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.

231. The Best of Enemies

The Best of Enemies
Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
7.3
20192h 13minUnited States
Director: Robin Bissell

Overview

Centers on the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader who reluctantly co-chaired a community summit, battling over the desegregation of schools in Durham, North Carolina during the racially-charged summer of 1971. The incredible events that unfolded would change Durham and the lives of Atwater and Ellis forever.

Themes

Interracial friendship, Desegregation pressure, Activism shaping policy, Housing inequality, Charrette negotiation, Community resistance under threat

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

232. Hotel Mumbai

Hotel Mumbai
Thriller History Drama Action Historical Event
7.6
20192h 3minAustralia, Singapore
Director: Anthony Maras

Overview

Mumbai, India, November 26, 2008. While several terrorists spread hatred and death through the city, others attack the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Both hotel staff and guests risk their lives, making unthinkable sacrifices to protect themselves and keep everyone safe while help arrives.

Themes

Trauma and memory, Survival under siege, Duty under pressure, Cooperation under threat, Civilian resilience, Collective courage

Available on

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

233. The Professor and the Madman

The Professor and the Madman
History Drama Mystery Thriller Biographical History
7.2
20192h 4minFrance, Ireland
Director: Farhad Safinia

Overview

Professor James Murray begins work compiling words for the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in the mid 19th century, and receives over 10,000 entries from a patient at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dr. William Minor.

Themes

Public contribution to knowledge, Institutional gatekeeping of progress, Madness and intellect tension, Hidden contributions to language, Power dynamics in scholarly work, Care versus control in therapy

Available on

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

234. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
7.6
20191h 53minMalawi, United Kingdom
Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Overview

Against all the odds, a thirteen year old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine.

Themes

Ingenuity through self-education, Drought resilience, Family duty vs personal pursuit, Community collaboration, Resource scarcity driving innovation, Education access and persistence

Available on

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

235. The First King

The First King
History Drama Historical Event Tragic Drama
6.5
20192h 3minBelgium, Italy
Director: Matteo Rovere

Overview

Romulus and Remus, two shepherds and loyal brothers, end up taking part to a journey that will lead one of them to be the founder of the greatest nation ever seen. However, the fate of the chosen one will pass from killing his own brother.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Power under pressure, Political maneuvering, Loyalty and dissent, Public legitimacy under threat, War as diplomacy

Available on

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

236. Brexit: The Uncivil War

Brexit: The Uncivil War
History TV Movie Drama Political History Political Drama
7.0
20191h 33minUnited Kingdom
Director: Toby Haynes

Overview

Political strategist Dominic Cummings leads a popular but controversial campaign to convince British voters to leave the European Union from 2015 up until the present day.

Themes

Donor influence, Loss of control, Data driven campaigning, Undecided voter hinge, Digital targeting ethics, Political polarization

Available on

blue TV
Canal VOD
Sky Store
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

237. Mia Martini - I Am Mia

Mia Martini - I Am Mia
History Documentary Music
6.7
20191h 40min
Director: Riccardo Donna

Overview

The movie is a biopic about Mia Martini, an italian singer who died in 1995.


238. On the Basis of Sex

On the Basis of Sex
Drama History Legal Drama Biographical History
7.1
20182hUnited States
Director: Mimi Leder

Overview

Young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of sex discrimination.

Themes

Gender-based legal discrimination, Advocacy and pro bono work, Barriers to women in law, Strategic civil rights litigation, Incremental legal reform, Systemic bias in judiciary

Available on

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

239. Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Queen of Scots
Drama History Historical Drama Political History
6.3
20182h 4minUnited Kingdom, United States
Director: Josie Rourke

Overview

In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.

Themes

Royal lineage pressure, Factional betrayal and deception, Confinement and exile dynamics, Gendered power politics, Dynastic legitimacy stakes, Rival court maneuvering

Available on

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

240. The Keeper

The Keeper
Drama War History Biographical History Historical Drama
7.3
20181h 54minBelgium, Germany
Director: Marcus H. Rosenmüller

Overview

The story of a man whose love for football, for England and for the love of his life, Margaret, saw him rise from Nazi 'villain' to British hero. Bert Trautmann, the German goalkeeper won over even his harshest opponents by winning the FA Cup Final for Manchester City in 1956 - playing on with a broken neck to secure victory.

Themes

Romance under social glare, Public prejudice testing loyalty, War as identity test, Injury shaping resilience, Sporting merit beyond past, Parental tragedy and resolve

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
The Roku Channel
Kanopy
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.