Movies and TV Shows That Celebrate Hip-Hop Music

Hip-hop music is known for its impressive production quality, sophisticated lyrical techniques, and overall ability to make us dance and get the party going. But hip-hop is more than just poetry to a beat: It's a lifestyle and a rallying cry for social justice, and it's been a major key to opportunities in the entertainment and business industries for people who have traditionally been locked out. To help mark the 50th anniversary of hip-hop music's inception in 1973, we've created this list of movies and TV shows that spotlight hip-hop history, artists, storylines, and soundtracks. From unforgettable mic battles to gorgeous visual albums and the humble beginnings of a famous rapper, these stories offer jumping-off points for fun and important conversations about the genre's cultural impact. For more tuneful titles, make sure to check out Movies and TV Shows That Celebrate Black Music.

Filter by:
TV

Class of 3000

age 6+

OutKast star inspires music students in fun 'toon.

Network: Cartoon Network (2006)
TV

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

age 7+

Remixed classic with great dancing; has some romance.

Network: Disney+ (2022)
TV

Karma's World

age 7+

Moral lessons artistically woven in top-shelf show.

Network: Netflix (2021)
MOVIE

Space Jam

age 7+

'90s live-action-animation mix has some cartoon violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1996)
MOVIE

Dr. Dolittle (1998)

age 9+

Gimmicky animal tale with Eddie Murphy is crude but funny.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
TV

Ice-T's Rap School

age 9+

Quirky, endearing reality show has a tween beat.

Network: VH1 (2006)
TV

Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World

age 10+

Historical look at hip hop only scratches the surface.

Network: PBS (2023)
MOVIE

Solo: A Star Wars Story

age 10+

Satisfying, action-packed prequel explores Han's roots.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
MOVIE

Hamilton

age 11+

Filmed Broadway smash has mature content, positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
MOVIE

Black Panther

age 12+

Masterful Marvel film has depth, diversity -- and violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
MOVIE

Barbershop

age 13+

Engaging ensemble comedy has some salty language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
TV

Ice Cold: The Untold Story of Hip-Hop Jewelry

age 12+

Hip-hop culture doc features drug use, profanity.

Network: YouTube (2021)
MOVIE

On the Come Up

age 13+

Book-based drama about race, art, identity has gun violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
TV

RapCaviar Presents

age 13+

Documentary series focuses on contemporary hip-hop.

Network: Hulu (2023)
MOVIE

ATL

age 14+

Morally grounded kids in the hood come of age.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
MOVIE

Blue Streak

age 14+

Fast-talking comedy has lots of action, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
MOVIE

Brown Sugar

age 14+

Hip-hop inspired romcom has language, sexual references.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
TV

Degrassi

age 14+

Superb, socially conscious drama deals with tough issues.

Network: TeenNick (2001)
MOVIE

The Fate of the Furious

age 14+

More of the same over-the-top, consequence-free action.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
MOVIE

Flint

age 14+

Well-meaning recounting of a city's toxic water problem.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)