The 10 Most Popular Historical Drama Movies Right Now

History is replete with great stories, whether they’re deeply inspiring tales of bravery or emotionally heart wrenching accounts of terrible tragedies. This list of the top 10 best historical drama movies to watch on TV right now will take you on an odyssey through some of history’s most significant – and dramatic – moments.

Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest drama shows so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From Dances with Wolves to Brooklyn, this list will help fans of historical fiction stay up to date on the most popular history movies available.

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TOP 10 HISTORICAL DRAMA FILMS TO WATCH

Let’s get started. Here are the trending history movies that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.

1. ‘Dances with Wolves’

↑ 58 vs. Prior Week

Dances with Wolves, a groundbreaking film from 1990, defies categorization by blending elements of drama, romance and historical adventure. The highly acclaimed Kevin Costner plays Lieutenant John Dunbar, a Union soldier who, after befriending a tribe of Sioux Indians, begins to see the world through a different lens. This compelling story bravely challenges viewers’ perceptions of Native Americans and Western cultural norms. A sweeping mix of panoramic landscapes and emotionally charged performances, Dances with Wolves is more than just a movie, it’s a heartfelt human journey into the heartland of America.

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2. ‘Titanic’

↔ vs. Prior Week

Titanic was a masterpiece of 1990s filmmaking. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as lovers Jack and Rose, the movie skillfully merges a poignant love story with the harsh realities of the catastrophic sinking of the RMS Titanic.

Battling social class differences, the two find love in the most unlikely place, but their world is rocked when the ship hits an iceberg. This Academy Award-winning film filled with heartache, suspense and unforgettable performances will immerse you in the ill-fated voyage, compelling you to ask if love can indeed conquer all, even impending doom.

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3. ‘The Greatest Showman’

↑ 81 vs. Prior Week

Bringing the 19th century fireworks of entertainment to life on the screen, The Greatest Showman brings audiences into the flamboyant world of P.T Barnum. Set in the early 1800s, the richly imaginative dreamer Barnum, portrayed by the charismatic Hugh Jackman, transforms his humble beginnings into the creation of a magnificent spectacle – the Barnum & Bailey circus.

The movie showcases heart-throbbing acrobatics, unique performers and unforgettable musical number – encapsulating Barnum’s rise from the ground to the sparkling heights of the greatest show on Earth. The Greatest Showman is a testament to the inception of the show business, an intoxicating exuberance of a man who turned the impossible into a reality.

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4. ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’

↓ 1 vs. Prior Week

Experience the epic tale of Exodus: Gods and Kings, where familial bonds and power stand on a tenterhook. The story follows Moses (portrayed by the riveting Christian Bale) and Ramses (delivered by Joel Edgerton), two Egyptian Princes raised together.

Their lives take a dramatic turn when Moses discovers his Hebrew roots. Banished to the cruel desert by Ramses, now Pharaoh, Moses receives a divine mission to secure the Israelites’ freedom from slavery. As he challenges the obstinate ruler, the intense battle of wills is an arresting watch. This biblical epic weaves a gripping tale of faith, courage and destiny.

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5. ‘Exodus’

↔ vs. Prior Week

From the pages of Leon Uris’ acclaimed novel comes the 1960 classic, Exodus, a gripping historical epic centered on the creation of Israel post World War II. Hollywood icon Paul Newman is at the helm as Ari Ben Canaan, an audacious member of Jewish paramilitary organization Haganah.

The plot thickens as he embarks on a precarious journey to transport 600 Jewish refugees from Cyprus to Palestine aboard a ship fittingly named the Exodus. Battling British obstructions and an uncertain fate, this stirring movie intricately weaves a tale of resilience, triumph and undying hope. Not just a cinematic treat but also an account of one of the most impactful events in world history.

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6. ‘Troy’

↑ 71 vs. Prior Week

Immerse yourself in the epic world of ancient Greece with the stunning film, Troy. This cinematic masterpiece boasts a star-studded cast, with Brad Pitt delivering a raw, captivating performance as the legendary warrior, Achilles.

The film presents a gripping tale of love, honor and deceit woven into the chaotic tapestry of war that ensues when the Trojan prince, Paris, elopes with Helen of Sparta. With enthralling battle sequences and riveting character arcs, Troy reveals the glory and the bitterness of power, illuminating the heroism and folly that walks on the thin line of destiny and desire.

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7. ‘Hostiles’

↑ 8 vs. Prior Week

Set against the harsh backdrop of 1892 New Mexico, the epic western drama, Hostiles, takes viewers on a heart-wrenching journey of redemption and reconciliation. Directed by Scott Cooper, it showcases the exceptional acting abilities of Christian Bale as army Captain, Joseph Blocker, and Rosamund Pike as Rosalee Quaid.

Blocker, a man hardened by the brutalities of war, is ordered to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief, played by Wes Studi, and his family back to their tribal lands. What transpires is a harrowing test of survival and an unlikely bond formed amidst longstanding hostilities. A gripping narrative masterfully delivered, Hostiles makes you witness the transformation of enemies into survivors, and possibly, allies.

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8. ‘Redeeming Love’

↑ 1 vs. Prior Week

Delve into the world of Redeeming Love, inspired by a powerful and enduring story of love’s capacity to transform and heal. A woman named Angel, living a harrowing existence marked by heartbreak and despair during the 1850 California Gold Rush, crosses paths with the compassionate and determined farmer Michael Hosea, who is convinced that he must free her from a life of prostitution.

Throughout the film, a magnificently realized journey unfolds, revealing the transformative nature of genuine love and the redemption it brings to the most hardened hearts. This moving narrative illuminates the inexorable pull of hope, even in the grimmest corners of life.

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9. ‘Ned Kelly’

↑ 18 vs. Prior Week

Set in the rugged terrain of 19th century Australia, Ned Kelly tells the gripping story of bush ranger Ned Kelly, captivatingly portrayed by Heath Ledger, as he navigates the treacherous actions of local authorities. Alongside his brother Dan (Laurence Kinlan) and their companions (Orlando Bloom, Philip Barantini), they become a force to be reckoned with, sparking off a tense confrontation with Superintendent Francis Hare (Geoffrey Rush).

Amidst the chaos, Kelly finds a glimmer of hope and romance with Julia Cook (Naomi Watts). However, their lives converge on a catastrophic finale in the town of Glenrowan, making Ned Kelly a story of resistance, love and ultimate tragedy.

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10. ‘Brooklyn’

↑ 1 vs. Prior Week

Explore the profound journey of self-discovery and maturity with Brooklyn, a film that beautifully juggles the essence of two worlds. Saoirse Ronan holds your heart captive as Eilis, a young Irish immigrant navigating the tricky waters of 1950s Brooklyn.

Struck with homesickness, her life takes a twist when she falls in love with a charming Italian American man, Tony. But when a family tragedy beckons her back to her homeland and a new suitor emerges, Eilis is torn between her past and the future she’s building. Prepare to be moved by her emotionally charged decision in this deeply human tale of love, growth, and life-changing choices.

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And there you have it: the top 10 historical dramas to stream at home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.

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And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:

• Top 10 Best Drama TV Shows to Watch Right Now
• Top 20 Movies to Stream Right Now
• 20 Most Binge-Worthy TV Shows to Watch Right Now
• 10 Best Limited Series to Watch
• The Top 10 Historical Period Drama Pieces to Watch Now
• The Top Western TV Shows to Watch Right Now

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