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.

261. The Angel

The Angel
Action Drama History Thriller War
6.7
20181h 54minUnited States, Bulgaria
Director: Ariel Vromen

Overview

True story of Ashraf Marwan, who was President Nasser's son-in-law and special adviser and confidant to his successor Anwar Sadat - while simultaneously Israeli Intelligence's most precious asset of the 20th century. Based on NYT bestselling book 'The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel' by Uri Bar-Joseph.

Themes

Loyalty under pressure, Shifting alliances and diplomacy, Strategic manipulation and restraint, Secrecy and trust, Corruption exposure and ascent, Personal cost of public service

Available on

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

262. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
Romance Drama History Romantic Epic Historical Drama
7.3
20182h 4minUnited Kingdom, United States
Director: Mike Newell

Overview

Free-spirited writer Juliet Ashton forms a life-changing bond with the delightful and eccentric Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, when she decides to write about the book club they formed during the occupation of Guernsey in WWII.

Themes

Memory and loss, Wartime resilience, Literature as refuge, Personal obligation vs desire, Hidden histories, Community bonds under pressure

Available on

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

263. Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero

Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero
Animation Adventure Family History War
6.9
20181h 25min
Director: Richard Lanni

Overview

The true story of the most decorated dog in American military history -- Sgt. Stubby -- and the enduring bonds he forged with his brothers-in-arms in the trenches of World War I.


264. Chappaquiddick

Chappaquiddick
History Drama Thriller Historical Event Political Drama
6.4
20181h 47minSweden, United States
Director: John Curran

Overview

Ted Kennedy's life and political career become derailed in the aftermath of a fatal car accident in 1969 that claims the life of a young campaign strategist, Mary Jo Kopechne.

Themes

Political reputation under pressure, Family influence in crisis, Authority and responsibility conflict, Public scrutiny and accountability, Damage control and image management, Media framing and manipulation

Available on

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

265. Utøya: July 22

Utøya: July 22
History Drama Historical Event Tragic Drama
7.2
20181h 32minNorway
Director: Erik Poppe

Overview

A teenage girl fights for survival and to locate her young sister during the 2011 terrorist attack at a political summer camp on the Norwegian island of Utøya.

Themes

Memory and trauma, Survival under threat, Warnings about far-right beliefs, Group resilience under duress, Extremism and societal impact, Crisis response and uncertainty

Available on

Viaplay Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

266. 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.

267. The Captain

The Captain
War Drama History
7.3
20181h 58min
Director: Robert Schwentke

Overview

Germany, 1945. Soldier Willi Herold, a deserter of the German army, stumbles into a uniform of Nazi captain abandoned during the last and desperate weeks of the Third Reich. Newly emboldened by the allure of a suit that he has stolen only to stay warm, Willi discovers that many Germans will follow the leader, whoever he is.


268. 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
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

269. 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.

270. 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.