30 best historical movies to stream right now: Dunkirk to Hacksaw Ridge

From classic historical films to iconic biographical dramas, here are 30 of the best historical movies you must stream to brush up on your history lessons right away.

Updated on Jul 21, 2023  |  06:32 PM IST |  452.8K
The Best Historical Movies of all time
The Best Historical Movies of all time
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In a generation where everyone likes to catch up to the latest upcoming movies, there is something iconic about historical movies. That is precisely why we have curated an assortment of the best historical movies to stream right away. Scroll on for a cinematic journey through the best of Hollywood classics over the years. Right from Hollywood hits to underrated historical gems, we have handpicked only the best historical movies that deserve to be on your radar. 

So what are you waiting for? Get ready for a complete historical experience, because we have enlisted everything from epic historical battles and revolutionary royal scandals to inspirational biopics and heart-touching dramas. All you need to do is grab some popcorn and get ready to turn back time. 

 

30 Best Historical Movies with their IMDb ratings

 

1. Gladiator (2000)


  • Movie Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
  • Running Time: 2 hours 35 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen
  • Director: Ridley Scott
  • Writer: David Franzoni, John Logan, William Nicholson
  • Year of release: 2000
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen, this 2000 movie is directed by  Ridley Scott. When it comes to the story, it is written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. The historical drama is based on the tale of Roman General Maximus played by Russell Crowe and how he is betrayed by an emperor played by Joaquin Phoenix. Watch this epic tale of action, adventure, love, dedication, family, loyalty, and perseverance, on Amazon Prime Video. 

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2. Dunkirk (2017)


  • Movie Genre: Action, Drama, History 
  • Running Time: 1 hour 46 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance
  • Director: Christopher Nolan
  • Writer: Christopher Nolan
  • Year of release: 2017
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: HBO Max
  • IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Another one of the best historical movies we highly recommend is  Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance starrer, Dunkirk. The 2017 drama is directed and written by Christopher Nolan and is indeed a must-watch. When it comes to the plot it is set in the backdrop of World War II. Watch the movie to witness the life of British soldiers stranded in a German ambush. This historical drama is available on HBO Max to stream. 

 

3. Harriet (2019)


  • Movie Genre: Action, Biography, Drama
  • Running Time: 2 hours 5 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr.
  • Director: Kasi Lemmons
  • Writer: Gregory Allen Howard, Kasi Lemmons
  • Year of release: 2019
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

The iconic action drama features the best of Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, and Leslie Odom Jr. The 2019 movie is directed by Kasi Lemmons. When it comes to the story it is written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons. The heart-touching movie is based on the life of Harriet Tubman and her journey of how she was an enslaved activist and managed to free herself while helping others. This classic biography is indeed a history lesson and is available on Amazon Prime Video to stream.

 

4. The Sound of Music (1965)

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  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, Family
  • Running Time: 2 hours 52 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker
  • Director: Robert Wise
  • Writer: Georg Hurdalek, Howard Lindsay, Russel Crouse
  • Year of release: 1965
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: The Roku Channel 
  • IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

When it comes to the best historical movies we highly recommend watching The Sound of Music. The family drama is a biography and features the best of stars including  Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and Eleanor Parker. Directed by Robert Wise, the movie is written by Georg Hurdalek, Howard Lindsay, and Russel Crouse. The plot of the movie is set during the Nazi invasion amidst World War II. revolves around Maria played by Julie Andrews, a nun. Watch the movie of how she begins to work as a nanny which embarks on her romantic love story.
 

5. Apollo 13 (1995)


  • Movie Genre: Adventure, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 2 hours 20 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon
  • Director: Ron Howard
  • Writer: Jim Lovell, Jeffrey Kluger, William Broyles Jr.
  • Year of release: 1995
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon Apollo 13 is indeed one of the best historical movies of all time. The movie is directed by Ron Howard and written by Jim Lovell, Jeffrey Kluger, and William Broyles Jr. When it comes to the plot it revolves around three characters Jim Lovell played by Tom Hanks and Jack Swigert played by Kevin Bacon, and Fred Haise played by Bill Paxton. The three actors play the roles of three astronauts in 1970. Watch the movie to witness their mission to land on the moon in 1970. This historical adventure drama is available on Amazon Prime Video to stream. 

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6. The Revenant (2015)


  • Movie Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
  • Running Time: 2015
  • Movie Star Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter
  • Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
  • Writer: Mark L. Smith, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Michael Punke
  • Year of release: 2015
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu
  • IMDb Rating: 8/10

This Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, and Leonardo DiCaprio starrer is another historical drama we highly recommend. Directed and written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu along with Mark L. Smith, and Michael Punke, this 2015 movie is indeed the best of action and adventure. Watch the movie to witness Leonardo DiCaprio play the role of a fur trapper who fights to protect himself from a bear attack when he was on a hunting expedition. The Oscar-winning movie is based on a real-life frontiersman named Hugh Glass. This action-adventure drama is available on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu to stream. 

 

7. On the Basis of Sex (2018)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama
  • Running Time: 2 hours
  • Movie Star Cast: Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux
  • Director: Mimi Leder
  • Writer: Daniel Stiepleman
  • Year of release: 2018
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: SonyLiv
  • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

This movie features the best of Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, and Justin Theroux and is directed by Mimi Leder. The plot of the highly-rated biography is written by Daniel Stiepleman and features a story of a Supreme Court justice named Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Watch the movie to witness her journey and experiences as a law student.  This is indeed one of the best historical dramas and is available on Sonyliv to stream. 

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8. Spencer (2021)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama
  • Running Time: 1 hour 57 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins
  • Director: Pablo Larraín
  • Writer: Steven Knight
  • Year of release: 2021
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Starring Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, and Sally Hawkins, this 2021 biography is an iconic drama directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight. When it comes to the plot, it is based on the riveting story of Princess Diana played by Kristen Stewart and Prince Charles played by Jack Farthing. Watch the movie to witness the iconic couple’s marriage, public downfall, and divorce.

 

9. Schindler's List (1993)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 3 hours 15 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley
  • Director: Steven Spielberg
  • Writer: Thomas Keneally, Steven Zaillian
  • Year of release: 1993
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 9/10

Directed by  Steven Spielberg this 1993 movie features the best of Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley. This 1993 movie is indeed one of the best historical movies ever made directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Thomas Keneally along with Steven Zaillian. The highly-rated movie is based on a non-fiction novel titled Schindler's Ark. The 1982 novel illustrates a heartbreaking story that revolves around a character named Oskar Schindler during the Holocaust. In the movie, the role of Oskar is played by Liam Neeson who is a German factory owner.

 

10. Argo (2012)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller 
  • Running Time: 2 hours
  • Movie Star Cast: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman
  • Director: Ben Affleck
  • Writer: Chris Terrio, Tony Mendez, Joshuah Bearman
  • Year of release: 2012
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

This Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman starrer, is also directed by Ben Affleck. Released in the year 2012, this highly-rated historical drama is a biography of a U.S. CIA exfiltration specialist named Tony Mendez. Ben Affleck plays the role of Tony where he is shown rescuing six Americans amidst the Iran hostage crisis in the year 1979. The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video to stream. 

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11. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)


  • Movie Genre: Drama, War
  • Running Time: 1 hour 34 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, Rupert Friend
  • Director: Mark Herman
  • Writer: John Boyne, Mark Herman
  • Year of release: 2008
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

One of the best historical movies that’s also highly rated is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. The 2008 war drama features the best performances by actors like Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, and Rupert Friend. The war drama is directed by Mark Herman and written by John Boyne along with Mark Herman. When it comes to the plot it is set in World War II and features the experiences of Bruno played by Asa Butterfield, a German SS officer’s son played by David Thewlis, and a Jewish boy named Shmuel played by Jack Scanlon. Watch the movie for a tale of friendship, heartbreak, and loss all set in Nazi Germany.

 

12. Hidden Figures (2015)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 2 hours 7 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
  • Director: Theodore Melfi
  • Writer: Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi, Margot Lee Shetterly
  • Year of release: 2016
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Hotstar
  • IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

We highly recommend watching this Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe starrer directed by Theodore Melfi and written by Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi, along with Margot Lee Shetterly. The plot revolves around NASA mathematicians as well as engineers who contributed to the "Space Race." The movie also focuses on elements of sexism and racism.

 

13. The Butler (2013)

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  • Also known as: Lee Daniels' The Butler
  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama
  • Running Time: 2 hours 12 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack
  • Director: Lee Daniels
  • Writer: Danny Strong, Wil Haygood
  • Year of release: 2013
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Another best historical drama we vouch for is this 2013 drama featuring the best of Forest Whitaker, Alan Rickman, Robin Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and John Cusack. The movie is directed by Lee Daniels and written by Danny Strong along with Wil Haygood. The plot of the movie revolves around the life of Eugene Allen played by Forest Whitakers. Eugene Allen was a White House butler for more than 30 years which means he served for eight presidents. The thought-provoking historical biography is available on Amazon Prime Video to stream. 

 

14. Marie Antoinette (2006)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 2 hours 3 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn
  • Director: Sofia Coppola
  • Writer: Sofia Coppola
  • Year of release: 2006
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, Vudu
  • IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, this historical drama features actors including Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman,  Rose Byrne, Molly Shannon, Jamie Dornan, and Rip Torn. When it comes to the plot, it revolves around the tale of Marie-Antoinette played by Kirsten Dunst, and Dauphin of France played by Jason Schwartzman. The story starts at Marie at the age of 14 where he is exposed to a life of luxury. The historical drama features, romance, or rather, secret romances, extravagance, and so much more. 

 

15. I, Tonya (2017)

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  • Movie Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
  • Running Time: 1 hour 59 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney
  • Director: Craig Gillespie
  • Writer: Steven Rogers
  • Year of release: 2017
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Vudu, AMC on Demand, DIRECTV, Redbox, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube,
  • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

This Margot Robbie starrer also features actors like Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney. The 2017 comedy-drama is directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Steven Rogers and is one of the best historical movies that are also highly rated on IMDb. When it comes to the plot the historical movie revolves around the tale of Tonya Harding, a figure skater who allegedly attacked another American skater named Nancy Kerrigan. The story is set during the 1994 Winter Olympics and is one of the best biographical sports films.

 

16. Lincoln (2012)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 2 hours 30 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn
  • Director: Steven Spielberg
  • Writer: Tony Kushner, Doris Kearns Goodwin
  • Year of release: 2012
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: SonyLiv
  • IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

With a brilliant cast that includes Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Jeremy Strong, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this historical drama titled Lincoln revolves around a plot that focuses on the life of President Abraham Lincoln during the last four months. The movie primarily focuses on the end of the Civil War, the slavery abolishment, and his controversial assassination.

 

17. The Book Thief (2013)


  • Movie Genre: Drama, War
  • Running Time: 2 hours 11 minutes
  • Movie Star Cast: Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson
  • Director: Brian Percival
  • Writer: Markus Zusak, Michael Petroni
  • Year of release: 2013
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Google Play Movies, Vudu
  • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Based on an international bestseller also titled The Book Thief this war drama features actors including Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, and Emily Watson. It is directed by Brian Percival and written by Markus Zusak along with Michael Petroni. When it comes to the plot the movie is set in Germany during World War II. Watch the movie to witness history on screen. 

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18. 12 Years a Slave (2013)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 2 hours 14 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender
  • Director: Steve McQueen
  • Writer: John Ridley, Solomon Northup
  • Year of release: 2013
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
  • IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Directed by Steve McQueen, the 2013 biography drama is written by John Ridley along with Solomon Northup. The highly-rated drama features Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Sarah Paulson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, and Michael Fassbender. The plot of the iconic historical drama features a powerful tale of Solomon Northup played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. The highly-rated drama is available on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple TV to stream. 

 

19. Midway (2019)


  • Movie Genre: Action, Drama, History 
  • Running Time: 2 hours 18 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Mandy Moore
  • Director: Roland Emmerich
  • Writer: Wes Tooke
  • Year of release: 2019
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

This historical action drama is directed by Roland Emmerich and features a memorable cast including Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Mandy Moore, and Woody Harrelson. When it comes to the plot it is written by Wes Tooke and is set during the period of the Battle of Midway. Watch the movie to witness a significant battle that happened six months post Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

 

20. Loving (2016)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
  • Running Time: 2 hours 3 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Will Dalton
  • Director: Jeff Nichols
  • Writer: Jeff Nichols, Nancy Buirski
  • Year of release: 2016
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, Redbox
  • IMDb Rating: 7/10

Featuring the best of stars like  Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, and Will Dalton, this romance drama is directed and written by Jeff Nichols along with Nancy Buirski. Right from romance to drama, this historical biography has everything. When it comes to the plot it revolves around the tale of Richard and Mildred Loving. The couple famously opposed state laws that prohibit interracial marriages back in the '60s.

 

21. Unbroken (2014)


  • Movie Genre: Action, Biography, Drama
  • Running Time: 2 hours 17 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Jack O'Connell, Miyavi, Domhnall Gleeson
  • Director: Angelina Jolie
  • Writer: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Richard LaGravenese
  • Year of release: 2014
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix, ROW8, Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, Redbox
  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

This 2014 drama titled Unbroken is inspiring, emotional, and accurate. Starring Jack O'Connell, Miyavi, and Domhnall Gleeson, this Angelina Jolie directorial is written by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, and Richard LaGravenese. The plot of the movie revolves around the tale of an American Olympian and Army officer named Louis "Louie" Zamperini played Jack O'Connell. Watch the movie to witness the 1936 Summer Olympics.

 

22. The Young Victoria (2009)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 1 hour 45 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany
  • Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
  • Writer: Julian Fellowes
  • Year of release: 2009
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu
  • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

With a star cast that includes Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, and Paul Bettany. The 2009 historical biography is directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and written by Julian Fellowes. When it comes to the plot, the storyline is set in the British period. Watch the movie to witness Queen Victoria played by Emily Blunt on screen. The movie features how the iconic British monarch was the second longest-ruling monarch with a reight of 64 months after Queen Elizabeth II, her early life, her betrothal to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg, and Gotha played by Rupert Friend.

 

23. Anna Karenina (2012)


  • Movie Genre: Drama, Romance 
  • Running Time: 2 hours 9 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
  • Director: Joe Wright
  • Writer: Tom Stoppard, Lev Tolstoy
  • Year of release: 2012
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Kanopy, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Redbox, Vudu 
  • IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

This Keira Knightley starrer also features Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Matthew Macfayden, and Alicia Vikander. The 2012 romantic drama is directed by Joe Wright and written by Tom Stoppard and Lev Tolstoy. When it comes to the plot the movie features a tragic romance that’s based on Leo Tolstoy's novel also called Anna Karenina. Watch the movie to witness a scandalous love story set in Imperial Russian society.

 

24. Behind Enemy Lines (2001)


  • Movie Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
  • Running Time: 1 hour 46 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson, Gabriel Macht
  • Director: John Moore
  • Writer: Jim Thomas, John Thomas, David Veloz
  • Year of release: 2001
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: AMC on Demand, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, DIRECTV
  • IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

This 2001 drama features the best of Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson, and Gabriel Macht. The thriller drama features the best of action and war and is directed by John Moore. When it comes to the plot, the storyline is written by Jim Thomas, John Thomas, and David Veloz. The war drama revolves around the tale of U.S. Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady, and fighter navigator Chris Burnett played by Wilson amidst the Bosnian war in 1995.

 

25. The King's Speech (2010)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 1 hour 58 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
  • Director: Tom Hooper
  • Writer: David Seidler
  • Year of release: 2010
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, iTunes, Google Play
  • IMDb Rating: 8/10

The King’s Speech is another movie that showcases a star cast including Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. The 2010 historical biography is directed by Tom Hooper and the plot is written by David Seidler that revolves around the time George VI played by Colin Farrell takes the throne. Watch the movie to witness the reigning king and how he fulfills his role.

 

26. Elizabeth (1998)

Elizabeth (1998)

  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 2 hours 4 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Cate Blanchett, Liz Giles, Rod Culbertson
  • Director: Shekhar Kapur
  • Writer: Michael Hirst
  • Year of release: 1998
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

This historical biography is indeed one of the best historical movies ever made. The movie features stars including Cate Blanchett, Liz Giles, and Rod Culbertson. The 1998 drama directed by Shekhar Kapur and written by Michael Hirst revolves around the tale of the iconic Queen Elizabeth I. Witness the history on the screen to understand how Queen Mary I played by Kathy Burke passes away to pass on the throne to Elizabeth played by Cate Blanchett.

 

27. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Running Time: 2 hours 19 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey
  • Director: Mel Gibson
  • Writer: Robert Schenkkan, Andrew Knight
  • Year of release: 2016
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Redbox, Vudu 
  • IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Featuring the best of Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, and Luke Bracey, this iconic historical drama titled Hacksaw Ridge is another movie we highly recommend watching. The 2016 drama is directed by Mel Gibson and written by Robert Schenkkan along with Andrew Knight. The movie is set in world war II and revolves around American combat medic Desmond Doss played by Andrew Garfield who is sent to Okinawa.

 

28. Spotlight (2015)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
  • Running Time: 2 hours 9 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams
  • Director: Tom McCarthy
  • Writer: Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy
  • Year of release: 2015
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

We highly recommend watching Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams' starrer crime drama titled Spotlight. The highly-rated 2015 drama is directed by Tom McCarthy and it’s written by Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy. The plot of the movie revolves around the Boston Globe investigative journalists and the controversial Catholic church abuse scandal.

 

29. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)


  • Movie Genre: Drama, History, Thriller 
  • Running Time: 2 hours 9 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen
  • Director: Aaron Sorkin
  • Writer: Aaron Sorkin
  • Year of release: 2020
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Netflix
  • IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Another historical movie we highly recommend watching is The Trial of the Chicago 7. The movie features a stunning star cast including Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, and Sacha Baron Cohen. It is directed and written by Aaron Sorkin and is available on Netflix to stream. The plot of the movie is set in late 1960 featuring the experiences of anti-Vietnam War protestors. Watch the historical drama to witness elements of injustice, corruption, and secrecy. 

 

30. Mary Queen of Scots (2018)


  • Movie Genre: Biography, Drama, History 
  • Running Time: 2 hours 4 min
  • Movie Star Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden
  • Director: Josie Rourke
  • Writer: Beau Willimon, John Guy
  • Year of release: 2018
  • Where to watch/OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

Another one of the best historical movies that feature a monarch is the 2018 drama titled Mary Queen of Scots. The historical biography features a brilliant star cast that includes Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, and Jack Lowden. The plot is written by Beau Willimon and John Guy and revolves around the rivalry between Queen Elizabeth I played by Margot Robbie and the gorgeous Mary, Queen of Scots played by Saoirse Ronan.

 

With the worlds, ““Those who forget their history are condemned to repeat it,” we are here to remind you to take a history lesson or two with a massive dose of entertainment. The above listed assortment of the best historical movies is an all-inlcusive list of iconic and intriguing historical events that are worth remembering. Right from wars and monarchs to secretive romance, classy comedy, and action we have curated just the perfect list for history fanatics out there. We highly recommend you to bookmark this page to extravagantly entertain and educated yourself with a history lesson.

FAQs

What is a historical type of movie?
Its a fiction film that illustrates major events that happened in the past or an important historical period.

What is the oldest movie in history?
Roundhay Garden Scene is the oldest movie of all time. It was a brief silent motion picture filmed by Louis Le Prince.

What is the best historical movie ever invented?
Dunkirk and Hacksaw Ridge are some of the best historical movies ever made.

Which is the most famous movie of all time?
Titanic (1997) is one of the most famous movie of all time.

What genre is historical?
It includes films and shows that illustrates major events that happened in the past or an important historical period.

What is a historical biopic film?
An historical biographical or biopic film is a film that showcases the life and experiences of a non-fictional or real person.

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About The Author

‘A postgraduate in Mass Communication, Ayushi enjoys writing about fashion, skincare, and lifestyle. She's been writing professionally

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Credits: IMdb.com, YouTube.com
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