History backdrop

History movies

Period pieces that transport you back in time, recreating the events and figures that shaped our past.

Subgenres include: Historical Event, Biographical History, Political History.

Emancipation

1. Emancipation

Drama War History Historical Drama 19th Century Wars
6.3
20222h 12min

Overview

Inspired by the gripping true story of a man who would do anything for his family—and for freedom. When Peter, an enslaved man, risks his life to escape and return to his family, he embarks on a perilous journey of love and endurance.

Themes

Escape from slavery, Slavery and memory, Endurance within slavery, Slavery and resilience, Slavery under duress, Slavery labor dynamics

Available on

Apple TV
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

A Man of Action

2. A Man of Action

Drama History
6.4
20221h 51min

Overview

Loosely inspired by the life of Lucio Urtubia, explore the figure of the so-called anarchist 'Robin Hood,' who ran a legendary counterfeiting operation in Paris that put him in the crosshairs of America's largest bank, when he managed to obtain a huge amount of money by forging traveler's checks to invest in causes he believed in.


She Said

3. She Said

Drama History Entertainment Industry Drama Historical Event
7.3
20222h 9min

Overview

New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor break one of the most important stories in a generation — a story that helped launch the #MeToo movement and shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood.

Themes

Abuse of power, Investigative journalism, Gender inequality, Institutional silence, Industry accountability, Me too movement

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Peacock Premium
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend

4. Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
5.5
20221h 37min

Overview

Follow the launch of Lamborghini’s career as a manufacturer of tractors, a creator of military vehicles during World War II, and the designer of Lamborghini cars, which he launched in 1963 as the high-end sports car company Automobili Lamborghini.

Themes

"movie: lamborghini: the man behind the legend. genres: drama, History, Drama, History main themes: based on novel or book, Biography, Historical, Based on novel or book, Biography, Historical full keywords list: based on novel or book, Biography, Historical, Auto industry, Luxury car. concept analysis: the film explores the duality of ambition and personal sacrifice, Illustrating how the pursuit of success can come at the cost of family and relationships. it also highlights the respect that can emerge from rivalry, Showcasing the complexities of human connections in the face of competition."

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Caravaggio's Shadow

5. Caravaggio's Shadow

History Drama
6.5
20222h

Overview

The Catholic Church secretly investigates Caravaggio as the Pope weighs whether to grant him clemency for killing a rival.


Eismayer

6. Eismayer

Drama History Romance
7.0
20221h 27min

Overview

Vice Lieutenant Eismayer is the most feared trainer and model macho in the Austrian Military and lives as a gay man in secret. When he falls in love with a young, openly gay soldier, his world gets turned upside down.


Strangeness

7. Strangeness

Comedy History Drama
6.7
20221h 43min

Overview

During a trip to Sicily in 1920, Luigi Pirandello meets two gravediggers-turned-playwrights rehearsing a play with their amateur dramatics. Pirandello takes an interest in the odd couple, having been suffering from writer's block while working on his eventual masterpiece, Six Characters in Search of an Author.


Call Jane

8. Call Jane

Drama History
6.5
20222h 1min

Overview

A married woman with an unwanted pregnancy lives in a time in America where she can't get a legal abortion and works with a group of suburban women to find help.


The Bohemian

9. The Bohemian

Drama History
6.7
20222h 21min

Overview

The year is 1764. For over a year, Josef has been leading a precarious life in Venice. He hopes to become an opera composer. The city, full of talented and already-established composers, seems closed to him. Looking for work as a violinist, he comes into the orbit of a rich young woman. Thanks to her, he gets the opportunity to play at salons. But his real opportunity arises when he becomes the lover of a libertine marquise. She teaches him worldly manners, rids him of signs of a provincial upbringing and introduces him to a hedonistic existence free from religious intolerance. Thus transformed, Josef gets an incan incredible commission: to write an opera for the San Carlo, Europe's largest theatre.


Till

10. Till

Drama History Historical Drama Historical Event
7.2
20222h 11min

Overview

The true story of Mamie Till Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14 year old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi.

Themes

Public accountability after violence, Racial bias in justice, Open casket exposure, Activism through tragedy, Civil rights momentum, Trial and testimony stakes

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.