Movies About Revolutions

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and based on the DC Comics character Batman. The film follows Bruce Wayne/Batman as he deals with the Joker, a psychopathic criminal mastermind who wants to create chaos in Gotham City. Batman must battle his own personal demons as well as the Joker in order to protect the city. As Batman struggles to maintain order, he must face off against the Joker and the forces of chaos in a gripping and unforgettable climax. Along the way, he is aided by Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, and is forced to make tough decisions that will affect the fate of Gotham City. With stellar performances from Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Dark Knight is an action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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

Schindler's List is a 1993 American-British epic historical drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. The film is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally, an Australian novelist, which is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. The film follows Schindler as he gradually becomes concerned for the Jewish people he employs, especially after witnessing the persecution of Jews in the Kraków Ghetto and the Plaszów concentration camp. Written by Steven Zaillian, the film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. It also won seven BAFTAs and three Golden Globe Awards. It was the first and only film to date to win Academy Awards in all four major categories.

From Thomas Kail, starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry
Rated PG-13

Hamilton is a 2020 musical film based on the Broadway musical of the same name written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film follows the widely acclaimed story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the Caribbean who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring some of the original Broadway cast, including Miranda, the film showcases an ensemble cast combining old-school Broadway talent with the stars of today. Through a mix of rap and traditional Broadway show tunes, the film tells a gripping story of ambition, betrayal, and redemption, as Hamilton and his fellow revolutionaries battle to found a new nation.

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is a 1995 epic historical drama directed and co-produced by Mel Gibson and written by Randall Wallace. The film tells the story of medieval Scottish warrior William Wallace, who led a rebellion against the English. Wallace rallies the Scottish against the English monarch Edward I of England, and as his legend spreads, hundreds of Scots from the surrounding clans join him. Wallace's victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 leads to the liberation of Scotland and a long, tense standoff between the two nations. Wallace's death in 1305 at the hands of the English, which follows a betrayal by one of his own, further solidifies his legacy as a hero of Scotland. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $210 million at the box office and winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography, among many other awards.

From Evgeny Afineevsky, starring His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Said Ismagilov, Bishop Agapit, Archbishop Petro Malchuk
Rated Not Rated

Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom is a powerful documentary film chronicling the civil uprising in Ukraine that lasted 93 days in 2013 and 2014. Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, the film brings to light the events of the Euromaidan protests, during which thousands of peaceful protesters gathered in the center of Kiev to demand the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych and his government. Through interviews and powerful footage of the events, the film captures the courage and strength of the Ukrainian people as they fought for democracy, human rights, and an end to corruption. It provides an inside look at the events that took place and offers an inspiring portrait of the people and their struggles during this time. The film is an important reminder of the power of people to work together for a cause and to fight for their freedom.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the 1988 DC/ Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The film takes place in a future London, where a charismatic and mysterious anarchist calling himself "V" (Hugo Weaving) seeks to overthrow the totalitarian government of Norsefire. Along the way, V befriends Evey (Natalie Portman), an employee of the state-run British Television Network, and seeks to inspire the people of London to rise up against their oppressive government. With the help of Evey and his other allies, V orchestrates a series of terrorist attacks and demonstrations that eventually lead to the downfall of the government. Through his acts of rebellion, V hopes to bring an end to tyranny and create a free and just society.

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

Gandhi is a 1982 biographical film following the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the leader of India's non-violent independence movement against British rule. Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley in the title role, the film chronicles Gandhi's struggle to bring about Indian independence through peaceful means and shows his transformation from a lawyer to a spiritual leader who inspired a nation. The film follows Gandhi's life from his early years in South Africa, through his role in India's independence movement, and culminating in his assassination in 1948. It covers a wide range of major events in India's struggle for independence, including the Dandi Salt March, the Quit India movement and the Partition of India. The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Kingsley.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams. The film follows the story of a group of students at a conservative and aristocratic boys' school in New England in the late 1950s. The students are inspired by their unorthodox English professor, John Keating, who encourages them to "seize the day" and make their lives truly meaningful. Keating encourages the students to look at poetry with a different perspective, to rebel against the status quo and to make their own choices in life. Along the way, the students confront the pressures of conformity and the power of the establishment, and ultimately learn how to make their own decisions and follow their dreams.

From Jason Osder, starring Birdie Africa, Ramona Africa, Wilson Goode, William Brown III
Rated Not Rated

Let the Fire Burn is a documentary film directed by Jason Osder in 2013 that recounts the 1985 showdown between Philadelphia police and the radical urban group MOVE. Using archival footage and interviews with eyewitnesses, Osder tells the story of the events that led up to the confrontation, the bombing of a MOVE house by the police, and the devastating aftermath. The film follows the court case of the surviving MOVE members and examines how the police and city government mishandled the situation. It also examines how the events of 1985 have lasting implications for race relations, police-community relations, and civil liberties in Philadelphia.

From Directors: David Weissman, Bill Weber, starring Ed Wolf, Daniel Goldstein, Guy Clark, Eileen Glutzer
Rated Not Rated

We Were Here is a 2011 documentary by directors David Weissman and Bill Weber which tells the story of the onset of the AIDS crisis and its impact on San Francisco's gay community. Through first-hand accounts of five individuals, the film paints a vivid and often heartbreaking portrait of the AIDS epidemic in the city. These individuals, including a nurse, an activist, a writer, and two long-term survivors, discuss their experience with the AIDS crisis and how it changed their lives and the city forever. The film provides an intimate look at the struggles and triumphs of the AIDS epidemic, as well as a stark reminder of the impact of HIV/AIDS on a community and a nation.

From Gareth Edwards, starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen
Rated PG-13

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the first standalone Star Wars movie released by Disney. The movie follows Jyn Erso, a Rebellion soldier and criminal, as she leads a group of unlikely heroes to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. With help from the Rebel Alliance, a master swordsman, and non-allied forces, Jyn and her team risk their lives to steal the plans, giving the Rebellion the opportunity to find a weakness in the Death Star and ultimately bring balance to the galaxy.

From Aaron Sorkin, starring Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong
Rated R

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 film directed by Aaron Sorkin. It tells the story of the trial of seven defendants charged by the federal government with conspiracy and crossing state lines to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The defendants, who were anti-war activists, were Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, John Froines, and Lee Weiner. They faced a long and tumultuous trial, with the government led by prosecutor Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) attempting to prove the defendants’ guilt. The defense had the difficult task of proving the innocence of the seven men, as well as countering the government’s use of evidence and witnesses to prove their guilt. The trial is narrated by the character of Ben Shenkman, who is a fictionalized version of real-life defense lawyer William Kunstler. The film also features performances from Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Strong, Mark Rylance, and Frank Langella. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is an intense courtroom drama that examines the issues of politics and freedom of speech, as well as the power of the government.

From Göran Olsson, starring Angela Davis, Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale, Abiodun Oyewole
Rated Not Rated

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 is a 2011 Swedish documentary film directed by Göran Olsson. The film examines the evolution of the Black Power Movement in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s, through the use of rare and never-before-seen archival footage shot by Swedish journalists. Through interviews with leading figures of the movement, including Angela Davis, Stokely Carmichael, and Eldridge Cleaver, the film explores the emergence and development of the Black Power Movement in the United States and its cultural and political significance. The film also features interviews with prominent intellectuals and activists, including Erykah Badu, Abiodun Oyéwole, Bobby Seale, and Danny Glover, who reflect on the lasting impact of the movement. The film ultimately argues that the Black Power Movement was a powerful force for political, economic, and social change in the United States, and its legacy continues to inform our understanding of race and social justice today.

From Richard Rich, starring Nicholas Kadi, Richard Epcar, Eli Allem, David Llewellyn
Rated TV-G

Muhammad: The Last Prophet is an animated film that chronicles the life and teachings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It follows the Prophet from his birth in Mecca to his death in Medina. During his life, he is shown to struggle to bring peace between his people, who are divided in their beliefs, as well as striving to promote social justice and religious tolerance. Along the way, he is aided by the angel Gabriel and other divine helpers. The film also delves into the importance of faith, prayer, and the five pillars of Islam. It is an inspiring story that celebrates the life and teachings of the Prophet, and seeks to promote understanding and respect for Islam.

From Directors: Sam Green, Bill Siegel, starring Lili Taylor, Pamela Z, Jim Lange, Evan White
Rated Unrated

The Weather Underground is a 2002 documentary film directed by Sam Green and Bill Siegel. The film tells the story of the radical leftist group of the same name that was active in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It follows the group's journey from its formation in 1969 to its disbandment in 1976. It includes interviews with former members, archival footage, and news reports. The documentary examines the group's motivations, tactics, and impact on American politics and society. It also looks at the lives and beliefs of the individual members and how they were shaped by their involvement with the Weather Underground.

From Ava DuVernay, starring David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Wilkinson
Rated PG-13

Selma is a 2014 historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay and based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by James Bevel, Hosea Williams, and Martin Luther King Jr. The film chronicles the three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery culminated in President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. The film stars David Oyelowo as Dr. King, Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King, and Tom Wilkinson as President Johnson, among others. Selma received universal critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Picture and won Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards.

From Shaka King, starring LaKeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback
Rated R

From Oliver Stone, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto
Rated R

From Directors: Dan Stone, Patrick Gambuti Jr., starring Paul Watson, Alex Cornelissen, Peter Hammarstedt, Benjamin Baldwin
Rated PG

From Barry Levinson, starring Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, Tom. T. Tran, Chintara Sukapatana
Rated R

From Stanley Nelson, starring Blair Anderson, Omar Barbour, Julian Bond, Elaine Brown
Rated Not Rated

From Mel Gibson, starring Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Maia Morgenstern, Christo Jivkov
Rated R

From Roland Emmerich, starring Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs
Rated R

From Sean Ellis, starring Jamie Dornan, Cillian Murphy, Brian Caspe, Karel Hermánek Jr.
Rated R

From Directors: Kate Davis, David Heilbroner, starring Paul Bosche, Alfredo del Rio, John DiGiacomo, Dana Gaiser
Rated Unrated