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 The Warrior’s Way to The Woman King, 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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Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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. ‘The Warrior’s Way’
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Engage your senses in a riveting journey with The Warrior’s Way (2010), where cultures clash and destinies intertwine. Master swordsman Yang, vivaciously portrayed by Jang Dong-gun, shatters traditions, choosing humanity over bloodshed as he refuses to kill an infant from an adversary clan. Instead, he defects to an obscure American frontier town, swearing off the way of the sword to raise the child peacefully.
But this quaint town harbors its own vengeance-seeking maiden, Lynne, who has a bone to pick with the ruthless colonel who ravaged her family. The colonel’s return forces Yang to unsheathe his sword again, triggering a whirlwind of battles and beckoning the return of his lethal clansmen. This film will lure you into a hectic blend of Eastern martial arts and Western shootout, leaving you breathlessly on the edge of your seat.
2. ‘Geronimo: An American Legend’
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Set during the expansion of the United States into the Southwestern territories, Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) is a riveting insight into the plight of the Apache Indians. Wes Studi masterfully portrays the legendary Apache leader Geronimo, who refuses to bow down to life as a corn farmer on a reservation. Even the exceptional strategic skills of General Charles Crook (impressively played by Gene Hackman) and Lieutenant Charles Gatewood (a compelling performance by Jason Patric) who command a formidable force of 5,000 U.S. Cavalry soldiers, are tested to their limits in their relentless pursuit of Geronimo and his band of rebellious men.
This gripping film provides an intimate look into a tumultuous period of American history and reveals the fierce determination of a people unwilling to surrender their way of life.
3. ‘Kingdom of Heaven’
↓ 2 vs. Prior Week
Released in 2005, Kingdom of Heaven takes viewers on a heart-wrenching journey of resilience and courage. Consumed by grief after his wife’s untimely death, village blacksmith Balian, played by Orlando Bloom, finds solace by joining his long-lost father, Baron Godfrey, portrayed by the captivating Liam Neeson, in the crusades. The pair traverse a perilous journey to Jerusalem only to be enmeshed in a court filled with political treachery, led by the unscrupulous Guy de Lusignan played by Marton Csokas.
Embodying the true spirit of valiance, Balian stands tall amidst the strife, even when the leprous King Baldwin IV, a compelling role by Edward Norton, sits precariously on the throne. This riveting tale of valor, treachery and personal growth will leave you on the edge of your seat.
4. ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’
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Experience the epic tale of Exodus: Gods and Kings, released in 2014, where familial bonds and power stand on a tenterhook. The story sees 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.
5. ‘Hostiles’
↓ 3 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. 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.
6. ‘Capote’
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Set against the backdrops of Kansas and New York City, the 2005 film Capote delves into the complexities of humanity and crime. The acclaimed Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers an unforgettable performance as Truman Capote, a renowned novelist who becomes deeply involved in the young murderer Perry Smith’s plight, portrayed by Clifton Collins Jr. Capote, aided by his childhood friend and emerging novelist Harper Lee (Catherine Keener), reveals a story beyond the grisly headlines and uncovers the disturbing details surrounding the murder of a Kansas family.
As he grows emotionally attached to Smith, viewers are left grappling with an unsettling intersection of empathy and guilt. This riveting narrative will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.
7. ‘Pearl Harbor’
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Set amidst the backdrop of one of the most tragic events in American history, Pearl Harbor reconstructs the fateful day that changed the world forever. Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett portray two best friends, Rafe and Danny, U.S. pilots whose lives and mutual love interest — a dedicated nurse played by Kate Beckinsale — become entangled as the specter of war looms.
This epic tale of love, heroism and sacrifice delves into the personal narratives overshadowed by the catastrophic event. The film upsets expectations with its humanistic portrayal of characters adrift in the tides of war, leaving audiences with a profound empathetic connection to history.
8. ‘Lincoln’
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Unravel the story of an extraordinary leader during America’s most turbulent times in Lincoln (2012).
This critically acclaimed film delves into President Abraham Lincoln‘s (portrayed with majestic might by Daniel Day-Lewis) unwavering determination against an ongoing Civil War. As minds and hearts collide, watch as he exercises his political prowess to fulfill a momentous decision: abolishing slavery through the historic 13th Amendment. Amid battles both within the nation and the government, this compelling narrative reinforces Lincoln‘s monumental legacy of courage and morality. A riveting blend of history and humanity, this film underlines that true greatness strives for the betterment of all mankind.
9. ‘JFK’
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Delving into the darkest chapter of American history, JFK (1991) is Oliver Stone’s meticulously detailed account of the investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Kevin Costner delivers a captivating performance as New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison, the man brave enough to question the crime that shocked the nation. After the murder of alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, played by a chilling Gary Oldman, Garrison’s quest is momentarily halted, only for him to uncover a deeper, sprawling conspiracy upon reopening the case.
This powerful, controversial drama exposes the hidden layers of one of the biggest American mysteries, compelling audiences to question the truths they thought they knew.
10. ‘The Woman King’
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Dive into the world of the 1800s African kingdom of Dahomey in The Woman King (2022), where an all-female warrior battalion fiercely safeguards their land. Their leader, the indomitable General Nanisca, played by Viola Davis, shapes an upcoming generation of warriors to continue their longstanding heritage. As Nanisca prepares the young warriors, an unprecedented foreign threat emerges, hell-bent on destabilizing their harmonious way of life.
With a potent blend of history, gender empowerment, and breathtaking battle scenes, The Woman King will hold you utterly captive until its final dramatic scene.
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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