2023 Native American Heritage Month Watchlist: Films

For Native American Heritage Month, we wanted to explore some of the diverse films that illustrate the depth and richness of Indigenous heritage. Join us and watch along as we cover some of the rich works that result from and celebrate this culture and community.

Please enjoy our 2023 Native American Heritage Month movie watchlist:

Dances with Wolves (1990)
Orion Pictures, dir. Kevin Costner

Breakdown: Notably, Kevin Costner’s Oscar-winning film demonstrates a positive portrayal of Native American culture, focusing on the Sioux tribe and their way of life and exploring the impact of European colonization, emphasizing understanding and respect for Indigenous culture while critiquing westward expansion and settler colonialism. The film also follows the transformation of the protagonist, John Dunbar, as he becomes a part of the Sioux tribe, raising questions of identity and belonging.

Watch trailer: Dances With Wolves - Official® Trailer [HD]
Watch movie: Dances with Wolves

Smoke Signals (1998)
Miramax, dir. Chris Eyre

Breakdown: This film explores Native American culture through the journey of two friends, delving into themes of identity, family, and the importance of storytelling in Native communities while challenging stereotypes and offering an authentic portrayal of Native American life. It is generally recognized as being one of the first feature-length films written, directed, and produced by Native Americans to reach a wide audience across the globe.

Watch trailer: Smoke Signals Official Trailer
Watch movie: Smoke Signals

Barking Water (2009)
Cinema Purgatorio and Lorber Films, dir. Sterlin Harjo

Breakdown: This 2009 drama tells the story of a Native American couple, Frankie and Irene, who embark on a road trip to revisit their shared past and reconcile their differences. The film offers an intimate portrayal of Native American culture, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It provides a glimpse into the complex relationships and experiences of indigenous people in contemporary America while highlighting the significance of heritage and connection in their lives.

Watch trailer: "Barking Water" Official Teaser Trailer 2009 Sundance Film Festival Selection
Watch movie: Barking Water

Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World (2017)
Kino Lorber, dir. Catherine Bainbridge, Alfonso Maiorana

Breakdown: This compelling music documentary explores the pivotal role of Native Americans in the fabric of contemporary music history, including a conspicuously overlooked and ignored period. Backed by many iconic figures from the pop and rock movements, the film sheds light on the profound influence of indigenous musicians on popular culture.

Watch trailer: RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World – Trailer
Watch movie: Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Paramount Pictures and Apple TV+, dir. Martin Scorsese

Breakdown: This upcoming feature from legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is based on the nonfiction book of the same name by David Grann. Delving into a dark chapter of American history, the film will explore the Osage Indian murders of the 1920s, where members of the Osage Nation were systematically killed after oil was discovered on their land. With a stellar reputation as a master storyteller, expectations for the picture are quite high, especially considering its combination of historical significance and a powerful ensemble, fronted by a largely Indigenous cast of actors.