An American Tail (1986)
A delightful animated story about a young Jewish-Russian mouse who is separated from his family while emigrating to America. Luckily in New York, other animals help him survive and find his loved ones.
The Best of Enemies (2019)
A remarkable film of hope, daring, and vision about a process whereby enemies -- an African American community organizer and a member of the Ku Klux Klan -- are transformed into friends.
Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
The heart-affecting story of some individuals whose traditional patriotism was ambushed by the Vietnam War and reborn in political protest.
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
A kick-out-the-jams, no-holds-barred examination of America's obsession with guns that concludes it's all about fear.
Buffalo Bill and the Indians (1976)
An exploration of the interface between heroes, hypocrisy, and illusion. What kind of America has been passed on to us by historians? How much of it is fact and how much, fantasy?
Burden (2018)
True story about a black Christian minister who practices love, forgiveness, and reconciliation by befriending a Ku Klux Klan member.
Cesar Chavez (2014)
The journey of Cesar Chavez from migrant worker to American hero as a nonviolent labor leader and civil rights activist.
First Man (2018)
Story of NASA's quest to land a man on the moon and the reluctant hero who took that first historic step.
42 (2013)
A workout for the emotions in the story of Jackie Robinson as a civil rights pioneer in the segregated sport of baseball in the 1940s.
Freedom Writers (2007)
An inspiring drama about an idealistic teacher who breaks down the walls separating her students from each other.
Glory (1989)
A well-researched drama about the formation, training, difficulties, and combat of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, the first black regiment to fight in the Civil War.
Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
A stirring tribute to Edward R. Murrow, played by David Stratham. This pioneering broadcaster who took on Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House un-American Activities Committee's communist witch-hunt.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
An adrenaline-charged World War II story revolving around the nonviolence of a Seventh Day Adventist conscientious objector.
Hamilton (2020)
The original Broadway musical that covers the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his involvement in the political history of the United Sates. The music uses hip hop, R&B, pop, soul, and traditional-style show tunes.
Hidden Figures (2016)
The true story of three patient and patriotic African-American women who make an invaluable contribution to the success of the early space program.
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
A hard-hitting, real life tale of betrayal and racial injustice in the events that led up to the 1969 assassination of young Black Panther Party (BBP) leader Fred Hampton
A League of Their Own (1992)
During World War II, a professional all-female baseball league springs up in the Midwest. Two competitive sisters spar with each other and their grumpy coach, played by Tom Hanks.
Lincoln (2012)
Steven Spielberg’s masterful drama starring Daniel Day-Lewis as President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. We witness his passion, tenacity, and political skills as he works to end the war and insure the passage in the House of Representatives of the 13th amendment to abolish slavery.
Lone Star (1996)
A capacious drama about political, racial, and familial tensions and the changes sparked by memories in a southwest border community.
Marshall (2017)
A rousing courtroom drama about Thurgood Marshall as an ardent NAACP lawyer in a town convulsed by racial hatred of blacks.
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)
A naive youth leader is appointed to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. His idealistic plans promptly collide with corruption at home and subterfuge from his hero in Washington, but forges ahead despite attacks on his character,
The Music Man (1962)
When a traveling con man arrives in River City, he convinces the locals to start a band by purchasing the uniforms and instruments from him. His plans to run off with the money get complicated when he develops feelings for the local librarian.
Neither Wolf Nor Dog (2017)
Based on the novel by Kent Nerburn, this is a road movie featuring conversations with a Lakota elder (wonderfully played by then 95-year-old Dave Bald Eagle) on the tragedies experienced by his people and the lessons of his life.
The Post (2017)
The story behind The Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers exposing government lies.
Ragtime (1982)
A kaleidoscope of tales from E.L. Doctorow's novel about the years 1906 – 1917 in New York City, when capitalism was strong but being attacked by socialism and anarchism, the gap between the rich and the very poor was growing, and calls were being issued for the emancipation of women.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
A drama follows the story of World War II soldiers on a quest to find Private Ryan, whose three brothers have died in battle.
1776 (1972)
The nation's fathers harmonize their way through the founding of America in this musical adapted from a popular Broadway show. The Continental Congress gather in Philadelphia to declare independence.
Selma (2014)
This drama depicts how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. plans and then leads the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965 to secure equal voting rights for Blacks. The film is convincing in its portrayal of how nonviolent action can effect social change.
Sweet Land (2005)
A tender and touching drama about the American immigrant experience. A young German woman arrives in rural Minnesota to marry a Norwegian farmer in 1920. Their story depicts the blooming of love, the powerful hold of place, and poisonous effects on a community of the distrust of outsiders.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
A thought-provoking, and sobering courtroom drama that reveals the breadth and depth of the struggle between traditional and countercultural Americans to define what the nation stands for.
True Grit (2010)
An old-fashioned western about a feisty teenager who hires a boozy lawman to help her avenge the death of her father. They are joined by a Texas Ranger tracking the same man..
12 Years a Slave (2013)
A sobering drama about racism and slavery that will sear your soul and set you thinking about the shadow side of American history.
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Broadway legend George M. Cohan, played by James Cagney, reflects on his life. Flashbacks reveal his success as an actor, writer, director and producer known for songs like "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "You're a Grand Old Flag,"and "Over There."
For documentaries about American history, see the film section of the Practicing Democracy Project.