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.

Reagan

1. Reagan

History Drama
6.1
20242h 21min

Overview

Told through the voice of former KGB agent Viktor Petrovich, whose life becomes inextricably linked with Ronald Reagan's when Reagan first caught the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood, Reagan overcomes the odds to become the 40th president of the United States.


Waves

2. Waves

Thriller Drama History
7.8
20242h 11min

Overview

At the end of the 1960s, when the air is filled with rock-and-roll and student rebellions are changing the world, the older of two brothers joins a prestigious newsroom of the public radio broadcaster. Not long after, he finds himself in the middle of a dangerous conflict between journalists and the secret service.


Being Maria

3. Being Maria

History Drama
6.1
20241h 40min

Overview

A young, struggling actress lands her dream role in a film by an emerging Italian director, starring alongside an American superstar. What begins as her big breakthrough quickly turns into a living hell.


Young Woman and the Sea

4. Young Woman and the Sea

History Drama Biographical History Sports Biography
7.5
20242h 9min

Overview

This is the extraordinary true story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel. Through the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the 21-mile trek from France to England.

Themes

Mentorship under pressure, Gender bias in sport, 1920s gender norms, Female athletic perseverance, Sponsorship and legitimacy, Breaking barriers in sport

Available on

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

Back to Black

5. Back to Black

Music History Drama Music Biopic Historical Drama
6.3
20242h 2min

Overview

The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.

Themes

Substance abuse cycles, Biography under pressure, Addiction shaping artistry, Mental illness and ambition, Alcoholism and fame, Public scrutiny and vulnerability

Available on

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

Firebrand

6. Firebrand

Drama History Thriller
6.3
20242h

Overview

Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, is named regent while the tyrant battles abroad. When the king returns, increasingly ill and paranoid, Katherine finds herself fighting for her own survival.


Shirley

7. Shirley

History Drama
6.2
20241h 57min

Overview

Shirley Chisholm makes a trailblazing run for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination after becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress.


The Devil's Bath

8. The Devil's Bath

Drama Mystery History Horror
6.6
20242h 1min

Overview

In 1750 Austria, a deeply religious woman named Agnes has just married her beloved, but her mind and heart soon grow heavy as her life becomes a long list of chores and expectations. Day after day, she is increasingly trapped in a murky and lonely path leading to evil thoughts, until the possibility of committing a shocking act of violence seems like the only way out of her inner prison.


Cabrini

9. Cabrini

History Drama
7.3
20242h 22min

Overview

Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini arrives in 1889 New York City and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society's most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen.


Boléro

10. Boléro

Music History Drama
6.6
20242h

Overview

Boundary-pushing Russian dancer and actress Ida Rubinstein selects renowned French composer Maurice Ravel to compose the music for her next ballet. Ravel ends up creating his greatest success ever: Boléro.