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Must Watch Historical Movies
13
items Want to travel through time? Check out these must-see historical films, chosen by Recursive History and our TikTok followers.
Sections
6
American Civil War
World War II
Ancient History
Medieval History
Early Modern History
Modern History
American Civil War
From Gettysburg to Glory: Explore the battles, leaders, and untold stories of the American Civil War brought to life on screen.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this biographical drama explores President Abraham Lincoln's efforts to pass the 13th Amendment and end the Civil War.
Glory
12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup is a gripping memoir that recounts his kidnapping as a free Black man in 1841 and his 12 years of enslavement in the American South. Through vivid detail and emotional depth, Northup exposes the brutality and dehum...
12 Years a Slave
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this biographical drama explores President Abraham Lincoln's efforts to pass the 13th Amendment and end the Civil War.
Lincoln
Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, Gods and Generals is an ambitious Civil War epic that serves as a prequel to the acclaimed Gettysburg. The film focuses primarily on Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, offering a detailed portrayal of his d...
Gods and Generals
Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, this epic depicts the pivotal Civil War battle and its impact.
Gettysburg
World War II
Explore our recommendations for human stories of courage, resilience, and sacrifice during World War II.
"Band of Brothers" isn't just a war movie, it's an immersive experience. This HBO miniseries follows Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, from their rigorous training to the final days of World War II in Europe. With stunni...
Band Of Brothers
Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" is a masterpiece of war cinema that viscerally captures the brutality and emotional toll of World War II. The film follows a squad of American soldiers tasked with finding and retrieving Private Ryan, whose br...
Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg's *Schindler's List* is a masterpiece of historical filmmaking, a harrowing and ultimately hopeful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable evil. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a German businessm...
Schindler's List
"The Imitation Game" is a powerful and poignant historical drama that delves into the life of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician who played a pivotal role in cracking the German Enigma code during World...
The Imitation Game
Ancient History
Journey back in time with our recommendations of movies that bring ancient history to life. From epic battles to the intimate lives of historical figures, we explore the accuracy, entertainment value, and cultural impact of these cinematic portrayals...
Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is a visually stunning historical epic that immerses viewers in the grandeur and brutality of Ancient Rome. Russell Crowe delivers a powerhouse performance as Maximus, a betrayed general forced into gladiatorial combat who ...
Gladiator
Medieval History
Explore the world of knights, castles, and chivalry in our Medieval History movie category. We delve into films that capture the drama and intrigue of the Middle Ages, examining their historical accuracy and how they shape our understanding of this f...
Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" is a rousing historical epic that captures the spirit of freedom and rebellion. Set in 13th-century Scotland, the film follows William Wallace (Gibson), a warrior who leads his countrymen in a fierce fight for independence a...
Braveheart
Early Modern History
Dive into the era of exploration, revolution, and artistic flourishing with our Early Modern History movie recommendations. We analyze films that depict the transformative period between the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution, assessing thei...
Miloš Forman's "Amadeus" is a visually stunning and emotionally charged exploration of genius, jealousy, and the complex relationship between art and the artist. Told through the eyes of Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), a court composer consumed ...
Amadeus
Modern History
Grapple with the complexities of the modern world through our Modern History movie recommendations. Films that tackle the defining events and movements of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, from industrialization and global conflict to social revolu...
"The King's Speech" is a captivating historical drama that transcends the typical period piece by offering an intimate portrayal of King George VI (Colin Firth) as he grapples with a debilitating stammer while unexpectedly ascending to the throne. Hi...
The King's Speech