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.

Jobs

391. Jobs

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
6.0

20132h 9min

Switzerland, United States

Director: Joshua Michael Stern

Overview

The story of Steve Jobs' ascension from college dropout into one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century.

Themes

Ambition under pressure, Collaboration vs control, Innovation under scrutiny, Garage beginnings, Personal life vs professional demands, Leadership through disruption

Available on

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

Age of Uprising: The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas

392. Age of Uprising: The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas

Drama History Historical Drama Historical Event
6.1

20132h 2min

France, Germany

Director: Arnaud des Pallières

Overview

In the 16th century in the Cévennes, a horse dealer by the name of Michael Kohlhaas leads a happy and prosperous family life. When a lord treats him unjustly, this pious, upstanding man raises an army and puts the country to fire and sword in order to have his rights restored.

Themes

Class inequality, Pursuit of justice vs authority, Revolt as social response, Justice delayed, Breach of amnesty

Available on

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

The Wind Rises

393. The Wind Rises

Drama Animation Romance War History
7.8

20132h 6min

Japan

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Overview

A lifelong love of flight inspires Japanese aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi, whose storied career includes the creation of the A-6M World War II fighter plane.

Themes

Illness as catalyst, Romance under hardship, Artistry vs warfare, Industrial ascent and failure, War-driven technology, Dream as legacy

Available on

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

The Challenger Disaster

394. The Challenger Disaster

Thriller Drama History TV Movie
7.2

20131h 30min

Director: James Hawes

Overview

When the space shuttle Challenger blew up in 1986, it was the most shocking event in the history of American spaceflight. The deaths of seven astronauts, including the first teacher in space Christa McAuliffe, were watched live on television by millions of viewers. But what was more shocking was that the cause of the disaster might never be uncovered. The Challenger is the story of how Richard Feynman, one of America's most famous scientists, helped to discover the cause of a tragedy that stunned America.


Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury

395. Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury

Animation Drama History Romance Science Fiction
7.1

20131h 14min

Director: Luiz Bolognesi

Overview

“Rio 2096 – A Story of Love and Fury” is an animated film that portrays the love between an immortal hero and Janaína, the woman he has been in love with for 600 years. As a backdrop to the romance, the feature highlights four phases of Brazilian history: colonization, slavery, the Military Regime and the future, in 2096, when there will be a war for water.


The Butterfly's Dream

396. The Butterfly's Dream

Drama History
7.6

20132h 18min

Director: Yılmaz Erdoğan

Overview

In a small Turkish town, two young tuberculous poets try to survive while publishing their poems. As they both fall in love, their life would never be the same.


Les Misérables

397. Les Misérables

History Drama Historical Event Historical Drama
7.5

20122h 38min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Tom Hooper

Overview

An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France. Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.

Themes

Class inequality, Mercy and justice, Revolutionary upheaval, Loyalty and sacrifice, Love across boundaries, Philanthropy and social responsibility

Available on

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

Lincoln

398. Lincoln

History Drama Biographical History
7.3

20122h 29min

United States, India

Director: Steven Spielberg

Overview

The revealing story of the 16th US President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.

Themes

Leadership under scrutiny, Division and unity, Constitutional reform politics, Emancipation under pressure, Political bargaining, Moral compromise vs legality

Available on

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

Asura

399. Asura

Animation Drama History Horror
6.6

20121h 16min

Director: Keiichi Sato

Overview

Abandoned in the barren wasteland of Kyoto, a savage, enraged orphan does whatever it takes to survive in the wild. When he crosses paths with civilization, he must learn to tame the beast within.


Emperor

400. Emperor

Drama History War Historical Event World War II
6.5

20121h 45min

Japan, United States

Director: Peter Webber

Overview

As the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII, Gen. Fellers is tasked with deciding if Emperor Hirohito will be hanged as a war criminal. Influencing his ruling is his quest to find Aya, an exchange student he met years earlier in the U.S.

Themes

War crimes accountability, Decisions under pressure, Ceremonial power vs governance, Duty under authority, Postwar reconstruction negotiations, Personal loyalty vs public duty

Available on

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