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.

Corsage

1. Corsage

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
6.5
20221h 54min

Overview

A fictional account of one year in the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. On Christmas Eve 1877, Elisabeth, once idolized for her beauty, turns 40 and is officially deemed an old woman; she starts trying to maintain her public image.

Themes

Aging beauty and public image, Marital dissatisfaction and jealousy, Quest for autonomy through body control, Rumors and reputation management, Performance pressures and public persona, Dependence on others\' gaze

Available on

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

Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher

2. Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher

History Drama Biographical History Historical Drama
5.5
20221h 46min

Overview

At the turn of the 19th century, Pugilism was the sport of kings and a gifted young boxer fought his way to becoming champion of England.

Themes

Mentorship and influence, Pressures of spectatorship, Discipline vs indulgence, Social ascent and risk, Sport as social theater, Legacy and mortality

Available on

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

Elvis

3. Elvis

Drama Music History Historical Drama Music Biopic
7.3
20222h 39min

Overview

The life story of Elvis Presley as seen through the complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Themes

Image versus authenticity, Financial leverage and debt, Power dynamics in management, Career ascent vs control, Artist exploitation risks, Public scrutiny and polarization, Family tensions and loyalty

Available on

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

Inu-Oh

4. Inu-Oh

Animation Drama Music Fantasy History
7.1
20221h 38min

Overview

A cursed dancer and a blind musician — both ostracized by society — become business partners and inseparable friends as their larger-than-life concerts propel them to stardom in 14th century Japan.


Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush

5. Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush

Drama History
6.8
20221h 59min

Overview

Desperate to help her son, Rabiye Kurnaz, a housewife and loving mother from Bremen, goes to the police, notifies authorities and almost despairs at their impotence and in the end, against all the odds, something truly remarkable happens.


Operation Mincemeat

6. Operation Mincemeat

War History Drama World War II Historical Event
6.6
20222h 8min

Overview

In 1943, two British intelligence officers concoct Operation Mincemeat, wherein their plan to drop a corpse with false papers off the coast of Spain would fool Nazi spies into believing the Allied forces were planning to attack by way of Greece rather than Sicily.

Themes

Deception rooted in true story, Spy deception in world war ii, Remake driven misdirection, Secrecy and risk management, Spy craft and loyalty testing, Planning under uncertainty

Available on

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

Against the Ice

7. Against the Ice

Drama Adventure History Survival Adventure
6.5
20221h 41min

Overview

A seasoned captain and a young engineer set out to collect a lost expedition’s records, but when the ship sails away and the ice closes in, they must cross a killing ground of frostbite, starvation, and prowling polar bears with nothing left to lose.

Themes

Leadership under crisis, Survival under isolation, Duty versus loyalty, Resource scarcity and sacrifice, Mental strain and endurance, Duty in arctic exploration

Available on

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

Munich – The Edge of War

8. Munich – The Edge of War

Drama History Historical Event Historical Drama
6.8
20212h 10min

Overview

At the tense 1938 Munich Conference, former friends who now work for opposing governments become reluctant spies racing to expose a Nazi secret.

Themes

Loyalties under strain, Espionage under pressure, Secrecy vs transparency, Diplomatic brinkmanship, Moral ambiguity in decision, War-preparation under uncertainty

Available on

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

Benediction

9. Benediction

Drama History War
6.6
20212h 17min

Overview

Poet Siegfried Sassoon survived the horrors of fighting in the First World War and was decorated for his bravery, but became a vocal critic of the government's continuation of the war when he returned from service. Adored by members of the aristocracy as well as stars of London's literary and stage world, he embarked on affairs with several men as he attempted to come to terms with his homosexuality.


Being the Ricardos

10. Being the Ricardos

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
6.5
20212h 12min

Overview

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz face a crisis that could end their careers and another that could end their marriage.

Themes

Show business pressure, Interracial marriage stigma, Television star persona, 1950s industry norms, Hollywood era tensions, Career versus marriage tensions

Available on

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