History Movies

Set in the early 20th century, this film weaves together multiple storylines that explore themes of social change, racial tension, and the American dream. Directed by Miloš Forman, the movie…

Set during World War II, this gripping German war film follows the harrowing journey of a U-boat crew as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Atlantic. Directed by Wolfgang…

Set against the backdrop of World War I, this film follows the journey of two young Australian sprinters, Archy Hamilton and Frank Dunne, who enlist in the army and find…

Directed by Penelope Spheeris, this documentary offers an unfiltered glimpse into the Los Angeles punk rock scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. It features raw and energetic performances…

In Warsaw in 1980, the Communist Party sends Winkel, a weak, alcoholic TV hack, to Gdansk to dig up dirt on the shipyard strikers, particularly on Maciek Tomczyk, an articulate worker whose father was killed in the December 1970 protests. Posing as sympathetic, Winkel interviews the people surrounding Tomczyk, including his detained wife, Agnieszka.

A hilariously irreverent take on history that shows no era is off-limits, poking fun at the Roman Empire, the French Revolution, and the Spanish Inquisition.

Set against the backdrop of the 1924 Paris Olympics, this film follows the inspiring journeys of two British athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, as they navigate personal and religious…

Set against the backdrop of the Italian colonization of Libya, this historical drama chronicles the resistance led by Omar Mukhtar, a Bedouin leader, against the oppressive regime of Mussolini. The…

This animated film, directed by Ralph Bakshi, chronicles the journey of four generations of a Russian Jewish immigrant family as they navigate the evolving landscape of American music. Spanning from…

Wayward lawyer Sydney Carton finds himself captivated and deeply infatuated with the lovely Lucie Manette. However, Lucie’s affections lie with Charles Darnay, whom she marries, remaining unaware of Carton’s unwavering…

This critically acclaimed film, directed by Martin Scorsese, delves into the tumultuous life of Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxing champion whose self-destructive behavior and obsessive jealousy unravel his personal and…

When Jewish singer Fania Fénelon is taken from her performance career and transported to Auschwitz, she and her fellow musicians are given a harrowing duty – employing their musical skills…

Set in the late 19th century, this poignant drama follows the life of John Merrick, a man with severe physical deformities who is discovered by Dr. Frederick Treves in a…

Set during the Second Boer War, this gripping courtroom drama follows the trial of three Australian soldiers accused of war crimes. Directed by Bruce Beresford, the film delves into themes…

Akira Kurosawa’s lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. When Shingen dies, his generals reluctantly agree to have the impostor take over as the powerful ruler. He soon begins to appreciate life as Shingen, but his commitment to the role is tested when he must lead his troops into battle against the forces of a rival warlord.

Oskar is born in Germany in 1924 with an advanced intellect. Repulsed by the hypocrisy of adults and the irresponsibility of society, he refuses to grow older after his third birthday.

Set against the backdrop of the Anglo-Zulu War, this historical drama meticulously depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879. The film showcases the tension and…

The life inside a farm in Italy at the beginning of the century. Many poor country families live there, and the owner pays them by their productivity. One of the families has a very clever child. They decide to send him to school instead of make him help them, although this represents a great sacrifice. The boy has to wake up very early and walk several miles to get to the school. One day the boy’s shoes break when returning home, but they do not have money to buy other. What can they do?

Directed by Alan J. Pakula, this gripping political thriller delves into the investigative journalism that uncovered the Watergate scandal, ultimately leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The film…

Set in the 7th century, this epic historical drama chronicles the birth of Islam and the life of the Prophet Muhammad, as seen through the eyes of his uncle, Hamza,…

In the Eighteenth Century, in a small village in Ireland, Redmond Barry is a young farm boy in love with his cousin Nora Brady. When Nora engages to the British Captain John Quin, Barry challenges him for a duel of pistols. He wins and escapes to Dublin, but is robbed on the road. Without any other alternative, Barry joins the British Army to fight in the Seven Years War.

The beginings of the Algerian Revolution as seen through the eyes of a peasant.

This 1974 film, directed by Werner Herzog, explores the mysterious life of a young man who appears in a small German town with no prior socialization or understanding of the…

This 1973 documentary, directed by Peter Davis, offers a compelling examination of the Vietnam War, exploring its impact on both the United States and Vietnam. Through a combination of interviews,…

In this 1972 film directed by Werner Herzog, a group of Spanish conquistadors embarks on a treacherous journey through the Amazon rainforest in search of the mythical city of El…

This 1971 film, directed by Jan Troell, continues the epic saga of Swedish immigrants in America, focusing on the challenges and triumphs they face as they attempt to build a…

A dramatised historical account of the rise and fall of Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century Roman Catholic priest accused of witchcraft following alleged demonic possessions of sexually repressed nuns.

The second installment of an epic war drama explores the impact of conflict on individuals, tracing the journey of the Godai family from 1935 during Japan’s incursion into China. This…

This sweeping cinematic masterpiece portrays the rule of Mihai Pătrașcu, famously known as “Mihai Viteazul” or “Michael the Brave,” from 1593 to 1601. He is celebrated for uniting the three…

”Patton” tells the tale of General George S. Patton, famous tank commander of World War II. The film begins with patton’s career in North Africa and progresses through the invasion…

In the summer of 1941, tensions between the United States and Japan are at a boiling point due to ongoing embargos and unsuccessful diplomatic efforts. “Tora! Tora! Tora!”—a title derived…

Drawing from an extensive collection of archival material, this documentary chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s journey from 1955 to 1968, highlighting his transformation from a local activist to a…

This 1969 documentary, directed by Marcel Ophüls, delves into the complex and often uncomfortable realities of life in France during the German occupation in World War II. Through interviews with…

Set against the grim backdrop of Nazi-occupied France during World War II, this film delves into the clandestine world of the French Resistance. The narrative follows a group of dedicated…

Directed by Costa-Gavras, this gripping political thriller delves into the tumultuous aftermath of a prominent politician’s assassination in a country on the brink of authoritarian rule. The film stars Yves…

England is torn in civil strife as the Royalists battle the Parliamentary Party for control. This conflict distracts people from rational thought and allows unscrupulous men to gain local power…

Set during the Christmas of 1183, this historical drama delves into the intense political and familial dynamics of King Henry II of England, his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and…

A Man for All Seasons is the filmed version of the life of Thomas More. An English man comes to Sir Thomas More to ask if he can divorce his…

Set against the backdrop of the Algerian War of Independence, this gripping film meticulously chronicles the intense urban warfare between Algerian insurgents and French colonial forces. Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo,…

Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, this 1965 film offers a stark and realistic portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ, drawing directly from the Gospel of Matthew. The film is…

This 1965 film, directed by Orson Welles, is a unique adaptation of several of Shakespeare’s plays, focusing on the character of Sir John Falstaff. The narrative weaves together elements from…

In this 1965 film directed by Luis Buñuel, the story follows a devout ascetic named Simón who lives atop a pillar in the desert, seeking spiritual enlightenment and resisting various…

Because of a technical defect an American bomber team mistakenly orders the destruction of Moscow. The President of the United States has but little time to prevent an atomic catastrophe…

Set in Singapore, the film follows the tale of Sandokan, a Malaysian insurgent. Alongside a band of outlaws, he challenges a British General who is attempting to compel the King…

Set in the tumultuous 12th century, this historical drama explores the complex relationship between King Henry II and his close friend Thomas Becket, who is appointed as the Archbishop of…

Renzo Tramaglino and Lucia Mondella, two impoverished peasants deeply in love, find their romance thwarted by the malevolent Don Rodrigo, who harbors a secret affection for Lucia. Forced to flee…

In this 1963 film directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda, the legendary blind swordsman Zatoichi finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conflict as he travels through the Japanese countryside. The story follows…

Tom loves Sophie and Sophie loves Tom. But Tom and Sophie are of differering classes. Can they find a way through the mayhem to be true to love?

Set during World War II, this classic film follows a group of Allied prisoners of war as they plan a daring escape from a German POW camp. The ensemble cast…

As Garibaldi’s troops begin the unification of Italy in the 1860s, an aristocratic Sicilian family grudgingly adapts to the sweeping social changes undermining their way of life. Proud but pragmatic Prince Don Fabrizio Salina allows his war hero nephew, Tancredi, to marry Angelica, the beautiful daughter of gauche, bourgeois Don Calogero, in order to maintain the family’s accustomed level of comfort and political clout.

The inaugural Sultan of Egypt and Syria spearheads the Muslim military efforts to repel the European Christian invaders during the Third Crusade.

The story of British officer T.E. Lawrence’s mission to aid the Arab tribes in their revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. Lawrence becomes a flamboyant, messianic…

The retelling of June 6, 1944, from the perspectives of the Germans, US, British, Canadians, and the Free French. Marshall Erwin Rommel, touring the defenses being established as part of…

Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.

Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Germany, this gripping courtroom drama delves into the moral complexities of justice as it follows the trial of four German judges accused…

Spartacus, a defiant Thracian who has lived his entire life in bondage, is purchased by Batiatus, a trainer of gladiators. After enduring weeks of rigorous training designed to prepare him…

In 16th century Italy, along the Adriatic shoreline, the duchy of Doruzza is under the oppressive rule of the despotic Duke Zulian and his arrogant daughter, Isabella. After they perpetrate…

Set in a small Southern town, this gripping courtroom drama centers around a high-profile trial that pits science against religion. The story unfolds as a schoolteacher is prosecuted for teaching…

In this gripping French film directed by Jacques Becker, a group of inmates at a Parisian prison meticulously plan an escape, showcasing the tension and camaraderie that develops among them….

Judah Ben-Hur, a Palestinian Jew, is battling the Roman empire at the time of Christ. His actions send him and his family into slavery, but an inspirational encounter with Jesus…

Set against the haunting backdrop of post-war Hiroshima, this film explores the fleeting yet profound connection between a French actress, played by Emmanuelle Riva, and a Japanese architect, portrayed by…

Set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II, this 1959 film adaptation brings to life the poignant and deeply personal account of a young Jewish girl and her family…

Set against the backdrop of World War II, this film follows Kaji, a pacifist and socialist, as he navigates the moral complexities of managing a labor camp in Japanese-occupied Manchuria….

This 1958 British film, directed by Roy Ward Baker, meticulously chronicles the tragic maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. The narrative is based on Walter Lord’s book and offers a…

The classic story of English POWs in Burma forced to build a bridge to aid the war effort of their Japanese captors. British and American intelligence officers conspire to blow…

Set against the backdrop of World War I, this gripping drama follows Colonel Dax, played by Kirk Douglas, as he navigates the moral complexities of military command and the harsh…

Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this 1956 film is a masterful adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” set in feudal Japan. The story follows a samurai, played by Toshiro Mifune, who is driven…

The story of a family of Quakers in Indiana in 1862. Their religious sect is strongly opposed to violence and war. It’s not easy for them to meet the rules of their religion in everyday life but when Southern troops pass the area they are in real trouble. Should they fight, despite their peaceful attitude?

Directed by Alain Resnais, this poignant 1955 documentary delves into the harrowing realities of concentration camps during World War II. Through a combination of contemporary footage and archival images, it…

A samurai performs a heroic act by rescuing the lovely Kesa during a violent uprising. The warrior falls in love with her, but becomes distraught when he finds out that she is already married.

Set in the ancient kingdom of Israel, this 1953 film explores the tumultuous reign of a queen whose ambition and defiance lead to dramatic consequences. The story follows the infamous…

After the formidable Roman commander Marcus Vinicius falls deeply in love with the captivating Christian captive Lygia, he starts to doubt the oppressive rule of the tyrant emperor Nero.

The relationship between Sergeant Stryker and a group of rebellious recruits is made difficult by the Sergeant’s tough training tactics. At Tarawa, the leathernecks have a chance to see Stryker…

Set in the opulent backdrop of 19th-century New York, this film follows the life of a shy and wealthy young woman, Catherine Sloper, portrayed by Olivia de Havilland, who becomes…

It’s the hope that sustains the spirit of every GI: the dream of the day when he will finally return home. For three WWII veterans, the day has arrived. But…

ROME, OPEN CITY is a landmark in film history. Filmed in secrecy during the Nazi occupation of Italy, the film shows a realistic portrayal of the underground resistance in Italy in 1945. The film has strong impacting imagery with its mix of fiction and reality that strengthened Italian Neo-realism and the film industry.

Set during World War II, this film follows the daring Doolittle Raid, a pivotal air attack on Tokyo by American forces. The story centers on the experiences of the pilots…

The romance between Renzo and Lucia faces a threat from Don Rodrigo, a malevolent aristocrat who desires Lucia for himself. After she rejects his advances, he arranges for her abduction…

Directed by Howard Hawks, this 1941 film stars Gary Cooper in a compelling portrayal of Alvin C. York, a real-life World War I hero. The story follows York’s transformation from…

Directed by John Ford, this 1939 film offers a fictionalized account of a young Abraham Lincoln’s early years as a lawyer in Illinois. The story follows Lincoln, played by Henry…

Set in medieval England, this classic film follows the legendary outlaw Robin Hood as he leads a band of merry men to fight against the tyranny of Prince John and…

Biopic of the famous French writer Emile Zola and his involvement in the Dreyfus Affair.

Set against the backdrop of World War I, this classic film follows a group of French prisoners of war as they navigate life in a German camp. The story delves…

Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, this film follows the harrowing journey of Dr. Samuel Mudd, who is wrongfully imprisoned for his alleged involvement in the assassination of…

In this 1936 biographical drama, the film chronicles the life and groundbreaking work of the renowned French chemist and microbiologist, Louis Pasteur. The narrative follows Pasteur’s relentless pursuit of scientific…

Fletcher Christian successfully leads a revolt against the ruthless Captain Bligh on the HMS Bounty. However, Bligh returns one year later, hell bent on avenging his captors.

Set in 17th-century Sweden, this historical drama follows the life of a young and unconventional queen who struggles with the demands of her royal duties and her personal desires. The…

When the government opens up the Oklahoma territory for settlement, restless Yancey Cravat claims a plot of the free land for himself and moves his family there from Wichita. A…

This silent film, directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, is a poignant portrayal of the trial of Joan of Arc, focusing on her intense and emotional courtroom experiences. Renowned for its…

Set during the American Civil War, this silent film follows the story of Johnnie Gray, a train engineer who finds himself caught in a daring adventure when his beloved locomotive…

Grave robbing, torture, possessed nuns, and a satanic Sabbath: Benjamin Christensen’s legendary film uses a series of dramatic vignettes to explore the scientific hypothesis that the witches of the Middle…

Based on Alessandro Manzoni’s renowned historical novel, this film is set in Lombardy, Northern Italy, between 1628 and 1630, during the period of Spanish rule. It tells the story of…

This epic silent film, directed by D.W. Griffith, weaves together four parallel storylines, each set in different historical periods, to explore the theme of love’s enduring struggle against the forces…