Historical Drama backdrop

Historical Drama movies

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

Maria

1. Maria

History Drama Music Biographical History Historical Drama
6.4
20242h 4min

Overview

Maria Callas, the world's greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity and life.

Themes

Paris memory, Opera singer pressure, Period drama tension, Female protagonist conflict, Surrealism disorientation, Historical scrutiny

Available on

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

Queer

2. Queer

Drama Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
6.4
20242h 18min

Overview

In 1950s Mexico City, William Lee, an American ex-pat in his late forties, leads a solitary life amidst a small American community. However, the arrival in town of Eugene Allerton, a young student, stirs William into finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone.

Themes

Loneliness and connection, Desire versus distance, Surreal perception and telepathy, Addiction and dependence, Identity and embodiment, Boundaries of intimacy

Available on

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

Gladiator II

3. Gladiator II

Action Adventure Drama Epic Action Adventure Epic
6.5
20242h 28min

Overview

Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Themes

Tyranny of twin emperors, Revolt to restore the republic, Legacy of a fallen hero, Loyalty and betrayal within court, Gladiator discipline and courage, Burden of rightful succession

Available on

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

Overview

During the 1972 Munich Olympics, an American sports broadcasting crew finds itself thrust into covering the hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes.

Themes

Journalism ethics, Olympic games pressure, Terrorism consequences, Hostage situation dynamics, Palestinian-israeli conflict framing, Television broadcast visibility

Available on

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

Small Things Like These

5. Small Things Like These

Drama History Historical Drama Social History
6.7
20241h 39min

Overview

In 1985, while working as a coal merchant to support his family, Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers truths of his own; forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.

Themes

Convent influence and complicity, Coal driven family economy, Barbershop community ties, Catholicism institutional control, Small town secrecy pressure

Available on

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

Blitz

6. Blitz

War Drama History World War II Historical Drama
6.2
20242h

Overview

In World War II London, nine-year-old George is evacuated to the countryside by his mother, Rita, to escape the bombings. Defiant and determined to return to his family, George embarks on an epic, perilous journey back home as Rita searches for him.

Themes

Race and belonging, Family endurance under siege, Multiethnic shelter solidarity, Labor and protest, Prejudice and resilience, Evacuation and return

Available on

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

Number 24

7. Number 24

War History Drama World War II Historical Event
7.5
20241h 52min

Overview

On the brink of the Second World War, a young Norwegian man's drive to resist the Nazis sets a new course for his future – and the future of his country.

Themes

Resistance under pressure, National duty and identity, Collective memory and legacy, Wartime sacrifice and impact, Quiet courage in crisis, Civilian contribution to war

Available on

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

The Children's Train

8. The Children's Train

Drama Historical Drama
7.4
20241h 46min

Overview

In late 1940s Italy, a mother makes the difficult decision to send her son to the north, where he catches glimpses of a new life away from poverty.

Themes

Family loyalty vs survival, Poverty driven relocation, Impoverished status under pressure, Mother child tension, South to north mobility, Post-war italy backdrop

Available on

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

I'm Still Here

9. I'm Still Here

Drama History Historical Drama
8.2
20242h 18min

Overview

A woman married to a former politician during the 1971 military dictatorship in Brazil is forced to reinvent herself and chart a new course for her family after a violent and arbitrary act.

Themes

Secrecy versus exposure, Political repression under dictatorship, Maternal resilience under pressure, Intergenerational legacy of trauma, Memory as public duty, Pursuit of accountability and reparations

Available on

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

Lee

10. Lee

History Drama War Biographical History World War II
6.9
20241h 57min

Overview

The true story of photographer Elizabeth "Lee" Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II.

Themes

Censorship of war imagery, Gendered wartime labor, Trauma and memory transmission, Professional ethics in conflict photography, Bearing witness under danger, Archival recovery and legacy

Available on

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