4 Recent and Popular Films That Discuss Social Justice

By Kevin Faber

Many people watch movies to escape from the real world. However, movies aren't always made for that purpose. In fact, many films shine a light on the injustices in society, particularly ones that are still relevant today. Regrettably, these movies, while important, can often be too dark or dense to watch. Fortunately, there are many films that tackle such issues while maintaining widespread appeal. If this is something you're looking for, here are four recent and popular films that discuss social justice.

1. Black Panther (2018)

Classifying a Marvel superhero movie as a social justice film may seem odd, but Black Panther has a strong focus on the themes of racism and helping others. Strangely enough, these themes are actually the driving force behind Killmonger, the film's villain. Killmonger spent his entire life directly experiencing racism and injustices in America. Therefore, he's angry at the highly developed Wakandans who refuse to reach out and help. While Killmonger still needs to be defeated in the end, the hero (T'Challa) learns a lesson from him and begins to make changes. This shows people that, other than specific actions like using solar panels and voting, one of the most important things you can do for the world is to listen and help.

2. V for Vendetta (2012)

Surprisingly enough, there are two films based on comic books on this list. V for Vendetta may be a fantastical dystopian tale, but it has a strong social justice message (along with almost startling connections to modern-day society). The film displays a world similar to George Orwell's 1984 in which the government has become totalitarian. The audience follows Guy Fawkes, an anarchist, as he shows young Evey Hammond how to fight against this government. Throughout the movie, it's shown that various religions, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants and more groups have been villainized in this version of England. By the end, hundreds of citizens are shown this corruption and begin to fight. It's important the note that the Guy Fawkes mask has become a symbol for many groups that fight against tyranny.

3. The Hate U Give (2018)

The Hate U Give, based on the 2017 novel, is an incredibly moving film about an African American teenage girl fighting for justice. This girl, Starr Carter, witnesses the unjust death of her friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Once the incident becomes a national news story, Starr is forced to hide her involvement from the public. However, after the officer isn't indicted and protests begin to occur, she becomes heavily involved. The sixteen-year-old girl takes a leading role in protests that are dealt with by officers in riot gear. She also has to handle pushback from her friends and boyfriend. Despite this heavy subject matter, The Hate U Give is highly inspiring to watch, especially for young adults. It may encourage a whole new generation to become involved in social justice movements.

4. Knock Down the House (2019)

Knock Down the House is a documentary that follows four women who ran for Congress in 2018. Each of these women was done watching injustices take place without being able to help. While only Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ended up winning her election, it's still highly inspiring to watch these women (many of them being women of color) run for political office. The nature of these campaigns makes the film even more motivating. All four women were running against regular incumbents. All four were also running grassroots campaigns, meaning that there was very little monetary support. This film is especially important now that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has become a national sensation. It teaches viewers that any person can fight to make a change in politics.

Finding the right movie to watch can be difficult, especially if you're looking to be inspired. Be sure to pick something that won't be triggering or detrimental to your emotional state. Most importantly, find a movie that will leave you wanting to make a change in the world.