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
AI Is the New Civil Rights Frontier: Loren Douglass on Wealth, Politics & Power

‘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

Halle Berry's Best Movies, Ranked By Box Office

Halle Berry’s Best Movies, Ranked By Box Office

With Halle Berry’s newest heist film in theaters, let’s take a look at some of her most successful films by the box office! …
The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

As the 2026 Oscars nears, let’s take a look at some of celeb faves who’ve had their fair share of fashion misses on the famous red carpet! …
Why J. Cole's "Everyman" Tour Stunt Is Getting Old

Why J. Cole’s “Everyman” Tour Stunt Is Getting Old

​The superstar rapper has been driving around the country selling CDs out of the trunk of his used Honda Civic …
It's Time For Black People to Consider Wealth Beyond Home Ownership

It’s Time For Black People to Consider Wealth Beyond Home Ownership

Black people have always leaned toward home ownership but the changing housing landscape should have us thinking about other ways to obtaining equity …
Why Black Folks Are <i>Always</i> Expected to Extend Grace When No One Else Will

Why Black Folks Are Always Expected to Extend Grace When No One Else Will

Black folks are being asked to “turn the other cheek” after the BAFTA scandal, but given the deep history of forcing Black people to submit, the wound is still too fresh …
EXCLUSIVE: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Explains His Expectations for State of the Union and What's at Stake for Black Voters

EXCLUSIVE: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Explains His Expectations for State of the Union and What’s at Stake for Black Voters

The Root spoke to NAACP President Derrick Johnson about why he has “no expectations” for Trump’s State of the Union address …
How the Barbz Are Responding to Nicki Minaj Going Full MAGA

How the Barbz Are Responding to Nicki Minaj Going Full MAGA

Following her MAGA events, Nicki Minaj has the Barbz divided with some stuck between sticking beside their Queen or stepping away…for good …
Proof That Jim Crow Era Was Not That Long Ago And Why This is Important to Know

Proof That Jim Crow Era Was Not That Long Ago And Why This is Important to Know

Jim Crow laws were in place not that long ago. Even though many photos from that time are in black and white, the history is far from ancient and the remnants are all around us …
Mississippi Black Woman Desegregated High School—Then Faced Terror and Isolation

Mississippi Black Woman Desegregated High School—Then Faced Terror and Isolation

Mary Smith-Blackmon was among the first Black students in a Canton, MIssissippi school and shared what it was like to eperience integration in isolation …
A Look at Trump’s Most Misleading Claims Before His State of the Union Address

A Look at Trump’s Most Misleading Claims Before His State of the Union Address

Before Trump’s State of the Union address, let’s get into all of the false claims he’s made about the country and what’s really at stake for Republicans …
Black and MAGA Folks Angry At Gavin Newsom For Implying Black People Can't Read... But That's Not The Full Story

Black and MAGA Folks Angry At Gavin Newsom For Implying Black People Can’t Read… But That’s Not The Full Story

Gavin Newsom Is Receiving Backlash Online After Telling Black Folks He’s Just Like Them Because He Can’t Read… Except That’s Not What Happened …
Celeb With Tourette Syndrome Speaks Out After N-Word Remark at BAFTAs, But the Internet Isn't Here for It

Celeb With Tourette Syndrome Speaks Out After N-Word Remark at BAFTAs, But the Internet Isn’t Here for It

John Davidson has finally broken his silence about the racist ordeal at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. But what he has to say isn’t landing too well with folks online …
Why This New York Mom Was Forced to Deliver Her Own Baby Alone in a Hospital Bathroom

Why This New York Mom Was Forced to Deliver Her Own Baby Alone in a Hospital Bathroom

Long Island parents are demanding a hospital to take accountability after they delivered their newborn on-site…but in a bathroom …
DMX's Son Shares 'Spiritual' Moment With His Father As He Transitioned

DMX’s Son Shares ‘Spiritual’ Moment With His Father As He Transitioned

DMX’s son Xavier Simmons is opening up about a truly unbelievable moment he shared with his father as he transitioned …
The State of the Union Address Was <i>Not</i> Supposed to Look As It Does Today

The State of the Union Address Was Not Supposed to Look As It Does Today

Which president gave a 10-minute State of the Union address? Which U.S. president came up with the name? What do Obama and Trump’s speeches have in common? …
7 Times Black Folks Almost Became U.S. President

7 Times Black Folks Almost Became U.S. President

Jesse Jackson, Charlene Mitchell and other Black Americans who ran for president …
Gabourey Sidibe's Husband Has Shocking Health Scare

Gabourey Sidibe’s Husband Has Shocking Health Scare

‘Precious’ star Gabourey Sidibe’s husband is facing a startling health challenge and is now sharing where he stands now with fans …
Black Woman Explains Why She Only Dates AI

Black Woman Explains Why She Only Dates AI

A 34-year-old Black woman told a CBS News correspondent that a chatbot has given her the same satisfaction as a relationship with a human being, but eliminates the risk …
White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

Allyson Friedman has identified herself as the college professor caught spewing racist language during a virtual council meeting …
So The Shrinking White Baby Data is Why The World Turned Upside Down?

So The Shrinking White Baby Data is Why The World Turned Upside Down?

OPINION: As census data signals a shrinking white majority, the politics of panic move from whisper campaigns to policy …