Movies Like Oscar Micheaux, Film Pioneer

If you liked Oscar Micheaux, Film Pioneer (1981), a movie directed by Robert N. Zagone, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
On the Basis of Sex (2018)
★ 7.3/10
Young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of sex discrimination.
2
The Forge (2024)
★ 8.2/10
19 year old Isaiah Wright lives for basketball and video games. A year out of high school, he has no job, no plans, and no idea how to be a man. At odds with his single mother Cynthia, Isaiah is given an ultimatum – to…
3
Valentino (1977)
★ 5.8/10
The untimely death of silent screen star Rudolph Valentino prompts the many women in his past to reminisce about his troubled rise to superstardom.
4
Tupac: Resurrection (2003)
★ 7.9/10
Home movies, photographs, and recited poetry illustrate the life of Tupac Shakur, one of the most beloved, revolutionary, and volatile hip-hop MCs of all time.
5
Abraham (1993)
★ 7.2/10
Rather than choosing a great leader or king, God chooses Abraham, an elderly shepherd from Mesopotamia, as the way to establish his Covenant with mankind... A man of great faith, Abraham continues to believe in God…
6
Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau (2014)
★ 6.7/10
The story of the insane scandals related to the remake of “Island of Dr. Moreau” —originally a novel by H. G. Wells—, which was brought to the big screen in 1996. How director Richard Stanley spent four years…
7
Sidney (2022)
★ 6.9/10
This revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier—iconic actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews with Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, and more.
8
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
★ 7/10
The story of Rudy Ray Moore, who created the iconic big screen pimp character Dolemite in the 1970s.
9
Take the Lead (2006)
★ 6.9/10
A former professional dancer volunteers to teach dance in the New York public school system and, while his background first clashes with his students' tastes, together they create a completely new style of dance. Based…
10
Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (2016)
★ 7.4/10
An intimate portrait of Hollywood royalty featuring Debbie Reynolds, Todd Fisher, and Carrie Fisher.
11
God's Not Dead (2014)
★ 6/10
After he refuses to disavow his faith, a devout Christian student must prove the existence of God or else his college philosophy professor will fail him.
12
The Safety of Objects (2002)
★ 6.5/10
In a suburban landscape, the lives of several families interlace with loss, despair and personal crisis. Esther Gold has lost focus on all but caring for her comatose son, Paul, and neglects her daughter and husband…
13
The Lie (2018)
★ 6.4/10
A father and daughter are on their way to dance camp when they spot the girl's best friend on the side of the road. When they stop to offer the friend a ride, their good intentions soon result in terrible consequences.
14
Bruised (2021)
★ 6.8/10
Jackie Justice is a mixed martial arts fighter who leaves the sport in disgrace. Down on her luck and simmering with rage and regret years after the fight, she's coaxed into a brutal underground fight by her manager…
15
Shirkers (2018)
★ 7.2/10
In 1992, teenager Sandi Tan shot Singapore's first indie road movie with her enigmatic American mentor Georges – who then vanished with all the footage. Twenty years later, the 16mm film is recovered, sending Tan, now…
16
Hollywood Dirt (2017)
★ 6.4/10
Hollywood arrives in force to Quincy, the small town where the secret Crown Cola billionaire's live. They want to film about the billionaire's and how they made their fortunes. Summer Jenkins, who was the town pariah…
17
Back to the Beach (1987)
★ 5.9/10
A former beach boy and his wife go to California to visit their daughter and become part of the new beach scene.
18
Birth of the Dragon (2017)
★ 5.8/10
Set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s Chinatown, this cross-cultural biopic chronicles Bruce Lee’s emergence as a martial-arts superstar after his legendary secret showdown with fellow martial artist Wong Jack Man.
19
I Know That Voice (2014)
★ 7.1/10
Filmmaker Lawrence Shapiro discusses voice-over acting with the talented people behind the characters.
20
Mifune: The Last Samurai (2016)
★ 7/10
An account of the life and work of legendary Japanese actor Toshirō Mifune (1920-97), the most prominent actor of the Golden Age of Japanese cinema.