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.

Oppenheimer

1. Oppenheimer

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
8.3
20233h 1min

Overview

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer's role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

Themes

Patriotism amid top secret project, Loyalty tests under red scare, Scientific ambition within manhattan project secrecy, Private life under public gaze, Moral dilemma of atomic bomb, Political scrutiny through hearings

Available on

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

Marinette

2. Marinette

Drama History
6.3
20231h 44min

Overview

Born in 1975, Marinette Pichon was a born soccer player. Raised by a courageous mother who had to deal with an abusive husband, she overcame difficulties and developed unwavering determination. While juggling odd jobs and her sporting career, she was selected for the French national team and then spotted by a major American club. Marinette then moved to the United States with her mother, pursuing her dream of becoming the best player in the world.


Kidnapped

3. Kidnapped

Drama History
7.0
20232h 14min

Overview

The story of Edgardo Mortara, a young Jewish boy living in Bologna, Italy, who in 1858, after being secretly baptized, was forcibly taken from his family to be raised as a Christian. His parents’ struggle to free their son became part of a larger political battle that pitted the papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification.


Jeanne du Barry

4. Jeanne du Barry

Drama History Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
6.7
20231h 57min

Overview

The life of Jeanne Bécu, who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743 and went on to rise through the Court of Louis XV to become his last official mistress.

Themes

Betrayal dynamics, Gendered expectations, Class pressure, Romantic manipulation, Court politics, Legitimacy costs

Available on

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

Big George Foreman

5. Big George Foreman

History Drama Biographical History Sports Biography
6.6
20232h 9min

Overview

Fueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever.

Themes

Family pressure, Infidelity consequences, Comeback under pressure, Poverty to opportunity, Spiritual awakening, Mentorship and discipline, Faith and community

Available on

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

Chevalier

6. Chevalier

Music Drama History
6.5
20231h 44min

Overview

The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Joseph Bologne rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette and her court.


Air

7. Air

Drama History Historical Drama
7.4
20231h 51min

Overview

Discover the game-changing partnership between a then undiscovered Michael Jordan and Nike's fledgling basketball division which revolutionized the world of sports and culture with the Air Jordan brand.

Themes

Basketball division partnership, Shoe driven partnership, Partnership dynamics, Nba level talent pursuit, Budgetary risk management, Partnership vs rival offers

Available on

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

The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan

8. The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan

Adventure Action Drama History Adventure Epic
6.7
20232h 1min

Overview

D'Artagnan, a spirited young Gascon, is left for dead after trying to save a noblewoman from being kidnapped. Once in Paris, he tries by all means to find his attackers, unaware that his quest will lead him to the very heart of a war where the future of France is at stake. Aided by King's Musketeers Athos, Porthos and Aramis, he faces the machinations of villainous Cardinal Richelieu and Milady de Winter, while falling in love with Constance, the Queen's confidante.

Themes

Duty vs loyalty, Romance under surveillance, Court intrigue and danger, Rebellion and allegiance, Honor under political pressure, Deception and political plots

Available on

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

Sisi & I

9. Sisi & I

Drama History
6.4
20232h 12min

Overview

After an elaborate application process, Empress Elisabeth of Austria hires Countess Irma as her new lady-in-waiting and takes her to her summer residence on Corfu. As the two women become closer there, this soon leads to tensions back in Vienna.


Tetris

10. Tetris

Thriller History Drama Historical Event Political Thriller
7.4
20231h 58min

Overview

In 1988, American video game salesman Henk Rogers discovers the video game Tetris. When he sets out to bring the game to the world, he enters a dangerous web of lies and corruption behind the Iron Curtain.

Themes

Lies and corruption, Ethical ambiguity under pressure, Political pressure and coercion, International dealmaking under threat, Loyalty and friendship across borders, Rights licensing struggle

Available on

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