22 Best Documentaries About Slavery

Lists

17 Apr

Slavery was an abhorrent practice that has, unfortunately, been a part of human history longer than anyone can remember. Slavery is an act of the sheer exploitation of other people's labor, imperiling their rights, and treating them as little more than property.

Though it was abolished across most countries in the world, its adverse impact can still be felt today. In this technological age, creative industries have set up a way for all of us to learn about it without necessarily having to read a history lesson about it. Documentaries. We've compiled a list of the best slavery movies that will give an enlightening insight into the subject.

1. 13th

13th is a documentary by Ava DuVernay that explores the origins and impact of the 13th amendment to the American Constitution, which abolished slavery but also enabled those convicted of crimes to be forced into indentured servitude or otherwise detained unjustly. The film touches on issues such as racism, socioeconomic disparity, and the mass incarceration of people of color. It is a well-conceived, sobering and urgent reminder of America's long history with institutionalized racial injustice.

13th on IMDb

2. Ebony - The Last Years of the Atlantic Slave Trade (2016)

One of the most poignant documentaries about slavery is "Ebony - The Last Years of the Atlantic Slave Trade." This documentary explores the last years of the infamous Atlantic slave trade, which was one of the most barbaric practices in human history.

It focuses on the lives of the enslaved Africans who were sold and transported across the Atlantic Ocean to work on American plantations. It also provides insight into the mindset of those who actively engaged in slave trading. One of the best movies about slavery, the film is a sobering reminder of the inhumane treatment and oppression that slaves faced, and therefore it is a must-watch if you want to understand this dark period of history.

👉 Watch Ebony - The Last Years of the Atlantic Slave Trade on Amazon Prime UK

3. Bigger Than Africa (2018)

Another documentary that offers a fresh perspective on slavery is "Bigger Than Africa (2018)." While most discussions about slavery focus on the transatlantic slave trade, this documentary looks at the history of slavery in East Africa and the Indian Ocean.

It examines the Arab slave trade that took place between the tenth and nineteenth centuries, and how it was an important precursor to the Atlantic slave trade. The film also shows the lasting effects of slavery in East Africa and its impact on contemporary society.

Bigger Than Africa on IMDb

4. Civilisations Stories: The Remains of Slavery (2018)

The "Civilisations Stories: The Remains of Slavery" is a fascinating documentary episode that examines the legacy of slavery worldwide. It looks at the various ways that countries and communities have sought to reconcile themselves with this dark past. The film also reminds us of the ongoing struggle against institutionalized racism, which persists even today.

Civilisations Stories: The Remains of Slavery on IMDb

5. The Middle Passage and Black Latin America (2021)

"The Middle Passage and Black Latin America" is a documentary that looks at the route followed by slave ships across the Atlantic. It shows the dehumanizing conditions that slaves were forced to endure during the Middle Passage. The film also explores the legacy of slavery in Latin America and how it is often overlooked in discussions about this dark period of history.

The Middle Passage and Black Latin America on YouTube

6. Slavery by Another Name (2020)

Directed by Sam Pollard, this documentary provides historical evidence of how slavery persisted in America post the civil war, with Sharecropping and the abuse of the convict leasing system. The film takes a hard look at the justice system and how it enabled thousands of black men to be sold into forced labor in mines, lumber camps, and plantations across the South.

👉 Watch Slavery by Another Name on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Slavery by Another Name as DVD on Amazon

7. Slavery and Suffering - History Of Africa with Zeinab Badawi (2021)

This BBC produced documentary tackles the long history of African slavery throughout history. It explores the nuances of the transatlantic slave trade as well as slavery practices on the continent that occurred before the slave trade. Zeinab Badawi, a journalist, and historian, delivers a thorough schooling into the long-reaching consequences of slavery in Africa via human experiences that will teach you more than you ever imagined.

Slavery and Suffering - History Of Africa with Zeinab Badawi on YouTube

8. 1000 Years a Slave (2022)

“1000 Years a Slave” is an excellent documentary that takes us through the lives of Slavic people who were taken as slaves by Muslim rulers, including the Ottoman Empire. The film tells the stories of people who lived in slavery for centuries, and how institutionalized slavery affected their lives. Throughout the film, we see how barbaric people could be and the inhumane treatment that slaves were subjected to.

1000 Years a Slave on YouTube

9. The Workers Cup (2017)

“The Workers Cup” is another powerful documentary about slavery. The makers of the film focus on the lives of construction workers in Qatar who are brought from places like Ghana and Nepal, only to be left to work in inhumane conditions. These workers, who came in search of better paying jobs, are treated like modern-day slaves by their employers, who make them work long hours in extreme heat.

👉 Watch The Workers Cup on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy The Workers Cup as DVD on Amazon DE

10. The Diabolical History Of The Barbary Slave Trade (2022)

If you want to learn more about the Barbary Slave Trade, then you should definitely watch “The Diabolical History Of The Barbary Slave Trade.” Hosted by international lawyer and author, Dr. Alan Sked, this short documentary discusses how this type of slavery was far more widespread than most people realize. It was a trade in which people from Western Europe were abducted and then sold into slavery.

The Diabolical History Of The Barbary Slave Trade on YouTube

11. Found Voices: The Slave Narratives (1999)

Found Voices: The Slave Narratives, is a documentary that tells the tale of survivors of the Atlantic slave trade. The filmmakers use the survivors’ stories to paint a picture of slavery’s devastating effects on millions of people. These stories offer a glimpse into the terrible experiences of those who were taken as slaves and forced to work for free, often beaten, starved, and separated from their families.

Found Voices: The Slave Narratives on YouTube

12. Descendant (2022)

“Descendant” is a powerful and emotional documentary that follows the life of Adan Kovacsics, a descendant of African slaves. In the film, Adan sets out on a journey to discover his roots and reconnect with his past. The film beautifully showcases how slavery has a lasting impact on descendants of enslaved people even in the present day.

Descendant on IMDb

13. Enslaved (2020)

Enslaved is a captivating six-part series narrated by Samuel L. Jackson that provides a new insight into the transatlantic slave trade.

The film follows a team of underwater archaeologists as they dive to different shipwrecks' locations that sank on the Middle Passage, the route where most African slaves were transported. It's a captivating retelling of the brutal journey through the eyes of the submerged ships and an urgent call to shed light on the horrors of the slave trade.

👉 Watch Enslaved on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Enslaved as DVD on Amazon

14. The Story of American Slavery (2016)

The Story of American Slavery is a six-part documentary series that explores the history of slavery in America through primary sources and expert interviews.

The series provides a detailed insight into the lives of enslaved individuals, their families, and the communities they lived in. It depicts the struggle and resistance of slaves, the Underground Railroad, and the struggles of those who opposed slavery.

The Story of American Slavery on YouTube

15. Slavery and the Making of America

Slavery and the Making of America is a four-part documentary series that chronicles the history of African Americans in the United States.

The series examines the impact of slavery on the nation's economy, culture, and politics. It dives deep into an often-overlooked part of American history and helps to explain the lasting impact of slavery on the country.

Slavery and the Making of America on Top Documentary Films

👉 Watch Slavery and the Making of America on Amazon Prime

👉 Buy Slavery and the Making of America as DVD on Amazon

16. The Black History Of The United States Of America

The Black History Of The United States Of America is a documentary film that focuses on the long and difficult journey that African Americans have had to face in this country.

The movie looks at the struggles encountered by African Americans throughout history and their contributions to shaping the nation. This documentary tells a powerful story of resilience, strength, and hope in the face of oppression.

The Black History Of The United States Of America on YouTube

17. Slavery - Summary on a Map (2023)

Although not quite a documentary Slavery - Summary on a Map is a great visual representation of the history of slavery.

This interactive map allows viewers to explore the spread of slavery across the United States and provides valuable insight into how slavery shaped the culture and economy of regions in North America. The map brings to life the reality of slavery and helps to create a more profound understanding of the brutal practice.

Slavery - Summary on a Map on YouTube

18. Slavery: A 21st Century Evil (2011)

Slavery: A 21st Century Evil is a documentary that explores the challenges of modern-day slavery. The film follows human rights advocates as they work to liberate victims of slavery around the world. This eye-opening documentary highlights the ongoing fight against slavery and shares the stories of those who are working towards ending it.

Slavery: A 21st Century Evil on Top Documentary Films

19. Slavery: A Global Investigation (2001)

Slavery: A Global Investigation is a groundbreaking five-part series that looks at the different aspects of slavery, from the historic trade in humans to the modern-day slave labor industry.

It follows the stories of victims of slavery and highlights their struggles, as well as the efforts of activists and organizations that are fighting to end slavery worldwide. This film will help viewers understand the extent of slavery and its varied forms and inspire action towards freedom.

Slavery: A Global Investigation on Top Documentary Films

20. Children for Sale (2010)

This compelling American Experience documentary focuses on the child sex trade industry in America. The documentary shows that thousands of underage girls and boys are being bought and sold in the United States of America.

The stories of the young people who have survived the sex trade industry and the people who are fighting to stop it will open your eyes to the grim reality of this horrific practice. It's a poignant reminder that slavery still exists and that it can take many forms.

Children for Sale on Top Documentary Films

21. Brazil: An Inconvenient History

This Brazilian documentary narrates slavery's history and legacy in Brazil, a country that received the biggest number of African slaves during the transatlantic slave trade.

The film goes beyond recounting the facts and artifacts of slavery, such as the illegal transactions of Africans in the ports of Rio de Janeiro or the release of slaves in the country, and looks at the social and psychological implications of slavery to the Brazilian identity. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the social and cultural aspects of the slave trade.

Brazil: An Inconvenient History on Top Documentary Films

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👉 Buy Brazil: An Inconvenient History as DVD on Amazon

22. I Am Not Your Negro

Although not necessarily a documentary about slavery this entry gives a glimpse into the long lasting repercussions of slavery in the US. This documentary, based on James Baldwin's writings and narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, illustrates the intertwined lives of the lives of notable African American figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Bobby Kennedy. Director Raoul Peck showcases captivating historical footage that delves into the social and political turmoil of the civil rights movement.

I Am Not Your Negro on Factual America

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👉 Buy I Am Not Your Negro as DVD on Amazon

Conclusion

The documentaries listed above provide a spectacular insight into the devastating impact and history of slavery in America, Africa and around the world. They illustrate the consequences brought about by slavery and how it perpetuated prejudice and facilitated marginalization.

More importantly, they remind us of how far we still have to go in the fight against marginalization and how it continues to shape the lives of many individuals in America and throughout the world. While mental barriers often prevent us from seeking out these kinds of documentaries, taking the leap and binging on these non-fiction accounts can further educate us and inspire us to be allies in the fight against oppressive social norms.