Historical Drama backdrop

Historical Drama movies

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

Amsterdam

1. Amsterdam

Mystery Comedy Drama Whodunit Historical Drama
6.1
20222h 14min

Overview

In the 1930s, three friends—a doctor, a nurse, and an attorney—witness a murder, become suspects themselves and uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history.

Themes

Framing and deception, Veterans reintegration, Corporate power and corruption, Foreign influence in governance, Cabal manipulation, Investigation and accountability

Available on

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

The Woman King

2. The Woman King

Action Drama History Epic Action Historical Drama
6.9
20222h 15min

Overview

The story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen, and General Nanisca as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.

Themes

Arranged marriage pressure, Legacy and lineage, Warfare against slavers, Freedom and captivity, Female military leadership, Loyalty and disobedience

Available on

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

Blonde

3. Blonde

Drama Historical Drama
5.4
20222h 47min

Overview

From her volatile childhood as Norma Jeane, through her rise to stardom and romantic entanglements, this reimagined fictional portrait of Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe blurs the lines of fact and fiction to explore the widening split between her public and private selves.

Themes

Public image vs private self, Performance under scrutiny, Substance abuse and dependency, Exploitation in celebrity culture, Gendered violence in industry, Maternal trauma and abandonment

Available on

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

Medieval

4. Medieval

Action Drama History Epic Action Historical Drama
5.9
20222h 6min

Overview

The story of fifteenth century Czech icon and warlord, Jan Zizka, who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire.

Themes

"movie: medieval. genres: action, Drama, History, Action, Drama, History main themes: based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval, Based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval full keywords list: based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval, 15th century, Hussite wars (1419-1434). concept analysis: the film explores the themes of sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of freedom against oppressive forces. it highlights the personal and collective struggles of individuals caught in the turmoil of war, Emphasizing that true leadership often comes at a great personal cost."

Available on

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

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

5. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Drama Comedy History Historical Drama High-Concept Comedy
7.1
20221h 56min

Overview

A 1950s London cleaning lady falls in love with an haute couture dress by Christian Dior and decides to gamble everything for the sake of this folly.

Themes

Class inequality, Female resilience, Social mobility, Labor solidarity, Fashion as aspiration, Modernization of retail

Available on

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

Corsage

6. Corsage

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
6.5
20221h 54min

Overview

A fictional account of one year in the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. On Christmas Eve 1877, Elisabeth, once idolized for her beauty, turns 40 and is officially deemed an old woman; she starts trying to maintain her public image.

Themes

Aging beauty and public image, Marital dissatisfaction and jealousy, Quest for autonomy through body control, Rumors and reputation management, Performance pressures and public persona, Dependence on others\' gaze

Available on

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

Persuasion

7. Persuasion

Romance Drama Comedy Passionate Romance Historical Drama
5.8
20221h 48min

Overview

Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth - the dashing one she once sent away - crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.

Themes

"movie: persuasion. genres: romance, Drama, Comedy, Romance, Drama, Comedy main themes: based on novel or book, England, Marriage, Based on novel or book, England, Marriage full keywords list: based on novel or book, England, Marriage, Female protagonist, Period drama. concept analysis: the film explores the complexities of love and the impact of societal expectations on personal happiness. it emphasizes the importance of second chances and the enduring nature of true feelings amidst external pressures."

Available on

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

Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher

8. Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher

History Drama Biographical History Historical Drama
5.5
20221h 46min

Overview

At the turn of the 19th century, Pugilism was the sport of kings and a gifted young boxer fought his way to becoming champion of England.

Themes

Mentorship and influence, Pressures of spectatorship, Discipline vs indulgence, Social ascent and risk, Sport as social theater, Legacy and mortality

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Elvis

9. Elvis

Drama Music History Historical Drama Music Biopic
7.3
20222h 39min

Overview

The life story of Elvis Presley as seen through the complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Themes

Image versus authenticity, Financial leverage and debt, Power dynamics in management, Career ascent vs control, Artist exploitation risks, Public scrutiny and polarization, Family tensions and loyalty

Available on

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

Downton Abbey: A New Era

10. Downton Abbey: A New Era

Drama Romance Historical Drama Passionate Romance
7.4
20222h 4min

Overview

The Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa. Meanwhile, a Hollywood director seeks to film his latest production at Downton.

Themes

Villa reputation vs money, Villa power dynamics, Testament obligations, Testament legacy vs duty, Southern france setting, Southern france intrigue

Available on

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