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.

Where Is Anne Frank

1. Where Is Anne Frank

Animation Drama Family History
6.4
20211h 39min

Overview

The film follows the journey of Kitty, the imaginary friend to whom Anne Frank dedicated her diary. A fiery teenager, Kitty wakes up in the near future in Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam and embarks on a journey to find Anne, who she believes is still alive, in today's Europe. While the young girl is shocked by the modern world, she also comes across Anne's legacy.


House of Gucci

2. House of Gucci

Drama Crime History Biographical History Organized Crime
6.6
20212h 38min

Overview

When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately… murder.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Social climbing, Wealth and status, Family betrayal, Inheritance and control, Decadence and revenge

Available on

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

King Richard

3. King Richard

Drama History Biographical History Sports Biography
7.5
20212h 24min

Overview

The story of how Richard Williams served as a coach to his daughters Venus and Serena, who will soon become two of the most legendary tennis players in history.

Themes

Class inequality pressure, Family ambition discipline, Elite circles exclusion, Media scrutiny expectations, Coaching authority tensions, Humility vs ambition

Available on

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

JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass

4. JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass

Documentary History
7.5
20211h 59min

Overview

Thirty years after the release of his film JFK (1991), filmmaker Oliver Stone reviews recently declassified evidence related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which took place in Dallas on November 22, 1963.


Belfast

5. Belfast

Drama History Historical Drama
7.2
20211h 38min

Overview

Buddy is a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, whose life is filled with familial love, childhood hijinks, and a blossoming romance. Yet, with his beloved hometown caught up in increasing turmoil, his family faces a momentous choice: hope the conflict will pass or leave everything they know behind for a new life.

Themes

Class inequality under pressure, North ireland division, The troubles fracture, August 1969 riots effect, Ulster loyalism tension, Migration as choice and consequence

Available on

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

Spencer

6. Spencer

Drama History Biographical History Historical Drama
6.5
20211h 56min

Overview

During her Christmas holidays with the royal family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, Diana decides to leave her marriage to Prince Charles.

Themes

Class expectations, Public duty vs privacy, Gendered pressure, Haunting memories, Marital constraint, Family defiance

Available on

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

The Shadow in My Eye

7. The Shadow in My Eye

War Drama History World War II Historical Drama
7.3
20211h 47min

Overview

On March 21st, 1945, the British Royal Air Force set out on a mission to bomb Gestapo's headquarters in Copenhagen. The raid had fatal consequences as some of the bombers accidentally targeted a school and more than 120 people were killed, 86 of whom were children.

Themes

Resistance under occupation, Duty vs humanity, Civilian casualties, War-time trauma, Moral ambiguity of orders, Deception in war

Available on

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

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

8. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

Drama History Comedy Historical Drama Biographical History
6.8
20211h 51min

Overview

The extraordinary true story of eccentric British artist Louis Wain, whose playful, sometimes even psychedelic pictures helped to transform the public's perception of cats forever.

Themes

Creativity under constraint, Caregiving and loss, Economic precarity and debt, Illness and institutionalization, Public fame through art, Class bias and scandal

Available on

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

Lost Illusions

9. Lost Illusions

Drama Romance History Historical Drama Passionate Romance
7.4
20212h 29min

Overview

Lucien de Rubempré, a young, lower-class poet, leaves his family's printing house for Paris. Soon, he learns the dark side of the arts business as he tries to stay true to his dreams.

Themes

Class inequality, Social climbing, Media manipulation, Artistic integrity under pressure, Deception in the arts economy, Precarious reputation

Available on

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

The Last Duel

10. The Last Duel

History Drama Action Historical Event Historical Drama
7.3
20212h 33min

Overview

King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris, by challenging him to a duel.

Themes

Class and land politics, Legal ritual and dueling culture, Patriarchal authority in marriage, Sexual violence and consent, Social judgment and reputation, Patronage and favoritism dynamics

Available on

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