Native American cinema offers a window into the lives, histories, and perspectives of Indigenous people, often challenging the stereotypes seen in mainstream media. These films are not only powerful narratives rooted in identity, struggle, and resilience but also artistic expressions that honor Native traditions, cultures, and voices.
In this article, we’ll address the best Native American movies you should add to your watchlist, according to my tastes.
Dances with Wolves
Though directed by a non-Native filmmaker, Kevin Costner, Dances with Wolves is praised for its sympathetic portrayal of Native people.
The film sparked renewed interest in Indigenous cultures among mainstream audiences. However, it also drew criticism for the “white savior” trope, highlighting the need for more stories told by Native voices themselves.
Nevertheless, it’s still one of the most famous Native American movies.
Little Big Man
Blending satire and tragedy, the film critiques American imperialism and myths of the Old West. Its portrayal of Native characters, particularly Chief Dan George’s performance as Old Lodge Skins, was groundbreaking at the time.
The bold storytelling and social commentary remain relevant decades later. Little Big Man stands out for humanizing Native perspectives during a time when few films did.
Rhymes for Young Ghouls
Set in the 1970s, this gritty and stylized drama follows a Mi’kmaq teenager who resists the Canadian residential school system. Directed by Jeff Barnaby, the film blends revenge thriller with cultural horror, addressing the trauma and resistance experienced by Indigenous youth.
With its strong female lead and punk aesthetic, the film offers a bold departure from traditional storytelling. Rhymes for Young Ghouls is a haunting and empowering tale of survival and defiance.
Songs My Brothers Taught Me
Chloé Zhao’s debut feature is a quiet, observational drama set on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. It follows a brother and sister grappling with the death of their father and the prospect of leaving or staying in their community.
With a cast of mostly non-professional actors, it captures the everyday realities and emotional landscapes of reservation life. The slow pace and minimalism in Songs My Brothers Taught Me allow the characters’ inner lives to shine.
The Last of the Mohicans
Michael Mann’s historical epic takes creative liberties, but it brings Indigenous characters to the forefront and portrays their bravery and sense of honor.
Despite some historical inaccuracies, The Last of the Mohicans remains an excellent film for audiences curious about Native-centered stories.
Smoke Signals
Undoubtedly, one of the most important Native American movies, Smoke Signals is the first feature co-produced, written, and directed by Native Americans. It follows two young Coeur d’Alene men as they travel to retrieve the ashes of one’s estranged father.
The film challenges Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans by telling a deeply personal and authentic story.
Wild Indian
Corbine Jr.’s movie explores trauma, identity, and morality through the lens of two men who share a dark secret. As adults, their lives have diverged drastically, but the past continues to haunt them.
Wild Indian stands out for its moody atmosphere, complex characters, and unflinching look at internalized pain. It avoids clichés and instead delves into what it means to survive as a modern Native man in a fractured world.
It’s one of the most compelling indigenous movies.
Beans
When it comes to Native American movies based on true stories, Beans is an excellent choice. It chronicles the 1990 Oka Crisis through the eyes of a 12-year-old Mohawk girl caught between innocence and activism.
Directed by Mohawk filmmaker Tracey Deer, the film blends historical drama with coming-of-age elements. It highlights the racism, fear, and bravery experienced during a real-life standoff between the Mohawk community and the Canadian government.
Broken Arrow
One of the earliest films to present Native Americans sympathetically. Though still limited by its era, with non-Native actors in Native roles, Broken Arrow was a progressive step forward at the time.
It humanized Native characters and depicted cultural diplomacy over violence. The film helped shift Hollywood narratives away from pure frontier mythologies. Today, it’s seen as an important, if imperfect, milestone in Indigenous representation.
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
Certainly one of the best indigenous movies, Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner is based on an ancient legend passed down orally for generations. Directed by Zacharias Kunuk and shot entirely in the Arctic, it tells the story of love, betrayal, and spiritual endurance in a remote Inuit community.
The film is groundbreaking for its complete immersion in Inuit culture, from language to traditional practices. It’s visually stunning and deeply rooted in Indigenous worldviews.
Final Words on Native American Movies
Native American movies are essential, not only for their cultural richness and historical relevance but also for their power to educate and inspire.
These films fight against decades of misrepresentation, offering voices that are authentic, diverse, and artistically bold. Watching Native American movies is more than entertainment – it’s a step toward understanding and honoring Indigenous experiences.
If you loved this article and want to continue reading, here’s a list of my blog posts!
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