Historical Drama backdrop

Historical Drama movies

Period-driven drama where the era’s rules and realities shape the conflict, choices, and consequences.

The Kid

1. The Kid

Western Drama Action Modern Western Historical Drama
5.9
20191h 40min

Overview

New Mexico Territory, 1880. Rio Cutler and his older sister Sara must abandon their home after an unfortunate event happens. In their desperate flee to Santa Fe, they cross paths with the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid and his gang, who are ruthlessly pursued by a posse led by Sheriff Pat Garret.

Themes

"movie: the kid. genres: western, Drama, Action, Western, Drama, Action main themes: sheriff, Based on true story, Posse, Sheriff, Based on true story, Posse full keywords list: sheriff, Based on true story, Posse, Outlaw gang, 19th century, Pat garrett, New mexico territory, Brother sister relationship. concept analysis: the film explores the themes of familial loyalty and the quest for redemption in a harsh and unforgiving world. it highlights the struggle between good and evil within individuals, Emphasizing that even in the face of trauma, Hope and resilience can prevail."

Available on

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

The Professor and the Madman

2. The Professor and the Madman

History Drama Mystery Thriller Biographical History
7.2
20192h 4min

Overview

Professor James Murray begins work compiling words for the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in the mid 19th century, and receives over 10,000 entries from a patient at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dr. William Minor.

Themes

Public contribution to knowledge, Institutional gatekeeping of progress, Madness and intellect tension, Hidden contributions to language, Power dynamics in scholarly work, Care versus control in therapy

Available on

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

The Aftermath

3. The Aftermath

War Drama Romance World War II Historical Drama
6.4
20191h 48min

Overview

In the aftermath of World War II, a British colonel and his wife are assigned to live in Hamburg during the post-war reconstruction, but tensions arise with the German widower who lives with them.

Themes

Grief and memory, Forbidden romance, Postwar occupation tensions, Suspicion and distrust, Precarious domestic arrangements, Loyalty conflicts

Available on

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

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

4. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
7.6
20191h 53min

Overview

Against all the odds, a thirteen year old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine.

Themes

Ingenuity through self-education, Drought resilience, Family duty vs personal pursuit, Community collaboration, Resource scarcity driving innovation, Education access and persistence

Available on

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

The Emperor of Paris

5. The Emperor of Paris

Drama Crime Thriller Historical Drama Organized Crime
6.3
20182h 1min

Overview

Paris, France, early 19th century. The legendary convict François Vidocq lives in disguise trying to escape from a tragic past that torments him. When, after an unfortunate event, he crosses paths with the police chief, he makes a bold decision that will turn the ruthless mastermind of the Parisian underworld against him.

Themes

Deception and loyalty, Haunted past, Law versus underworld, Reinvention under pressure, Public service identity, Craft and reputation

Available on

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

Mary Queen of Scots

6. Mary Queen of Scots

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
6.3
20182h 4min

Overview

In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.

Themes

Royal lineage pressure, Factional betrayal and deception, Confinement and exile dynamics, Gendered power politics, Dynastic legitimacy stakes, Rival court maneuvering

Available on

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

The Keeper

7. The Keeper

Drama War History Biographical History Historical Drama
7.3
20181h 54min

Overview

The story of a man whose love for football, for England and for the love of his life, Margaret, saw him rise from Nazi 'villain' to British hero. Bert Trautmann, the German goalkeeper won over even his harshest opponents by winning the FA Cup Final for Manchester City in 1956 - playing on with a broken neck to secure victory.

Themes

Romance under social glare, Public prejudice testing loyalty, War as identity test, Injury shaping resilience, Sporting merit beyond past, Parental tragedy and resolve

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
The Roku Channel
Kanopy
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Green Book

8. Green Book

Drama Comedy History Historical Drama Buddy Comedy
8.2
20182h 10min

Overview

Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1962, is hired to drive pianist Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South in the days when African Americans, forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line, relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.

Themes

Friendship under pressure, Racial discrimination in hospitality, Meritocracy vs prejudice, Protective duty vs independence, Dignity under pressure, Reconciliation after conflict

Available on

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

At Eternity's Gate

9. At Eternity's Gate

Drama Historical Drama
6.9
20181h 51min

Overview

Famed but tormented artist Vincent van Gogh spends his final years in Arles, France, painting masterworks of the natural world that surrounds him.

Themes

Meaning in nature, Mental health and art, Family ties and support, Artistic solitude, Fame and torment, Public mockery and alienation

Available on

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

Kursk

10. Kursk

Drama History Thriller Action Historical Event
6.6
20181h 58min

Overview

Barents Sea, August 12th, 2000. During a Russian naval exercise, and after suffering a serious accident, the K-141 Kursk submarine sinks with 118 crew members on board. While the few sailors who are still alive barely manage to survive, their families push for accurate information and a British officer struggles to obtain from the Russian government a permit to attempt a rescue before it is late. But general incompetence are against all their efforts.

Themes

External aid hesitancy, Bureaucracy vs rescue, Families press for information, Military competence under doubt, Survival under extreme deadlines, Political tension during crisis

Available on

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