Hidden Gems: The Best Black Movies, TV Series on Disney+

‘The Wonder Years,’ ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘In the Arena: Serena Williams’ and ‘Reasonable Doubt’ are some of the hidden gems available on Disney+.

Photo: Hulu

With a little extra time off and more guests in your home, you may be looking for fresh entertainment to enjoy. Obviously, there’s no shortage of streaming services to choose from, but navigating overstuffed home pages can be overwhelming. Endlessly scrolling through movies and TV series is headache inducing. To save you from some of that stress, our hidden gems highlight movies and TV shows you may have missed. Disney+ is a particularly interesting platform because it offers access to animated classics, the “Star Wars” universe, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fascinating National Geographic documentaries and even ESPN sports programming. There’s literally something for everyone. To that end, we’re helping you plan your next great binge with the hidden gems of Disney+.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
The Internet Split After Amerie’s Tiny Desk Concert

‘Dashing Through the Snow’

“Dashing Through the Snow” is an adorable Christmas movie starring Lil Rel Howrey as Santa. It’s funny, heartwarming and full of good holiday vibes.

‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’

Brandy and Whitney Houston’s classic version of the fairy tale never goes out of style. It’s still as emotional now as it was then.

‘How to Die Alone’

Natasha Rothwell is absolutely brilliant in this comedy about a woman trying to upgrade her life, even though she can’t seem to get out of her own way.

‘I, Robot’

If you need a terrifying glimpse of our technological future, look nor further than this Will Smith action drama.

‘The Acolyte’

The “Star Wars” universe takes fans back to the High Republic in this drama. Amanda Stenberg is captivating as twins caught in a battle between the Jedi and the Sith.

‘Luther’

Screenshot: BBC Studios Screenshot: BBC Studios

Idris Elba is at the height of his leading man powers in this British thriller following detective John Luther as he chases the worst criminals in London. Fair warning: This is not an easy watch, as the cases are horrible. Do not try to binge “Luther.”

‘In the Arena: Serena Williams’

Serena Williams recalls the fascinating details of her groundbreaking career in this docuseries. If you want to know how to become a legend, here’s the answer.

‘Reasonable Doubt’

“Reasonable Doubt” is one of Hulu’s most bingeworthy new series. Seriously, once you watch one episode of Jax’s chaotic life, you’ll be hooked.

‘Erased: WW2’s Heroes of Color’

This fascinating documentary finally gives the Black heroes of WWII their long overdue, well deserved thanks.

‘Space Race’

Black astronauts and scientists finally get the respect they earned for helping us get to space.

‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat’

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan and Uzo Aduba star as three best friends who stick together through turbulent times and personal battles.

‘The Wonder Years’ (2021)

The higly-acclaimed reboot was canceled way too soon. ABC never gave this series a real chance to shine, but the good news is you and your family can revist the ‘60s with the Williams family. It’s both hilarious and captivating, which is a balance a lot of shows can’t find.

‘Doctor Who’

You may think this classic British sci-fi series isn’t for you, but Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor has added a new element to the character and opened up new storytelling avenues.

‘Black Panther’

Yes, we know “Black Panther” isn’t exactly hidden, but we’re always ready for a trip to Wakanda.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

As heartbreaking as this sequel is, it also features a huge dose a female empowerment, which is something we’ll always celebrate.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

13 Reasons Why 2026 Is Already A Hot Mess

13 Reasons Why 2026 Is Already A Hot Mess

From U.S. airstrikes and political shakeups to celebrity scandals and AI disrupting jobs, 2026 has already delivered chaos that’s impossible to ignore — and we’ve rounded up 13 of the wildest moments so far …
Exclusive: AG Andrea Campbell, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: AG Andrea Campbell, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
The Internet is Losing Its Mind Over Oprah's Crop Top and  Fly Looks

The Internet is Losing Its Mind Over Oprah’s Crop Top and Fly Looks

Oprah Winfrey has been spotted with bestie Gayle King at Paris Fashion Week. Now, one red carpet look has the internet talking …
Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

14 years after Trayvon Martin was killed, these other Black men and women were also murdered in shocking similarity …
Austin Police Release Body Cam Footage of Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

Austin Police Release Body Cam Footage of Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

Austin police are piecing together the motive behind Ndiaga Diagne, the Black man who killed three and injured over a dozen in a March 1 mass shooting …
F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Calls for a Movement to 'Take Africa Back' as He Tries to Bring Racing to the Continent

F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Calls for a Movement to ‘Take Africa Back’ as He Tries to Bring Racing to the Continent

The first and only Black driver in F1 history is empowering the people of the continent to “take Africa back” from European powers …
Jill Scott's Break From Music is Part of a Growing Trend of Black Women Pausing With Purpose

Jill Scott’s Break From Music is Part of a Growing Trend of Black Women Pausing With Purpose

Jill Scott, Beyoncé, Teyana Taylor and Simone Biles are part of a growing wave of Black women who have embraced the idea of stepping back …
Selma Was Not Just History, It Was a Warning

Selma Was Not Just History, It Was a Warning

Opinion: Sixty-one years after “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, we are once again watching the machinery of state violence turn toward Black and Brown communities …
Melyssa Ford Reveals the Unexpected Remedy That Helped Her Cope With Her Mother’s Death

Melyssa Ford Reveals the Unexpected Remedy That Helped Her Cope With Her Mother’s Death

Melyssa Ford is pulling back the curtain on her mental health journey, proving that sometimes, unconventional healing can help with unimaginable grief …
Big News On Sidney Dorsey, The Ex-Georgia Sheriff Convicted of Murder Conspiracy

Big News On Sidney Dorsey, The Ex-Georgia Sheriff Convicted of Murder Conspiracy

Sidney Dorsey died in prison after serving a life sentence for the shocking 2000 political murder after losing his reelection bid …
Eric Benét's Viral New War Protest Song is Exactly What We Needed

Eric Benét’s Viral New War Protest Song is Exactly What We Needed

The “Spend My Life With You” singer gave us a much-needed soulful protest anthem calling out the Trump administration decision to bomb Iran …
This Viral Content Creator is Keeping Our Black Food Traditions Alive - And Looking Great While Doing it!

This Viral Content Creator is Keeping Our Black Food Traditions Alive – And Looking Great While Doing it!

Sonja Norwood (aka Wick’d Creations) has built a massive social media following sharing the Black recipes you won’t find in cookbooks …
Queen Latifah Death Rumor Spurs This Unusual Development

Queen Latifah Death Rumor Spurs This Unusual Development

After a viral rumor spread on Facebook that Queen Latifah was dead, she hopped on Instagram to address her fans’ concerns …
Viral 'Sinners' Test Footage Has Fans Wanting More Behind-the-Scenes Content

Viral ‘Sinners’ Test Footage Has Fans Wanting More Behind-the-Scenes Content

Test footage from the first days of filming “Sinners” has fans wanting more behind-the-scenes content …
Why Stefon Diggs Is Having The Worst Week Ever, Black Twitter Responds

Why Stefon Diggs Is Having The Worst Week Ever, Black Twitter Responds

The NFL veteran wide receiver has been racking a bunch of L’s this week …
Black America Explodes After Trump Fires Kristi Noem

Black America Explodes After Trump Fires Kristi Noem

Kristi Noem spoke in Nashville during a conference right as Trump dropped the bombshell news of her replacement …
Is the Fear of Getting ‘Too Dark’ in the Summer a Personal Choice for Black Folks or Deep-Rooted Colorism?

Is the Fear of Getting ‘Too Dark’ in the Summer a Personal Choice for Black Folks or Deep-Rooted Colorism?

After a tweet calling out Black folks who avoid the summer sun went viral, a debate about loving one’s complexion versus colorism had the timeline on fire …
What Will Happen to Rep. Al Green Now That He Is Forced into a Runoff Against Rep. Christian Menefee?

What Will Happen to Rep. Al Green Now That He Is Forced into a Runoff Against Rep. Christian Menefee?

Rep. Al Green up against Rep. Christian Menefee– the new kid on the block– in the upcoming Texas runoff election …
Teyana Taylor Wants 'One Battle After Another' Sequel, But Fans Aren't Feeling It

Teyana Taylor Wants ‘One Battle After Another’ Sequel, But Fans Aren’t Feeling It

Though Teyana Taylor’s role in ‘One Battle After Another’ earned her an Oscar nomination, it looks like fans aren’t so hyped to see a spinoff of her character …
Black ‘Klan Whisperer’ Has Led Hundreds Away From White Supremacy —And Has the Robes to Prove It

Black ‘Klan Whisperer’ Has Led Hundreds Away From White Supremacy —And Has the Robes to Prove It

Daryl Davis has used open conversation and music to persuade hundreds to leave hate behind, collecting their Klan regalia as symbols of change …