Historical Drama backdrop

Historical Drama movies

Period-driven drama where the era’s rules and realities shape the conflict, choices, and consequences.

The Red Sea Diving Resort

1. The Red Sea Diving Resort

Drama Thriller History Historical Drama Political Thriller
6.6
20192h 10min

Overview

Sudan, East Africa, 1980. A team of Israeli Mossad agents plans to rescue and transfer thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. To do so, and to avoid raising suspicions from the inquisitive and ruthless authorities, they establish as a cover a fake diving resort by the Red Sea.

Themes

State sponsored rescue, Cover operation deception, Evacuation under pressure, Interagency risk management, Improvised logistics under threat, Ethical tensions in aid

Available on

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

Ophelia

2. Ophelia

Drama Romance History Historical Drama Passionate Romance
6.5
20191h 54min

Overview

Ophelia comes of age as lady-in-waiting for Queen Gertrude, and her singular spirit captures Hamlet's affections. As lust and betrayal threaten the kingdom, Ophelia finds herself trapped between true love and controlling her own destiny.

Themes

Deception and betrayal, Power and control, Secret marriage and risk, Romance amid political intrigue, Agency under patriarchal constraint, Destiny and autonomy

Available on

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

Deadwood: The Movie

3. Deadwood: The Movie

Western Drama Modern Western Historical Drama
7.3
20191h 50min

Overview

Follow the 10-year reunion of the Deadwood camp to celebrate South Dakota's statehood. Former rivalries are reignited, alliances are tested and old wounds are reopened, as all are left to navigate the inevitable changes that modernity and time have wrought.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Deception and influence, Violence as negotiation, Land investment leverage, Frontier authority vs capital, Rivalries reemerge

Available on

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

Elisa & Marcela

4. Elisa & Marcela

Drama Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
6.6
20191h 58min

Overview

The film tells the true story of Elisa Sánchez Loriga and Marcela Gracia Ibeas, two women in 1901 Spain who fell deeply in love. To overcome societal and legal barriers to their relationship, Elisa assumes a male identity, enabling the pair to marry in secret. Their daring act makes them the first recorded same-sex couple to marry in Spain, but their love is tested as they face relentless persecution and sacrifice.

Themes

19th century, Lesbian relationship, Spanish authorities, 1900s era, Same-sex marriage

Available on

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

The Traitor

5. The Traitor

Drama Crime Thriller Organized Crime Political Thriller
7.1
20192h 31min

Overview

Palermo, Sicily, 1980. Mafia member Tommaso Buscetta decides to move to Brazil with his family fleeing the constant war between the different clans of the criminal organization. But when, after living several misfortunes, he is forced to return to Italy, he makes a bold decision that will change his life and the destiny of Cosa Nostra forever.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, State versus crime, Collaboration and consequence, Justice through testimony, Fear and public scrutiny, Power and influence networks

Available on

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

Tolkien

6. Tolkien

War Drama Romance World War I Historical Drama
6.8
20191h 52min

Overview

England, early 20th century. The future writer and philologist John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) and three of his schoolmates create a strong bond between them as they share the same passion for literature and art, a true fellowship that strengthens as they grow up, but the outbreak of World War I threatens to shatter it.

Themes

Friendship under strain, Coming of age, Romance vs duty, Mentorship and authority, Class and education pressure, War disruption and loss

Available on

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

Vita & Virginia

7. Vita & Virginia

Drama Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
5.9
20191h 50min

Overview

Socialite Vita Sackville-West and literary icon Virginia Woolf run in different circles in 1920s London. Despite the odds, the two forge an unconventional affair, set against the backdrop of their own strikingly contemporary marriages.

Themes

"movie: vita & virginia. genres: drama, Romance, Drama, Romance main themes: biography, Based on true story, Polyamory, Biography, Based on true story, Polyamory full keywords list: biography, Based on true story, Polyamory, Lgbt, 1920s, Lesbian, Virginia woolf. concept analysis: the film explores the intricacies of love and desire, Particularly in the context of societal norms and personal freedom. it delves into the tension between individuality and conformity, Highlighting the transformative power of unconventional relationships."

Available on

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

The Best of Enemies

8. The Best of Enemies

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
7.3
20192h 13min

Overview

Centers on the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, an outspoken civil rights activist, and C.P. Ellis, a local Ku Klux Klan leader who reluctantly co-chaired a community summit, battling over the desegregation of schools in Durham, North Carolina during the racially-charged summer of 1971. The incredible events that unfolded would change Durham and the lives of Atwater and Ellis forever.

Themes

Interracial friendship, Desegregation pressure, Activism shaping policy, Housing inequality, Charrette negotiation, Community resistance under threat

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Highwaymen

9. The Highwaymen

Crime Drama Thriller Organized Crime Historical Drama
6.9
20192h 13min

Overview

In 1934, Frank Hamer and Manny Gault, two former Texas Rangers, are commissioned to put an end to the wave of vicious crimes perpetrated by Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, a notorious duo of infamous robbers and cold-blooded killers who nevertheless are worshiped by the public.

Themes

Public admiration of criminals, Retired lawman duty, Tracker led pursuit, Manhunt driven pursuit, Bank robber mythmaking, Forensic science guidance

Available on

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

Hotel Mumbai

10. Hotel Mumbai

Thriller History Drama Action Historical Event
7.6
20192h 3min

Overview

Mumbai, India, November 26, 2008. While several terrorists spread hatred and death through the city, others attack the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Both hotel staff and guests risk their lives, making unthinkable sacrifices to protect themselves and keep everyone safe while help arrives.

Themes

Trauma and memory, Survival under siege, Duty under pressure, Cooperation under threat, Civilian resilience, Collective courage

Available on

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