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.

The Woman King

1. 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.

Broad Peak

2. Broad Peak

Drama History
6.0
20221h 41min

Overview

After climbing Broad Peak mountain, Maciej Berbeka learns his journey to the summit is incomplete. 25 years later, he sets out to finish what he started.


Lord of the Ants

3. Lord of the Ants

Drama History
6.7
20222h 14min

Overview

Based on true events of the late 60s in Italy, poet, playwright and myrmecologist Aldo Braibanti is prosecuted and sentenced to prison for the love he shares with his barely-of-age pupil and friend, Ettore. Amidst a chorus of voices of accusers, supporters and a largely hypocritical public, a single committed journalist takes on the task of piecing together the truth, between secrecy and desire, facing suspicion and censorship in the process.


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.

Hansan: Rising Dragon

5. Hansan: Rising Dragon

War Action Drama History
6.6
20222h 10min

Overview

In 1592, admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the might of the invading Japanese navy and its formidable warships. As the Korean forces fall into crisis, the admiral resorts to using his secret weapon, the dragon head ships known as geobukseon, in order to change the tide of this epic battle at sea.


Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

6. 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

7. 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.

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.

Inu-Oh

10. Inu-Oh

Animation Drama Music Fantasy History
7.1
20221h 38min

Overview

A cursed dancer and a blind musician — both ostracized by society — become business partners and inseparable friends as their larger-than-life concerts propel them to stardom in 14th century Japan.