History is full of incredible stories—some deeply inspiring, others heartbreakingly tragic. If you’re ready to dive into the past, this list of the top 10 best historical movies will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most significant eras of decades – and sometimes centuries – passed.
Whether you’re interested in historical dramas, or you love immersing yourself in historical time period movies that bring bygone eras to life, this list has you covered. From Horizon: An American Saga to Bobby, these films showcase the best in historical storytelling, providing endless entertainment for anyone captivated by the past. Be sure to keep an eye on this list for updates—you won’t want to miss out on these iconic stories that bring history to life.
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TOP 10 HISTORY MOVIES 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. ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1’
↑ 1 vs. Prior Week
Embark on an epic journey into the unforgiving landscape of the Old West in Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1. Set against the volatile backdrop of the Civil War, witness families, friends, and foes, pushed to their limits, and drawn into the harsh realism of a country divided.
A diverse set of characters come alive, each playing their part in weaving a tapestry of ambition, treachery and survival. Watch as they endure the raw beauty and dangerous allure of the frontier, showcasing their resilience in face of hardships, and the eternal human spirit. Their stories reflect the true American saga, a tale of courage and hope, ever set towards the horizon. This movie is an unmissable cinematic masterpiece.
2. ‘Full Metal Jacket’
↑ 4 vs. Prior Week
Step into the realities of warfare with Stanley Kubrick’s unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War, Full Metal Jacket. Matthew Modine delivers a striking performance as smart-mouthed Private Davis, also known as “Joker,” an apt moniker designated by his aggressive drill sergeant, brilliantly played by R. Lee Ermey. Alongside him is the heavy-set Private Lawrence, a.k.a. “Gomer Pyle”, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio.
During basic training, Pyle takes a disturbing turn while Joker heads to the frontlines. Now a journalist, Joker is thrust into the vicious Battle of Hué, blurring the lines between observer and participant. This film is a hauntingly intense adventure, clawing away the romanticized façade of war.
3. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
↑ 70 vs. Prior Week
Bohemian Rhapsody, the 2018 sensation, takes you on an unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll journey, recounting the extraordinary life and career of eclectic Freddie Mercury, lead vocalist of the iconic band Queen.
Rami Malek’s portray of the defiant and larger-than-life Mercury will take your breath away as he rises through the ranks of the music world, challenging stereotypes and norms. Yet, amid massive success and popular hits, Mercury bravely ventures out as a solo artist, only to find himself drawing back to where it all began – Queen and their epic Live Aid performance. This unforgettable film will leave you celebrating their music and Mercury’s indomitable spirit.
4. ‘Ned Kelly’
↔ 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.
5. ‘One Life’
↑ 19 vs. Prior Week
Unveiling a heroic feat against the monstrous backdrop of the Holocaust, One Life is a poignant portrayal of the daring Nicholas “Nicky” Winton. As a London broker, Winton orchestrates the rescue of hundreds of primarily Jewish children from Czechoslovakia, right before the Nazi occupation bars all exits. Unfortunately, the ghosts of those he couldn’t save still haunt him half a century later. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a fan of human resilience, One Life delivers a riveting narrative, mingled with suspense, heartbreak, and a contemplation of destiny. It’s a movie that immortalizes one man’s race against time and reminds us of the profound impact ordinary individuals can make.
6. ’12 Mighty Orphans’
↑ 5 vs. Prior Week
12 Mighty Orphans is a gripping story of hope and tenacity in the face of adversity. Set against the harsh backdrop of the Great Depression, it follows the character of Rusty Russell as he relinquishes his comfortable life to coach football at an orphanage in Fort Worth, Texas.
As he molds his inexperienced and scrappy team into worthy opponents on the gridiron, they become an unexpectedly electrifying force, offering hope and inspiration to their city, state and indeed, the entire nation. This is a cinematic experience that celebrates the power of the human spirit and the underdog fighting against all odds.
7. ‘Apollo 13’
↑ 7 vs. Prior Week
In this critically acclaimed 1995 spectacle inspired by true events, Apollo 13, a lunar mission led by astronauts Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks), Fred Haise (Bill Paxton), and Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) evolves from routine to life-threatening when an oxygen tank unexpectedly explodes. As the dream of a moon landing fades, the crew find themselves battling against time, technical malfunctions and rising tensions in a desperate struggle for survival.
This gripping Hollywood drama takes you on a journey fraught with peril and uncertainty, revealing the extraordinary courage of three men fighting to return safely to Earth. Apollo 13 – a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from takeoff to touchdown.
8. ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’
↔ vs. Prior Week
Released in 1928, The Passion of Joan of Arc is a silent film that is as chillingly haunting as it is profoundly impactful. The brilliant performance by Renée Jeanne Falconetti as Joan of Arc will resonate with viewers as she portrays a young peasant girl who claims to have received visions from God. She is put on trial by the English, which she endures with both profound conviction and overwhelming grief.
Delivering sharp and raw emotions in close-ups, Falconetti’s expressive and haunting performance tells a story of unwavering faith, sacrifice and the price of a divine vision, setting the standard for cinematic brilliance even after nearly a century.
9. ‘Hamburger Hill’
↑ 3 vs. Prior Week
Released in 1987, Hamburger Hill is a war film that delves into the raw essence of the Vietnam War. This gripping and emotional film journeys with the 101st Airborne Division, including characters like Private Anthony “Worcester” Dodd, played by the talented Courtney B. Vance, as they engage in an arduous 10-day battle to capture Hill 937.
As they survive through the very essence of hell, a basic question arises: was the price paid worth the meager piece of land gained? This intense, heart-wrenching film guarantees to draw you into the fight and leave you questioning the costs of warfare.
10. ‘Bobby’
↑ 46 vs. Prior Week
Experience the tumultuous moment in history that is 1968 through the eyes of ordinary people in Bobby – a riveting drama released in 2021. Anthony Hopkins astounds with his portrayal of a retired doorman whose fate intertwines with that of a hotel manager, a lounge singer, a busboy and a beautician. All these ordinary lives converge in the wake of the tragic assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles. Packed with gripping performances, Bobby offers a poignant retrospective on an important event in American history.
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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular historical drama movies in recent years?
Among the most popular historical drama movies from recent years are 'Oppenheimer,' 'Zone of Interest,' 'Blackberry,' 'Till,' and many others.
What is the difference between a historical drama and a biopic movie?
While there are some similarities between historical drama movies and biopic movies, the main difference is that biopics are about a particular person or historic figure, while historical drama movies can be more broadly associated with a time, event, or era. Historical dramas typically have fictional characters, while biopics are more accurate to real life.
Which time in history is most commonly used in historical drama movies?
History movies can be about anytime and anyplace in history, but popular films often take place during WWII, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece and 19th and 20th Century America.
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