Contrary to the belief of some idiots on social media, Marvel's Black Panther has nothing to do with the Black Panther Party. The first appearance of the Black Panther character in a comic book was in July of 1966, roughly five months before Bobby Seale and Huey Newton founded the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. That doesn't mean Marvel's Black Panther character and the Black Panther Party didn't hold some of the same beliefs; hell, T'Challa has a history of kicking white supremacist ass. Still, let's get this straight: what Ryan Coogler and company are bringing to the silver screen with Black Panther isn't a reimagining of the Black Panther Party.
That said, there have been a number of films and documentaries that have examined what the Black Panther Party stood for during their run, which went from the fall of 1966 to some time in 1982. Their movement still lives on, but their impact on today's society isn't as massive as it was in their heyday. For those who can't wait to see Black Panther but also want to learn more about the Black Panther Party (as one should do, especially during Black History Month), here's a look at some of greatest stories from the Black Panther Party that were told on the silver screen.