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.

Overview

The imagined life of one of the world’s most famous authors, Emily Brontë, as she finds her voice and writes the literary classic Wuthering Heights. Explore the relationships that inspired her – her raw, passionate sisterhood with Charlotte and Anne; her first aching, forbidden love for Weightman and her care for her maverick brother whom she idolises.

Themes

Romance under scrutiny, Sibling influence on craft, Family pressure shaping ambition, Education shaping identity, Gendered artistic pursuit, Mentorship under constraint

Available on

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

All Quiet on the Western Front

2. All Quiet on the Western Front

War History Drama World War I Historical Drama
7.8
20222h 27min

Overview

Paul Baumer and his friends Albert and Muller, egged on by romantic dreams of heroism, voluntarily enlist in the German army. Full of excitement and patriotic fervour, the boys enthusiastically march into a war they believe in. But once on the Western Front, they discover the soul-destroying horror of World War I.

Themes

Patriotic fervor, Disillusionment with war, Illusion of heroism, Comradeship under stress, Reintegration anxiety, Horror of trench warfare

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Lost King

3. The Lost King

Comedy Drama History
6.7
20221h 48min

Overview

An amateur historian defies the academic establishment in her efforts to find King Richard III's remains, which were lost for over 500 years.


Argentina 1985

4. Argentina 1985

Drama History Crime Legal Drama
7.6
20222h 21min

Overview

In the 1980s, a team of lawyers takes on the heads of Argentina's bloody military dictatorship in a battle against odds and a race against time.

Themes

Transition to democracy under pressure, Collective legal effort under threat, Legal accountability under dictatorship, Professional risk and loyalty, Public testimony and scrutiny, Testimony as public record

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Woman King

5. The Woman King

Action Drama History Epic Action Historical Drama
6.9
20222h 15min

Overview

The story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen, and General Nanisca as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.

Themes

Arranged marriage pressure, Legacy and lineage, Warfare against slavers, Freedom and captivity, Female military leadership, Loyalty and disobedience

Available on

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

Broad Peak

6. Broad Peak

Drama History
6.0
20221h 41min

Overview

After climbing Broad Peak mountain, Maciej Berbeka learns his journey to the summit is incomplete. 25 years later, he sets out to finish what he started.


Lord of the Ants

7. Lord of the Ants

Drama History
6.7
20222h 14min

Overview

Based on true events of the late 60s in Italy, poet, playwright and myrmecologist Aldo Braibanti is prosecuted and sentenced to prison for the love he shares with his barely-of-age pupil and friend, Ettore. Amidst a chorus of voices of accusers, supporters and a largely hypocritical public, a single committed journalist takes on the task of piecing together the truth, between secrecy and desire, facing suspicion and censorship in the process.


Medieval

8. Medieval

Action Drama History Epic Action Historical Drama
5.9
20222h 6min

Overview

The story of fifteenth century Czech icon and warlord, Jan Zizka, who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire.

Themes

"movie: medieval. genres: action, Drama, History, Action, Drama, History main themes: based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval, Based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval full keywords list: based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval, 15th century, Hussite wars (1419-1434). concept analysis: the film explores the themes of sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of freedom against oppressive forces. it highlights the personal and collective struggles of individuals caught in the turmoil of war, Emphasizing that true leadership often comes at a great personal cost."

Available on

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

Hansan: Rising Dragon

9. Hansan: Rising Dragon

War Action Drama History
6.6
20222h 10min

Overview

In 1592, admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the might of the invading Japanese navy and its formidable warships. As the Korean forces fall into crisis, the admiral resorts to using his secret weapon, the dragon head ships known as geobukseon, in order to change the tide of this epic battle at sea.


Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

10. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Drama Comedy History Historical Drama High-Concept Comedy
7.1
20221h 56min

Overview

A 1950s London cleaning lady falls in love with an haute couture dress by Christian Dior and decides to gamble everything for the sake of this folly.

Themes

Class inequality, Female resilience, Social mobility, Labor solidarity, Fashion as aspiration, Modernization of retail

Available on

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