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.

The 13th Warrior

741. The 13th Warrior

Adventure History Action
6.6

19991h 43min

United States

Director: John McTiernan

A Muslim ambassador exiled from his homeland joins a group of Vikings, initially offended by their behavior but growing to respect them. As they travel together, they learn of a legendary evil closing in and must unite to confront this formidable force.


Rogue Trader

742. Rogue Trader

Drama History Thriller
6.4

19991h 41min

United Kingdom

Director: James Dearden

Rogue Trader tells the true story of Nick Leeson, an employee of Barings Bank who--after a successful trading run--ends up accumulating $1.4 billion in losses hidden in account #88888.


Aimée & Jaguar

743. Aimée & Jaguar

Drama History Romance
7.2

19992h 5min

Germany

Director: Max Färberböck

In 1943, while the Allies are bombing Berlin and the Gestapo is purging the capital of Jews, a dangerous love affair blossoms between two women – one a Jewish member of the underground, the other an exemplar of Nazi motherhood.


The Thin Red Line

744. The Thin Red Line

Drama History War
7.6

19982h 51min

United States

Director: Terrence Malick

The story of a group of men, an Army Rifle company called C-for-Charlie, who change, suffer, and ultimately make essential discoveries about themselves during the fierce World War II battle of Guadalcanal. It follows their journey, from the surprise of an unopposed landing, through the bloody and exhausting battles that follow, to the ultimate departure of those who survived.


Shakespeare in Love

745. Shakespeare in Love

Romance History Comedy
7.1

19982h 4min

United States

Director: John Madden

Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.


Elizabeth

746. Elizabeth

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
7.4

19982h 3min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Shekhar Kapur

The story of the ascension to the throne and the early reign of Queen Elizabeth the First, the endless attempts by her council to marry her off, the Catholic hatred of her and her romance with Lord Robert Dudley.

Themes

Loyalty and betrayal, Gendered sovereignty under threat, Dynastic marriage pressure, Religious settlement, Court intrigue, Foreign interference

Available on

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

Saving Private Ryan

747. Saving Private Ryan

War Drama History World War II Historical Drama
8.6

19982h 49min

United States

Director: Steven Spielberg

As U.S. troops storm the beaches of Normandy, three brothers lie dead on the battlefield, with a fourth trapped behind enemy lines. Ranger captain John Miller and seven men are tasked with penetrating German-held territory and bringing the boy home.

Themes

Duty under fire, Self sacrifice, Military operation, Rescue mission, Bloody deaths, World war ii

Available on

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

Savior

748. Savior

History Drama War
7.2

19981h 43min

United States

Director: Predrag Antonijević

A hardened mercenary in the Foreign Legion begins to find his own humanity when confronted with atrocities during the fighting in Bosnia.


Les Misérables

749. Les Misérables

Crime Drama History Romance
7.4

19982h 14min

Germany, United Kingdom

Director: Bille August

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.


Kundun

750. Kundun

Drama History
7.0

19972h 14min

United States

Director: Martin Scorsese

The Tibetans refer to the Dalai Lama as 'Kundun', which means 'The Presence'. He was forced to escape from his native home, Tibet, when communist China invaded and enforced an oppressive regime upon the peaceful nation. The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and has been living in exile in Dharamsala ever since.