Beyoncé isn’t just a global music icon, a performer who’s redefined the boundaries of what it means to be a pop star in the 21st century—she’s also an intellectual force, someone who consistently blends artistry with cultural commentary. From the messages woven into her albums to the deliberate visual choices in her music videos, every aspect of Beyoncé’s work reflects her deep engagement with the world. As fans, we often focus on her chart-topping hits and show-stopping performances, but beneath the surface is a woman whose artistic inspirations run deep, shaped by her favorite books and movies.
Beyoncé has never been one to shy away from exploring important social and cultural issues, whether it’s feminism, Black identity, or the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Her personal reading and viewing choices often reflect the same themes she tackles in her music. For fans looking to get inside the mind of Queen Bey, delving into her recommended books and movies provides a glimpse into the ideas that shape her creative process.
Let’s dive into some of Beyoncé’s favorite books and films that have had a profound impact on her life, her art, and her understanding of the world.
The Influence of Literature: Beyoncé’s Must-Reads
It’s no surprise that Beyoncé’s reading list includes a powerful collection of books, many of which focus on the empowerment of women, the Black experience, and the strength of community. These are themes she has long incorporated into her own work, making these books essential for anyone looking to understand the full spectrum of her artistry.
1. “Sula” by Toni Morrison
Beyoncé has openly praised the works of Toni Morrison, particularly Sula, a novel that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexity of womanhood. Morrison’s writing is celebrated for its depth, emotional resonance, and its unflinching look at the Black experience in America. In Sula, Morrison tells the story of two childhood friends, Nel and Sula, who grow up together in a small, segregated community. Their lives take different paths, and the novel explores how their choices—and society’s expectations—shape their identities.
Beyoncé’s admiration for Sula speaks to her own exploration of womanhood, particularly in albums like Lemonade, where she delves into the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and self-definition. Morrison’s work has undoubtedly inspired Beyoncé to dig deeper into the emotional landscapes of her characters, both real and fictional, making Sula a must-read for fans who want to understand the roots of her storytelling.
2. “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
Another powerful novel that has found its way onto Beyoncé’s list of favorites is Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book tells the story of Celie, a Black woman in the American South who endures unimaginable hardships, including abuse and oppression, but ultimately finds her voice and strength. Themes of sisterhood, survival, and empowerment are at the heart of the story, and it’s easy to see why Beyoncé resonates with it.
Much like The Color Purple, Beyoncé’s work—particularly in songs like Flawless and Run the World (Girls)—celebrates the resilience of women. She has become a champion for female empowerment, and this novel’s message of overcoming adversity and reclaiming one’s power aligns perfectly with the narrative Beyoncé often builds in her music and public persona. Walker’s book is more than just a story; it’s a manifesto for survival and growth, making it a key piece of literature for anyone interested in Beyoncé’s journey as an artist and activist.
3. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
Beyoncé has also cited Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God as one of her favorite novels. The story of Janie Crawford, a Black woman in the early 20th century searching for love and self-fulfillment, mirrors many of the themes Beyoncé has explored in her own life and work. Hurston’s novel is a deeply emotional exploration of identity, self-expression, and freedom, and it captures the struggles that Black women face in their personal and societal relationships.
In Lemonade, Beyoncé explores the emotional complexities of love, betrayal, and self-reclamation, much like Hurston’s protagonist. The lyrical storytelling in Their Eyes Were Watching God and its celebration of Black womanhood undoubtedly resonates with Beyoncé’s approach to music, which often serves as a platform to highlight the beauty, strength, and struggles of Black women. For fans looking to understand the literary inspirations behind her bold and introspective work, Hurston’s classic is essential reading.
4. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
Beyoncé has long been a vocal supporter of former First Lady Michelle Obama, and it’s no surprise that Becoming, Obama’s memoir, is on her recommended reading list. The book offers an intimate look at Obama’s journey from her childhood in Chicago to her years in the White House, detailing the challenges she faced and the values that guided her along the way.
Beyoncé, who has often collaborated with Michelle Obama on various charitable initiatives, shares a similar ethos when it comes to empowering women and using one’s platform for good. Both women have built legacies that go beyond their respective industries, using their influence to lift others up. Becoming is more than a personal narrative; it’s an inspiring call to action, urging readers to own their stories and embrace their unique journeys—a message that Beyoncé, too, has championed throughout her career.
Films That Shaped Queen Bey’s Vision
Just as literature has played a major role in shaping Beyoncé’s worldview, so too have the films she loves. Her favorite movies reflect her deep appreciation for visual storytelling, cultural heritage, and the power of art to spark dialogue and change. Many of these films are rich with themes of identity, race, and personal empowerment, which have clearly influenced Beyoncé’s music videos and visual albums.
1. “Daughters of the Dust” (1991)
One of the most significant films that has inspired Beyoncé’s visual work is Julie Dash’s Daughters of the Dust, an experimental, visually stunning film that explores the lives of a Gullah family off the coast of South Carolina in the early 1900s. The film is known for its dreamlike quality, its rich portrayal of Black culture, and its focus on generational trauma and healing. The aesthetics and themes of this film are echoed throughout Lemonade, which draws heavily on imagery from the Gullah culture and similarly examines Black women’s experiences through the lens of history and heritage.
Beyoncé’s incorporation of these themes in Lemonade marked a groundbreaking moment in her career, as she used visual storytelling to connect past and present, blending African-American history with contemporary struggles. For fans looking to dive deeper into the visual and thematic influences behind Lemonade, Daughters of the Dust is a must-watch.
2. “Dreamgirls” (2006)
It might seem obvious, but Dreamgirls—the 2006 musical drama in which Beyoncé stars as the fictional singer Deena Jones—holds a special place in her filmography. The film is a glamorous and at times gritty look at the rise and fall of a 1960s girl group, mirroring the journey of real-life groups like The Supremes. While Beyoncé has built her own empire outside the constraints of any group, Dreamgirls allowed her to explore the dynamics of fame, ambition, and personal identity on the big screen.
Though Dreamgirls is a fictional tale, it served as a platform for Beyoncé to stretch her acting chops while also highlighting her deep connection to music history. The film’s exploration of the personal sacrifices required for success in the music industry is a theme Beyoncé has continued to address in her own work, particularly in songs like Haunted and Pretty Hurts, where she delves into the emotional toll of fame.
3. “The Lion King” (2019)
Though The Lion King is a well-loved Disney classic, Beyoncé’s role in the 2019 live-action remake holds special significance in her career. Voicing the character of Nala, Beyoncé brought new life to a beloved story about legacy, identity, and returning to one’s roots. But beyond her role in the film, Beyoncé’s involvement extended to the soundtrack, for which she curated The Lion King: The Gift, an album that infused African sounds and voices into the Disney narrative, celebrating the richness of African culture.
The album—and Beyoncé’s film role—underscored her commitment to using her platform to amplify stories that celebrate the African diaspora. The themes of unity, strength, and belonging that run through The Lion King are deeply aligned with the messages Beyoncé has championed throughout her career. For her, this project wasn’t just a Disney movie—it was an opportunity to honor her heritage and introduce audiences to African musical influences.
4. “Selma” (2014)
Ava DuVernay’s Selma, a historical drama about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s march for voting rights in Alabama, is another film that has left a profound impact on Beyoncé. The film’s exploration of civil rights, racial injustice, and activism aligns with Beyoncé’s own work as an artist and advocate. In recent years, Beyoncé has been more vocal than ever about issues of racial inequality, police brutality, and social justice, using her platform to speak out and inspire change.
The emotional weight of Selma—a film that chronicles one of the most pivotal moments in American history—mirrors the themes Beyoncé touches on in her Formation video and her Black Is King visual album. For fans interested in seeing the films that inspire her social consciousness, Selma is an essential viewing.
The Artistry of Beyoncé’s Inspirations
Beyoncé’s favorite books and films aren’t just sources of personal enjoyment—they’re the raw materials she draws from to craft her music, videos, and public persona. Whether she’s celebrating Black womanhood, exploring the complexities of love and betrayal, or shining a light on the struggles of social justice, Beyoncé’s artistry is inextricably linked to the stories and messages in these works.
For fans, diving into the books and films that have shaped Beyoncé is more than just a way to understand her creative process—it’s a way to connect with the same themes that drive her vision. As an artist who’s always evolving, always pushing boundaries, and always challenging the status quo, Beyoncé reminds us that great art doesn’t just entertain; it inspires, provokes, and changes the world.
And with her favorite books and movies in hand, you too can get inspired.
