Top Historical Movies

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

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. The film 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. It 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's growing realization of the genocide of the Jews and his effort to save them, as well as Göth's cruelty and the indifference of other Germans. As the Nazis begin to deport the Jewish population of Kraków to concentration and extermination camps, Schindler arranges to have his workers protected to keep his Kraków factory in operation. Schindler's story is told amidst horrific scenes of the Holocaust. Schindler's List was critically acclaimed and a box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film in history to that point and winning numerous awards, including seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film has been considered one of the

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

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. Set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II, the film follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller and his squad as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan, who is the last-surviving brother of four servicemen. Miller and his squad (which includes Sergeant Horvath, Private Reiben, Private Medic Wade, and Private Jackson) cross the English Channel and land on Omaha Beach in Normandy, suffering heavy casualties. Going against orders, Miller and his team search for Ryan and eventually locate him at Ramelle. Miller then fights with the German forces to protect Ryan, ultimately sacrificing himself to ensure Ryan's survival. The film has been critically acclaimed for its intense and realistic battle scenes, as well as its realistic portrayal of the horrors of war. It won five Academy Awards and received positive reviews from critics, and is widely regarded as one of the best war films of all time.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is a 2000 historical epic directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. The story follows a brave Roman General, Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed by the Emperor's ambitious son and is forced into slavery. Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his Emperor. Along the way, he must fight for his life against a variety of different opponents in the Colosseum, gaining the admiration of the crowd and eventually becoming a symbol of courage and a true hero. The film also features Joaquin Phoenix as the Emperor's son, Connie Nielsen as his sister, and Oliver Reed as Proximo, the gladiator trainer. Gladiator is a beautiful and powerful film that captures the grandeur and brutality of Ancient Rome, while also exploring themes of loyalty and revenge.

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 and starring Adrien Brody. It is an adaptation of the autobiography of the same name by Polish-Jewish musician and Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman. The film follows Szpilman's struggle to survive the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto of World War II. After being forced into the ghetto and separated from his family, Szpilman manages to escape during a Nazi liquidation and survive in the ruins of Warsaw. He ultimately finds refuge with a sympathetic German officer who recognizes his artistic talent and helps him survive the remainder of the war. The film paints a powerful picture of Szpilman’s courage and humanity in the face of the horrors of war. Ultimately, his perseverance, courage, and luck are rewarded when a German officer saves his life and helps him to survive. The Pianist is an emotional and inspiring story of hope and resilience in the face of one of the most devastating times in human history.

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

Braveheart is a 1995 epic historical drama directed by and starring Mel Gibson. It tells the story of William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior who leads the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The film begins as Wallace returns to his family's land and finds his father and brother dead, slain by the English. This sets him on a quest for vengeance and to lead a revolt against the English in an effort to free Scotland from their rule. He rallies the Scots and leads them to battle against the English in a series of bloody and chaotic battles. Ultimately, Wallace is betrayed, captured and sentenced to death. Despite his death, his legacy lives on in his people, who continue to fight for their freedom. The film ends with the Scots ultimately defeating the English and winning their freedom.

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

Lawrence of Arabia is the epic story of T. E. Lawrence, a British officer assigned to assist the Arab nations during World War I in their struggle against the Ottoman Turks. He teams up with the head of an Arab tribe, the Sherif Ali, to lead a successful attack on the port of Aqaba. This victory helps unite the divided Arab tribes and leads to the formation of a unified Arab front. Lawrence also leads a guerrilla campaign against the Turks, which includes a daring attack on the strategic city of Damascus. In the end, Lawrence is successful in his mission and is hailed as a hero by the British and Arab people alike.

From William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Rated G

Ben-Hur is an epic historical drama directed by William Wyler in 1959. It tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince from Jerusalem, who is betrayed and falsely accused of treason by his childhood friend Messala, a Roman military tribune. Judah is sentenced to the galleys and his family is taken away. Judah vows to seek revenge. Judah survives the galleys and, after three years, returns to Jerusalem where he meets a wealthy sheikh named Ilderim, who helps Judah prepare for a great chariot race against Messala. Judah is victorious in the race and gains his freedom. Later, Judah learns of the Crucifixion of Jesus and his forgiveness of his enemies. Judah finds peace and inner strength and is reunited with his family.

From Terry George, starring Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix, Xolani Mali
Rated PG-13

Hotel Rwanda is a 2004 British-Italian-South African historical drama directed by Terry George, starring Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo. The film tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager in Rwanda who risked his own life to protect over a thousand refugees during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. As the civil war between the Hutu and the Tutsi people escalates, Rusesabagina works tirelessly to convince the government and international community to take action and protect the refugees, despite facing immense danger and overwhelming challenges. Ultimately, his courage and determination to save the lives of his people serves as a powerful testament to the power of human resilience.

From Edward Zwick, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Kagiso Kuypers
Rated R

Blood Diamond is a 2006 American political war thriller film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou. The film takes place in Sierra Leone in 1999 and focuses on the illegal diamond trade, its connection to civil war, and the devastating effects it has had on the people of the region. In the midst of the chaos, Danny Archer (DiCaprio) and Solomon Vandy (Hounsou) join forces to recover a rare pink diamond lost in the civil war. Along the way, they must confront the forces of greed, corruption, and violence that have become commonplace in the diamond industry. In the end, their mission reveals the true cost of diamonds in a conflict-ridden region.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko, Paul Giamatti
Rated PG-13

"Cinderella Man" is a 2005 biopic directed by Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe as James J. Braddock, an up-and-coming boxer who overcame personal tragedy and long odds to become the heavyweight champion of the world. After an injury forces him to give up boxing, Braddock is reduced to working as a longshoreman, struggling to support his wife, Mae (Renee Zellweger), and three children. When the economy crashes, Braddock's fortunes take a turn for the worse, and he is forced to take up boxing again as a last resort. With the help of his trainer and manager Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), Braddock is able to battle his way to the top of the boxing world, inspiring the nation during the Great Depression.

From James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Rated PG-13

Titanic is a 1997 American epic romance and disaster film directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. The film is based on the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ill-fated ship during its voyage. The film follows the romance between Jack Dawson, a poor but kind young artist, and Rose DeWitt Bukater, a wealthy but unhappy young woman, as they journey aboard the Titanic. The ship strikes an iceberg and begins to sink, and the two soon find themselves fighting for their lives. As the ship is sinking, Jack helps Rose escape in a lifeboat and they are separated. Rose eventually survives and goes on to tell their story. The film is a critical and commercial success and is considered one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It was nominated for 14 Academy Awards, winning 11, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction, and Best Visual Effects. It remains the only film to receive 11 Academy Award nominations.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton
Rated PG-13

Spartacus (1960) is a sweeping epic directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas as the titular slave-turned-rebel. The story follows Spartacus, a Thracian slave who is trained as a gladiator in the Roman Empire. After leading a failed revolt against his masters, Spartacus is sold to a gladiator trainer who trains him to fight in the arena. When Spartacus discovers that his wife has been sold to a Roman patrician, he escapes with a group of other slaves and leads a revolt against the Roman Empire. Spartacus and his army of freed slaves fight their way through Italy, eventually clashing with a large Roman army. Ultimately, Spartacus is defeated and crucified, but his spirit lives on as a symbol of freedom for future generations.

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

Patton (1970) is an American biographical war film, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, about U.S. General George S. Patton during World War II. It stars George C. Scott as Patton, Karl Malden as General Omar Bradley, and Michael Bates as Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. The film tells the story of Patton's battles in North Africa, Sicily and Germany, as well as his personal struggles with his ego and his famous speech after the Battle of the Bulge. General Patton was a highly decorated and respected American military leader, who believed in a strong sense of honor and discipline. He was praised for his aggressive tactics and his ability to inspire troops to victory. The movie won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Scott, and was nominated for eight additional Oscars. It is considered one of the greatest war films ever made and is a testament to the courage and skill of General Patton.

From Edward Zwick, starring Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, William Atherton
Rated R

The Last Samurai is an epic historical drama set in Japan during the late 1800s. It tells the story of an American military advisor, Capt. Nathan Algren, who is hired by the Japanese government to help modernize their army and put down a rebellion led by a Samurai leader named Katsumoto. Algren is initially successful in putting down the rebellion, but he soon begins to sympathize with the Samurai and their traditional way of life. He is eventually taken prisoner and slowly begins to understand the Samurai code of honor. He eventually joins the Samurai, and helps them to fight back against the rapidly modernizing Japanese military. The Samurai's courage and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds ultimately leads to an emotional and inspiring victory.

From Philip Kaufman, starring Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid
Rated PG

The Right Stuff is an epic historical drama about the first seven American astronauts who were part of the Mercury space program. The story follows the astronauts, their families, and the nation as they all struggle to understand the implications of this new, daring endeavor. There are moments of triumph as the astronauts, led by the laconic John Glenn, persevere and make history. But there are also moments of tragedy, as some of the astronauts struggle with the psychological and physical challenges of space exploration. The film celebrates the courage and pioneering spirit of the astronauts, with its stunning visuals, strong performances, and a compelling score by composer Bill Conti. Ultimately, The Right Stuff is a powerful and stirring tribute to the courage of the original astronauts and the nation's pioneering spirit.

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

Glory is a 1989 American war film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes and Morgan Freeman. The film is based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the first African-American regiment to fight in the American Civil War. The film follows Colonel Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick), a Union officer, who is put in charge of the regiment. He is tasked with training and leading the African-American soldiers to fight for the Union. Colonel Shaw faces numerous challenges in his mission, including racism from his own officers and the difficulty of training the inexperienced soldiers. The regiment eventually heads off to fight in the Battle of Fort Wagner, in South Carolina. The film focuses on the courage and heroism of the soldiers in the face of overwhelming odds. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry ultimately prove their mettle, and Colonel Shaw and the regiment win the respect of their adversaries. In the end, the regiment is able to prove the worth of African-American soldiers in the Union army, and the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry goes down in history as one of the most heroic military units of the Civil War.

From Mel Gibson, starring Gerardo Taracena, Raoul Max Trujillo, Dalia Hernández, Rudy Youngblood
Rated R

Apocalypto is a 2006 historical drama directed by Mel Gibson. Set in Mexico during the height of the Mayan civilization, the film follows the journey of a young Mayan man named Jaguar Paw as he attempts to survive a violent and chaotic raid on his village and rescue his family. As the raiders chase and capture the Mayan people, Jaguar Paw is forced to lead them on a dangerous and desperate journey through the jungle in an attempt to outrun his pursuers and find safety. Along the way, he must confront and overcome the dangers of nature, as well as his own inner demons. As the stakes get higher, Jaguar Paw must rely on his courage and strength to protect his family, and ultimately, save his people from destruction.

From Alan Parker, starring Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif
Rated R

Mississippi Burning is a 1988 crime drama film directed by Alan Parker and starring Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. It is based on the true story of the Ku Klux Klan’s murders of three civil rights workers in 1964. The movie follows two FBI agents (Hackman and Dafoe) who are sent to investigate the disappearance of the three civil rights workers in Mississippi. As they investigate, they come up against an entrenched system of segregation and racism, and are forced to confront the Klan. The agents ultimately uncover the truth of the murders, and bring the perpetrators to justice. Overall, Mississippi Burning is a powerful and dramatic exploration of racism and justice in the Deep South. It is a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by civil rights activists, and a reminder of the importance of standing up for social justice.

From Ridley Scott, starring Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana
Rated R

Black Hawk Down is a 2001 action drama directed by Ridley Scott and based on a true story. The movie follows an elite group of US Rangers and Delta Force soldiers as they are sent to Mogadishu in 1993 to capture a Somali warlord. However, their mission turns into a bloody battle for survival when two of their helicopters are shot down and the troops are forced to fight for their lives. Over the course of the movie, the soldiers face a relentless enemy, extreme heat and hostile conditions, and their own inner doubts as they battle their way out of the city. In the end, the American forces are successful in their mission, but at a great cost, both in terms of lives and reputation.

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 set in 1757 during the French and Indian War. The film follows the story of Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis), a white man adopted by the Mohicans, and his adopted sisters, Cora (Madeleine Stowe) and Alice (Jodhi May). The three become embroiled in the conflict between the British and the French, as well as the Native American tribes allied with them. Hawkeye and his sisters must stay alive and save the other Mohicans as they try to reunite Cora and Alice with their father, a British colonel. Along the way, Hawkeye and Cora find love, and Hawkeye must battle Magua (Wes Studi), a Huron warrior who seeks revenge against the British. The Last of the Mohicans is a thrilling and action-packed adventure movie with gorgeous scenery, intense battles, and a stirring romantic story.

From Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise
Rated PG

Apollo 13 is a 1995 film directed by Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton. It tells the story of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission to the Moon in April 1970. After an onboard explosion, the astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert face a life-threatening situation as they struggle to return to Earth. With quick thinking and resourcefulness, the crew and mission control strive to bring them home safely. The film explores the courage and tenacity of these men, their families, and the mission control teams as they work together to ensure the safe return of the crew.

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

"Joyeux Noel" (2005) is an award-winning film directed by Christian Carion and starring Diane Kruger, Benno Furmann, Guillaume Canet, Gary Lewis and Daniel Brühl. The film is set in the first year of World War I and tells the true story of a spontaneous truce that occurred between French, German, and Scottish troops on Christmas Eve in 1914. Despite strict orders from their respective commanders, the troops laid down their weapons and celebrated Christmas together, exchanging presents, singing carols, and playing football. As the war and its atrocities continue, the troops eventually have to return to their posts and continue the fight. The film follows the story of these troops as they come to understand the humanity of the enemy and are forced to confront the harsh realities of warfare.

From Cy Endfield, starring Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth
Rated Not Rated

Zulu is a 1964 British epic war film depicting the Battle of Rorke's Drift between the British Army and the Zulus in January 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War. The film depicts 150 British soldiers, many of whom were sick and wounded patients in a field hospital, who successfully held off a force of 4,000 Zulu warriors. It stars Stanley Baker and Michael Caine as Lieutenants John Chard and Gonville Bromhead, who respectively commanded and defended the garrison, as well as Jack Hawkins as Reverend Otto Witt and Ulla Jacobsson as his Swedish missionary sister. The British are greatly outnumbered and outgunned by the Zulus and are forced to make a last stand. During the battle, Chard and Bromhead bravely rally their troops and, with the help of Witt’s inspirational speech, repel the Zulu warriors. The British eventually triumph, though the Zulus suffer heavy losses. The battle is seen as one of the most remarkable feats of British military history and is commemorated in South Africa to this day. The film was acclaimed by critics and audiences and still stands as one of the finest war films of all time.

From Jean-Jacques Annaud, starring Jude Law, Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz
Rated R

Enemy at the Gates is a 2001 war film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. The film stars Jude Law as Vasily Zaytsev, a real-life Soviet sniper during the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942, and Ed Harris as Major König, a Wehrmacht sniper. The film follows the pair as they duel each other during the German siege of the Soviet city. It also features Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, and Bob Hoskins in supporting roles. The film follows the personal and professional lives of Vasily and König as they attempt to outsmart and outshoot one another amidst the backdrop of the violent and chaotic Battle of Stalingrad. We also see how their efforts affect those around them, and how the desperate conflict impacts their morale and sense of duty. Enemy at the Gates paints a vivid portrait of the brutality and devastation of war, while still managing to convey the courage and determination of its protagonists.

From Richard LaGravenese, starring Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn
Rated PG-13

Freedom Writers is a 2007 drama film directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, and Imelda Staunton. The film is inspired by the true story of high school teacher Erin Gruwell, who inspires her inner-city students to change their lives. Gruwell (Swank) takes a job teaching freshman and sophomore English at a predominantly white high school in Long Beach, California. She faces resistance from her students, most of whom are from minority backgrounds who have had little exposure to the outside world. Through literature, Gruwell encourages her students to open up and find their voices. With Gruwell's guidance, her students learn to challenge their own preconceived notions of each other, and discover the value of tolerance, understanding, and friendship. The film shows how Gruwell and her students break down the walls of intolerance and, ultimately, find the courage to stand up and make a difference.