements that changed the game. Some honor the pioneers who demanded to be seen, others unpack the cultural shifts that redefined genres. Together, they offer a powerful lens into the legacy, laughter, pain, and brilliance behind Black storytelling — both on screen and behind it.

1. Is That Black Enough for You?!? (2022)

Director: Elvis Mitchell
A bold and personal documentary that centers Black cinema of the 1970s — and how it shaped culture, redefined storytelling, and challenged Hollywood norms.

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2. Hollywood Black (2024)

Produced by: Justin Simien | Based on the book by Donald Bogle
This four-part docuseries traces the journey of Black talent from the earliest days of Hollywood to the present — raw, expansive, and deeply insightful.

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3. They Gotta Have Us (2018)

Creator: Simon Frederick
A powerful series featuring interviews with industry legends like Harry Belafonte, John Boyega, and Debbie Allen. It explores the creative fight for space and respect in Hollywood.

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4. Number One on the Call Sheet 

Directed: Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch
Coming soon — this film will spotlight the rise of Black leading actors and their cultural influence, proving that we’ve always been more than “supporting roles.”

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5. Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy

Director: Reginald Hudlin
Chronicling how Guy Torry’s Phat Tuesdays comedy show created space for Black comedians in Hollywood — this doc celebrates raw talent, resilience, and representation.

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6. See It Loud: The History of Black Television (2023)

Executive Producers: LeBron James & Maverick Carter
From Good Times to Abbott Elementary, this five-part docuseries looks at the cultural impact of Black television — the shows that shaped us and the stories that stuck.

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7. Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror

Director: Xavier Burgin
A gripping look at Black representation in horror, from early stereotypes to the powerful shift brought by films like Get Out. Required viewing for genre lovers.

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8. Black Comedy in America (2024)

From: The History Channel
This comprehensive docuseries dives into the roots and evolution of Black comedy — from vaudeville to viral. It’s about how humor has always been a survival tool, a weapon, and a spotlight for truth.

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9. Disclosure (2020)

Director: Sam Feder
A critical look at trans representation in media — and how Black trans creatives like Laverne Cox are challenging the industry to do better and dig deeper.

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10. All Jokes Aside: Black Women in Comedy

A VH1 original documentary that centers the brilliance and barriers of Black women in stand-up — from legends like Moms Mabley to today’s rising stars.

 

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