Historical Event backdrop

Historical Event movies

Stories centered on a specific real-world event or crisis, tracking cause, consequence, and human cost.

She Said

1. She Said

Drama History Entertainment Industry Drama Historical Event
7.3
20222h 9min

Overview

New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor break one of the most important stories in a generation — a story that helped launch the #MeToo movement and shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood.

Themes

Abuse of power, Investigative journalism, Gender inequality, Institutional silence, Industry accountability, Me too movement

Available on

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

Till

2. Till

Drama History Historical Drama Historical Event
7.2
20222h 11min

Overview

The true story of Mamie Till Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14 year old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi.

Themes

Public accountability after violence, Racial bias in justice, Open casket exposure, Activism through tragedy, Civil rights momentum, Trial and testimony stakes

Available on

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

The Woman King

3. The Woman King

Action Drama History Epic Action Historical Drama
6.9
20222h 15min

Overview

The story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen, and General Nanisca as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life.

Themes

Arranged marriage pressure, Legacy and lineage, Warfare against slavers, Freedom and captivity, Female military leadership, Loyalty and disobedience

Available on

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

Medieval

4. Medieval

Action Drama History Epic Action Historical Drama
5.9
20222h 6min

Overview

The story of fifteenth century Czech icon and warlord, Jan Zizka, who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire.

Themes

"movie: medieval. genres: action, Drama, History, Action, Drama, History main themes: based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval, Based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval full keywords list: based on true story, Middle ages (476-1453), Medieval, 15th century, Hussite wars (1419-1434). concept analysis: the film explores the themes of sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of freedom against oppressive forces. it highlights the personal and collective struggles of individuals caught in the turmoil of war, Emphasizing that true leadership often comes at a great personal cost."

Available on

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

Operation Mincemeat

5. Operation Mincemeat

War History Drama World War II Historical Event
6.6
20222h 8min

Overview

In 1943, two British intelligence officers concoct Operation Mincemeat, wherein their plan to drop a corpse with false papers off the coast of Spain would fool Nazi spies into believing the Allied forces were planning to attack by way of Greece rather than Sicily.

Themes

Deception rooted in true story, Spy deception in world war ii, Remake driven misdirection, Secrecy and risk management, Spy craft and loyalty testing, Planning under uncertainty

Available on

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

Munich – The Edge of War

6. Munich – The Edge of War

Drama History Historical Event Historical Drama
6.8
20212h 10min

Overview

At the tense 1938 Munich Conference, former friends who now work for opposing governments become reluctant spies racing to expose a Nazi secret.

Themes

Loyalties under strain, Espionage under pressure, Secrecy vs transparency, Diplomatic brinkmanship, Moral ambiguity in decision, War-preparation under uncertainty

Available on

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

The Shadow in My Eye

7. The Shadow in My Eye

War Drama History World War II Historical Drama
7.3
20211h 47min

Overview

On March 21st, 1945, the British Royal Air Force set out on a mission to bomb Gestapo's headquarters in Copenhagen. The raid had fatal consequences as some of the bombers accidentally targeted a school and more than 120 people were killed, 86 of whom were children.

Themes

Resistance under occupation, Duty vs humanity, Civilian casualties, War-time trauma, Moral ambiguity of orders, Deception in war

Available on

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

The Last Duel

8. The Last Duel

History Drama Action Historical Event Historical Drama
7.3
20212h 33min

Overview

King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire, Jacques Le Gris, by challenging him to a duel.

Themes

Class and land politics, Legal ritual and dueling culture, Patriarchal authority in marriage, Sexual violence and consent, Social judgment and reputation, Patronage and favoritism dynamics

Available on

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

Worth

9. Worth

History Drama Historical Event Legal Drama
6.8
20211h 58min

Overview

Kenneth Feinberg, a powerful D.C. lawyer appointed Special Master of the 9/11 Fund, fights off the cynicism, bureaucracy, and politics associated with administering government funds and, in doing so, discovers what life is worth.

Themes

Monetary valuation of life, Trust and legitimacy, Income-based payouts, Bureaucracy under political pressure, Victim compensation ethics, Access versus exclusion

Available on

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

12 Mighty Orphans

10. 12 Mighty Orphans

History Drama Action Historical Event Historical Drama
6.9
20211h 58min

Overview

Haunted by his mysterious past, a devoted high school football coach leads a scrawny team of orphans to the state championship during the Great Depression and inspires a broken nation along the way.

Themes

Resilience under hardship, Mentorship and leadership, Community impact, Exploitation and oppression, Teamwork against odds, Sport as social uplift

Available on

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