Here are some movies about racial injustice that you can watch for free

Watch these important stories for free on a number of popular streaming services

by Cameron Faulkner

Jun 11, 2020, 4:11 PM UTC

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A still taken from Selma.

Image: Paramount Pictures

Cameron Faulkner is an editor covering deals and gaming hardware. He joined in 2018, and after a two-year stint at Polygon, he rejoined The Verge in May 2025.

Several films that feature a cast of predominantly black actors — many of which were directed by black filmmakers — are available to rent for free (some are in 4K, too) through many streaming services, including iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNow, and YouTube. This promotion comes amid recent Black Lives Matter protests taking place all over the world seeking justice for the killing of George Floyd by police in Minnesota, as well as an end to racial inequality and police brutality against black people.

If you’re going to make time to watch a movie, consider one of these. The spread of genres means there’s something for everyone, and each is an important story that, in their own ways, highlights the systemic and institutionalized racism against black people that continues to exist all over the US.

We’ll be keeping an updated list of films that usually cost a few dollars to rent below, including where you can watch them for free. If you’re looking for more movies that are free right now, including deeper cuts than what’s below and acclaimed documentaries, Film School Rejects has a fantastic list you should check out.