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
Bakari Sellers: Why Elon Musk Should Scare Everyone

‘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

These Black California Neighborhoods Have the Most Beautiful Homes— And the Striking Views!

These Black California Neighborhoods Have the Most Beautiful Homes— And the Striking Views!

We’re showing off some of the most beautiful properties in historic Baldwin Hills, View Park and Ladera Heights that’ll take your breath away …
Screenshot: Instagram

The Life and Times of Soul Singer Al Green

In honor of his 80th birthday, we’re looking at the life of the legendary soul singer, Al Green …
The Wild Time Michael Jackson Saved A Crazed Fan's Life In South Korea

The Wild Time Michael Jackson Saved A Crazed Fan’s Life In South Korea

As we get closer to the “Michael” biopic, videos of Michael Jackson concerts are resurfacing online, and folks can’t get enough of one crazy fan in South Korea who climbed up a crane to reach the artist …
Black Elected Official Raises Alarm as Louisiana GOP Moves to Axe His Office

Black Elected Official Raises Alarm as Louisiana GOP Moves to Axe His Office

Louisiana Republicans are on a mission to get rid of an elected office held by an exonerated Black man …
The Bizarre Reason a Black TikTok Psychic is Appealing $10M Judgement in Idaho Murder Case

The Bizarre Reason a Black TikTok Psychic is Appealing $10M Judgement in Idaho Murder Case

Ashley Guillard is officially appealing the $10 million verdict against her after a jury ruled her TikTok claims about the Idaho student murders were defamatory …
Victor Glover, The First Black Man to Travel To The Moon, Has a Family You Will Love

Victor Glover, The First Black Man to Travel To The Moon, Has a Family You Will Love

Black Excellence: Victor Glover’s deep love for his “Cocoa skin” family will make you proud …
Papoose Gives Claressa Shields Engagement Rumors a Reality Check

Papoose Gives Claressa Shields Engagement Rumors a Reality Check

During a VladTV sit-down, rapper Papoose addressed long-standing engagement chatter regarding his relationship with boxer Claressa Shields …
Incarcerated Mothers Are on the Frontlines of the Black Maternal Health Crisis

Incarcerated Mothers Are on the Frontlines of the Black Maternal Health Crisis

This Black Maternal Health Week, we’re looking at the impact of reproductive injustice on incarcerated Black mothers who face increased health risks …
Pastor Joel Osteen Stuns Fans With New Reaction to Druski Megachurch Parody

Pastor Joel Osteen Stuns Fans With New Reaction to Druski Megachurch Parody

Months after Druski’s viral parody of Christian megachuches broke the internet, Houston televangelist Joel Osteen is finally breaking his silence …
Family Seeks Justice For Influencer, Ashlee Jenae, After Suspicious Death While On Vacation in Tanzania

Family Seeks Justice For Influencer, Ashlee Jenae, After Suspicious Death While On Vacation in Tanzania

Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s family is demanding answers after she died on her birthday trip to Tanzania …
Why Anti-Redistricting Ads Targeting Black Voters in VA Have Civil Rights Leaders Outraged

Why Anti-Redistricting Ads Targeting Black Voters in VA Have Civil Rights Leaders Outraged

Ahead of a special election in Virginia, Black residents received shocking messages via phone and mail invoking Jim Crow’s dark past …
Massive Faith Strategy Summit at Yale to Save the 2026 Midterms

Massive Faith Strategy Summit at Yale to Save the 2026 Midterms

Barber is hosting the 2026 Public Theology & Public Policy Conference to organize Churches for the midterms this fall …
Maryland Mother Devastated After Learning Her Baby’s 'Ashes' Weren’t Human At All

Maryland Mother Devastated After Learning Her Baby’s ‘Ashes’ Weren’t Human At All

Michelle Bivens thought she was keeping her son close after she cremated him, until an expert determined the ashes weren’t human …
Why the Deeply Racist Nixon-Reagan Tapes Are Only a Surprise to Those Not Paying Attention

Why the Deeply Racist Nixon-Reagan Tapes Are Only a Surprise to Those Not Paying Attention

While the explicit nature of the “monkey” and “cannibal” slurs is jarring, it sits within a long, documented tradition of presidential prejudice that has shaped the nation’s policies …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Black mothers are disproportionately affected by postpartum depression, but often go without proper diagnosis or care. During Black Maternal Health Week, we highlight the urgent gaps in maternal mental health support …
The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

Even after a death sentence forced former Congolese President Joseph Kabila back into exile, his story is not over yet …
Why Parents of the 'Black-ish' Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

Why Parents of the ‘Black-ish’ Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

As more parents rethink what college readiness looks like, historically Black colleges and universities are emerging as a preferred path in today’s shifting educational landscape …
Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Greg Mathis told his fans and followers that he was going to do whatever it took to get his wife back. Now, it looks like his efforts have finally paid off! …
NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

As President Trump’s approval rating continues to drop, there is a growing call for his removal from office from both sides of the aisle …