Movies About World History

From May Abdalla, starring Jack Fortune, Ahmed Hassan

Children of the Revolution is a 2012 British documentary that explores the complex politics of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. The film follows a group of young activists as they struggle to negotiate the shifting tides of a revolution that quickly spiraled out of their control. Through a series of interviews, these activists recount the events leading up to the revolution, their experiences during the uprising and their hopes for the future of their country. The film paints a vivid picture of the passions and frustrations felt by a generation of young Egyptians as they tried—and ultimately failed—to make a lasting impact on their nation's political landscape.

From Stars: Laurence Olivier, Averell Harriman, Albert Speer, Anthony Eden, starring
Rated TV-PG

The World at War is a 1973 British documentary series chronicling the events of World War II. Directed by Jeremy Isaacs and narrated by Laurence Olivier, the series covers the entire history of the war, from the causes leading up to the conflict to its aftermath. Featuring interviews with political and military leaders, including Averell Harriman, Albert Speer, and Anthony Eden, The World at War paints an incredibly detailed picture of the war from every angle. The series offers a balanced look at the strategies of the Allied and Axis forces, and provides insights into the challenges faced by each side. It also examines the impact of the war on civilians on both sides, and the long-term consequences it had for the world. The World at War is widely considered to be one of the greatest documentary series ever made.

From Stars: David McCullough, Sam Waterston, Julie Harris, Jason Robards, starring
Rated TV-14

The Civil War is a documentary film directed by Ken Burns that chronicles the tumultuous events of the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. It looks at the causes of the war, the lives of those involved, and the major battles fought throughout the conflict. The film features interviews with historians and archival footage, including photographs, paintings, and newspaper clippings. It also features readings of letters and diary entries from soldiers and civilians alike, bringing their stories and experiences to life. Through its focus on people and personal narratives, The Civil War provides insight into the tragedy, courage, and heartache of a conflict that shaped the nation's history.

From Stars: Michael Wood, Chris Baily, starring
Rated TV-PG

The Story of India is a 2007 BBC documentary series presented by British historian Michael Wood, which chronicles the 5,000-year history of the Indian subcontinent from the beginnings of its civilization to the present day. The series follows Wood as he visits India and Pakistan, exploring the ancient cities, monuments, and settlements of the region, and speaking to leading historians, archaeologists, and other experts. Using a variety of evidence from archaeological excavations, art and literature, Wood provides a vivid history of India's development over the centuries, from the Harappan civilization of the Indus Valley to the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire. The series also examines India's culture, society, and religions – including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam – as well as its current issues, such as poverty, education, and environmental sustainability. Along the way, The Story of India reveals the nation's diverse and vibrant culture, and its significant contributions to world civilization.

From Jason Hreno, starring Star: Joseph Balderrama

The Conquistadors is a documentary about the Spanish conquest of the New World in the 16th century. It follows the journey of Hernan Cortés and his troops as they make their way through the Americas in search of gold and glory. The film examines the politics and religion of the era and highlights the conflicts between the native populations and the Spanish conquerors. It also looks at the devastating effects of the conquest, as well as the immense wealth and power it brought to the Spanish crown. With a combination of archival footage, interviews with experts, and dramatic re-enactments, the film brings to life the story of one of the most significant events in history.

From Stars: Massimo Marinoni, Peter Guinness, Ross King, Pip Torrens, starring

Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance is a 2004 documentary film directed by Massimo Marinoni. It traces the history of the powerful Medici family of Florence, Italy, who rose to power in the 15th century and helped shape the course of European history. Through interviews with historians and reenactments, the film describes how the Medici family used their wealth to finance the Renaissance, making Florence the cultural and artistic center of Europe. It also looks at how members of the Medici family became patrons of the arts, inspiring works by Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Botticelli, and how they were responsible for the expansion of the Italian economy. The film also looks at the ambitions of the Medici family, their struggles for power, and their eventual decline in the 17th century. It stars Peter Guinness, Ross King, and Pip Torrens.

From Robert H. Gardner, starring Esin Atil, Ben Kingsley, Michael Sells

Islam: Empire of Faith is a 2000 documentary film about the history of Islam and its rise to power in the Middle East and beyond. The film follows the rise of Islamic civilization from its roots in the Arabian Peninsula to its expansion into the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. It covers the spread of its culture, art, and architecture, and the great achievements of Islamic thought and science. The film also examines the impact of the Islamic faith on society and politics, including its role in the development of democracy and its implications for the present day. The film concludes with an exploration of the diversity of Islamic thought and practices, and the potential of the Islamic faith in the 21st century.

From Herb Krosney, starring Martin Gilbert, David Ben-Gurion
Rated Unrated