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.

Ferrari

1. Ferrari

History Drama Biographical History Tragic Drama
6.4
20232h 11min

Overview

Set during the summer of 1957. Ex-racecar driver, Enzo Ferrari, is in crisis. Bankruptcy stalks the company he and his wife, Laura, built from nothing ten years earlier. Their tempestuous marriage struggles with the mourning for one son and the acknowledgement of another.

Themes

Betrayal and deception, Marital strain under pressure, Ownership and control, Financial brinkmanship, Family obligations vs business needs, Legacy versus reputation

Available on

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

Girl You Know It's True

2. Girl You Know It's True

Drama History Music
7.1
20232h 4min

Overview

Dancers Pilatus and Morvan rise to fame in the late 80's who become stars with No.1 hits and won a Grammy. The duo never sang a word in their songs and when the truth was revealed they starred one of the biggest scandals in music history.


12.12: The Day

3. 12.12: The Day

Drama Thriller Action War History
7.5
20232h 22min

Overview

After the assassination of President Park, martial law has been declared. A coup d'état bursts out by Defense Security Commander Chun Doo-gwang and a private band of officers following him. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin, an obstinate soldier who believes the military should not take political actions, fights against Chun Doo-gwang to stop him. The conflict between the two grows while military leaders are holding their decision and Defense Minister is gone. In the midst of chaos, the spring of Seoul that everyone longed for heads to unexpected direction.


Napoleon

4. Napoleon

History War Romance Biographical History 19th Century Wars
6.3
20232h 38min

Overview

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Themes

Public life versus private life, Ambition versus loyalty, Romantic entanglements shaping leadership, Exile and brief restoration, Alliances and political maneuvering, Military mastery under pressure

Available on

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

The Teacher Who Promised the Sea

5. The Teacher Who Promised the Sea

Drama History
7.4
20231h 45min

Overview

Ariadna discovers that her grandfather has been searching for the remains of his father, who disappeared during the Civil War. Determined to help him, she travels to Burgos, where a mass grave is being excavated, and where he could be buried. During her stay there, she will learn the story of Antoni Benaiges, a young teacher from Tarragona who was her grandfather's teacher before the war. Through an innovative pedagogical method, Antoni inspired his students and made them a promise: to take them to see the sea.


Maria Montessori

6. Maria Montessori

Drama History
6.7
20231h 40min

Overview

Set in 1900, Lili d’Alengy, a Parisian cocotte at the height of her fame, flees Paris to hide her “idiot” daughter. There she meets Maria Montessori, who is pioneering a teaching method that may help the child.


Rustin

7. Rustin

Drama History Historical Event Political Drama
6.5
20231h 48min

Overview

Activist Bayard Rustin faces racism and homophobia as he helps change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington.

Themes

Homophobia and stigma, Racial discrimination in politics, Leadership isolation and loyalty, Strategic mobilization, Nonviolent protest discipline, Activist personal risk

Available on

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

The Commander

8. The Commander

War History Drama
6.6
20232h

Overview

One dark night during the early phases of WWII, the Italian Royal Navy submarine Cappellini sinks an armed merchant ship sailing with lights out. At that moment, its commander Salvatore Todaro makes a decision that was destined to go down in history: to save the 26 shipwrecked Belgians who otherwise would have drowned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and disembark them at the nearest safe harbor. To make room for them on board his submarine, he is forced to navigate on the surface of the water for three days, visible to the enemy forces and endangering his life and that of his men.


There's Still Tomorrow

9. There's Still Tomorrow

Drama Comedy History Historical Drama Awkward Comedy
7.7
20231h 58min

Overview

In postwar Rome, a working-class woman dreams of a better future for herself and her daughter while facing abuse at the hands of her domineering husband. When a mysterious letter arrives, she discovers the courage to change the circumstances of her life.

Themes

Abusive husband dynamics, Women empowerment, Voting as agency, 1940s social upheaval, Post-war italy, Economic sacrifice and ambition

Available on

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

Killers of the Flower Moon

10. Killers of the Flower Moon

Crime History Drama Historical Event Detective Mystery Crime
7.5
20233h 26min

Overview

When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one—until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.

Themes

Investigative pressure, Guardianship exploitation, Greed and murder, Wealth extraction through manipulation, Systemic racism and exploitation, Courtroom manipulation

Available on

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