Historical Drama backdrop

Historical Drama movies

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

181. Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene
Drama Historical Drama
5.9
20182hAustralia, Italy
Director: Garth Davis

Overview

In the first century, free-spirited Mary Magdalene flees the marriage her family has arranged for her, finding refuge and a sense of purpose in a radical new movement led by the charismatic, rabble-rousing preacher named Jesus.

Themes

Agency against arranged marriage, Marginalization and stigma, Dissent within male circles, Spiritual authority contested, Gendered leadership dynamics, Voice persistence under pressure

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
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182. 7 Days in Entebbe

7 Days in Entebbe
Thriller Drama Crime Political Thriller Historical Drama
5.9
20181h 47minUnited Kingdom, United States
Director: José Padilha

Overview

In 1976, four hijackers take over an Air France airplane en route from Tel Aviv to Paris and force it to land in Entebbe, Uganda. With 248 passengers on board, one of the most daring rescue missions ever is set in motion.

Themes

"movie: 7 days in entebbe. genres: thriller, Drama, Crime, Thriller, Drama, Crime main themes: israel, 1970s, Rescue mission, Israel, 1970s, Rescue mission full keywords list: israel, 1970s, Rescue mission, Uganda, Based on true story, Airplane hijacking, Terrorism, Israeli defense force, Terrorist group, Operation entebbe, Idi amin. concept analysis: the film explores the moral complexities of negotiation versus military intervention in crisis situations. it highlights the human cost of terrorism and the ongoing struggle for peace amidst violence and conflict."

Available on

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

183. The Outsider

The Outsider
Crime Drama Mystery Organized Crime Historical Drama
6.3
20182hUnited States
Director: Martin Zandvliet

Overview

A former American G.I. joins a yakuza family after his release from prison in post-World War II Osaka.

Themes

Patriarchal pressure to adapt, Outsider integration into organized crime, Ritual obligation and hierarchy, Violence as currency of power, Postwar economic upheaval shaping loyalties, Loyalty and betrayal within clans

Available on

Netflix
Google Play Movies
Netflix Standard with Ads
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184. The Resistance Banker

The Resistance Banker
War Drama World War II Historical Drama
6.9
20182h 4minNetherlands
Director: Joram Lürsen

Overview

In the occupied Netherlands during World War II, banker Walraven van Hall is asked to use his financial contacts to help the Dutch resistance. With his brother Gijs, he comes up with a risky plan to take out huge loans and use the money to finance the Resistance.

Themes

Illicit finance networks, Deception through forged assets, Resistance funding under occupation, Coercion and survival under oppression, Conflicting loyalties and betrayals, State power versus clandestine finance

Available on

Netflix
Kanopy
Netflix Standard with Ads
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185. The Silent Revolution

The Silent Revolution
Drama History Historical Drama Political History
7.4
20181h 52minGermany
Director: Lars Kraume

Overview

Stalinstadt, East Germany, 1956. While the Hungarian uprising against Soviets is taking place, teenage members of a classroom of the local school perform a seemingly harmless act that causes unexpected consequences.

Themes

Freedom of expression, Police state pressure, Class-based conformity, State authority control, Misinformation manipulation, Youth rebellion dynamics

Available on

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

186. The Mercy

The Mercy
Drama Adventure Historical Drama Maritime Adventure
6.0
20181h 42minUnited Kingdom
Director: James Marsh

Overview

In 1968, Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor, endangers the fate of his family and business, and his own life, blinded by his ambition to compete in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, attempting to become the first person in history to single-handedly circumnavigate the world without making any stopover.

Themes

Ambition under pressure, Deception under scrutiny, Family financial strain, Risk and responsibility, Public attention and guilt

Available on

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

187. The Current War

The Current War
Drama History Historical Drama Historical Event
6.5
20181h 48minRussia, United States
Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon

Overview

Electricity titans Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse compete to create a sustainable system and market it to the American people.

Themes

Risk and restraint, Patent battles, Public persuasion strategies, Markets and innovation, Technological rivalry, Legacy of invention

Available on

Fandango At Home
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188. 12 Strong

12 Strong
War Drama Action History Modern Conflicts
6.5
20182h 10minUnited States
Director: Nicolai Fuglsig

Overview

A team of special forces head into Afghanistan in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks in an attempt to dismantle the Taliban.

Themes

Leadership under pressure, Risk and sacrifice, Loyalty and trust, Family vs duty, Coalition coordination, Post 9/11 intervention

Available on

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

189. Backstabbing for Beginners

Backstabbing for Beginners
Thriller Drama History Political Thriller Historical Drama
6.3
20181h 48minCanada, Denmark
Director: Per Fly

Overview

An idealistic young employee at the U.N. investigates the grisly murder of his predecessor – and uncovers a vast global conspiracy that may involve his own boss.

Themes

Bureaucratic complicity, Whistleblower risk, Conspiracy through bribes, Aid funds diverted, Press exposure, Institutional termination

Available on

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

190. The 12th Man

The 12th Man
War Drama World War II Historical Drama
7.3
20172h 16minNorway
Director: Harald Zwart

Overview

After a failed anti-Nazi sabotage mission leaves his eleven comrades dead, a Norwegian resistance fighter finds himself fleeing the Gestapo through the snowbound reaches of Scandinavia.

Themes

Survival under pressure, War resilience under occupation, Deception under occupation, Collective loyalty under duress, Aid under risk

Available on

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