For viewers searching for Native American movies, the strongest starting point in this roundup is Pine Ridge, a documentary focused on contemporary life rather than a distant historical setting. We Were Children offers a stark account of residential schools, while Crooked Arrows gives newcomers a more accessible sports-drama entry point. These films differ in form, tone, and whose perspective shapes the story, so a documentary, a dramatic feature, and a period film will not serve the same purpose. Some choices are emotionally intense or shaped by outside perspectives, tradeoffs worth knowing before you watch. Read on for my full ranking and guidance on choosing the right film for your interests.
Prime made for students and young adults
- Fast, free delivery for dorm and study essentials
- Prime Video and Amazon Music included
- Member-only deals
Key Takeaways
Pine Ridge ranks first for its focus on a living community, making it my strongest all-around choice for viewers seeking a contemporary documentary rather than a historical drama.
We Were Children is the most direct historical choice in this lineup, but its residential-school subject matter makes it a far heavier watch than Crooked Arrows or Windwalker.
Crooked Arrows is the easiest entry point for viewers who prefer a familiar sports story; it offers a gentler starting place than the documentaries and colonial-era dramas here.
Windwalker and Spirit Rider serve different moods: Windwalker suits viewers drawn to a classic period story, while Spirit Rider is a useful alternative for a drama centered on family and Indigenous identity.
Point of view matters as much as subject matter: Thunderheart, Black Robe, and The Bygone use thriller or historical frameworks, so viewers seeking Indigenous-centered storytelling may want to pair them with community-focused documentaries such as Pine Ridge.
| We Were Children |  | Best for Historical Testimony | ASIN: B07FQ15SB3 | Title: We Were Children | Film type: Documentary | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Pine Ridge |  | Best for Observational Community Portrait | ASIN: B07KZFJ8BV | Title: Pine Ridge | Film type: Documentary | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Black Robe |  | Best for Historical Drama | ASIN: B08VG9M8MP | Title: Black Robe | Film type: Historical drama | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thunderheart |  | Best for a Native-Themed Crime Story | ASIN: 0767812182 | Title: Thunderheart | Film type: Crime drama | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crooked Arrows |  | Best for a Sports-Drama Entry Point | ASIN: B07S9P53FF | Title: Crooked Arrows | Film type: Sports drama | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Windwalker (Special Edition) [DVD] | ” image=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uGlV77pkL._SY300_SX300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg” link=”0″] | Best for Language and Cultural-History Focus | Format: DVD | Release year: 1980 | Distributor: Pacific International Enterprises | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Spirit Rider |  | Best for Buyers Who Know the Exact Title | ASIN: B08Z786F4X | Format: Not provided | Release year: Not provided | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| American Native |  | Best for Research-First Shoppers | ASIN: B0GKLLM18G | Format: Not provided | Release year: Not provided | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| The Bygone |  | Best to Hold Until Listing Details Are Available | ASIN: B07ZFWGRZ1 | Format: Not provided | Release year: Not provided | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| native american movie | ASIN | Release year | Title | Film type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| We Were Children | B07FQ15SB3 | — | We Were Children | Documentary |
| Pine Ridge | B07KZFJ8BV | 2013 | Pine Ridge | Documentary |
| Black Robe | B08VG9M8MP | 1991 | Black Robe | Historical drama |
| Thunderheart | 0767812182 | — | Thunderheart | Crime drama |
| Crooked Arrows | B07S9P53FF | 2012 | Crooked Arrows | Sports drama |
| Windwalker | — | 1980 | — | — |
| Spirit Rider | B08Z786F4X | Not provided | — | — |
| American Native | B0GKLLM18G | Not provided | — | — |
| The Bygone | B07ZFWGRZ1 | Not provided | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
We Were Children
I rank We Were Children for viewers seeking testimony about Indigenous children taken into residential schools, rather than a lighter introduction to Native stories. Its focus on personal narratives gives the history a human scale, though the subject is distressing and the production is less polished than a mainstream drama such as Thunderheart. That difference matters: this is a difficult documentary to sit with, not a suspense story built for casual viewing. Compared with Pine Ridge, which centers life in a community, this film directs attention to institutional harm and its effects. I recommend it for viewers prepared for painful material; its narrow focus and limited production quality may not suit those looking for broad historical context or an easy watch.
Pros:- Documents the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools
- Uses powerful personal narratives to make the subject human and immediate
- Offers a serious historical perspective distinct from fictional dramas
Cons:- Distressing subject matter may be difficult to watch
- Limited production quality can feel rough beside more polished films
Best for: Viewers seeking personal accounts of Indigenous children’s experiences in residential schools and prepared for distressing historical material
Not ideal for: Viewers wanting an upbeat Native-centered story, a broad survey of Indigenous history, or polished dramatic production
- ASIN:B07FQ15SB3
- Title:We Were Children
- Film type:Documentary
- Subject:Indigenous children in residential schools
- Narrative focus:Personal narratives
- Content note:Distressing material
Our verdict“Choose this for difficult, testimony-centered history, not for light viewing or a broad overview.”
Pine Ridge
Pine Ridge is my pick for viewers more interested in everyday lives and community than in a tightly plotted drama. Anna Eborn’s documentary follows young people on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, using an observational approach rather than the historical testimony at the center of We Were Children. That makes it a useful counterpoint: it offers a quieter portrait of a place and its residents, not a full account of reservation history or a single dramatic crisis. The tradeoff is its restrained pace and limited explanatory framing; viewers who want clear background or a conventional story may find it slight. I’d choose it for a patient, documentary-minded watch, and skip it if a strong plot is the priority.
Pros:- Focuses on young people living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
- Observational style leaves room for everyday moments
- Provides a community-centered alternative to the institutional history in We Were Children
Cons:- Restrained pacing may feel slow to viewers expecting a dramatic arc
- Offers less historical explanation than a more contextual documentary
- The supplied product information gives few details about its scope
Best for: Documentary viewers interested in young people’s lives on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and comfortable with a quiet, observational pace
Not ideal for: Viewers seeking a plot-driven film or substantial historical explanation alongside the community portrait
- ASIN:B07KZFJ8BV
- Title:Pine Ridge
- Film type:Documentary
- Director:Anna Eborn
- Release year:2013
- Setting:Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota
- Focus:Young people and community life
Our verdict“Pick Pine Ridge for an unhurried community portrait, rather than a plot-led or heavily contextual film.”
Black Robe
Black Robe suits viewers looking for a serious historical drama set in 17th-century New France, where a Jesuit missionary travels with Indigenous guides. Its period setting and journey structure make it a sharper fit for historical-film fans than Thunderheart, which uses a modern crime investigation to approach Native identity. But the perspective is a real tradeoff: the missionary’s journey frames much of the story, so this is not the same as a contemporary Native-led account. The film also contains harsh material that may be difficult for some viewers. I’d choose it for a challenging period narrative and a sense of colonial-era encounter, while viewers seeking present-day Indigenous perspectives should start elsewhere in this roundup.
Pros:- Offers a distinct 17th-century New France setting
- Centers a journey involving a Jesuit missionary and Indigenous guides
- Provides a historical contrast to the contemporary crime story in Thunderheart
Cons:- The missionary’s journey frames the story, limiting its fit for viewers seeking Native-centered narration
- Harsh material may make it difficult viewing
- Its period drama approach may feel less immediate than contemporary stories
Best for: Viewers interested in colonial-era historical dramas and the encounter between a Jesuit missionary and Indigenous communities
Not ideal for: Viewers seeking a contemporary Native-led story, a light adventure, or a historical film without harsh material
- ASIN:B08VG9M8MP
- Title:Black Robe
- Film type:Historical drama
- Release year:1991
- Director:Bruce Beresford
- Source material:Novel by Brian Moore
- Setting:17th-century New France
- Central journey:A Jesuit missionary travels with Indigenous guides
Our verdict“Choose Black Robe for a demanding colonial-era drama, but not as a substitute for a contemporary Native-led perspective.”
Thunderheart
Thunderheart is the most direct pick here for viewers who want Native themes carried by a crime plot. Val Kilmer plays a part-Sioux FBI agent investigating a murder, and the case draws him toward his heritage. That setup gives the film more conventional suspense than Pine Ridge or We Were Children, whose documentary approaches ask for a different kind of attention. The tradeoff is that cultural reconnection is filtered through an FBI investigator and a fictional mystery, rather than offered as documentary testimony. Its niche appeal may also leave viewers who want a straightforward police thriller less engaged. I’d put it ahead of Black Robe for a contemporary setting, but choose the historical drama for a period story.
Pros:- Combines a murder mystery with questions of heritage and identity
- Features Val Kilmer in the lead role
- Provides a contemporary crime-story contrast to Black Robe’s historical setting
Cons:- The FBI-investigator viewpoint shapes how Native themes reach the viewer
- Its cultural and crime-story blend may not appeal to viewers seeking either genre on its own
Best for: Viewers who want a suspenseful crime drama that connects a murder investigation with a part-Sioux agent’s heritage
Not ideal for: Viewers seeking a documentary, an explicitly Native-led ensemble story, or a conventional crime thriller without cultural themes
- ASIN:0767812182
- Title:Thunderheart
- Film type:Crime drama
- Lead actor:Val Kilmer
- Lead character:Part-Sioux FBI agent
- Plot:Murder investigation
- Central theme:Reconnection with Native American heritage
Our verdict“Choose Thunderheart for a crime-driven story about heritage, rather than documentary history or a purely procedural thriller.”
Crooked Arrows
Crooked Arrows is the accessible choice for viewers who want a sports story tied to Native American identity, rather than the weightier history in We Were Children or the crime tension of Thunderheart. The film follows a Native American lacrosse team, giving the sport a central place in the story instead of using it as background. That makes it a natural starting point for viewers who prefer team dynamics and familiar underdog-drama beats. The compromise is that sports-film conventions can simplify the cultural material, and anyone expecting a documentary account or a wide-ranging portrait of Native life should look elsewhere. I’d choose it for a lighter, game-centered watch; viewers wanting a more challenging historical perspective will get more from Black Robe.
Pros:- Centers a Native American lacrosse team
- Uses a sports-drama framework that can be approachable for casual viewers
- Offers a lighter change of pace from We Were Children
Cons:- Sports-film conventions may simplify cultural themes
- Its team-centered story is not a broad account of Native American life
- Viewers uninterested in sports dramas may not connect with its central premise
Best for: Viewers who enjoy team sports dramas and want a Native American-centered story with lacrosse at its core
Not ideal for: Viewers seeking documentary history, a detailed account of Native communities, or a crime-driven story
- ASIN:B07S9P53FF
- Title:Crooked Arrows
- Film type:Sports drama
- Release year:2012
- Director:Steve Rash
- Lead actor:Brandon Routh
- Team at the center:Native American lacrosse team
- Central sport:Lacrosse
Our verdict“Choose Crooked Arrows for a more approachable lacrosse-centered story, not for documentary depth or broad cultural history.”
Windwalker (Special Edition) [DVD]
” image=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uGlV77pkL._SY300_SX300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg” link=”0″]Best for Language and Cultural-History Focus
View on AmazonWindwalker is the most clearly documented choice here for viewers seeking Native languages and cultural detail: its listing describes Cheyenne and Crow dialogue, subtitles, and a story centered on an aged Cheyenne warrior’s search for his kidnapped son. The supplied description also reports recognition from the American Anthropological Association and notes Utah mountain scenery. Compared with Black Robe, which is another title in this roundup, Windwalker’s documented focus is specifically a Cheyenne protagonist and Indigenous languages; I can’t compare their filmmaking quality from the information provided. The tradeoff is a sparse, patient storytelling style rather than polished filmmaking, and its PG-rated violence may be too intense for young children. A vintage promotional reel adds context, but won’t suit viewers seeking only the feature.
Pros:- Features Cheyenne and Crow languages with subtitles.
- Centers a Cheyenne warrior and his search for his kidnapped son.
- Includes Utah mountain scenery and a vintage promotional reel.
- The supplied description reports recognition from the American Anthropological Association.
Cons:- The filmmaking is described as undistinguished.
- Sparse dialogue may test viewers who prefer a fast pace.
- PG-rated violence may not suit very young viewers.
Best for: Viewers interested in Cheyenne and Crow languages, cultural history, and a slower spiritual-quest story.
Not ideal for: Families with very young children, or viewers who prefer brisk pacing and technically polished filmmaking.
- Format:DVD
- Release year:1980
- Distributor:Pacific International Enterprises
- Languages:Cheyenne and Crow, with subtitles
- Condition:Like New
- Rental status:Not an ex-rental
- Edition:Special Edition; includes a vintage promotional reel
- Setting details in supplied description:Natural landscapes in Utah
Our verdict“Choose Windwalker if Indigenous-language and cultural detail matter more to you than polished, fast-moving filmmaking.”
Spirit Rider
Spirit Rider is a title-led option, not a recommendation I can rank by its story or representation: the supplied record gives a name and ASIN, but no synopsis, format, release year, language, or edition details. That makes it a weaker evidence-based pick than Windwalker, whose languages, central character, and bonus material are described. I also can’t tell from this listing whether the film’s Native subject matter is central, or what perspective it presents. Its practical advantage is limited to having an identifiable title and product code to check against a separate listing or case. I’d only pursue it after confirming the edition and content elsewhere; without that verification, there isn’t enough information here to weigh its storytelling or suitability against Thunderheart.
Pros:- The product title is identified as Spirit Rider.
- The ASIN gives shoppers a specific identifier to check against another listing.
- The supplied record does not invite unsupported claims about the film’s content.
Cons:- No synopsis is supplied to judge its Native subject matter or perspective.
- Format, release year, language, and edition are not provided.
- There is no supplied information to assess age suitability or compare the film’s craft.
Best for: A viewer who already knows Spirit Rider is the intended title and can verify the edition and content before ordering.
Not ideal for: Shoppers choosing a Native-focused film by subject matter, language, age suitability, or format; those details are absent here.
- ASIN:B08Z786F4X
- Format:Not provided
- Release year:Not provided
- Language:Not provided
- Distributor:Not provided
- Edition or condition:Not provided
- Synopsis:Not provided
Our verdict“Consider Spirit Rider only if you can independently confirm that this exact listing matches the film and edition you want.”
American Native
American Native has a broad title, but the supplied listing offers no synopsis or edition details to clarify which film it refers to or how it approaches Native life. That uncertainty matters more here than any presumed strength: compared with Windwalker, which has a described Cheyenne story, named languages, and location details, this entry gives me no basis to judge cultural focus, tone, or age fit. Its ASIN is useful as a starting point for checking the exact product, but the title alone can’t answer those questions. I would research the case, format, and film description before choosing it. Unlike a fully documented pick, this listing isn’t yet a dependable recommendation for someone selecting a movie around a particular community or historical subject.
Pros:- The title and ASIN are supplied for product matching.
- The ASIN offers a precise reference when checking other listings.
- The lack of a synopsis is clear, so buyers can recognize the information gap.
Cons:- No plot or cultural focus is described.
- Format, release year, language, and distributor are not listed.
- There is not enough information to judge age suitability or compare its content with Windwalker.
Best for: Research-first shoppers who can match the ASIN to a verified synopsis and edition before making a selection.
Not ideal for: Viewers who need clear information about the film’s Native communities, historical setting, language, or content suitability.
- ASIN:B0GKLLM18G
- Format:Not provided
- Release year:Not provided
- Language:Not provided
- Distributor:Not provided
- Edition or condition:Not provided
- Synopsis:Not provided
Our verdict“Keep American Native on your list only if you can verify the film’s identity and subject matter from another reliable listing.”
The Bygone
The Bygone is the clearest wait-and-verify choice in this batch: its product information is explicitly marked unavailable, leaving no supplied details about story, format, year, language, or edition. That makes it impossible to judge how directly it fits a Native American movies roundup or who might find its content suitable. By comparison, Windwalker comes with a described Cheyenne protagonist, Indigenous-language details, and a stated setting, so it offers a much firmer basis for a buying decision. The Bygone’s title and ASIN provide a starting point for searching, not a reason to choose it over a documented option. I’d defer a decision until a full synopsis and release details can be checked rather than infer its subject from its name.
Pros:- The title and ASIN are available for targeted searching.
- The listing openly indicates that product information is unavailable.
- Buyers can avoid treating the title alone as evidence of the film’s subject.
Cons:- No synopsis is available to confirm its fit for this roundup.
- Format, release year, language, and edition are not supplied.
- There is no basis here to assess content suitability or compare its storytelling with Windwalker.
Best for: Shoppers willing to wait for or locate a complete listing before deciding whether this film fits their interests.
Not ideal for: Anyone selecting a movie now based on Native representation, language, era, format, or family suitability.
- ASIN:B07ZFWGRZ1
- Format:Not provided
- Release year:Not provided
- Language:Not provided
- Distributor:Not provided
- Edition or condition:Not provided
- Product information:Currently unavailable
Our verdict“Wait to choose The Bygone until a reliable listing confirms its content and edition.”
How We Picked
I ranked these films by how well they serve viewers looking for Native American stories, weighing the centrality of Indigenous characters and communities, the kind of perspective each film offers, and how clearly its format suits a particular viewing goal. I also weighed tone and accessibility: a documentary about ongoing community life can offer a different kind of value from a fictional period drama, while a film about residential schools calls for more emotional readiness than a sports story. The ranking is not a declaration that one film can represent every Native nation or experience; it is a guide to the different questions and viewing needs each title may meet.
Pine Ridge takes the overall spot, followed by We Were Children for historical focus and Crooked Arrows for an approachable drama. Windwalker is the classic-period pick, with Spirit Rider and American Native offering other routes into Indigenous-centered stories. I place Thunderheart, Black Robe, and The Bygone lower because their genre or historical framing may be a less direct fit for viewers prioritizing Indigenous perspectives; they can still appeal to people seeking a thriller or colonial-era story. Each film has a distinct purpose, and the order reflects fit for this roundup rather than a claim of definitive cultural authority.
| native american movie | Title | Film type |
|---|---|---|
| We Were Children | We Were Children | Documentary |
| Pine Ridge | Pine Ridge | Documentary |
| Black Robe | Black Robe | Historical drama |
| Thunderheart | Thunderheart | Crime drama |
| Crooked Arrows | Crooked Arrows | Sports drama |
| Windwalker | — | — |
| Spirit Rider | — | — |
| American Native | — | — |
| The Bygone | — | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Native American Movies
Before choosing a title, decide what you want the film to offer: a record of lived experience, a historical account, or a story built around a familiar genre. Subject, perspective, and viewing context can matter more here than a broad label like drama or documentary.
Decide Whether You Want Documentary or Fiction
A documentary and a fictional feature make different kinds of promises to viewers. Pine Ridge and American Native are the documentary-oriented options in this group, while Thunderheart and Crooked Arrows use fictional plots and genre conventions. Documentary does not mean a complete account of a community, and fiction should not be treated as a stand-in for lived testimony. A common misstep is choosing a film only by topic, then finding its approach does not match what you hoped to learn. Pick the format that suits your purpose, and seek more than one source if you want broader context.
Look at Who Shapes the Story
A Native character or setting does not by itself tell you whose viewpoint guides a film. Check the director, writers, performers, production notes, and any available interviews or community context before treating a movie as representative. Pine Ridge is a different kind of viewing choice from a genre film such as The Bygone, even when both touch on contemporary Native life. Credits can offer useful clues, but they do not settle every question about a work’s point of view. Avoid expecting one film to speak for many distinct nations and communities. Pair a movie with other Indigenous-made work if perspective and authorship are priorities for you.
Match the Film’s Tone to Your Viewing Needs
These titles range from a sports drama to accounts of painful historical experience. We Were Children is a serious choice for viewers prepared for residential-school subject matter, while Crooked Arrows offers a more familiar sports-story structure. If you are watching with others, check the film’s subject and content notes rather than relying on genre labels alone. A historical setting does not automatically mean a film is emotionally easier or more suitable for younger viewers. For a group discussion, agree on whether the goal is shared entertainment, historical learning, or a conversation about representation before pressing play.
Black Robe and Windwalker invite interest in earlier periods, but a period setting is not the same as a complete historical account. Look for accompanying context about the time, communities, and creative choices behind the story, especially when a film uses a colonial viewpoint or older conventions. One frequent mistake is to treat a dramatic plot as a factual guide to a whole era. Use historical films as starting points for questions, then consult Indigenous historians and sources from the relevant communities. This approach lets you enjoy a period film without asking it to do the work of a history resource.
Choose the Edition and Format for How You Watch
A film title and a particular release edition are separate buying decisions. Windwalker (Special Edition) [DVD] is the specifically identified physical-format option in this lineup, so check the packaging details, playback compatibility, and any listed extras before choosing it. Do not assume that a special-edition label guarantees particular bonus material or that a DVD will suit every setup. If convenience matters most, check current legal viewing options in your region, since availability can change. If you want a lasting copy, confirm the format and included materials rather than relying on the title alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which movie should I watch first if I am new to Native American films?
I would start with Crooked Arrows if you want a familiar sports-drama structure and a less severe tone. Choose Pine Ridge instead if your main interest is contemporary documentary storytelling. The best starting point depends on whether you want a fictional plot or a nonfiction account, not on one film being a complete introduction to Native communities. After either choice, a second film with a different format can help broaden the picture.
Which title is the most suitable for a family movie night?
Crooked Arrows is the clearest family-oriented starting point here because its sports-story framework is more accessible than the heavier historical options. Still, suitability depends on the ages and expectations of the people watching, so check a current content guide before choosing. We Were Children deals with residential schools and is not a casual family-night pick. A shared viewing can work well when adults are ready to give context and make space for questions afterward.
Should I choose a documentary or a fictional Native American movie?
Choose a documentary such as Pine Ridge when you want nonfiction storytelling, while a feature such as Thunderheart may suit you better if you want a thriller plot. Neither format is automatically more truthful or more representative: documentaries also have a point of view, and fiction can still raise meaningful questions. If you want historical or cultural understanding, look beyond a single film’s framing and read reliable context alongside it. For entertainment, let tone and genre guide the choice while staying alert to whose perspective drives the story.
Which movie in this list deals most directly with residential schools?
We Were Children is the direct choice for viewers seeking a film about residential schools and their impact. It is a heavy subject, so plan for a serious viewing rather than treating it as a general introduction to the full range of Native American stories. If the topic is new to you, look for context from Indigenous-led educational or historical sources before or after watching. Pine Ridge offers a contrasting focus on contemporary community life rather than the same historical subject.
Is a special-edition DVD a better choice than watching a film online?
It depends on whether you want a physical copy, need a specific playback format, or prefer the convenience of online viewing. The listing here identifies Windwalker (Special Edition) [DVD], but the edition name alone does not confirm which extras are included. Check the package description and your device compatibility before buying a disc. Online availability can vary by region and date, so verify the current source if you want to watch digitally.
Conclusion
My best overall pick is Pine Ridge for viewers who want a contemporary documentary focus. For a serious historical subject, choose We Were Children; for a more approachable first watch or a shared sports-drama pick, choose Crooked Arrows. Windwalker (Special Edition) [DVD] is my physical-edition pick for viewers who specifically want that format, while Spirit Rider suits those seeking another family-and-identity-centered drama. For genre-specific viewing, turn to Thunderheart for a thriller, Black Robe for a colonial-era story, or The Bygone for contemporary suspense, keeping each film’s framing in mind.
For the strongest value as a first shared watch, I would pick Crooked Arrows for its accessible sports-story structure; for a documentary-led introduction, choose Pine Ridge. If you want the most challenging historical viewing, select We Were Children and allow time for discussion. These picks serve different needs, so the best choice is the one whose format, subject, and perspective match what you want from a Native American movie.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
