Movies About Early American History

Updated April 1, 2024

Multiple creators have explored Movies About Early American History. Here are 21 of our favorites.

Gone with the Wind (1939)

★★★★

3.3 out of 4 stars

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood, starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil
Rated Passed

Gone with the Wind is a classic 1939 American epic film directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and Sam Wood and produced by David O. Selznick. Set in the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, it tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a beautiful young woman whose life is changed by the Civil War. Scarlett is determined to survive and persevere despite the destruction of her beloved plantation home, Tara. Along the way, she falls in love with a dashing and dauntless soldier, Rhett Butler, who is determined to win her heart. The film also follows the stories of other characters, including the devoted and loyal Mammy, the loyal, yet troubled, Ashley Wilkes, and the villainous, yet charismatic, villain, Rhett's father. It ultimately culminates in a grand and epic ending, where Scarlett and Rhett finally find the love they were searching for.

Dances with Wolves (1990)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Kevin Costner, starring Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant
Rated PG-13

Dances with Wolves is a western drama film directed by, produced by and starring Kevin Costner. The film follows Lt. John Dunbar, a Union Army officer in the Civil War who is sent to a remote outpost on the Western frontier. There he meets and befriends a tribe of Lakota Sioux Native Americans, and gradually begins to understand their culture and values. He soon falls in love with a white woman who had been raised by the tribe, but his relationship with them is put to the test when the US Army threatens their way of life. The film is widely acclaimed for its strong character development and environmental message, and it won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Glory (1989)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Edward Zwick, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman
Rated R

Glory is a 1989 American war drama film directed by Edward Zwick about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the Union Army's first African-American regiment in the American Civil War. The film stars Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman. The story follows Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Broderick) and his regiment as they fight in the Siege of Fort Wagner in South Carolina. Shaw's regiment is made up of both inexperienced recruits and veteran soldiers, many of whom are former slaves who have volunteered to fight for the Union. The 54th Massachusetts is sent into battle at Fort Wagner, where they face relentless Confederate fire and suffer heavy losses. Despite their courage, the 54th is ultimately defeated and Shaw is killed in the battle. The film is acclaimed for its examination of the contributions of African Americans in the Civil War and their impact on the Union victory. It received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won Denzel Washington the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Tombstone (1993)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Directors: George P. Cosmatos, Kevin Jarre, starring Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton
Rated R

Tombstone is a 1993 American Western film directed by George P. Cosmatos and written by Kevin Jarre. It follows the adventures of Wyatt Earp and his brothers, Morgan and Virgil, as they try to restore order to the lawless town of Tombstone, Arizona. Along the way, they must confront the notorious outlaws, the Cowboys. The Cowboys, led by the vicious Ike Clanton, are determined to keep a stranglehold on the town and will stop at nothing to prevent the Earps from bringing justice to Tombstone. As tensions between the two groups escalate, tensions between Wyatt and his brothers also mount, leading to a violent showdown which will determine the fate of Tombstone.

The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Michael Mann, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, Russell Means, Eric Schweig
Rated R

The Last of the Mohicans is a 1992 American epic historical drama film directed by Michael Mann and based on the 1826 novel by James Fenimore Cooper. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, Russell Means, Wes Studi, Eric Schweig, and Jodhi May. Set in 1757 during the French and Indian War, The Last of the Mohicans follows the story of a British officer (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his two adopted Mohican brothers (Wes Studi and Eric Schweig) as they struggle to protect the daughters of a British colonel ( Madeleine Stowe) from French and Native American forces. As their loyalties are tested, the main characters must make difficult decisions that will shape the future of both the British and Native American nations. The film is noted for its outstanding cinematography, sweeping score, intense action sequences, and its exploration of themes such as loyalty, love, and cultural identity.

Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

★★★★

3 out of 4 stars

From Sydney Pollack, starring Robert Redford, Will Geer, Delle Bolton, Josh Albee
Rated GP

Jeremiah Johnson is a 1972 American western film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford. The film follows the exploits of a legendary mountain man who turns his back on civilization and becomes one with nature. He is forced to battle for survival against nature, the elements, and Native American tribes. Through his struggles, he develops the skills and abilities to become a legendary mountain man and a respected member of the mountain tribes. The film is a haunting exploration of man's relationship with nature and himself, and Redford's performance is considered to be one of the greatest of his career.