Black History Month: What to watch on Sky and NOW to celebrate this October Hero Image

Black History Month is upon us and we at Sky are here to celebrate with you – bringing the best movies, TV shows and documentaries to educate and inspire.

Whether it’s a movie musical, a documentary on iconic figures, or a dramatic retelling to keep you entertained, there is something for everyone on our Sky and NOW services.

This year is proving extra special with Naomie Harris – star of Skyfall, The Man Who Fell To Earth, Moonlight and No Time To Die – launching an entertainment special highlighting some of her favourite films and shows as well.

So even if you’re not sure what to watch, we still have you covered.

Here are just some of the things you can watch this month.

Celebrating Black Cinema

Available on Sky Max and NOW

Oscar nominee Naomie Harris delves into her wealth of film knowledge to celebrate Black cinema in style.

Through the course of this entertainment special, Harris curates a special watchlist which showcases her favourite movies, characters and directors from Black cinema.

She’ll explain what each title means to her, what it depicts and why it’s so important.

Untold Stories: Hair On Set

Available on Sky Documentaries & NOW

In this powerful documentary about race, identity and belonging, British actress Fola Evans-Akingbola brings together some of the UK's brightest stars to reveal the untold story of Afro hair on film sets.

During the course of the special, Evans-Akingbola and friends discuss their behind-the-scenes experiences from the hair and make-up chair, and the challenges Black talent regularly face working in TV and film when they’re met with people who aren’t used to dealing with Afro hair.

Among those sharing their experiences is Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel, The End of the F\*king World’s Naomi Ackie, *Star Trek: Discovery’s David Ajala and The Good Doctor’s Antonia Thomas.

Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

Available on Sky Documentaries & NOW

This three-part documentary series chronicling the personal and political journey of Barack Obama.

Starting from his upbringing from a single-parent background on the streets of Chicago, the series follows Obama’s elevation all the way through to becoming the 44th President of the United States.

The series digs into the highs and lows of his career, including the triumphs and defeats he faced while in office.

Tina

Available on Sky Documentaries & NOW

This special documentary documents the incredible life of the Queen of Rock n Roll: Tina Turner.

From humble beginnings, Tina’s meteoric rise to iconic status came with its own fair share of struggles – including issues as a result of her race, and her turbulent relationship with her husband, Ike.

The film tracks the makings of a global superstar and an intimate portrait of a woman who overcame extreme adversity to define her career, her identity and her legacy on her own terms.

Kings From Queens: The Run DMC Story

Available on Sky Documentaries & NOW

Three guys from Hollis, Queens, two turntables and a microphone were all that was needed to create the legendary group of Run-DMC.

Now considered one of the most influential rap groups in history, Kings From Queens: The Run DMC Story tracks their rise to fame, and the tragedies that befall the group.

Fences

Available on Sky Cinema & NOW

After sweeping Tony Award-winning success on Broadway, Denzel Washington brought the late August Wilson's iconic play to the silver screen in 2016.

The 1950s story follows Troy Maxson, a former baseball star with potential to be great, but the racial barriers were not broken down to allow him to do so until past his prime.

Now living as a refuse collector, Troy takes his frustrations on how life has panned out on his wife, Rose, and son, Cory.

The highly celebrated film earned four Academy Award nominations, with Viola Davis earning an Oscar for her portrayal.

The Equalizer 3

Available on Sky Cinema & NOW

Another Denzel Washington project, The Equalizer 3 follows Robert McCall, a former US government assassin who has quit the job and now lives in Italy.

Spending his life giving out justice on behalf of the oppressed, McCall soon finds himself protecting a new group of friends, who are living under the control of local crime bosses.

Soon, things spiral out of control as he takes on the firm, as he tries to protect his new friends.

Dreamgirls

Available on Sky Cinema & NOW

Loosely based on the true story of The Supremes, Dreamgirls follows a musical trio called The Dreamettes - and what happens when an ambitious manager discovers them.

Promising fame and fortune, the group quickly become back-up singers to a national star before breaking out on their own.

However, fame comes at a cost, and soon the girls discover their loyalty to each other tested as one stands out as The Star.

Dreamgirls features an all-star cast including Beyoncé as Deena, Jennifer Hudson as Effie, and Jamie Foxx as manager Curtis Taylor Jr.

The Color Purple (2023)

Available from 4 October on Sky Cinema & NOW

A musical interpretation of Alice Walker's 1982 novel, The Color Purple tracks a heartbreaking and inspiring decades-long tale of Celie, an Black woman who lives within the bigotry of the South.

After her father marries her off to an abusive Mister, she is torn apart from her family and begins a forty-year journey to independence, dreaming of one day reuniting with her sister in Africa.

Kinky Boots

Available on Sky Arts & NOW

A pro-shot of the 2019 stage musical, Kinky Boots follows the story of a feisty drag queen and a shoemaker who form an unlikely partnership.

Based in Northampton, England, shoemaker Charlie has inherited his father’s factory but business is in decline.

After a chance meeting with Lola, a drag queen in need of some killer heels, a new venture is born, and together they face the highs of their success, as well as a journey of friendship and acceptance.

The Lazarus Project

Available on Sky Max & NOW

When the world locks into a time loop in which the world ends every three weeks, the Lazarus team must race against time to find a solution before humanity is wiped out forever. Among their number is resolute Lazarus agent, George (Paapa Essiedu), who’s been left in disgrace after betraying the organisation in the name of love.

George is determined to redeem himself and win back the trust of his friends, colleagues, and the love of his life. But when he discovers that the cause he’s fighting is more sinister than it appears, George begins to suspect that the only person he can really trust is himself.

FROM

Available on Sky Sci-Fi & NOW

FROM follows the tale of a town in Massachusetts which traps anyone who enters its borders.

As they try to figure a way out, the unwilling residents strive to stay alive as they’re plagued by terrifying nocturnal creatures from the surrounding forest.

Soon, they need to discover the secrets hidden within the town in order to survive.

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

Available on Sky Atlantic & NOW

Discover the story of one of basketball's most revered and dominant dynasties - the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s.

Winning Time tracks one of the most definitive times in the team’s history, and how the team helped define an era both on and off the court.

The show stars Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson, Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and John C Reilly as Jerry Buss.