Following the killings of George Floyd [1] and many others [2], many people are seeking more information about the systemic oppression and racism that is interwoven in the justice system of the United States and beyond. There are plenty of educational resources for white allies [3], including books about racism [4] and documentaries for visual learners. Netflix has an array of documentaries on topics ranging from police brutality and poorly handled investigations to stories of activists fighting for change. If you've been seeking resources to educate yourself on the reality of what injustice looks like, keep reading for some documentaries that can help to deepen your understanding.
Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story
Cyntoia Brown's case represents just one of many failures within the U.S. justice system. Tried as an adult at the age of 16, Brown was sentenced to life in prison for murdering a man who had purchased her for sex. For this act of self defence, she spent 15 years in prison before regaining her freedom.
Watch Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story on Netflix [5].
13TH
The U.S. prison system is disproportionately filled with people of colour, namely, Black people. Ava DuVernay [6]'s documentary, titled after the 13th amendment, exposes this issue, by explaining the history of inequality in the justice system. Netflix has made the documentary available for free on YouTube, and we've included it here.
Watch 13TH on Netflix [7].
Who Killed Malcolm X?
55 years after the death of Civil Rights leader Malcolm X, Netflix released a documentary about his assassination. Who Killed Malcolm X? is about more than the killing of one man; it's about politics, a failed investigation, and a conspiracy to evade justice.
Watch Who Killed Malcolm X? on Netflix [8].
LA 92
This emotional tale shows real footage of the riots that shook LA in 1992 following the acquittal of the four police officers who were caught on tape severely beating Rodney King, a Black motorist.
Watch LA 92 on Netflix [9].
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha P. Johnson was a driving force behind the Stonewall Uprising that sparked the Gay Rights movement, and remains an inspiration to many worldwide. This Netflix film explores the mysterious death of the incredible black transgender woman, diving into why it was never fully investigated.
Watch The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson on Netflix [10].
ReMastered: The Two Killings Of Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke, also known as the King of Soul, was a Black singer, songwriter, and activist in the civil rights movement. He was murdered in a motel in LA when he was only 33, and this film explores how the public expression of his views may have led to his tragic death.
Watch ReMastered: The Two Killings Of Sam Cooke on Netflix [11].
ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff?
Five years before losing his battle to melanoma at the age of 36, Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt in which three gunmen approached his home and with the intention of ending his life. American involvement is speculated, as the CIA had concerns about the power of Bob Marley's music. Watch this film to learn about this man who lived every day to spread messages of justice, freedom, and love through his highly influential music.
Watch ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff? on Netflix [12].
The House on Coco Road
Fannie Haughton, an activist in Oakland, CA, fled to Grenada with her family to escape the rising racial tensions in the 1980s, and this documentary tells the tale. This underrated film shows the story of a life spent fighting for justice.
Watch The House on Coco Road on Netflix [13].
Strong Island
This investigative documentary seeks to find truth and justice for the murder of a young Black man named William Ford Jr. while also highlighting the failures of the American justice system toward Black people. The filmmaker is also the victim's brother, which makes the telling of a very emotional story even more heart-wrenching.
Watch Strong Island on Netflix [14].
The Innocence Files
This docuseries tells the stories of eight wrongful conviction cases. Eight innocent men placed behind bars are able to share their personal tales, and the journeys that brought them to freedom through the Innocence Project [15].
Watch The Innocence Files on Netflix [16].