10 Classic Sidney Poitier Films You Can Stream Now

Sidney Poitier was a trailblazing actor who broke racial barriers in Hollywood throughout the 1950s and 1960s most famously with his 1964 Oscar win for Best Actor in his role in the film Lilies of the Field, making him the first Black actor to do so.

Poitier died last week (Jan. 7) at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joanna, and five daughters. Poitier had six daughters; one of whom passed in 2018.

To honor him look check out the list to find out where to stream his iconic films:

• 1. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, 1967

  The logline reads: “A couple’s attitudes are challenged when their daughter introduces them to her African-American fiancé.” The film won 2 Oscars, Katherine Hepburn won “Best Actress in a Leading Role” and William Rose won for “Best Writing, Story, and Screenplay.” The film is available to stream on Starz.

• 2. A Raisin in the Sun, 1961

  The logline reads: “A substantial insurance payment could mean either financial salvation or personal ruin for a poor black family.” Sidney was nominated for “Best Actor” at the 1962 Golden Globes and “Best Foreign Actor” at the 1962 BAFTA Film Awards. You can stream the film on Amazon Prime Video.

• 3. To Sir, with Love, 1967

  The logline reads: “Idealistic engineer-trainee and his experiences in teaching a group of rambunctious white high school students from the slums of London’s East End.” You can stream To Sir, with Love on Amazon Prime Video.

• 4. Paris Blues, 1961

  The logline reads: “During the 1960s, two American expatriate jazz musicians living in Paris meet and fall in love with two American tourist girls.” You can watch Paris Blues for free on Tubi.

• 5. They Call Me Mister Tibbs!, 1970

  The logline reads: “In San Francisco, a high-priced call girl is murdered and the case is assigned to Police Lieutenant Virgil Tibbs.” The film is the first installment of a trilogy which also includes In the Heat of the Night and The Organization. You can stream They Call Me Mister Tibbs! for free on Tubi.

• 6. In the Heat of the Night, 1967

  The logline reads: “A black Philadelphia police detective is mistakenly suspected of a local murder while passing through a racially hostile Mississippi town, and after being cleared is reluctantly asked by the police chief to investigate the case.” Sidney was nominated for “Best Actor in a Drama” at the 1968 Golden Globes. You can stream In the Heat of the Night on Cinemax, Pluto TV, and the Roku Channel.

• 7. The Organization, 1971

  The logline reads: “In San Francisco, Police Lieutenant Virgil Tibbs helps a group of idealistic vigilantes expose a drug ring controlled by powerful businessmen.” Sidney was nominated for a NAACP award for “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” in 1971. You can stream The Organization for free on Tubi.

• 8. Lilies of the Field, 1963

  The logline reads: “A traveling handyman becomes the answer to the prayers of nuns who wish to build a chapel in the desert.” Sidney won the Academy Award for
  Best Actor in a Leading Role” at the 1964 Oscars making him the first Black actor to do so. You can stream Lilies of the Field on Amazon Prime Video or Tubi.

• 9. Porgy and Bess, 1959

  The logline reads: “A woman whose past is scorned by nearly everyone around her meets a man who’d love her regardlessly- if only everyone else would allow them to.” The film won “Best Motion Picture, Musical” at the 1960 Golden Globes. Sidney and Dorothy Dandrige (who played Bess) were nominated for “Best Actor” and “Best Actress” for the Golden Globes that year as well. Check out the clip from the classic above and stream the film on Roku (via Free Movie Classics).

• 10. Blackboard Jungle, 1955

  The logline reads: “A new English teacher at a violent, unruly inner-city school is determined to do his job, despite resistance from both students and faculty.” The film was nominated for “Best Writing, Screenplay” and “Best Cinematography.” You can watch the film on Amazon Prime Video.