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Stream 'Selma' this MLK, Jr. Day.
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In just 39 years of life, King spearheaded the Civil Rights Movement, gifted the world with his powerful words, and fought for justice till the very end. His legacy is still one we’re feeling the effects of today; his iconic speeches, letters, and activism have remained a landmark of American history, and it’s not hard to see why. As a result, movies about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life abound.
To help you observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we’ve rounded up the six best Martin Luther King, Jr. movies that honor the principles of equality and empowerment he dedicated his life to. From standout dramatic interpretations to riveting documentaries that chronicle just how much he sacrificed for the cause, these films will remind you of just how lucky the world was to have him and how resonant his words remain today.
Watch documentaries like King in the Wilderness and The March to hear from Dr. King himself with awe-inspiring interview footage and understand him through the people that worked alongside him in. Experience just how effective a historical drama can be with Ava DuVernay’s striking Selma. Whichever one you choose to watch, these seven Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. movies will help you tap into the hope, solemnity, and reverence that his national holiday ought to be filled with.
'Selma'
Selma, Ava DuVernay’s award-winning drama, tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s efforts to achieve equal voting rights with the historic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Featuring awe-inspiring performances from David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, and the rest of the star-studded cast, the movie Selma is a feat of filmmaking and one of the most well-reviewed movies about Martin Luther King, Jr.
'King in the Wilderness'
Another top movie about Martin Luther King, Jr’s legacy, King in the Wilderness, offers real-life narrative to those non-fiction lovers hoping to see the real thing. HBO’s stunning documentary chronicles the little-known final years of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life in breathtaking fashion, utilizing archival footage and interviews with the people closest to him to offer new insight. Directed by Peter Kunhardt, it’s a long overdue, closer look at this hero and the sacrifices he made. This documentary on Dr. King’s final days is totally necessary for history buffs and casual viewers alike. King in the Wilderness grabs onto you and holds on tight for its entire two hour running time.
'The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306'
This harrowing half-hour documentary about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination was nominated for an Academy Award, and it’s not difficult to see why – it’s truly a masterpiece. The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306 recounts the day that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968 and the Reverend Samuel “Billy” Kyles, the man who was standing beside him when he was shot. Reverend Kyles brings that day back to life through his own testimony and paints an incredibly powerful portrait of the last hours of MLK’s life.
'King: Man of Peace in a Time of War'
If you’re looking for a Martin Luther King, Jr. movie with more of Dr. King himself, King: Man of Peace in a Time of War will be right up your alley. The hourlong documentary features a rare, candid television interview with Martin Luther King, Jr., unseen for forty years. Listening to King discuss the issues that matter to him is a fitting tribute to this leader, and with additional input from Jesse Jackson and Colin Powell, the movie presents a unique, intimate depiction of the man in his own words.
'In Remembrance of Martin'
‘In Remembrance of Martin’ is a no-nonsense, classic PBS Documentary about Dr. King’s life and legacy. This Martin Luther King, Jr. movie offers interviews from King’s community, including Coretta Scott King, Jimmy Carter, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and John Lewis. This hourlong doc was taped in 1986, so it’s a bit lo-fi, especially when measured against more recent historical dramas like Selma. However, this special archives an intimate oral history of MLK’s life that no other movie can offer.
'King: A Filmed Record; From Montgomery to Memphis'
Finally, the documentary ‘King: A Filmed Record; From Montgomery’ to Memphis aggregates archival footage to tell the story of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s trajectory from activist to the leader of a national revolution. ‘King’ is one of the more epic Martin Luther King, Jr. movies out there: its three-hour duration requires a bit of commitment. But the historical footage and heart-rending first person accounts this movie is filled will make it a riveting three hours.
Where to stream King: A Filmed Record; From Montgomery to Memphis
