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.

Swiped

1. Swiped

History Drama Biographical History Professional Drama
6.4
20251h 51min

Overview

Whitney Wolfe uses extraordinary grit and ingenuity to break into the male-dominated tech industry.

Themes

Online harassment escalation, Gender bias in tech, Investor influence on careers, Women-led leadership challenges, Leadership exclusion dynamics, Empowerment through entrepreneurship

Available on

Disney Plus
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Hamilton

2. Hamilton

History Drama
8.3
20252h 40min

Overview

Presenting the tale of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, this filmed version of the original Broadway smash hit is the story of America then, told by America now.


Good News

3. Good News

Thriller Comedy History
6.4
20252h 16min

Overview

When hijackers seize a Japanese flight and demand to fly to Pyongyang, a mysterious mastermind hatches a zany scheme to reroute the plane to Seoul.


Dead to Rights

4. Dead to Rights

Drama War History
7.7
20252h 17min

Overview

During the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, a postman poses as a photo developer, helping Japanese forces while secretly sheltering Chinese refugees. He later risks his life evacuating them and revealing evidence of the atrocities.


The Luckiest Man in America

5. The Luckiest Man in America

Drama History Comedy
6.2
20251h 30min

Overview

1984; Michael Larson, an unemployed ice-cream truck driver from Ohio, steps onto the game show "Press Your Luck" harboring a secret: the key to endless amounts of money. But his winning streak is threatened when the executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations.


The Match

6. The Match

Drama History
6.9
20251h 55min

Overview

When a legendary Go master loses his title to a one-time friend and protégé, he sets out to reclaim it in a high-stakes battle of wits and skill.


The Alto Knights

7. The Alto Knights

Crime Drama History Organized Crime Historical Drama
5.9
20252h 2min

Overview

Two of New York's most notorious organized crime bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, vie for control of the city's streets. Once the best of friends, petty jealousies and a series of betrayals place them on a deadly collision course that will reshape the Mafia (and America) forever.

Themes

Betrayal and loyalty, Retirement under threat, Public scrutiny and accountability, Organized crime power dynamics, Ambition and paranoia, Legacy and family safety, Law enforcement pressure and exposure

Available on

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

Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants

8. Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants

Action Drama History
6.4
20252h 27min

Overview

Under Genghis Khan, the Mongolian army pushes west to destroy the Jin Dynasty, setting its sights on the Song Dynasty next. Amid internal conflicts among martial arts schools, Guo Jing unites the Central Plains' warriors to defend Xiangyang, embodying courage and loyalty in the fight for the nation.


The Fire Inside

9. The Fire Inside

Drama History
6.7
20241h 49min

Overview

Claressa Shields, a high school junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.


The Brutalist

10. The Brutalist

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
7.3
20243h 35min

Overview

When an innovative modern architect flees post-war Europe, he is given the opportunity to rebuild his legacy. Set during the dawn of the modern United States (in Pennsylvania), his wife joins him, and their lives are forever changed by a demanding, wealthy patron.

Themes

Displacement and belonging, Gendered power dynamics, Class aspiration and assimilation, Postwar reconstruction pressures, Trauma and memory in design, Patronage and ambition, Immigrant reinvention through architecture

Available on

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