Movies About History Events

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film is about Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. The movie chronicles the real-life story of how Schindler used his wealth and influence to protect his Jewish workers from the Nazi genocide. The film follows Schindler as he risks his life to save hundreds of Jews from the concentration camps and death marches. It also explores themes of sacrifice, courage, and the power of human compassion.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan (1998), directed by Steven Spielberg, is a war movie set during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. The film follows a group of American soldiers led by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) as they search for a missing comrade, Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon). With time running out and the mission becoming increasingly dangerous, the team must battle their way through enemy territory in order to find and save Ryan. Along the way, the soldiers must cope with the extreme horrors of war, such as death and destruction, while struggling to stay alive and complete their mission. The film is an emotional and powerful exploration of the realities of war and the sacrifices that must be made in order to protect freedom and justice.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Roberto Benigni. The film follows an Italian Jewish man named Guido, who is determined to protect his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp by convincing him that their time in the camp is merely a game. Guido's courage and humor helps him to keep his son's spirits up and ultimately save his life. The film blends drama, comedy and romance to tell a powerful story about the power of love, hope and family.

From Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
Rated R

The Pianist is a 2002 biographical drama film directed by Roman Polanski, based on the autobiography of the same name by the Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman. It tells the story of Szpilman’s experiences during the Nazi occupation of Poland and his miraculous survival during the Holocaust. The film follows Szpilman as he struggles to survive the Nazi regime while struggling to keep his love of music alive. Through the kindness of a German officer, Szpilman is able to survive the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto and eventually finds refuge in a friend’s attic. Despite the odds, Szpilman is able to stay alive and ultimately resume his career in music. The film is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and a devastating reminder of the effects of war.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready
Rated Approved

Paths of Glory is a 1957 Stanley Kubrick-directed film set during World War I. The film follows Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas), a French commander, who is charged with leading his troops in a suicidal mission to take a heavily-fortified German stronghold. As the mission fails and many of his men are killed, Dax is tasked with defending three of his surviving soldiers who are accused of cowardice in the face of the enemy and face death by firing squad. Dax attempts to prove that the men are innocent and that the mission was an impossible one, but he is up against an unyielding military system. The film is an indictment of the absurdity of war, and its message of compassion and justice resonates still with modern viewers.

From Wolfgang Petersen, starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch
Rated R

The Boat is a 1981 German drama directed by Wolfgang Petersen. It follows a German family aboard their small sailboat, the Manta, as they attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. Led by the father, Captain Werner, the family faces challenging weather conditions and the constant threat of being discovered by Nazi forces patrolling the waters. As the journey continues, the family must rely on each other and their own strength and courage to survive. Through their journey, the film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, heroism, and the power of family.

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is an epic historical drama film based on the real-life story of T.E. Lawrence, a British Army officer during World War I. The film follows Lawrence's exploits in the Middle East and his role in aiding the Arab tribes in their struggles against the Ottoman Empire. The movie begins with Lawrence's arrival in the Middle East in 1916, where he is assigned to assist the Arab tribes in their revolt against the Ottoman Empire. While he initially meets with resistance from the local Arab leaders, Lawrence soon wins their trust by proving himself a brave fighter and effective leader. Lawrence eventually leads the Arab forces in a dramatic victory against the Turks at the Battle of Aqaba. He then leads a daring mission to attack a train station in the desert, and is eventually promoted to a full colonel in the British Army. Lawrence's story concludes with his return to England in 1919, where he is celebrated as a hero. However, his fame brings him into conflict with the British government, and Lawrence chooses to return to the Middle East and remain in exile until his death in 1935. The film ends with a powerful reflection on Lawrence's legacy.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich
Rated Approved

Judgment at Nuremberg is an Academy Award winning 1961 courtroom drama about the post-WWII trials of four German judges accused of crimes against humanity during the Nazi era. The film follows the trial of these four judges, led by chief prosecutor, American Judge Dan Haywood, who is determined to bring justice to the victims of the Nazi regime. The accused judges argue that they were only following orders and had no choice but to comply with the laws of the time. The film explores the complexities of the law, morality, and accountability in the aftermath of war. As the trial progresses, the audience is taken on a journey of moral exploration as both sides argue their cases with compelling evidence and arguments. In the end, the audience is left to decide if the accused judges deserve punishment or if they should be absolved of their crimes.

From Sam Mendes, starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays, Colin Firth
Rated R

1917 is a 2019 epic war film directed and co-written by Sam Mendes. It follows the story of two British soldiers during World War I, Lance Corporal Schofield and Lance Corporal Blake, who are given a seemingly impossible mission. The two are tasked with crossing the dangerous enemy territory to deliver an urgent message that could save 1600 of their fellow soldiers from an impending ambush. Along the way, they face the dangers of enemy fire, treacherous landscapes, and no-man's land. Ultimately, the two must rely on their wits, courage, and determination to deliver their message in time and save the lives of their fellow comrades.

From Oliver Hirschbiegel, starring Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler
Rated R

Downfall is a 2004 German-language historical drama film directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel and depicts the final ten days of Adolf Hitler's rule over Nazi Germany in April 1945, as the Red Army closes in on Berlin. It follows the events in the Führerbunker, and the final days of Hitler's life, as Nazi Germany crumbles around him. The film features Bruno Ganz as Hitler, Alexandra Maria Lara as Traudl Junge (Hitler's personal secretary), Corinna Harfouch as Magda Goebbels (wife of Joseph Goebbels) and Ulrich Matthes as Joseph Goebbels. The supporting cast includes Juliane Köhler, Heino Ferch, Christian Berkel, Matthias Habich, and Thomas Kretschmann. The film follows the events of April 1945, and the last days of Hitler's reign, as the Red Army closes in on Berlin and the Nazi regime begins to collapse. The film focuses on the people in the Führerbunker, including Hitler's personal secretary Traudl Junge and the Goebbels family, as they come to grips with the end of Hitler's rule and Nazi Germany. The film

From John Sturges, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
Rated Approved

The Great Escape is an iconic war film directed by John Sturges, released in 1963. It tells the story of a group of Allied prisoners of war who plot an elaborate escape from a German POW camp during World War II. Led by a former Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant, the group of prisoners works together to dig three tunnels, code-named Tom, Dick, and Harry, in order to escape. Along the way, they must also evade the ever-watchful Nazi guards, who will do anything to prevent their escape. Ultimately, many of the prisoners are recaptured, but the escape inspires hope and courage in the POWs and the world.

From David Lean, starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa
Rated PG

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1957 British-American World War II epic film directed by David Lean and based on the novel "Le Pont de la Rivière Kwai" by Pierre Boulle. The film follows a British POW camp in Burma during the construction of a bridge over the River Kwai. The project is overseen by the sadistic Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa), and the prisoners are led by the honorable Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness). Despite the hardships of captivity, Nicholson rallies his troops to complete the bridge with a sense of pride and patriotism. However, his efforts to restore British morale among the POWs put him in direct conflict with the Allied forces, who are attempting to sabotage the bridge. Ultimately, the prisoners must confront their captors and decide if they are willing to sacrifice their lives in order to destroy the bridge. The Bridge on the River Kwai won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and has been hailed as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Lewis Milestone, starring Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, Arnold Lucy
Rated Passed

All Quiet on the Western Front is a 1930 war drama film directed by Lewis Milestone and adapted from the 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. The film chronicles the experiences of a group of young German soldiers sent to the Western Front during World War I. Through the experiences of the protagonists, the film seeks to show the futility and waste of war and its destructive effects on the innocence of youth. The film follows the young men as they fight in the trenches, struggle to survive in the face of overwhelming odds, and come to terms with the horrors of war. It is a powerful anti-war film that highlights the physical and psychological costs of war and its ultimate futility.

From Mel Gibson, starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer
Rated R

Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 American war drama film directed by Mel Gibson and written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn. The film tells the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector during World War II who, despite his pacifist beliefs, became the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot. Doss was drafted into the US Army in 1942 and, despite his religious beliefs, was determined to serve not as a combatant but as a non-violent medic. He is sent to Okinawa and assigned to the 77th Infantry Division, which had been involved in heavy fighting. In the face of incredible odds, Doss and his unit are ordered to take part in the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Despite being wounded and facing the threat of death, Doss continues to risk his life in order to save the lives of his comrades. With unwavering courage, he continues to serve until the battle is won, and he is credited with saving the lives of over 75 men.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Ben Kingsley, John Gielgud, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth
Rated PG

Gandhi is an Academy Award-winning 1982 biographical drama film directed by Richard Attenborough and written by John Briley. It stars Ben Kingsley as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a leader of the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule in the 20th century. The film follows Gandhi's life from a young lawyer in South Africa, where he fights for civil rights, to his return to India, where he leads his people in a nonviolent revolution against British imperialism. Along the way, the film explores his spiritual journey, the development of his philosophy of nonviolence, and his eventual assassination in 1948. The film was critically acclaimed and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay. It was also nominated for seven BAFTA Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. Critics have lauded the film as an accurate, powerful, and inspiring portrait of one of the most influential figures in history.

From Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
Rated R

The King's Speech is a 2010 British historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. The film follows the story of King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II, as he ascends to the throne of the United Kingdom in 1936. After his brother abdicates the throne, Albert, Duke of York, must face a crippling speech impediment in order to fulfill his duties as king. With the support of his wife, Elizabeth, and the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue, Albert is able to overcome his speech impediment and transforms into an inspiring leader during a time of great uncertainty. The film stars Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, and Guy Pearce. The King's Speech earned critical acclaim, winning four Academy Awards in 2011, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Firth), Best Director (Hooper), and Best Original Screenplay (Seidler).

From Billy Wilder, starring William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger, Robert Strauss
Rated Not Rated

Stalag 17 is a 1953 American World War II comedy-drama starring William Holden as Sefton, a cynical POW who is suspected by his fellow inmates of being an informant for the Germans. After several attempts on his life, Sefton discovers the real informant and devises a plan to escape the camp during an upcoming show. Along the way, he also manages to help his fellow POWs and strike up a relationship with an attractive German woman. A gripping and suspenseful depiction of life in a German POW camp, Stalag 17 is considered a classic of the war genre.

From Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
Rated PG-13

The Imitation Game is a 2014 British biographical film based on the life of Alan Turing, a British cryptanalyst and mathematician during WWII. The film follows Turing's struggles to break the Nazi's Enigma code with the help of a team of fellow cryptologists and his invention of the Turing machine, the forerunner of the modern-day computer. Turing is also forced to confront his own personal struggles, as he is gay and a social outcast in 1940s Britain. Through his genius and determination, Turing ultimately succeeds in breaking the code, thus changing the course of the war.

From Brian De Palma, starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Charles Martin Smith
Rated R

The Untouchables is a 1987 crime drama directed by Brian De Palma that tells the true story of US Treasury Agent Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) and his team of incorruptible law enforcement officers as they attempt to take down Chicago gangster Al Capone (Robert De Niro). Ness and his men fight corruption and risk their own lives to uphold the law. Their mission is complicated by Capone's army of mobsters and corrupt politicians who are determined to protect their powerful boss. Despite numerous obstacles, Ness and his team of "Untouchables" ultimately prevail, bringing Capone to justice and ending his reign of terror.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young, Michael Strong
Rated GP

Patton (1970) is a biographical war film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, starring George C. Scott as General George S. Patton during World War II. It follows the career of the controversial and highly decorated General as he leads his Third Army in the European Theater of Operations. After making quick work of the German forces in North Africa, General Patton is sent to lead the invasion of Sicily and then mainland Italy. His controversial behavior, including his vitriolic public outbursts, constantly put him at odds with his superiors. Despite these issues, he is able to successfully lead his troops to victory in a number of major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. However, after the war, General Patton’s outspokenness and arrogance cost him his career, as he is relieved of his command. The film ends with a funeral procession honoring General Patton as he is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Ryô Kase
Rated R

Letters from Iwo Jima is a 2006 American war film directed and co-produced by Clint Eastwood. It depicts the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the Japanese soldiers, and is a companion to Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers (2006), which depicted the same battle from the American viewpoint. The film stars Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, and Ryo Kase. It follows the story of General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, played by Watanabe, as he leads a band of Japanese soldiers in a defensive battle against overwhelming odds on the island of Iwo Jima. The film explores the human cost of war and shows the camaraderie and sense of duty between the characters. Interspersed with the characters' stories are real-life letters written by the soldiers, which gives the film an added layer of emotion. The film is unique in its depict of the Japanese perspective of the war and received critical acclaim upon its release. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and won the Best Achievement in Sound Editing.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy
Rated PG-13

Dunkirk is a 2017 war drama film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It depicts the evacuation of Allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk, France during World War II. The story is told from three perspectives: the air, the sea, and the land. On the air, Royal Air Force pilots led by Farrier (Tom Hardy) fight to protect the vulnerable Allied soldiers on the beach from the German Luftwaffe. At sea, Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance), his son, and their friend sail out to Dunkirk to help rescue the troops. On land, private Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) and his fellow soldiers fight to survive amidst the chaos and destruction of the evacuation. Through these three perspectives, the film explores the bravery and resilience of the Allied forces in the face of overwhelming odds.

From Christian Carion, starring Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, Guillaume Canet, Natalie Dessay
Rated PG-13

Joyeux Noel (2005) is a French-language film directed by Christian Carion. The film is set in December 1914 during the early months of World War I, and tells the true story of troops from France, Germany, and Scotland who, on Christmas Eve, fraternized with one another in a temporary ceasefire. A French opera singer, a German tenor, and a Scottish priest, all from opposing sides of the conflict, take part in the spontaneous gesture of peace and hope. The men share stories and songs, and celebrate the holiday together until morning, when the war resumes with a fury. In a beautifully-crafted tale of humanity, courage, and compassion, Joyeux Noel celebrates the power of peace and understanding in the face of war.

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ruocheng Ying
Rated PG-13

The Last Emperor is the Academy Award-winning biographical drama directed by Bernardo Bertolucci in 1987. The film follows the life of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, who, starting as a three-year-old child, is proclaimed the ruler of the Chinese Empire. The film tells the story of his life as he is raised by eunuchs in the Forbidden City and then taken out of the palace as a result of the Xinhai Revolution. Pu Yi is then forced to become a puppet emperor under Japanese occupation, is imprisoned in a re-education camp, and finds love with a commoner. At the end of the film, Pu Yi is once again placed on the throne as a figurehead and finally abdicates, representing the end of Imperial China.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers
Rated PG

Empire of the Sun is a 1987 coming-of-age war drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on J. G. Ballard's autobiographical novel of the same name. The film stars a young Christian Bale as Jim Graham, a wealthy British boy whose privileged life is disrupted by the Japanese occupation of Shanghai during World War II. After his parents are separated from him in the chaos, Jim must find a way to survive on his own in the city's internment camps. With help from a gruff American prisoner of war (John Malkovich), Jim eventually learns how to survive and how to find the inner strength to keep going. Eventually, Jim is reunited with his parents and learns a valuable lesson in resilience and hope.