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.

Farewell, My Queen

411. Farewell, My Queen

Drama History Historical Drama Historical Event
6.2

20121h 40min

France, Spain

Director: Benoît Jacquot

Overview

A look at the relationship between Marie Antoinette and one of her readers during the final days of the French Revolution.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Identity through disguise, Survival through deception, Performative roles in court, Class and status borders, Power and spectacle

Available on

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

Game Change

412. Game Change

TV Movie Drama Comedy History Political Drama
7.4

20121h 58min

United States

Director: Jay Roach

Overview

During the Republican run of the 2008 Presidential election, candidate John McCain picks a relative unknown, Alaskan governor Sarah Palin, to be his running mate. As the campaign kicks into high gear, her lack of experience, in both political and media savvy, becomes a drain upon McCain and his strategists.

Themes

Media scrutiny, Image vs competence, Base appeal vs mainstream, Rapid vetting pressures, Negative campaigning tactics, Leadership credibility under fire

Available on

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

Rose

413. Rose

Drama History War
7.6

20121h 30min

Director: Wojtek Smarzowski

Overview

This harrowing tale of survival centers on Rose, a Masurian woman, whose German soldier husband was killed in the war, leaving her alone on their farm. A single woman had no defense against Russian soldiers who raped as a form of revenge, nor against plundering Poles who found themselves in desperate straits. Help arrives for Rose in the form of Tadeusz, a former officer in the Polish Home Army who deserted after he saw his wife raped and murdered by Russian troops and is attempting to hide his identity.


Red Tails

414. Red Tails

Drama Action Adventure History War
5.9

20122h 5min

United States, Czechia

Director: Anthony Hemingway

Overview

The story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly in a combat squadron during World War II.

Themes

Based on true story promises, World war ii pressures, Tuskegee airmen legacy, Military hierarchy and bias, Fighter pilot identity, African american history lessons

Available on

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

War Horse

415. War Horse

War History Adventure World War I Historical Event
7.2

20112h 26min

United States, India

Director: Steven Spielberg

Overview

On the brink of the First World War, Albert's beloved horse Joey is sold to the Cavalry by his father. Against the backdrop of the Great War, Joey begins an odyssey full of danger, joy, and sorrow, and he transforms everyone he meets along the way. Meanwhile, Albert, unable to forget his equine friend, searches the battlefields of France to find Joey and bring him home.

Themes

Duty under fire, Captivity and escape, War disrupts rural life, Loyalty beyond ownership, Endurance and loss, Bonds across hardship

Available on

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

My Way

416. My Way

Drama Action History War
7.6

20112h 17min

Director: Kang Je-kyu

Overview

During the invasion of Normandy the photograph of a slim Korean man in German uniform was found. It transpired that the man had served as a soldier in the Japanese, Russian and German armies. His incredible story inspired director Kang Je-Gyu to create this epic war drama.


The Flowers of War

417. The Flowers of War

Drama History War
7.5

20112h 26min

Director: Zhang Yimou

Overview

A Westerner finds refuge with a group of women in a church during Japan's rape of Nanking in 1937. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety.


Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

418. Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

Drama History
7.3

20112h 8min

Director: Takashi Miike

Overview

A tale of revenge, honor and disgrace, centering on a poverty-stricken samurai who discovers the fate of his ronin son-in-law, setting in motion a tense showdown of vengeance against the house of a feudal lord.


Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 2: The Rainbow Bridge

419. Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 2: The Rainbow Bridge

Action Drama History
7.6

20112h 12min

Director: Wei Te-sheng

Overview

After the uprising at Wushe, Mona Rudao faces a guerrilla war against the militarily superior Japanese and Seediq clans. He and his followers must fight for their dignity and honor so that they can truly be "Seediq Bale" or "real men." Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 2: The Rainbow Bridge is Part two of the two-part, four-hour Taiwanese edition of the film Warriors of the Rainbow.


Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 1: The Sun Flag

420. Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 1: The Sun Flag

Drama Action History
7.5

20112h 24min

Director: Wei Te-sheng

Overview

An indigenous clan-based people living in harmony with nature find their way of life threatened when violent interlopers from another culture arrive, intent on seizing their natural resources and enslaving them. Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 1: The Sun Flag is Part one of the two-part, four-hour Taiwanese edition of the film Warriors of the Rainbow.