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 Warriors Way to Dancing with Wolves, 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.
2. ‘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.
3. ‘Hidden Figures’
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Celebrate the unsung heroes of the space race in the remarkable movie, Hidden Figures. In an era where their contributions were overlooked due to their gender and race, three tenacious African American mathematicians at NASA, portrayed by exceptional Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe, played pivotal roles in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This inspiring tale of human perseverance, against all societal norms of the ’60s, delivers a punch of empowerment, stimulating your intellectual curiosity. Hidden Figures is a perfect blend of history and heart, portraying hardship and triumph on the grand canvas of space exploration.
4. ‘The Longest Day’
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Enter the visceral world of The Longest Day, a 1962 war epic that plunges viewers into the heart of a historic world-changing event. The movie documents the crucial D-day invasion of Normandy in 1944 by the U.S Army and Allied forces. Robert Mitchum as General Norma Cota fearlessly leads his men through the chilling onslaught at Omaha Beach, paving the path for a triumphant breakthrough in enemy lines. Hindered by arrogance, ignorance and the slumbering Adolf Hitler, the German military falters in response, resulting in catastrophic consequences. This film meticulously re-enacts one of the largest and most daring military operations in history, delivering a compelling portrayal of courage, sacrifice and wartime strategy.
5. ‘Redeeming Love’
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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.
6. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
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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.
7. ‘Hacksaw Ridge’
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Hacksaw Ridge is a riveting true story that tests the boundaries of courage. Andrew Garfield delivers a sensational performance as Pfc. Desmond T. Doss, a man who defied military norms by refusing to bear arms during WWII.
Despite the ostracization by his fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance, Doss emerges as an unlikely hero on the battlefront. As the fierce Battle of Okinawa rages, Doss risks his life to save 75 men, armed with nothing but bravery, selflessness and compassion. Witness a hero who stood his ground, proving that strength is not just about the firepower, but the fire within.
8. ‘Hostiles’
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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.
9. ‘Gone with the Wind’
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Experience the cinematic treasure of 1939, Gone with the Wind. This grandiose epic encapsulates the tumultuous era of the American Civil War through the lens of Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara. Presenting a world of sprawling land and lavish dresses, the movie delves deep into Scarlett’s survival amidst the ruinous backdrop of war and reconstruction.
Witness her intricate relationships with the honorable Ashley Wilkes and audacious Rhett Butler. Be warned, the film’s antiquated themes and contentious character depictions resonate with its original release and may create a sense of unease for contemporary viewers, providing an uncomfortable yet authentic insight into the era.
10. ‘Dances with Wolves’
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Dances with Wolves, a groundbreaking film from 1990, defies categorization by blending elements of drama, romance, and 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.
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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