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.

Back to Black

1. Back to Black

Music History Drama Music Biopic Historical Drama
6.3
20242h 2min

Overview

The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.

Themes

Substance abuse cycles, Biography under pressure, Addiction shaping artistry, Mental illness and ambition, Alcoholism and fame, Public scrutiny and vulnerability

Available on

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

Firebrand

2. Firebrand

Drama History Thriller
6.3
20242h

Overview

Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, is named regent while the tyrant battles abroad. When the king returns, increasingly ill and paranoid, Katherine finds herself fighting for her own survival.


Shirley

3. Shirley

History Drama
6.2
20241h 57min

Overview

Shirley Chisholm makes a trailblazing run for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination after becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress.


The Devil's Bath

4. The Devil's Bath

Drama Mystery History Horror
6.6
20242h 1min

Overview

In 1750 Austria, a deeply religious woman named Agnes has just married her beloved, but her mind and heart soon grow heavy as her life becomes a long list of chores and expectations. Day after day, she is increasingly trapped in a murky and lonely path leading to evil thoughts, until the possibility of committing a shocking act of violence seems like the only way out of her inner prison.


Cabrini

5. Cabrini

History Drama
7.3
20242h 22min

Overview

Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini arrives in 1889 New York City and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society's most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen.


Boléro

6. Boléro

Music History Drama
6.6
20242h

Overview

Boundary-pushing Russian dancer and actress Ida Rubinstein selects renowned French composer Maurice Ravel to compose the music for her next ballet. Ravel ends up creating his greatest success ever: Boléro.


Bob Marley: One Love

7. Bob Marley: One Love

Music History Drama Music Biopic Biographical History
6.2
20241h 44min

Overview

Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley overcomes adversity to become the most famous reggae musician in the world.

Themes

Family loyalty under strain, Public image vs private life, Peace amid political pressure, Health vs career, Fame vs responsibility, Creative resilience under disruption

Available on

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

Shoshana

8. Shoshana

Thriller Romance History
6.3
20242h 1min

Overview

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller inspired by real events, a British police officer and a Jewish woman fall in love amidst the political turmoil of 1930s Tel Aviv. With British control over Palestine precarious and conflict inevitable, everyone is forced to choose a side.


Bonnard, Pierre and Marthe

9. Bonnard, Pierre and Marthe

History Romance
6.5
20242h 2min

Overview

When French painter Pierre Bonnard met Marthe de Méligny, he didn’t know this self-proclaimed aristocrat would become the cornerstone of his life and work. From this moment, she became more than just a muse for the “painter of happiness”, appearing in more than a third of his work. Together, they reached their artistic fulfillment thanks to a colourful love, different from the standards of their time, nurturing the great mystery around their relationship. Based on a true story.


Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia

10. Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia

Drama History Historical Drama
5.8
20241h 34min

Overview

Inspired by true events that occurred during the fierce rivalry between Germany (Audi) and Italy (Lancia) at the 1983 Rally World Championships.

Themes

Rally competition, World championships rivalry, Two-wheel drive tension, Car race tension, Homologation pressure, Rally dynamics balance

Available on

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