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.

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Class of 3000 Poster Image
TV

Class of 3000

age 6+

OutKast star inspires music students in fun 'toon.

Network: Cartoon Network (2006)
The Hip Hop Nutcracker TV Show Poster Image
TV

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

age 7+

Remixed classic with great dancing; has some romance.

Network: Disney+ (2022)
Karma's World Poster Image
TV

Karma's World

age 7+

Moral lessons artistically woven in top-shelf show.

Network: Netflix (2021)
Space Jam Poster Image
MOVIE

Space Jam

age 7+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1996)
Dr. Dolittle (1998) Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Dolittle (1998)

age 9+

Gimmicky animal tale with Eddie Murphy is crude but funny.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
Ice-T's Rap School Poster Image
TV

Ice-T's Rap School

age 9+

Quirky, endearing reality show has a tween beat.

Network: VH1 (2006)
Fight the Power TV show poster: a drawing of a raised fist holding a microphone
TV

Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World

age 10+

Historical look at hip hop only scratches the surface.

Network: PBS (2023)
Solo: A Star Wars Story Poster Image
MOVIE

Solo: A Star Wars Story

age 10+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Hamilton Poster Image
MOVIE

Hamilton

age 11+

Filmed Broadway smash has mature content, positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Black Panther Poster Image
MOVIE

Black Panther

age 12+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Barbershop Poster Image
MOVIE

Barbershop

age 13+

Engaging ensemble comedy has some salty language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Ice Cold: The Untold Story of Hip-Hop Jewelry Poster Image
TV

Ice Cold: The Untold Story of Hip-Hop Jewelry

age 12+

Hip-hop culture doc features drug use, profanity.

Network: YouTube (2021)
On the Come Up Movie Poster
MOVIE

On the Come Up

age 13+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
RapCaviar Presents: poster shows Polaroids of musicians featured on the show, including Tyler, the Creator, Polo G, and others
TV

RapCaviar Presents

age 13+

Documentary series focuses on contemporary hip-hop.

Network: Hulu (2023)
ATL Poster Image
MOVIE

ATL

age 14+

Morally grounded kids in the hood come of age.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Blue Streak Poster Image
MOVIE

Blue Streak

age 14+

Fast-talking comedy has lots of action, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
Brown Sugar movie poster
MOVIE

Brown Sugar

age 14+

Hip-hop inspired romcom has language, sexual references.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
Degrassi Poster Image
TV

Degrassi

age 14+

Superb, socially conscious drama deals with tough issues.

Network: TeenNick (2001)
The Fate of the Furious Poster Image
MOVIE

The Fate of the Furious

age 14+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Flint Poster Image
MOVIE

Flint

age 14+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)