30 Best Historical Movies with Their Imdb Ratings

Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen, This 2000 Movie Is Directed by Ridley Scott. When It Comes to the Story, It Is Written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. the Historical Drama Is Based on the Tale of Roman General Maximus Played by Russell Crowe and How He Is Betrayed by an Emperor Played by Joaquin Phoenix. Watch This Epic Tale of Action, Adventure, Love, Dedication, Family, Loyalty, and Perseverance, on Amazon Prime Video.

Another One of the Best Historical Movies We Highly Recommend Is Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance Starrer, Dunkirk. the 2017 Drama Is Directed and Written by Christopher Nolan and Is Indeed a Must-Watch. When It Comes to the Plot It Is Set in the Backdrop of World War Ii. Watch the Movie to Witness the Life of British Soldiers Stranded in a German Ambush. This Historical Drama Is Available on Hbo Max to Stream.

The Iconic Action Drama Features the Best of Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, and Leslie Odom Jr. the 2019 Movie Is Directed by Kasi Lemmons. When It Comes to the Story It Is Written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons. the Heart-Touching Movie Is Based on the Life of Harriet Tubman and Her Journey of How She Was an Enslaved Activist and Managed to Free Herself While Helping Others. This Classic Biography Is Indeed a History Lesson and Is Available on Amazon Prime Video to Stream.

4. the Sound of Music (1965)

When It Comes to the Best Historical Movies We Highly Recommend Watching the Sound of Music. the Family Drama Is a Biography and Features the Best of Stars Including Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and Eleanor Parker. Directed by Robert Wise, the Movie Is Written by Georg Hurdalek, Howard Lindsay, and Russel Crouse. the Plot of the Movie Is Set During the Nazi Invasion Amidst World War Ii. Revolves Around Maria Played by Julie Andrews, a Nun. Watch the Movie of How She Begins to Work as a Nanny Which Embarks on Her Romantic Love Story.

Starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon Apollo 13 Is Indeed One of the Best Historical Movies of All Time. the Movie Is Directed by Ron Howard and Written by Jim Lovell, Jeffrey Kluger, and William Broyles Jr. When It Comes to the Plot It Revolves Around Three Characters Jim Lovell Played by Tom Hanks and Jack Swigert Played by Kevin Bacon, and Fred Haise Played by Bill Paxton. the Three Actors Play the Roles of Three Astronauts in 1970. Watch the Movie to Witness Their Mission to Land on the Moon in 1970. This Historical Adventure Drama Is Available on Amazon Prime Video to Stream.

6. the Revenant (2015)

This Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, and Leonardo Dicaprio Starrer Is Another Historical Drama We Highly Recommend. Directed and Written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu Along with Mark L. Smith, and Michael Punke, This 2015 Movie Is Indeed the Best of Action and Adventure. Watch the Movie to Witness Leonardo Dicaprio Play the Role of a Fur Trapper Who Fights to Protect Himself from a Bear Attack When He Was on a Hunting Expedition. the Oscar-Winning Movie Is Based on a Real-Life Frontiersman Named Hugh Glass. This Action-Adventure Drama Is Available on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu to Stream.

7. on the Basis of Sex (2018)

This Movie Features the Best of Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, and Justin Theroux and Is Directed by Mimi Leder. the Plot of the Highly-Rated Biography Is Written by Daniel Stiepleman and Features a Story of a Supreme Court Justice Named Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Watch the Movie to Witness Her Journey and Experiences as a Law Student. This Is Indeed One of the Best Historical Dramas and Is Available on Sonyliv to Stream.

Starring Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, and Sally Hawkins, This 2021 Biography Is an Iconic Drama Directed by Pablo Larraín and Written by Steven Knight. When It Comes to the Plot, It Is Based on the Riveting Story of Princess Diana Played by Kristen Stewart and Prince Charles Played by Jack Farthing. Watch the Movie to Witness the Iconic Couple’s Marriage, Public Downfall, and Divorce.

9. Schindler's List (1993)

Directed by Steven Spielberg This 1993 Movie Features the Best of Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley. This 1993 Movie Is Indeed One of the Best Historical Movies Ever Made Directed by Steven Spielberg and Written by Thomas Keneally Along with Steven Zaillian. the Highly-Rated Movie Is Based on a Non-Fiction Novel Titled Schindler's Ark. the 1982 Novel Illustrates a Heartbreaking Story That Revolves Around a Character Named Oskar Schindler During the Holocaust. in the Movie, the Role of Oskar Is Played by Liam Neeson Who Is a German Factory Owner.

This Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman Starrer, Is Also Directed by Ben Affleck. Released in the Year 2012, This Highly-Rated Historical Drama Is a Biography of a U. S. Cia Exfiltration Specialist Named Tony Mendez. Ben Affleck Plays the Role of Tony Where He Is Shown Rescuing Six Americans Amidst the Iran Hostage Crisis in the Year 1979. the Movie Is Available on Amazon Prime Video to Stream.

11. the Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

One of the Best Historical Movies That’s Also Highly Rated Is the Boy in the Striped Pajamas. the 2008 War Drama Features the Best Performances by Actors Like Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, and Rupert Friend. the War Drama Is Directed by Mark Herman and Written by John Boyne Along with Mark Herman. When It Comes to the Plot It Is Set in World War Ii and Features the Experiences of Bruno Played by Asa Butterfield, a German Ss Officer’s Son Played by David Thewlis, and a Jewish Boy Named Shmuel Played by Jack Scanlon. Watch the Movie for a Tale of Friendship, Heartbreak, and Loss All Set in Nazi Germany.

12. Hidden Figures (2015)

We Highly Recommend Watching This Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe Starrer Directed by Theodore Melfi and Written by Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi, Along with Margot Lee Shetterly. the Plot Revolves Around Nasa Mathematicians as Well as Engineers Who Contributed to the "Space Race." the Movie Also Focuses on Elements of Sexism and Racism.

13. the Butler (2013)

Another Best Historical Drama We Vouch for Is This 2013 Drama Featuring the Best of Forest Whitaker, Alan Rickman, Robin Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and John Cusack. the Movie Is Directed by Lee Daniels and Written by Danny Strong Along with Wil Haygood. the Plot of the Movie Revolves Around the Life of Eugene Allen Played by Forest Whitakers. Eugene Allen Was a White House Butler for More Than 30 Year's Which Means He Served for Eight Presidents. the Thought-Provoking Historical Biography Is Available on Amazon Prime Video to Stream.

14. Marie Antoinette (2006)

Written and Directed by Sofia Coppola, This Historical Drama Features Actors Including Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rose Byrne, Molly Shannon, Jamie Dornan, and Rip Torn. When It Comes to the Plot, It Revolves Around the Tale of Marie-Antoinette Played by Kirsten Dunst, and Dauphin of France Played by Jason Schwartzman. the Story Starts at Marie at the Age of 14 Where He Is Exposed to a Life of Luxury. the Historical Drama Features, Romance, or Rather, Secret Romances, Extravagance, and So Much More.

This Margot Robbie Starrer Also Features Actors Like Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney. the 2017 Comedy-Drama Is Directed by Craig Gillespie and Written by Steven Rogers and Is One of the Best Historical Movies That Are Also Highly Rated on Imdb. When It Comes to the Plot the Historical Movie Revolves Around the Tale of Tonya Harding, a Figure Skater Who Allegedly Attacked Another American Skater Named Nancy Kerrigan. the Story Is Set During the 1994 Winter Olympics and Is One of the Best Biographical Sports Films.

With a Brilliant Cast That Includes Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Jeremy Strong, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, This Historical Drama Titled Lincoln Revolves Around a Plot That Focuses on the Life of President Abraham Lincoln During the Last Four Months. the Movie Primarily Focuses on the End of the Civil War, the Slavery Abolishment, and His Controversial Assassination.

17. the Book Thief (2013)

Based on an International Bestseller Also Titled the Book Thief This War Drama Features Actors Including Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, and Emily Watson. It Is Directed by Brian Percival and Written by Markus Zusak Along with Michael Petroni. When It Comes to the Plot the Movie Is Set in Germany During World War Ii. Watch the Movie to Witness History on Screen.

18. 12 Year's a Slave (2013)

Directed by Steve Mcqueen, the 2013 Biography Drama Is Written by John Ridley Along with Solomon Northup. the Highly-Rated Drama Features Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Sarah Paulson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, and Michael Fassbender. the Plot of the Iconic Historical Drama Features a Powerful Tale of Solomon Northup Played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. the Highly-Rated Drama Is Available on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple Tv to Stream.

This Historical Action Drama Is Directed by Roland Emmerich and Features a Memorable Cast Including Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Mandy Moore, and Woody Harrelson. When It Comes to the Plot It Is Written by Wes Tooke and Is Set During the Period of the Battle of Midway. Watch the Movie to Witness a Significant Battle That Happened Six Months Post Japan's Attack on Pearl Harbor During World War Ii.

Featuring the Best of Stars Like Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, and Will Dalton, This Romance Drama Is Directed and Written by Jeff Nichols Along with Nancy Buirski. Right from Romance to Drama, This Historical Biography Has Everything. When It Comes to the Plot It Revolves Around the Tale of Richard and Mildred Loving. the Couple Famously Opposed State Laws That Prohibit Interracial Marriages Back in the '60S.

This 2014 Drama Titled Unbroken Is Inspiring, Emotional, and Accurate. Starring Jack O'connell, Miyavi, and Domhnall Gleeson, This Angelina Jolie Directorial Is Written by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, and Richard Lagravenese. the Plot of the Movie Revolves Around the Tale of an American Olympian and Army Officer Named Louis "Louie" Zamperini Played Jack O'connell. Watch the Movie to Witness the 1936 Summer Olympics.

22. the Young Victoria (2009)

With a Star Cast That Includes Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, and Paul Bettany. the 2009 Historical Biography Is Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and Written by Julian Fellowes. When It Comes to the Plot, the Storyline Is Set in the British Period. Watch the Movie to Witness Queen Victoria Played by Emily Blunt on Screen. the Movie Features How the Iconic British Monarch Was the Second Longest-Ruling Monarch with a Reight of 64 Months After Queen Elizabeth Ii, Her Early Life, Her Betrothal to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg, and Gotha Played by Rupert Friend.

23. Anna Karenina (2012)

This Keira Knightley Starrer Also Features Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Matthew Macfayden, and Alicia Vikander. the 2012 Romantic Drama Is Directed by Joe Wright and Written by Tom Stoppard and Lev Tolstoy. When It Comes to the Plot the Movie Features a Tragic Romance That’s Based on Leo Tolstoy's Novel Also Called Anna Karenina. Watch the Movie to Witness a Scandalous Love Story Set in Imperial Russian Society.

24. Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

This 2001 Drama Features the Best of Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson, and Gabriel Macht. the Thriller Drama Features the Best of Action and War and Is Directed by John Moore. When It Comes to the Plot, the Storyline Is Written by Jim Thomas, John Thomas, and David Veloz. the War Drama Revolves Around the Tale of U. S. Air Force Captain Scott O'grady, and Fighter Navigator Chris Burnett Played by Wilson Amidst the Bosnian War in 1995.

25. the King's Speech (2010)

The King’s Speech Is Another Movie That Showcases a Star Cast Including Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. the 2010 Historical Biography Is Directed by Tom Hooper and the Plot Is Written by David Seidler That Revolves Around the Time George Vi Played by Colin Farrell Takes the Throne. Watch the Movie to Witness the Reigning King and How He Fulfills His Role.

This Historical Biography Is Indeed One of the Best Historical Movies Ever Made. the Movie Features Stars Including Cate Blanchett, Liz Giles, and Rod Culbertson. the 1998 Drama Directed by Shekhar Kapur and Written by Michael Hirst Revolves Around the Tale of the Iconic Queen Elizabeth I. Witness the History on the Screen to Understand How Queen Mary I Played by Kathy Burke Passes Away to Pass on the Throne to Elizabeth Played by Cate Blanchett.

27. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Featuring the Best of Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, and Luke Bracey, This Iconic Historical Drama Titled Hacksaw Ridge Is Another Movie We Highly Recommend Watching. the 2016 Drama Is Directed by Mel Gibson and Written by Robert Schenkkan Along with Andrew Knight. the Movie Is Set in World War Ii and Revolves Around American Combat Medic Desmond Doss Played by Andrew Garfield Who Is Sent to Okinawa.

We Highly Recommend Watching Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel Mcadams' Starrer Crime Drama Titled Spotlight. the Highly-Rated 2015 Drama Is Directed by Tom Mccarthy and It’s Written by Josh Singer and Tom Mccarthy. the Plot of the Movie Revolves Around the Boston Globe Investigative Journalists and the Controversial Catholic Church Abuse Scandal.

29. the Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

Another Historical Movie We Highly Recommend Watching Is the Trial of the Chicago 7. the Movie Features a Stunning Star Cast Including Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, and Sacha Baron Cohen. It Is Directed and Written by Aaron Sorkin and Is Available on Netflix to Stream. the Plot of the Movie Is Set in Late 1960 Featuring the Experiences of Anti-Vietnam War Protestors. Watch the Historical Drama to Witness Elements of Injustice, Corruption, and Secrecy.

30. Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Another One of the Best Historical Movies That Feature a Monarch Is the 2018 Drama Titled Mary Queen of Scots. the Historical Biography Features a Brilliant Star Cast That Includes Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, and Jack Lowden. the Plot Is Written by Beau Willimon and John Guy and Revolves Around the Rivalry Between Queen Elizabeth I Played by Margot Robbie and the Gorgeous Mary, Queen of Scots Played by Saoirse Ronan.

30 Best Historical Movies to Stream Right Now: Dunkirk to Hacksaw Ridge

By Alexander Ross

• Oct 8, 2026 • 20 min read

30 Best Historical Movies to Stream Right Now: Dunkirk to Hacksaw Ridge

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

In a Generation Where Everyone Likes to Catch up to the Latest Upcoming Movies, There Is Something Iconic About Historical Movies. That Is Precisely Why We Have Curated an Assortment of the Best Historical Movies to Stream Right Away. Scroll on for a Cinematic Journey Through the Best of Hollywood Classics over the Year's. Right from Hollywood Hits to Underrated Historical Gems, We Have Handpicked Only the Best Historical Movies That Deserve to Be on Your Radar.

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.

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