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 Boys in the Boat

1. The Boys in the Boat

Drama History Historical Drama Historical Event
7.0
20232h 3min

Overview

The triumphant underdog story of the University of Washington men's rowing team, who stunned the world by competing at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Themes

Teamwork under pressure, Underdog perseverance, Funding and community support, Boat-centered focus, Coach versus seniority dynamics, Rivalry-driven performance

Available on

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

The Iron Claw

2. The Iron Claw

History Drama Biographical History Historical Drama
7.6
20232h 12min

Overview

The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

Themes

Dysfunctional family, Grief and mourning, Brotherhood under pressure, Toxic masculinity, Curse and tragedy, Mental illness

Available on

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

One Life

3. One Life

History Drama Historical Event Historical Drama
7.5
20231h 49min

Overview

British stockbroker Nicholas Winton visits Czechoslovakia in the 1930s and forms plans to assist in the rescue of Jewish children before the onset of World War II, in an operation that came to be known as the Kindertransport.

Themes

Moral duty to rescue, Bureaucratic obstacles vs compassion, Public memory and accountability, Transnational empathy, Historical memory catalyzing action, Refugee protection ethics

Available on

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

Noryang: Deadly Sea

4. Noryang: Deadly Sea

War Action History Drama
6.3
20232h 33min

Overview

The Imjin War reaches its seventh year in December of 1598. Admiral Yi Sun-shin learns that the Wa invaders in Joseon are preparing for a swift withdrawal following the deathbed orders of their leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Determined to destroy the enemy once and for all, Admiral Yi leads an allied fleet of Joseon and Ming ships to mount a blockade and annihilate the Wa army. However, once Ming commander Chen Lin is bribed into lifting the blockade, Wa lord Shimazu Yoshihiro and his Satsuma army sail to the Wa army's rescue at Noryang Strait.


Society of the Snow

5. Society of the Snow

Drama History Historical Drama Historical Event
7.8
20232h 23min

Overview

Stranded on a frozen Andean glacier with no rescue in sight, a shattered rugby team watches food, warmth, and hope disappear. As the ice closes in and death counts rise, they push their bodies, their faith, and their humanity to the edge in a brutal fight to claw their way out.

Themes

Faith guiding endurance, Brotherhood under crisis, Team identity under pressure, Survival ethics and duty, Cooperation from sport background, Mutual aid in isolation

Available on

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

The Zone of Interest

6. The Zone of Interest

Drama History War Historical Event Historical Drama
7.3
20231h 45min

Overview

The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.

Themes

Moral complicity, Domestic life near atrocity, Material status vs ethics, Bureaucracy and mass violence, Technocratic killing efficiency, Deception and withholding

Available on

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

Ferrari

7. Ferrari

History Drama Biographical History Tragic Drama
6.4
20232h 11min

Overview

Set during the summer of 1957. Ex-racecar driver, Enzo Ferrari, is in crisis. Bankruptcy stalks the company he and his wife, Laura, built from nothing ten years earlier. Their tempestuous marriage struggles with the mourning for one son and the acknowledgement of another.

Themes

Betrayal and deception, Marital strain under pressure, Ownership and control, Financial brinkmanship, Family obligations vs business needs, Legacy versus reputation

Available on

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

Girl You Know It's True

8. Girl You Know It's True

Drama History Music
7.1
20232h 4min

Overview

Dancers Pilatus and Morvan rise to fame in the late 80's who become stars with No.1 hits and won a Grammy. The duo never sang a word in their songs and when the truth was revealed they starred one of the biggest scandals in music history.


12.12: The Day

9. 12.12: The Day

Drama Thriller Action War History
7.5
20232h 22min

Overview

After the assassination of President Park, martial law has been declared. A coup d'état bursts out by Defense Security Commander Chun Doo-gwang and a private band of officers following him. Capital Defense Commander Lee Tae-shin, an obstinate soldier who believes the military should not take political actions, fights against Chun Doo-gwang to stop him. The conflict between the two grows while military leaders are holding their decision and Defense Minister is gone. In the midst of chaos, the spring of Seoul that everyone longed for heads to unexpected direction.


Napoleon

10. Napoleon

History War Romance Biographical History 19th Century Wars
6.3
20232h 38min

Overview

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Themes

Public life versus private life, Ambition versus loyalty, Romantic entanglements shaping leadership, Exile and brief restoration, Alliances and political maneuvering, Military mastery under pressure

Available on

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