historical movie review example

33 Historical Movies You Need to Watch at Least Once in Your Life

From Apollo 13 to Dunkirk , these popular award-winning films are beloved for a good reason.

Whether you're looking for a history-based movie to watch with the kids or are just looking for something you haven't seen yet, our list of the best historical movies offers well-reviewed picks that cover everything from the reign of the ever-extravagant Marie Antoinette to The Boston Globe newspaper team who broke the Catholic Church abuse scandal. Some of these movies are definitely more serious than light-hearted, so make sure to take that into account if you're watching with young teens or children.

Dunkirk (2017)

Dunkirk tells the true story of a group of World War II British soldiers who got stranded during a German ambush for six weeks alongside Belgian and French soldiers. In the film, Tommy (Fionn Whitehead), a British private, must work together with soldiers Alex (Harry Styles) and Gibson (Aneurin Barnard) to stay alive until British forces are able to rescue them. You can expect to see some additional familiar faces like Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine and Jack Lowden.

Harriet (2019)

A deeply moving and inspiring biographical film that tells the story of Harriet Tubman, an enslaved activist who freed herself and then helped hundreds of others escape from the South in the 1850s. Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet, with a supporting cast including Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn and Janelle Monáe.

RELATED : 16 Black History Movies to Watch Right Now

Gladiator (2000)

When Roman General Maximus (Russell Crowe) is betrayed by the corrupt son of the emperor (Joaquin Phoenix), he becomes a gladiator and fights through the ranks to ultimately avenge the murders of his family. This action-packed film, inspired loosely by real events that occurred within the Roman Empire back in the 2nd century, is full of epic fights and themes of love, dedication, perseverance and family loyalty.

Apollo 13 (1995)

Apollo 13 tells the story of Jim Lovell ( Tom Hanks ), Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) and Fred Haise (Bill Paxton) — the three astronauts who commanded the Apollo 13 mission to land on the moon in 1970. When the spacecraft suffered an explosion during takeoff, the astronauts were forced to figure out a way to land safely in their return back to Earth. It's a knuckle-clenching film that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Sound of Music (1965)

In one of her most memorable roles, Julie Andrews stars as Maria, a not-so-typical nun in Austria. When Maria is sent to work as a nanny for a family of eight, led by retired naval officer and widower Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), what ensues is a musical adventure and romantic love story, all happening during the harrowing Nazi invasion in World War II.

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RELATED : 40 Rare and Vintage Photos of Julie Andrews Through the Years

The Revenant (2015)

A fur trapper ( Leonardo DiCaprio ) is in the fight of his life after being mauled by a bear while on a hunting expedition. Although surviving the attack, he now must try to stay alive and find his way back to his traveling companions with only the help of Mother Nature's resources. Based on real-life frontiersman Hugh Glass, there's a reason Leonardo won his first Oscar with this role. The cast also includes Tom Hardy, Will Poulter and Domnhall Gleeson.

Spencer (2021)

You know all about Princess Diana ... but do you really ? This riveting biopic which stars Kristen Stewart as Diana and Jack Farthing as Prince Charles starts off with the couple's marriage already strained and follows Diana during the public downfall of their marriage and later divorce.

RELATED : The Many Ways Princess Diana Broke Royal Protocol

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Before she was a Supreme Court justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a first-year law student. Felicity Jones plays a young RBG in this movie where we see the sexism she faced and how hard she fought to change not only the preconceived notions of what certain genders could do, but also change the laws to reflect that. Starring alongside Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterston and Kathy Bates, this movie perfectly encapsulates the lasting legacy of RBG long after her death.

RELATED : 15 of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Most Iconic Quotes

Schindler's List (1993)

Based on the 1982 non-fiction novel Schindler's Ark , this heartbreaking film follows Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German factory owner who saved over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by hiring them as workers in his factory. The movie also stars Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Embeth Davidtz and even the real-life wife of Oskar, Emilie Schindler.

Hidden Figures (2015)

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe play NASA mathematicians and engineers in this film based on the real lives of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three women who helped NASA win the "Space Race" in a time when sexism and racism kept them segregated from the rest of the team.

Argo (2012)

U.S. CIA exfiltration specialist Tony Mendez ( Ben Affleck ) is put in charge of rescuing six Americans who escape being taken hostage during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. This film tells the true story of how Tony posed as a movie producer and used a fictional film to get the six out of Iran. In addition to Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Tate Donovan star in the film.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

Set during World War II, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas shares the stark experiences of two young boys living in Berlin: Bruno (Asa Butterfield), the son of a German SS officer (David Thewlis), and Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a young Jewish boy sent to Auschwitz concentration camp. The film shares a heartbreaking story of friendship, love and loss, as both boys are ultimately forced to face the realities of living in Nazi Germany.

Lee Daniels' The Butler (2013)

The Butler is loosely based on the real life Eugene Allen (Forest Whitakers), a man who served as a White House butler for over 30 years and for eight different presidents. Starring Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Alan Rickman, Robin Williams and many other big stars, this biographical story is an emotional and thought-provoking film like no other.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

After marrying the Dauphin of France (Jason Schwartzman) at age 14, Marie-Antoinette (Kirsten Dunst) is introduced to a life of luxury, indulgence and excess which plays out in contrast to the poverty-stricken French people and their growing outrage. Throw in secret romances, opulent wealth and some other major stars like Rose Byrne, Molly Shannon, Jamie Dornan and Tom Hardy and you've got a movie you won't be able to stop watching.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

This award-winning film tells the powerful story of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a New York-born Black man who was kidnapped from the North and enslaved in 1841. Ejiofor stars alongside a talented cast, including Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Benedict Cumberbatch and Brad Pitt.

I, Tonya (2017)

When people hear the name Tonya Harding, they immediately have strong opinions and remember the real-life figure skater who was linked to an attack on fellow American skater Nancy Kerrigan at the 1994 Winter Olympics. Starring Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney, this biographical sports mockumentary touches on that momentous event while also diving into Tonya's past and her skating career before the Olympics. Amazon

Lincoln (2012)

With a talented cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Jeremy Strong and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lincoln focuses on the last four months of President Abraham Lincoln's life, especially focusing on his role during the end of the Civil War, the abolishment of slavery and his assassination.

The Book Thief (2013)

Based on the international best seller of the same name, this 2013 movie is narrated by "Death," who tells the story of Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nélisse) during World War II in Germany. In order to cope with the daily horrors she is witnessing, she begins to steal books that local politicians are trying to destroy while also authoring her very own book.

Midway (2019)

This action-packed movie has a memorable cast with faces like Mandy Moore, Woody Harrelson, Ed Skrein, Luke Evans, Patrick Wilson and Dennis Quaid. In this movie, we see the Battle of Midway, a battle that is known as a major turning point of World War II which took place six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

Unbroken (2014)

A film that is inspiring, emotional and shockingly true, Unbroken shares the story of American Olympian and Army officer Louis "Louie" Zamperini (Jack O'Connell) who, after competing in the 1936 Summer Olympics in the 5,000 meter race, returned to war where his plane was shot down. While he survived stranded at sea for 47 days, he was then captured and held as a prisoner of war for two years.

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100 Films Reviewed by Historians

Elisabeth Grant | Apr 19, 2011

Can you learn history through movies?

Just last week on the blog, AHA Executive Director Jim Grossman examined the new film The Conspirator and discussed how movies can be used to generate questions, start discussions, and in the end, teach history.

This idea, that movies can be a teaching tool, has been the theme of the “ Masters at the Movies ” article series in Perspectives on History since it began in 2006 . Over the past 5 years, 17 historians have reviewed or noted over 100 films, applauding some while questioning the accuracy of others. Today, presented below, we’ve put together a list of the movies they’ve mentioned, and the articles they’ve written.

So get your Netflix queues ready, read these historians’ thoughts on which films to check out (and which to avoid), and start watching.

Before the “Masters at the Movies” series, the April 1999 issue of Perspectives on History contained nearly a dozen articles on film (including an introduction from Robert Brent Toplin, Kathryn Helgesen Fuller   ‘s thoughts on film in the classroom , and Kenneth Jackson’s concerns with The Thin Red Line ). See David Darlington’s blog post “ From the Archives: Reel History ” for a closer look at the 1999 issue.

This post first appeared on AHA Today .

Tags: AHA Today Resources for History Enthusiasts Cultural History

The American Historical Association welcomes comments in the discussion area below, at AHA Communities , and in letters to the editor . Please read our commenting and letters policy before submitting.

Please read our commenting and letters policy before submitting.

10 Movie Review Examples That Will Help You Write Better Reviews

Studying movie review examples is a great place to start if you’re looking for inspiration for your own movie reviews. 

This article has gathered different kinds of movie review examples that will help you write better and more insightful reviews in whatever style you choose.

There is an overwhelming library of movie reviews to sift through, but having studied many reviews by Pulitzer Prize-winning film critics along with your average movie review articles published online, I’ve been able to find a few movie reviews that provide a great template for crafting a review of your own.

10 Detailed Movie Review Examples

The Classic Movie Review

A classic movie review example has a neat structure that clearly communicates the author’s sentiment toward the film in a clean, straightforward manner.

Roger Ebert’s review of North is the perfect example of that.

1. “North” by Roger Ebert

This review starts with a catchy hook, making readers curious for Ebert to elaborate on his statements.

“I have no idea why Rob Reiner, or anyone else, wanted to make this story into a movie, and close examination of the film itself is no help.”

The opening sentence of this movie review example makes it clear to the audience that Ebert did not enjoy the film in question and if they would like to know why, they are encouraged to continue reading.

The whole first paragraph is chock full of strong adjectives setting the tone for the scathing critique this film is about to get.

Moving on to the next paragraph of this movie review example, Ebert gives a quick synopsis of what this film is about, filling the audience in on the story in case they’re unaware.

“He [Elijah Wood] plays a kid with inattentive parents, who decides to go into court, free himself of them, and go on a worldwide search for nicer parents.”

Following the paragraph summarizing the main plot of the film, the movie review dives straight into the critique explaining why this film garnered the strong adjectives it received in the opening paragraph:

“This idea is deeply flawed. Children do not lightly separate from their parents – and certainly not on the evidence provided here, where the great parental sin is not paying attention to their kid at the dinner table.”

In this movie review example, Ebert dives deep into the oddities of the narrative and what makes it so unbelievable.

He questions the director’s decisions and the plot’s direction as well in these middle paragraphs:

“What is the point of the scenes with the auditioning parents?… They are not funny. They are not touching. There is no truth in them.”

Ebert uses the middle paragraphs to dissect what does not work in the film.

In the final paragraphs of this movie review example, Ebert closes out by reiterating his sentiments towards the film, giving readers a good idea of whether the movie would be something he would recommend others watch.

“I hated this movie. Hated hated hated hated hated this movie. Hated it. Hated every simpering stupid vacant audience-insulting moment of it.”

“‘North’ is a bad film – one of the worst movies ever made.”

After reading Ebert’s movie review example there is no question of whether he liked the movie or not. I don’t know, he might’ve even mentioned hating it at one point…

And he makes it clear what plot and artistic choices played into his final assessment of the film.

Would you whip out your cash to experience the movie North after reading a review like this?

With this straightforward, informative, evidence-supported review, there is no confusion about the perceived quality of this film.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF NORTH BY ROGER EBERT

The Real World Parallel Review

A movie review that can parallel the events occurring within the movie with events occurring outside of the movie shows a deeper level of critical thinking.

This is one of the movie review examples that truly exemplifies a deep critical thinker.

2. “The Flash” by Justin Chang

This movie review example starts right away with a brief synopsis of what the movie, The Flash, is about.

“‘The Flash’ is a time-travel story and a cautionary tale, a warning of how dangerous it can be to change the past or mess around with alternate realities.”

Same as with the classic movie review, this reviewer also hints at his overall sentiments towards the film.

“…this initially enjoyable, increasingly sloppy megabucks mess…”

This review, unlike the classic movie review, spends more time following the plot of the story through a biased lens, further walking readers through the details of the story.

“He gets stuck in the past and… winds up unwisely joining forces with a teenage version of himself (also Miller, with floppier hair), who’s had a much happier childhood but doesn’t (yet) have the Flash’s superheroic powers.”

After indirectly criticizing the CGI and praising the main actor’s performance, Chang gets into his main criticism of the review: the popular trend of reintroducing old versions of superheroes into new superhero movies.

“Really, though, is nostalgia that satisfying anymore?”

And it’s really this last sentence of the movie review example that ties this compelling thought together, not only concluding the movie but drawing a parallel to how the movie creators are perpetrators of the same mistake that the movie’s main character made.

“Lost in an endless game of IP-reshuffling musical chairs, Barry realizes, possibly too late, the futility of dwelling on the past — a fatuous lesson from a movie that can’t stop doing the same.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF THE FLASH BY JUSTIN CHANG

3. “Bonnie and Clyde” by Roger Ebert

Another great movie review example, using a movie as a sense of societal self-reflection, is Roger Ebert’s review of Bonnie and Clyde . The final sentences of the review say:

“‘Bonnie and Clyde’ will be seen as the definitive film of the 1960s, showing with sadness, humor, and unforgiving detail what one society had come to… it was made now and it’s about us.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Bonnie and Clyde BY Roger Ebert

4. “Black Panther” by Soraya Nadia McDonald

Yet another movie review example is this Black Panther review by Soraya Nadia McDonald.

The whole review deep dives into the cultural context of the movie and its timeliness or lack thereof.

“Honestly, the worst thing about Black Panther is that it had to be released in 2018 and not during the term of America’s first black president.”

This movie review example walks through the narrative praising the film’s actors, director, and cinematographer before ending on the note of its cultural relevance.

“Perhaps it’s even capable, just as The Birth of a Nation once was, of helping to steer an entire national conversation.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Black Panther BY Soraya Nadia McDonald

The Storytelling Movie Review

If you have a story of your own that you can parallel with the movie’s story, then connecting the movie’s narrative with your own is a particularly entertaining way to craft your review.

Instead of comparing the film to society as a whole, the following storytelling movie review examples compare the movie to specific stories they pull from their personal life.

5. “The Help” by Wesley Morris

One of my favorite reviews by Pulitzer prize-winning Wesley Morris is written in this style, drawing readers in with his own personal story:

“Three summers ago, I went to visit a friend in West Texas.”

“What happened in Texas?”, readers wonder as we curiously continue reading.

After 3 engaging paragraphs narrating a strange, racial encounter in Texas, Morris introduces the movie, The Help .

“This pretty much captures the cognitive dissonance of watching “The Help’’: One woman’s mammy is another man’s mother.”

The following paragraph gives a synopsis of the film and introduces the audience to the main characters:

“Meanwhile, the heart of the film itself belongs to Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer), the two very different maids and best friends at the center of the story.”

The center of this movie review example narrates the happenings of the movie from a biased point of view before presenting some debate points about the movie’s approach to race relations.

“‘The Help’ joins everything from “To Kill a Mockingbird’’ to “The Blind Side’’ as another Hollywood movie that sees racial progress as the province of white do-gooderism.”

Morris then praises the actors’ performances in this very character-based film but is unable to shake the social weight of the casting that this film requires:

“And yet here’s the question you ask as you watch a black actor in 2011 play a white lady’s maid, decades and decades after that was the only job a black woman in Hollywood could get. What went through the minds of Davis, Spencer, and Aunjanue Ellis, who plays Hilly’s maid, as they put on those uniforms and went to work?”

Morris finishes off the review sure to reference the personal story that he introduced in the beginning before leaving the reader with something to ponder.

“These are strong figures, as that restaurant owner might sincerely say, but couldn’t they be strong doing something else?”

Morris’s final statements in this movie review example make it clear his assessment of the film’s quality is good but its messaging is questionable, allowing the audience to make a judgment on whether they’d like to see the film for themselves.

“On one hand, it’s juicy, heartwarming, well-meant entertainment. On the other, it’s an owner’s manual.”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF THE HELP BY WESLEY MORRIS

6. “Me Without You” by Stephen Hunter

This movie review example also tells a story although it’s not personal.

Instead of starting by talking about the movie or talking about himself, Hunter begins the review like a novel. With an untethered phrase that needs further explanation.

“Friendship isn’t rocket science. It’s much harder.”

He then lists out all of the complexities of trying to maintain a friendship, painting a picture to support his point.

“Oh, yeah, it’s easy to say just be loyal and true and that makes you a good friend. But suppose the other person does something that really irks you, like chew gum or vote Democratic?”

Hunter doesn’t leave you hanging for too long before segueing into how this thought point relates to the film.

“And that thorniness, that dark underbelly of it, is the gist of the acerbic British import ‘Me Without You…'”

As usual, a sign of good storytelling, he finishes this movie review example with his full-circle concluding statement on friendship.

“But the truth is, of course, that friendship matters to those of us who still claim membership in the human race…”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF ME WITHOUT YOU BY STEPHEN HUNTER (Under the title: ‘Me’: Friendship as Relationship)

The Unconventional Movie Review

A less common but creative and fun way to approach a movie review is to approach it from a different angle or point of view. To write it in a way that’s unexpected.

7. “ET” by Roger Ebert

In another movie review example from Roger Ebert, instead of approaching this review traditionally, Ebert rather writes the review as a letter to his grandchildren.

Rather than addressing the readers, he addresses his grandchildren in his movie review:

“Dear Raven and Emil: Sunday we sat on the big green couch and watched “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” together with your mommy and daddy.”

After noting how his grandchildren reacted to climactic parts of the film, Ebert recounts the events of the movie, ET, continuing to include his grandchildren’s remarks and reactions.

“The camera watches Elliott moving around. And Raven, that’s when you asked me, “Is this E.T.’s vision?” And I said, yes, we were seeing everything now from E.T.’s point of view.”

Ebert uses this opportunity to make a simplified analysis of the director’s use of POV in the movie, praising the film’s direction without losing the context of a grandfather’s letter.

“Some other filmmaker who wasn’t so good might have had subtitles saying, “E.T.? Are you out there? It’s Mommy!” But that would have been dumb.”

Ebert ends this movie review example like anyone would end a letter, with good wishes and a signature.

“Well, that’s it for this letter. We had a great weekend, kids. I was proud of how brave you both were during your first pony rides. And proud of what good movie critics you are, too. Love, Grandpa Roger”

The average person has a 7-8th grade reading level, so a simple letter like this, is not only cute, creative, and endearing but it’s incredibly easy to read and understand the critic’s assessment of the movie.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF ET BY Roger Ebert

8. “Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse” by IMO Flicks

Another unconventional movie review example is one that I wrote for this blog website.

Instead of writing from my point of view, I decided to write from the point of view of an out-of-touch grandma, someone who may not have the background knowledge to really understand and appreciate the film.

I approached the film this way because I was tired of reviewing Marvel Superhero films but the thought of writing it as an out-of-touch grandma made the review so much more fun and less pressure-filled, even if it’s really not the most straightforward or informational read.

The review does not include a clear synopsis and the critiques of the film waver between genuine observations and areas that the grandma misunderstood.

It was a blast to write.

The grandmother writer uses the remarks of her grandchildren as a voice of reason for the film.

“My granddaughter told me to rate this spider film [ Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse ] out of 10 points. I initially wanted to give it 4 points out of 10… Apparently, my grandchildren think this rating is ridiculous. One of my grandsons almost threw a chair. He gave the film a 200/10, claiming it’s one of the best films he’s ever seen.”

This sort of review may not be as befitting for a serious homework assignment but if there’s space to think outside the box, I say go for it.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

The Self-Aware Review

Similar to the unconventional movie review, but not quite as unconventional, these movie review examples are self-aware of their influential power. It breaks the fourth wall of movie reviews so to speak.

9. “Manchester By the Sea” by Ty Burr

This movie review example of Manchester By the Sea wants to encourage you to watch the movie but doesn’t want your expectations so high that you don’t experience the same subtle unexpected magic that the movie works on viewers.

Burr explains this in the first paragraph:

“Nothing destroys an audience’s appreciation of a small good movie like advance praise.”

Careful to not ruin the audience’s expectations, Burr goes on to begin every following paragraph with a phrase that denies all of the critiques that follow.

“So I won’t tell you that I’ve seen “Manchester by the Sea” twice now and both times felt haunted for weeks.”

“I won’t bother you with how the movie stands as a soul-satisfying comeback for its maker…”

“I could say, but I won’t, that we’ve all seen too many movies in which a lost soul comes out of his shell and rejoins the human race after he inherits a kid from a dead relative.”

The entire center of the film covers the movie in a way that says, “You didn’t see me. I was never here.” Good and well knowing that people are going to be more curious about this film and expect it to be as fantastic as Burr says.

But don’t worry, Burr accounts for this “undesired” outcome that he had been trying to avoid from the beginning with this closing paragraph.

“If I do tell you all this, forget I ever did. Just remember you heard somewhere that “Manchester by the Sea” is an experience worth having…”

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF MANCHESTER BY THE SEA BY TY BURR (Under the title: A Shore Thing)

10. “Mark Kermode” by Mamma Mia

Kermode’s review of Mama Mia takes his self-awareness in a different direction where he personally loves the movie Mama Mia and is not afraid of letting the world know it.

In fact, the movie has brought something to life in him as a movie critic.

“One minute I was a miserable critic; the next, everything had gone pink and fluffy.”

Kermode continues the movie review example, touching on the actor’s performances, the director’s execution of the film, and the soundtrack before returning to how the film affected him as a critic.

“I feel duty-bound to report that I came out of the screening an utter wreck.”

Further aware that as a serious critic, he probably shouldn’t like this film as much as he did, he lets his guard down and leans into the wonder of the film.

“I have certainly mellowed, and perhaps my critical faculties have withered and died. But I simply can’t imagine how Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again could be any better than it is.”

The self-aware review speaks to the readers as a friend rather than as a removed source of movie information.

A lot of the time, this personal voice can be merged with other review styles as well.

READ THE FULL REVIEW OF Mamma Mia by Mark Kermode

Common Questions

How to write a movie review.

To write a movie review you would need to watch the movie and take good notes, then you would craft an attention-hooking introduction, a few center paragraphs explaining your critiques of the film, before concluding on whether you’d recommend the film or not. This article breaks down the 10 steps to writing a movie review effortlessly .

What should a good movie review include?

A good movie review should include a synopsis of the film, a clear stance on whether the film was good or not, including why or why not, and a conclusion that makes it clear whether the critic would recommend others to watch the film or not.

What is the best movie review for students?

The best movie review example for students would be the classic movie review because it’s straightforward and the easiest to follow and grade.

In Conclusion…

There are so many movie review examples to choose from but the majority can fall into one of these 5 groups: the classic movie review, the real-world parallel, the storytelling review, the unconventional review, and the self-aware review.

If you would like to view 50 more outstanding movie review examples , I’ve grouped some here in a shared Word document available for free!

I hope this article was able to provide some movie review examples to help you craft your own. Happy movie reviewing!

What’s your favorite movie review example? Let me know in the comments below!

And be sure to subscribe for the latest blog updates (form in sidebar).

Peace, love, and lots of popcorn,

When I'm not over-analyzing movies, I'm eating chocolate, belting my favorite songs, and binge-watching reality dating shows. Feel free to share your opinions with me and follow me through my social links!

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

The 50 Best Historical Films of the Last 50 Years

As chosen by our team and voted for by you..

History Hit

16 dec 2022.

At History Hit we obviously love all things history and that includes any film that’s based on history which, let’s face it, includes a lot of films. To celebrate the launch of our new Culture section , History Hit gave you the chance to vote for your favourite historical film.

Our team of editorial experts, passionate historians and enthusiasts spent hours assessing our favourite historical films from the last 50 years. We compiled an editorial selection of 50, then handed the final decision on the order of the top 20 over to you. After totting up your votes, the results are in!

Read on to find out which film has been crowned the winner of History Hit’s top historical film.

50. Pearl Harbor  (2001)

As its title suggests, based on the surprise attack Japan made on Hawaii on 7 December, 1941, Pearl Harbor follows Rafe Mcawley (Ben Affleck), Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett) and Evelyn Johnson (Kate Beckinsale) during the events of World War Two. The two male protagonists are pilots who are at first separated by Affleck’s character going to get real combat experience in Kent fighting the Luftwaffe, whilst Josh Hartnett goes to Hawaii to train at Pearl Harbor . In the middle of the movie, they find each other again, and are also engaged in a love triangle with Kate Beckinsale. They are then assigned on the Doolittle raids to avenge the attacks made by the Japanese. 

With 1 Oscar win amongst 4 nominations for Best Sound Editing, the film uses some famous and reportedly true anecdotes to try to add a sense of truth to what is largely an action-packed, fantasy film. 

49. The Remains of the Day (1993)

This historical film is both a story about unfulfilled love and an examination of 1930s post-war appeasement and the lessening of old values. An adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s 1989 Booker Prize winning novel, the film stars Anthony Hopkins as the ageing butler of Darlington Hall, Stevens, and Emma Thompson as Miss Kenton. The pair brilliantly convey the challenges of a growing romance at work, and the maintenance of stuffy decorum and professionalism in a bygone era.

It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, but won none (it was competing against Schindler’s List , which swept the board). Anthony Hopkins won a BAFTA for Best Actor in a leading role, playing a tragi-comic character utterly unable to express his emotions – leading to a heartbreaking ending that tells of a life and love unfulfilled when work takes priority.

The Remains of the Day (1993)

Image Credit: Columbia Pictures / AJ Pics / Alamy Stock Photo

48. Howards End (1992)

James Ivory’s magnificent adaptation of E. M. Forster’s novel of the same name explores the intricacies of the changing landscape of early 20th century Britain via three families from three different classes. It is a valuable depiction of pre-war attitudes towards class, with snobbish attitudes clashing with the struggles of the emerging middle classes. 

Beneath its comments on class and society, however, is real passion, with strong performances from Emma Thompson, Antony Hopkins, Helena Bonham-Carter and Vanessa Redgrave adding to the powerful elixir of critical acclaim that the film still enjoys. It secured nine Oscar nominations, and won three, including best actress for Emma Thompson. After her adaptation of Sense and Sensibility three years later, she became, and remains, the only person to win Oscars for both writing and acting.

47. Gandhi (1982)

A co-production between India and the United Kingdom, Gandhi has been praised as a masterpiece of historical biography.  Starring Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi, the film is epic in its scope and ambition. It opens with a transformative moment in 1893, when Gandhi was thrown off a South African train for being in a whites-only compartment. The following scenes – marked by epic cinematography – present a sensitive insight into Gandhi’s development, and how he grew to lead the nonviolent non-cooperative Indian independence movement against the British Empire. After 191 minutes, it draws to a dramatic end with Gandhi’s assassination and funeral in 1948. 

The film enjoyed vast critical acclaim. It won eight awards at the 55th Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and – for Ben Kingsley’s masterful performance – Best Actor.

Screenshot from ‘Gandhi’ (1982)

Image Credit: Fair use

46. Dunkirk (2017)

This film is perhaps most notable for its anxiety-inducing soundtrack from Hans Zimmer, and a surprising and very well acted cameo from One Direction star Harry Styles. In terms of building the tension of the Dunkirk evacuation, Christopher Nolan’s film is a remarkable piece of film making. However, the mixture of narratives between land, sea and air, and lack of clear protagonist, can make it a little difficult to follow.

Nonetheless, it was immensely popular amongst the public, and similarly did well at the Oscars, being nominated for 8 and winning three for Film Editing, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing.

45. The Pianist (2002)

Perhaps Roman Polanski’s greatest work, The Pianist is a tragic account of the horrors of World War Two. It was based on the autobiography of a Holocaust survivor, titled The Pianist: The Extraordinary True Story of One Man’s Survival in Warsaw, 1939-1945 , which tells the story of the Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman.

The film opens in September 1939 during the Nazi German invasion of Poland. Szpilman is playing live on radio in Warsaw when the station is bombed. The scenes which follow create a harrowing account of the atrocities committed in the Warsaw Ghetto, including Szpilman’s separation from his family during Operation Reinhard. This was particularly pertinent for the director: as a child, Polanski had escaped from the Kraków Ghetto after the death of his mother.

Scene from ‘The Pianist’ (2002)

Image Credit: Maximum Film / Alamy Stock Photo

44. The Revenant (2015)

Loosely based on a true story of survival in nature, grit and vengeance, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s masterpiece follows frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) who sustains life-threatening injuries from a brutal bear attack and is left for dead by his own hunting team whilst exploring the uncharted wilderness in South Dakota, 1823. Nominated in twelve categories at the 88th Academy Awards, the combination of beautiful cinematography, incredible performances from DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, and a perfect score makes The Revenant one of the most iconic historical films ever made. Most notably, the first scene offers perhaps the most realistic depiction of a hostile encounter between indigenous tribes and fur-trapping frontiersmen in early-19th century America on film.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s long wait for an Oscar win finally came to an end as he received the Academy Award for Best Actor. Unsurprisingly, Alejandro González Iñárritu won Best Director and Emmanuel Lubezki won the award for Best Cinematography, however The Revenant was (somewhat controversially) pipped by Spotlight for Best Picture.

43. The Iron Lady (2011)

Phyllida Lloyd’s biographical drama offers a fascinating look into the longest serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century, Margaret Thatcher . The whole movie is dominated by a tour de force performance by Meryl Streep, who received her 17th Academy Award Nomination and third win for Best Actress, once again proving that she is the master of accents. Streep even received praise from then Prime Minister David Cameron.

The Iron Lady explores Thatcher in her prime but also her slow decline into dementia. The movie covers some of the biggest challenges she faced during her premiership, from the Falkland War to the ‘Poll Tax’ riots. 

42. Apocalypse Now (1979)

In Apocalypse Now , Francis Ford Coppola re-framed the American war of attrition in Vietnam as a psychotropic nightmare. In the creative struggle of his life, Coppola sought to rework Heart of Darkness , Joseph Conrad’s 1899 critique of imperialism, into a cinematic epic set during the Vietnam War. It depicts its narrator (Martin Sheen) completing a cruise up a river to confront the rogue soldier Kurtz (Marlon Brando). The production of the film itself was marred with disasters; nonetheless, Apocalypse Now performed well at the box office and went on to win Oscars for Best Cinematography and Best Sound.

Its depiction of the American war machine is most famously expressed by a helicopter assault on a Viet Cong Village set to Wagner’s The Ride of the Valkyries, cameras tracking explosions and hunched over the shoulders of gunners. The resulting sheer, wanton spectacle is enough to obliterate any irony and commentary on war and empire that Coppola may have intended.

Scene from ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

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41. The Killing Fields (1984)

This British biographical drama is based upon the real life experience of two journalists, one Cambodian, one American. The famously harrowing film depicts the Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rough regime during its rule of the country between 1975 and 1979, immediately following the Cambodian Civil War (1970-1975). The film’s title, The Killing Fields , refers to a number of sites in Cambodia that go by the same name where collectively more than a million people were murdered and buried by the Khmer Rouge.

The profoundly moving film was praised highly by critics and wider audiences alike, garnering seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It won three, including Best Supporting Actor for Haing S. Ngor, who had never acted previously. It also won eight BAFTAs, including Best Film and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Ngor. The film also frequently features in lists that highlight outstanding British films.

40. Amadeus (1984)

Adapted from the 1979 stage play of the same name, Amadeus is described by writer Peter Shaffer as a ‘fantasia on the theme of Mozart and Salieri’. Set in Vienna during the latter half of the 18th century, the richly-drawn narrative, which focuses on Mozart and Salieri’s rivalry at the court of Emperor Joseph II, naturally features well-placed music by the famed composer throughout. 

A box office and critical hit, the film was nominated for a total of 53 awards, eleven of which were Oscar nominations. Of the eleven, it won eight, including Best Picture. Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham’s performances as Mozart and Salieri respectively were both nominated for the Best Actor Oscar, and Abraham ultimately nabbed the win. In 2019, the film was chosen to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress because it is deemed to be ‘culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.’

Amadeus (1984)

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39. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, Zero Dark Thirty depicts the nearly decade-long international manhunt for Osama bin Laden and the crucial role of a dedicated female operative in catching him. It was released in 2012 to great commercial and critical acclaim. Jessica Chastain, who portrayed the CIA intelligence analyst Maya Harris, won a Golden Globe for her stellar performance.

The movie was listed on many critics’ top ten lists, cementing itself as one of the greatest films of the 2010s decade. Zero Dark Thirty  was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for Best Sound Editing.

38. The Elephant Man (1980)

David Lynch’s The Elephant Man is based on the true story of John Merrick (John Hurt), a heavily deformed man from the East End slums of Victorian London. The film follows Merrick’s journey, from travelling as a fairground ‘freak show’ to being rescued by Doctor Treves (Anthony Hopkins) and living at the London Hospital where he is introduced to high society, yet effectively treated with the same perverse fascination. The film is shot in eerie black and white and Victorian London is portrayed as bleak and unsympathetic – a contrast to Merrick’s childlike gentleness and hopeful view of the world, no matter how sorely he experiences abuse. 

This compassionate and tender film was nominated for eight Academy Awards yet won none. After receiving widespread criticism for failing to honour the make-up effects, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was prompted to create the Academy Award for Best Makeup the following year. This powerfully moving film includes the heartbreaking scene in a station where Merrick utters the famous line, “I am not an animal. I am a human being”. It’s harrowing to watch, and a salutary reminder for the onlookers to catch themselves in what they’re doing – forcing audiences to do the same.

37. Mississippi Burning (1988)

This 1988 crime thriller is a fictionalised version of the events surrounding the Ku Klux Klan’s murders of Chaney, Goodman and Schwerner (the ‘Freedom Summer murders’) in Philadelphia, Mississippi in June 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement. In Mississippi Burning , Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe star as two FBI agents investigating the disappearance of three young civil rights activists in fictional Jessup County. Met with hostility by the town’s residents, local police and the Ku Klux Klan, they must somehow find a way to bring those responsible to justice amidst a tangled web of intimidation and silence.

Named one of the Top 10 Films of 1988 by the US National Board of Review, the film went on to be nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. However, it only won one, for Best Cinematography. It had been up against tough competition with Rain Man which won four awards, yet a campaign directed against its director for the alleged imbalance in the film’s treatment of racial issues (giving insufficient emphasis to the African Americans’ role in the civil rights movement) also played a part.

Mississippi Burning (1988)

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36. The Color Purple (1985)

The story of a young African-American girl named Celie Harris captured American hearts and made Whoopi Goldberg into a bonafide movie star. Oprah Winfrey also delivered a strong performance, gaining a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Oscars. Spielberg’s movie is set in the early 20th century and deals with issues such as domestic violence, poverty and racism. The story was based on Alice Walker’s novel of the same name, which was released three years prior to the movie.

This period drama, directed by legendary Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, was a huge box office and critical success, gathering eleven Academy Award nominations in the process.

35. Chariots of Fire (1981)

Chariots of Fire is based on the true story of two British athletes in the 1924 Paris Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian (the son of missionaries in China) who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew (whose father is from Lithuania) who runs to overcome prejudice. Each wrestle with issues of pride and conscience, using running as a means of asserting their dignity and proving themselves and their worth on the track. The film opens with a memorial service for Abrahams in 1979, then flashes back to his time at Cambridge University – showing how these once young, fast and strong men are now seen as figures from the past.

Chariots of Fire also highlights British class distinctions in the years following World War One in which the establishment was regrouping. The film’s spiritual and patriotic themes are reflected in its remarkable Academy Award-winning original soundtrack by Greek composer Vangelis Papathanassiou, particularly the iconic Chariots of Fire title theme. Overall the film was nominated for 7 Oscars, winning 4 including for Best Picture.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

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34. The Young Victoria (2006)

A far cry from the unamused, mournful image many associate with Queen Victoria, Jean-Marc Vallée’s The Young Victoria breathes new life into the story of this famous monarch. Capturing Victoria’s early life in eye-opening detail, we follow a young girl suddenly thrust from her cloistered childhood home at Kensington onto the throne of Great Britain at the age of 18. Pushed and pulled between warring factions, we are reminded that before she was one of history’s most famous and long-ruling monarchs, Victoria too was a young woman learning the ropes.

From her strained relationship with her overbearing mother to her famously deep love for Prince Albert, Emily Blunt plays a convincing Victoria, growing from relative naivety to self-assurance. Though it has been criticised for its somewhat slow pace, it is an undeniably sumptuous watch and unsurprisingly was nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Makeup and Best Costume Design at the 2010 Academy Awards, winning the latter.

33. Hotel Rwanda (2004)

The drama film tells the story of hotelier Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana, who provided shelter to more than 1000 refugees fleeing the Rwandan genocide. Directed by Terry George, the film was praised by critics, calling it a sobering tale about the massacres that took place in the African nation. The movie explore genocide, political corruption and the repercussions of violence.

Don Cheadle’s and Sophie Okonedo performances as the hotel owning couple received high praise, securing both an Oscar nomination. Hotel Rwanda  was additionally nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 77th Academy Awards.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Image Credit: United Artists / Cinematic Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

32. Lincoln (2012)

One of Steven Spielberg’s masterpieces, Daniel Day-Lewis stars in this biopic of the 16th United States President, Abraham Lincoln .  Set during some of the most turbulent years of US history, Day-Lewis delivers a witty, dignified portrait of Lincoln in the final months of his life. The film examines the aftermath of his re-election in 1864 as he attempts to pass the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, an alteration which would abolish slavery. It’s a remarkable window into the mind of a determined, skilled politician and his struggles to negotiate with the Confederacy, all while staying true to his principles.  

To complement the work of Spielberg and Day-Lewis, the score was composed by another movie legend, John Williams. With this stellar team, it’s no surprise Lincoln was nominated for seven Golden Globe Awards and twelve Oscars, and went on to gross over $275 million at the box office

31. Argo (2012)

Produced and led by Ben Afleck, Argo was adapted from the 1999 book of the same name written by Tony Mendez. Set in the midst of the Iranian revolution, many members of the US embassy are trapped inside their building as Iranian Islamists storm the American Embassy. The Islamists are reacting to the news that the US President, Jimmy Carter, has granted asylum to the Shah. There are sixty six hostages captured, but six survive. Inspired by watching a sci-fi film with his son, Afleck’s character comes up with an elaborate plan to save the six who have found refuge in the Canadian Embassy.

At the 85th Academy Awards, the film received seven nominations and won three, for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing.

30. Green Book (2018)

Nominated for five Academy Awards and winning Best Picture, Green Book  is a biographical comedy-drama about African-American pianist Don Shirley and Italian-American bouncer and later actor Frank ‘Tony Lip’ Vallelonga. The story was inspired by Shirley’s real life 1962 concert tour of the American Deep South.

Green Book examines racial inequality and the mistreatment of African Americans, while also providing a positive, feel good ending. The name of the movie comes from the The Negro Motorist Green-Book which listed establishments that served black travellers in the segregated South. The movie was well received by audiences and critics alike, with Viggo Mortensen’s portrayal of Don Shirley gaining him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. 

Scene from ‘Green Book’ (2018)

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29. Elizabeth (1998)

The movie that made Cate Blanchett a star, ‘Elizabeth’ is a rich and sumptuous biographical period drama about the last Tudor ruler of England. The story begins with the reign of Elizabeth’s sister Queen Mary and her persecution of Protestants. Throughout the movie we see the ‘Virgin Queen’s’ struggles and successes, though the timeframe of events has been considerably condensed and altered to fit the narrative of the film.

Elizabeth was well-received, though it did face criticism regarding historical inaccuracy. Nonetheless, the true standout is Cate Blanchett, who received her first Academy Award nomination for best actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth I. Interestingly she was not the first choice of director Shekhar Kapur, since Emily Watson was originally offered the role. 

28. The Hurt Locker (2008)

Sergeant First Class William James is the new team leader of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit in the Iraq War. He takes over from much-loved Sergeant Matthew Thompson who was killed by an explosive device. William James (played by Jeremy Renner) is a divisive character, whose maverick techniques often lead to tensions within his unit. Filled with multiple anxiety-inducing moments, the film captures the stress and tensions between American soldiers and members of the Iraqi public, as well as the everyday struggles of EOD units.

Released in 2008, the film won 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. It was, importantly but not surprisingly, the first Best Picture winner to be directed by a woman.

The Hurt Locker (2008)

Image Credit: Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo

27. Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Kubrick’s insight into the Vietnam war in Full Metal Jacket conveys the true lunacy of the conflict, uniquely, through the eyes of a military journalist, who, as a conscripted soldier, wishes to come to some kind of understanding as to why the war is happening. From his coarsening training to his movements through US-occupied Vietnam, he witnesses the horrific dehumanisation of young US conscripts, and how this manifests itself into mindlessly violent treatment towards the Vietnamese civilians AND the enemy VC by the US troops.

Much like our main character, by the end of the film we too are left with no greater understanding as to why this war is taking place. No justification for the lives lost. No sense of reason for the monstrosities we witness. The Oscar nominated film accurately conveys many veterans’ reflection on the war they fought in.

26. War Horse (2011)

Based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved 1982 novel of the same name, Steven Spielberg’s film War Horse captures the horrors of World War One through the eyes of Joey, a young horse raised in the Devon countryside by teenager Albert Naracott. To Albert’s despair, Joey is sold into the army at the outbreak of the conflict, throughout which we see the horse struggle against unimaginable hardship. As Joey’s journey intertwines with the stories of many others caught up in the often senseless violence, we follow the agonising path of the young Albert as he enlists in the British Army, intent on finding his beloved horse.

Enhanced by a stellar cast (Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Emily Watson to name a few), War Horse was also the feature film debut of Jeremy Irvine, whose moving performance as Albert seems to capture the quintessential spirit of the young British Tommy. Nominated for a host of prestigious awards, including Best Picture at the 2011 Academy Awards, it was also named as one of the top films of the year by several critics.

Scene from ‘War Horse’ (2011)

Image Credit: Cinematic Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

25. 1917 (2019)

Director and Producer Sam Mendes’ epic war film was partly inspired by stories his grandfather told him about his service during World War One . The exhilarating story of two British soldiers (played with gravitas and urgency by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) trying to deliver a message to call off a doomed offensive manages to capture the sheer, bloody terror that soldiers felt while charging through the horrific wasteland of No Man’s Land.

In addition to the star-studded supporting cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth and Claire Duburcq, the film was likely so well received because of its emotional poignancy, rather than relying upon action alone to bolster its popularity. Most strikingly, the film was stitched together to appear as if it had been shot in two continuous takes. It cleaned up at the Oscars, being nominated for ten, including best picture, and winning three for sound mixing, cinematography and visual effects. This one’s truly an epic if there ever was one.

24. JFK (1991)

Released under the subtitle The Story That Won’t Go Away, JFK is an American epic political thriller film that explores the events leading up to former US President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. Crucial to the plot is also the examination of the alleged cover-up through the eyes of former New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison. Lee Harvey Oswald being found guilty by the Warren Commission is also depicted in detail. Interestingly – and controversially – writer and director Oliver Stone boldly described the film as a ‘counter-myth’ to the Warren Commission’s ‘fictional myth’.

In spite of the controversy, the film was critically well-received, and went on to do well at the box office. It was also nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, and won for Best Cinematography and Best Editing.

23. Good Morning Vietnam (1987)

Written by Mitch Markowitz, directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robin Williams, this film is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Williams plays DJ Adrian Cronauer, whose  real life experiences are based on the film. Working for Armed Forces Radio, Cronauer’s show always starts with “ Good Morning, Vietnam!” . His irreverent humour and mix of Rock n Roll are a constant source of annoyance to his superior. A friendship, love interest and a rebellious broadcast see Cronauer facing a variety of troubles. 

Robin Williams won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Robin Williams in ‘Good Morning Vietnam’

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22. Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures tells the true stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson (played by Taraji Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe respectively) – a trio of brilliant female African-American mathematicians who played a crucial role at NASA as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit and his safe return, helping turnaround the Space Race. The film celebrates the overlooked yet vital contribution these women made, and follows their rise through the NASA ranks as ‘human computers’ whilst crossing race, gender and professional lines with determination and perseverance to prove themselves.

Although containing a few historical inaccuracies (e.g. when boss Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) smashes the ‘Coloured Ladies Room’ sign – in real life Katherine Johnson refused to walk the extra distance to use the ‘colored bathroom’ and ‘just went to the white one’), the film exposes the everyday racism experienced by the women in a world where inequality was the norm. Despite 3 Oscar nominations, the film left empty-handed, yet its wider impact is of more value. Charities and institutions aiming to improve youth awareness in STEM fields organised free screenings to inspire others, and in 2017 the US Department of State launched an annual ‘Hidden No More’ exchange program, aiming to empower international women leaders in STEM.

Scene from ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)

Image Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

21. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Shortly after he helped renew Hollywood’s appetite for historical epics with his performance as a revenging Roman general in Gladiator , Russell Crowe returned to historical film as Jack Aubrey, a Royal Navy captain at the helm of HMS Surprise . Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was a grand endeavour, with filming taking place at sea and on studio-based hulks. Its production designers went to town in pursuit of authenticity, constructing detailed nautical décor in which to wage Napoleonic-era naval combat, and reportedly used 2,000 hats and 1,900 pairs of shoes to outfit its actors.

Its lukewarm performance at the box office forestalled talk of a sequel. But in a year which saw The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King sweeping the Academy Awards, Master and Commander was nevertheless a critical success, winning Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing. It remains the benchmark for gripping (and more-or-less historically sound) naval action in film.

And now for the top 20, in order, as voted by you…

20. milk (2008).

Directed by Gus Van Sant and screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, Milk is an American biographical film based on gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk , the first openly homosexual person to be elected for public office in California. The 2008 movie showcases the issues LGBTQ+ people faced during Milk’s life with his assassination in 1978 being a truly heart-wrenching moment. The film was released to great critical acclaim, with Sean Penn receiving high praise for his performance as the title character.

During the 2009 Academy Awards, the movie received 8 nominations, including Best Picture. Dustin Lance Black won the award for Best Original Screenplay and Sean Penn took home the Best Actor statue. Many publications considered Milk to be one of the best movies of 2008.

19. American Sniper  (2014)

Directed by Clint Eastwood, this film is a biographical war drama film starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle. The film is based on the real life memoirs of the protagonist. Texan born, Chris Kyle signs up to the US Army after the September 11 attacks and is shortly sent to Iraq, but not before marrying his wife, Taya Studebaker. Despite being visibly upset by his first kills (a woman and child attacking US Marine patrols), he goes on to earn the nickname ‘Legend’ for his eagle-eyed shooting and kill count.

The film then follows Kyle as he goes on to kill many famous al-Qaeda leaders, but struggles to come to terms with life back home. American Sniper received 6 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Cooper, ultimately winning one award for Best Sound Editing.

18. The Queen (2006)

Stephen Frears’s biographical drama film is in many ways a perfect award season movie. It delves into one of the most turbulent times of the British Monarchy, exploring Queen Elizabeth II’s actions following Princess Diana’s death. Helen Mirren delivers a stellar performance as the reserved monarch, gaining an Academy Award for her performance in the process. Tony Blair’s character, portrayed by Michael Sheen, is another standout of the movie.

The Queen is considered to be one of the best movies of 2006, which is reflected in award recognition. The film was nominated for 6 Oscars, 10 BAFTAs and 4 Golden Globes.

Scene from ‘The Queen’ (2006)

Image Credit: inematic Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

17. Life is Beautiful  (1997)

This Italian speaking film is best enjoyed with subtitles on. Set in 1939, it follows a young Italian Jewish couple who fall in love and have a child but are swept up by the occupation of Northern Italy. Guido, Dora and their child Giosue are taken to a concentration camp. They are separated due to their gender, meaning Giosue and Guido remain together whilst Dora goes elsewhere. Determined to stay connected to his wife, Guido pulls off various secretive stunts to communicate with Dora that he and their son are safe. To keep his son from being too scared, he tells him the camp is a game they must win. 

Treating a truly traumatic subject matter with comedy is no easy feat. However, the film managed to navigate it with beauty and grace. It was nominated for 7 Oscars, winning Best Actor, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Dramatic Score.

16. The Right Stuff (1983)

Based on Tom Wolfe’s 1979 book, The Right Stuff tells the story of the US space program’s development, from the breaking of the sound barrier to the selection of the pioneering Mercury 7 astronauts – the first human spaceflight by America. It follows the US Navy and Air Force test pilots involved in aeronautical research at California’s Edwards Air Force Base (including intrepid test pilot Chuck Yeager – generally acknowledged as the best test pilot ever) with their more gung-ho approach than the program’s more cautious engineers would have preferred.

Written and directed by Philip Kaufman, at over 3 hours long, The Right Stuff is partly a grim reminder of the cost of sending humans into space, yet also chronicles the courage and sacrifice it took for the space race to transform from a secret military program into a public relations triumph for the US. The film was a surprising flop at the box office, yet despite this, received widespread critical acclaim. With a cast including Ed Harris, Barbara Hershey, Sam Shepard, Dennis Quaid and Fred War, the film won 4 Oscars, and in 2013, the film was selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

15. Titanic (1997)

Following scooping 11 Oscar wins in 1998, including Best Picture and Best Director, James Cameron’s triumphant cry during his speech that he was ‘the king of the world’, was perceived as either egoistical or defensible. Titanic had emerged triumphant from a production beleaguered by chaotic logistics, spiralling costs, and an often openly outraged cast and crew. It scooped the largest clutch of Academy Awards since Ben Hur and was the first film to make $1 billion dollars at the box office. The reason for the latter achievement is widely accepted to be the astonishing amount of repeat viewings, the author of this piece being amongst those who viewed the film at the cinema multiple (seven) times. 

It all begs the question: where did it all go right? From a purely technical perspective, Titanic is an incredible achievement (textbook Cameron), but over and above the visual spectacle, the film manages to empathetically tell the story of the real life disaster through two fantastically cast leads and an accomplished supporting cast. It’s an emotional triumph as much as it is a technical one, which honours the real life victims and (in the author’s humble opinion) deserves many more rewatches yet.

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic

Image Credit: AJ Pics / Alamy Stock Photo

14. Dances with Wolves (1990)

Kevin Costner’s 1991 masterpiece about the end of the American frontier won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner, the latter whom also stars in the eponymous role. It is one of only three Western films to have won Best Picture, and is widely cited as having revitalised the genre. 

After initiating a near-suicidal action that leads to a Union victory in the American Civil War, Lieutenant Dunbar takes a posting as far away from the action as he can be – the Wild Western frontier. When no additional support arrives, he lives a hermit-like lifestyle until he begins communicating with a local Native American tribe. As he integrates himself into tribal society, he forgets his previous life as John Dunbar and takes the name of ‘Dances with Wolves’. The story has much to say on the human experience – and questions the morality of military and industrial-led expansion into the American wilderness. The landscape is beautifully shot and has a wonderful score – both of which led to further Oscar wins. 

13. Platoon (1986)

The year is 1967, and the Vietnam war has been raging for 12 years. Set in South Vietnam near the Cambodian border, 21-year-old Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) has enlisted in the US Army to fight in the Vietnam War after dropping out of college. It’s not long before Taylor and his comrades, including Sgt. Elias (Willem Defoe), Big Harold (Forest Whittaker) and Lerner (Johnny Depp), realise that moral compromises must be made to facilitate warfare.

Director Oliver Stone draws on his own experience as a veteran of the Vietnam war , which can be keenly felt throughout the film. The movie is less about providing a coherent plot with rising and falling action, and more about highlighting the chaotic pandemonium that is war, from the very bottom ranks to the highest in the platoon. It feels more like a memory than a message, and its story and characters are intentionally disoriented, meaning its audience is too. It was nominated for 8 Oscars and won 4, including Best Picture and Best Director.

12. Forrest Gump (1994)

This heartwarming and incredibly touching film encompasses multiple historical events including the presidencies of JFK and Johnson, the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal – all of which are narrated from Forrest Gump’s perspective as they unfold. It is through Gump’s personal story and agenda that the audience is captivated, in part because, as a man from Alabama with an IQ of 75, his perspective is frequently refreshingly innocent and empathetic. In addition, the historical events he innocently stumbles through are merely incidental accompaniments to his main desire to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart Jenny.

Tom Hanks captivates audiences in his transformative and dignified performance as Forrest Gump, with his delicate balancing act between comedy and sadness rightly winning him the 1994 Best Actor Oscar – just one year after winning the same award for his role in Philadelphia. The film won six Academy Awards in total, including for Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Zemeckis) and Best Visual Effects, with its ingenious placing of Gump in historic situations seemingly interacting with the actual people of the time. Alan Silvestri’s beautiful Oscar-nominated musical score adds even more charm to this touching and magical film that is sure to bring both laughter – and a tear – to your eye.

11. Braveheart (1995)

This 3 hour medieval epic tells of the insurrection of Scotland’s William Wallace against the English in the age of Edward I. It swept the Academy Awards in 1995, winning Best Picture and Best Director for Mel Gibson, who also stars as the hero. 

While the cinematography and (often gory) battle sequences have aged well, Braveheart is well known for playing quite footloose with the history. Wallace himself was a knight, rather than a commoner, and he certainly didn’t have an affair with Isabella of France. That said, it’s a brilliant piece of filmmaking, and really plays on the historical heartstrings through its raw emotion and an Oscar winning bagpipe soundtrack. FREEDOM!

Scene from ‘Braveheart’ (1995)

10. All the President’s Men (1976)

This intelligent political journalism thriller stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as the famous Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein who, in the early 1970s, uncover the Watergate scandal – a conspiracy to cover up abuses of power leading all the way to the Oval Office and eventually to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. Hoffman and Redford are said to have visited The Washington Post ‘s offices for months, attending news conferences and conducting research for their roles.

All the President’s Men won four Academy Awards from its eight nominations, including for Jason Robards as Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee, and Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium for screenwriter William Goldman who brilliantly adapted the bestselling exposé book by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward themselves. Despite director Alan Pakula’s film losing out on the Best Picture award to Rocky , in 2010 it was selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being ‘culturally, historically or aesthetically significant’.

9. The Imitation Game  (2014)

Along with The Theory of Everything, this was one of the most talked-about films of 2014, both because of its subject matter – cracking German World War Two intelligence messages at Bletchley Park – and its stellar leading performance from Benedict Cumberbatch as the brilliant but troubled cryptanalyst Alan Turing . The film’s title quotes the name of the game Turing proposed for answering the famous question, ‘Can machines think?’ in his significant 1950 paper ‘Computing Machinery and Intelligence’.

The film also delves into Turing’s personal life with a particular focus on his struggles with his homosexuality and hormone ‘therapy’ treatment he was subjected to a result. Supported by cast members such as Keira Knightley, Rory Kinnear, Charles Dance and Matthew Goode, the film became the highest grossing independent film of 2014, some $233 million, and garnered eight Oscar nominations, winning for Best Adapted Screenplay.

8. Darkest Hour  (2017)

Gary Oldman stars as Winston Churchill in May 1940, when Britain was very much on the brink of defeat by Nazi Germany. Oldman, who won an Oscar for the role, is barely recognisable as the chaotic and eccentric war leader who drinks champagne at breakfast. However, as the plot moves on, it’s clear Churchill has the true grit to defeat Hitler, and his rousing emotive speech ‘We Will Fight Them on the Beaches’ comes right at the end. 

The film was both critically and commercially successful, garnering 6 Oscar nominations and winning 2.

Screenshot from ‘Darkest Hour’ (2017)

Image Credit: Fair use, Perfect World/Pictures Working Title Films

7. 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Difficult to watch a times, the sense of despair and feeling of anguish emoted in this biographical drama, based on the 1853 slave memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup, is testament to the genius of director Steve McQueen and the performance of Chiwetel Ejiofor along side an all-star cast. Northup, an African-American man who is kidnapped in Washington, D.C. in 1841 and subsequently sold into slavery, endures unspeakable cruelty at the hands of a malevolent plantation owner (Michael Fassbender) alongside unexpected kindness in his struggle not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity.

Shocking, thought-provoking, educational and gripping, 12 Years A Slave depicts the horrific truth of slavery during the 19th century in a purposefully slow and brutal light. The film earned over $187 million on a production budget of $22 million and received nine Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay for Ridley, and Best Supporting Actress. It was also awarded the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture as well as the BAFTA Awards for Best Film and Best Actor for Ejiofor.

6. The King’s Speech (2010)

Colin Firth won an Oscar for his portrayal of Prince Albert, the future King George VI who, to overcome his stammer, reluctantly seeks help from unconventional Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. The men form an unlikely friendship as they work together, aware of the increasing importance of the wireless to the royal family combined with Bertie’s brother David’s increasing neglect of his responsibilities. Following his impromptu ascension to the throne in 1936 because of his brother’s abdication, and against the backdrop of looming war, King George VI relies on Logue to help him make his first wartime radio broadcast after Britain’s declaration of war on Germany in 1939.

Based on true events and featuring an all-star cast, Tom Hooper’s 2011 feel-good film was a major box office and critical success. It was nominated for 12 Oscars, winning 4 overall, including Best Director and the much-coveted Best Picture.

Colin Firth in the King’s Speech

5. Apollo 13 (1995)

This epic film tells the incredible true story of the 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission. En-route to the moon, an on-board explosion deprives the spacecraft of much of its oxygen supply and electrical power, aborting the Moon landing mission. Uttering the immortal line, “Houston, we have a problem”, Commander Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) and his fellow astronauts Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) and Fred Haise (Bill Paxton) must then trust in the improvised scientific and mechanical solutions NASA’s flight controllers and astronauts create to try and help return Apollo 13 to Earth safely. It’s a remarkable insight into what America’s space program achieved with the technology it had available.

The film contains incredible special effects, and its zero-gravity scenes are extremely convincing – because they’re real. The film’s director, Ron Howard, convinced NASA to let him film scenes of weightlessness on its reduced-gravity aircraft, and also went to great lengths to ensure technical accuracy, gaining NASA’s assistance in astronaut and flight-controller training. Featuring an all-star cast that also includes Ed Harris as Flight Director Gene Kranz and Gary Sinise as astronaut Ken Mattingly, Apollo 13 was nominated for 9 Oscars, yet surprisingly won only 2 (for Best Film Editing and Best Sound). Nevertheless, and despite knowing the outcome, it’s a compelling watch.

4. Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Daniel Day-Lewis spent time living as an 18th Century indigenous American in preparation for his starring role in this epic drama set amidst the Seven Years War , or French Indian War. His meticulous preparation pays off as he delivers an astonishingly visceral performance as a frontiersman, adopted into a Mohican family, who is caught up in the savage fighting between Britain, France and indigenous groups, as they struggle for domination of the Ohio Valley and the Great Lakes. 

The story of individuals making their way through the complicated mosaic of war and settlement is compelling, the action is balletic, but in many ways the star is the massive landscape, beautiful yet neutral, dwarfing the intense yet petty human drama that plays along its meadows, mountain paths and rivers.  How multiple Academy Award winner Day-Lewis did not pick up another one for this movie remains a mystery. 

3. Gladiator (2000)

The film that made Russell Crowe into a superstar (and a Best Actor Oscar winner) has possibly the best revenge line in cinema history: ‘My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.’

Even if the evil Emperor Commodus did really exist, the plot borders on fantasy . However, the film opens with one of the finest ancient battles ever seen on film, and progresses with a series of spectacular and very violent gladiatorial contests amongst constant political intrigue. It’s a tear jerking epic of doggedly setting the world back to rights – one fight at a time. It was nominated for a staggering 12 Oscars, and won five, including Best Picture and a Best Actor win for Russell Crowe.

Russell Crowe played Maximus Decimus Meridius, A Hispano-Roman legatus forced into becoming a slave. Screenshot from the movie

Image Credit: Fair use, DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures

2. Saving Private Ryan  (1998)

An incredible  D-Day  opening sequence sees American troops landing to stiff resistance on Omaha Beach, which has been cited as one of the most terrifyingly realistic World War Two battle scenes in cinema . What follows is a mildly implausible plot of a group of men being sent to find one Private Ryan, whose brothers had died on D-Day. The film ends with a remarkable set piece battle amongst a ruined French town – including multiple tanks.

The film was a commercial and critical success, being nominated for 11 Oscars and winning 5, including Best Director for Steven Spielberg, and today is heralded as a classic.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Image Credit: Album / Alamy Stock Photo

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

1993’s Best Picture Academy Award winner – and the winner of History Hit’s best historical film of the last 50 years – tells the story of Oskar Schindler , an industrialist and war profiteer who staffs his Krakow factory with Jews, thus protecting more than 1,000 people from almost certain death in Auschwitz. By the middle of the film, Nazi oppression evolves into the horror of the Final Solution, with a central performance from Ralph Fiennes, who co-stars as the utterly inhuman SS Officer Amon Göth, being particularly notable.

Liam Neeson stars as Schindler himself, portraying him as a morally complex character, both charismatic and womanising. He was duly Oscar nominated for his performance. The film is shot in black and white, except for the famous red jacket of a little 3-year-old girl, which helped it nab a win for Best Cinematography at the Academy Awards. In addition, Steven Spielberg was awarded Best Director.

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

Explore more history through the arts in our Culture section

Contributors: James Carson, Celeste Neill, Lucy Davidson, Teet Odin, Alex Spencer, Kyle Hoekstra, Amy Irvine, Carly Clark, Elena Guthrie, Luke Tomes, Drew Sheldon, Lily Johnson, Annie Coloe, Dan Snow.

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• Locations and Hours
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Film and Television 6A: History of the American Motion Picture

• Historical Film Reviews
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• Browsing by Call Numbers and Subject Headings
• Secondary Source Articles
• Resources on Popular Topics (Pre-1940s)
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Article Databases with Historical Reviews

Additional magazine archives online, print indexes and reprints.

• Oral Histories This link opens in a new window
• Film Analysis Basics
• Citing Sources
• Film & Video Collections This link opens in a new window

Databases used for finding criticism and magazine articles also often contain reviews of films, television shows, and DVDs. Below are some of the key databases with review indexing and content.

See also the newspaper databases for more reviews .

• Media History Digital Library This link opens in a new window Freely available online portal, featuring millions of pages of books and magazines from the histories of film, broadcasting, and recorded sound.
• Cinefiles Scanned images of reviews, press kits, film festival and repertory theater program notes, newspaper articles, and other ephemera from UC Berkeley BAMPFA Film Library and Study Center.

These online magazine archives offer cover-to-cover digitized editions of historical magazines. Note that they do not always include the most recent issues.

• Independent Voices This link opens in a new window Full text of more than 1000 open access alternative publications from the 1960s-1980s covering feminists, dissident GIs, campus radicals, Native Americans, anti-war activists, Black Power advocates, Latinos, LGBTQ+ activists, and more.

Despite the amount of review content now available online, many earlier reviews are still best accessed with print indexes and reprint series. See the UCLA Catalog for the full record and any additional campus copies.

• Variety Film Reviews (1907-1996) more... less... Reprinted reviews from Variety 1907-1996, published in chronological order. Use the index volume to find the exact date of a review.
• Selected Film Criticism (1896-1960) more... less... Reprints of movie reviews and criticism from 1896-1960. Many of the sources reprinted here can be difficult to locate and access otherwise.
• Selected Vaudeville Criticism more... less... Includes reprinted short articles on individual vaudeville performers, and general commentaries on vaudeville as a type of performance.
• Harrison's Reports and Film Reviews (1919-1962) more... less... Reprints from 1919-1962
• American Film Criticism: From the Beginnings to Citizen Kane (Reviews of Significant Films at the Time They First Appeared)
• New York Times Film Reviews (1913-1998) Arts Library Reference PN1995.N482 more... less... Reprints of film reviews from 1913-1998. The historical New York Times is also available online.
• Retrospective Index to Film Periodicals, 1930-1971 more... less... Indexes articles and film reviews in a number of early film periodicals, including Cineaste, Sight & Sound, Village Voice, and Films in Review.
• Film Criticism: An Index to Critics' Anthologies
• An Index to Short and Feature Film Reviews in the Moving Picture World: The Early Years, 1907-1915
• A Guide to Critical Reviews (Part IV: The Screenplay) Arts Library Reference Z5781.S163g more... less... A bibliography of motion picture reviews released from 1927-1963, with an additional supplement covering 1963-1980. Coverage includes popular magazines like Newsweek, Vogue, and Photoplay.
• << Previous: Historical Newspapers
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• Last Updated: Apr 1, 2024 8:53 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.ucla.edu/ftv106A

How to Write a Film Review

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Feature films and documentaries are sometimes used as research sources. They are also used quite frequently as supplemental learning tools in the classroom. A common writing assignment is a critical review or analysis of films.

Your instructor will choose a specific film or documentary for a reason -- because it relates to the material at hand in some way. A good review will explain how the film has enhanced the learning experience, but it should also provide an account of your personal response .

The components and format of your film analysis will depend on the course and your instructor’s preferences, but there are several standard components of a review.

Components to Include in Your Review

The elements listed here do not appear in any specific order. The placement of these items (or the omission of them) will vary, depending on relevance.

You’ll have to decide, for example, if artistic elements are so important that they should be included in the body of your paper (as in a film class), or if they are so seemingly insignificant that they appear at the end (perhaps in an economics class).

Title of the film or documentary: Be sure to name the film in your first paragraph. State the date of its release.

Summary: What happened in this film? As a reviewer, you must explain what happened in the film and express your opinion about the success or failure of the film maker’s creation.

Don’t be afraid to express your opinion, but include specific reasons for likes and dislikes. (You can’t say “it was boring” unless you provide justification.)

Filmmaker: You should do a little research on the person who created this film.

• Is the director or writer a controversial figure?
• Is the filmmaker known for a political stance?
• Does the filmmaker have a significant background?

If the filmmaker is known for controversy, this segment of your paper can be lengthy. Devote several paragraphs to an assessment of his or her other works and establish the significance of this work in the film maker’s career.

Significance to your class: Why are you seeing this film in the first place? How does the content fit into your course topic?

Is this film important for historical accuracy? If you are viewing a motion picture for your history class, be sure to make note of embellishments or over-dramatization.

If you are reviewing a documentary for a history class, be sure to observe and comment on the sources used.

Is this a motion picture based on a play you’ve read in English class? If so, make sure you specify whether the film illuminated or clarified elements you missed when reading the play .

If you are reviewing a film for your psychology class, be sure to examine the emotional impact or any emotional manipulation you observe.

Creative elements: Filmmakers go to great lengths to choose the creative elements of their films. How are these elements important to the overall product?

Costumes for a period film can enhance a film or they can betray the intent of the film. Colors can be vivid or they can be dull. The use of color can stimulate and manipulate moods. Black and white shots can add drama. Good sound effects can enrich the viewing experience, while bad sound effects can destroy a film.

Camera angles and movement can add elements to the story. A jagged transition adds intensity. Gradual transitions and subtle camera movements serve a specific purpose, as well.

Finally, actors can make or break a film. Were the actors effective, or did poor acting skills detract from the film’s purpose? Did you notice the use of symbols ?

Formatting Your Paper

The order and emphasis of your paragraphs will depend on your class. The format will also depend on the course topic and your instructor's preference. For example, a typical documentary review for a history class will follow guidelines for a Turabian book review , unless your instructor states otherwise. A typical outline would be:

• Introduction, to include film title, topic, and release date
• Accuracy of the depiction
• Use of sources
• Creative elements
• Your opinion

A paper for your literature class, on the other hand, should adhere to MLA formatting guidelines . The film would most likely be a feature film, so the outline might go like this:

• Introduction, with title and release date
• Summary of the story
• Analysis of story elements -- like rising action , climax
• Creative elements, use of color, camera techniques, mood, and tone

Your conclusion should detail whether the filmmaker was successful in his or her purpose for making this film, and re-state your evidence. It may also explain how the film was (was not) helpful for illuminating and providing a deeper understanding of a topic in your class.

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The 18 Best Historical Films to Dive Into

Powerful stories, reimagined.

Sometimes, the best (and most exciting) way to learn about history isn't in a classroom—it's through watching a beautifully shot, creatively reimagined depiction of historical events. From musicals that shed new light on old stories (here's looking at you, Hamilton ) to moving films that give unsung heroes the credit they deserve, the best historical films are both faithful retellings of major moments in history and a new way to look at the famous figures and events we thought we knew. For next time you're in the mood for both a dose of history and a new favorite film, allow us to present: The best historical movies ever.

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'Dreamgirls'

If you haven't seen Jennifer Hudson's Oscar-winning turn as Effie White, watch  Dreamgirls  immediately! The film is set in the Motown era and is inspired by the story of The Supremes. Plus, you get to watch Anika Noni Rose  and  Beyoncé alongside Hudson.

'Hidden Figures'

If Hamilton's life story showed us anything, it’s that the most important and prolific people are often forgotten by history. Much like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson getting the lion’s share of attention, the astronauts at NASA may have gotten the glory of going into space, but they wouldn’t have made it there without the brilliant work of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson, as shown in  Hidden Figures .

'Hairspray'

Sure, Tracy Turnblad is a fictional dancing queen, but no matter if you watch the non-musical John Waters film starring a young Ricki Lake or the musical version, they both tackle a lot of hot topics of the '60s that are still relevant today from fighting against racial injustice to body positivity. Both versions are available on  Amazon Prime .

'On the Basis of Sex'

Want more stories about strong women fighting for equality in a man's world? This Felicity Blunt-led film spotlights the Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her fight for women's rights.

Everyone learned in school that Amelia Earhart was a female pilot and disappeared mysteriously, but that's not where her story ended. In this movie directed by Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, you'll get more insight on Earhart's struggles to become a female pilot in a male-dominated world.

If you want more singing about the American Revolution, look to this classic musical. It stars William Daniels (a.k.a. Mr. Feeny from  Boy Meets World ) as John Adams and Blythe Danner, who steals the show as Martha Jefferson.

'Betty and Coretta'

If you loved the passionate way Eliza fought to keep Alexander Hamilton's memory alive, you'll enjoy this film about Dr. Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King. This film was made for Lifetime, but Mary J. Blige and Angela Bassett bring to life the lesser-told stories of the widows of Malcom X and Martin Luther King, Jr. after their husbands were assassinated.

'Suffragette'

If you're interested in the history of women's rights, you need to watch  Suffragette , which centers on the plight of female foot soldiers advocating for their right to vote during the turn of the century in the U.K.

'Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap'

If you love a good musical-slash-history film, check out this documentary directed by Ice-T as he interviews legendary rappers about their experiences.

'The Patriot'

A lot of war movies can be a little on the dull side, but  The Patriot  has some redeeming qualities. This Revolutionary War tale stars Mel Gibson who's out for revenge on the British solider who killed his son. It also features a very dapper Heath Ledger.

'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'

Hedwig and the Angry Inch  isn't actually based on a real person, but this rock musical captures the 1970s glam rock era perfectly, and is a great option for people who don't typically like "musicals." It also stars John Cameron Mitchell (who wrote and created the show) as a transgender punk performer who had her songs stolen by a former lover.

There is a lot more to Frida Kahlo's story than just her famous self-portraits and unibrow. Learn about her challenging life, her tumultuous relationship with her husband, and her creative masterpieces in this film.

'We Are Freestyle Love Supreme'

This original Hulu documentary film chronicles the reunion of Freestyle Love Supreme, an improv hip-hop show. If you need more  Hamilton  in your life, this is probably the closest thing, though you might also want to consider watching  Moana  (yes, the animated Disney movie, available on Disney+) to hear more tracks written and performed by Miranda.

If you're up for another film about American history, this drama follows the story of interracial couple Mildred (Ruth Negga) and Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton). After they're arrested for being married in 1960s Virginia, the couple enters a legal battle that ends with the landmark Supreme Court case that made interracial marriage legal in all 50 states.

'West Side Story'

Before you watch the new version of West Side Story, check out the original film adaptation of this Romeo and Juliet-inspired tale, starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno, before the remake comes out this Christmas.

If you haven't already watched it in history class, this Civil War film is definitely worth a watch. Based on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, Glory follows Col. Robert Gould Shaw as he leads an all-Black volunteer regiment, showing how Black soldiers faced prejudice from both the Union and Confederate armies.

One of the most notable Black women in U.S. history, Harriet Tubman, got the silver-screen treatment in this biopic, starring Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo as the abolitionist, Underground Railroad "conductor," and Union Army solider and spy.

'In the Heights'

This film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's first musical, starring Hamilton cast member Anthony Ramos, is a fun love letter to his NYC neighborhood of Washington Heights, featuring an infectious rap and Latin-infused score. Bonus: If you love the soundtrack, there are even more great songs on the original Broadway album.

Angel Madison is a writer, editor, and crafter living in New Jersey with her teenage daughter and two cats.

Her new venture has predictably received criticism ahead of launch.

By Iris Goldsztajn Published 8 April 24

*fans self*

Sounds like he's open to it!

She's got a knack for playing complex women.

By Andrea Park Published 9 February 24

Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.

By Andrea Park Published 18 September 23

Your daily dose of internet comedy.

By Iris Goldsztajn Published 5 April 23

Take your allyship a step further.

By Bianca Rodriguez Published 5 February 23

All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!

By Amanda Mitchell Last updated 20 December 23

Lots of steamy nudity ahead.

By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated 20 November 23

What about Anne Hathaway, though?

By Iris Goldsztajn Published 16 November 22

Turn to your closet for everything you need.

By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated 3 October 23

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Research Guides

Gould library, cinema and media studies (cams).

• Articles/Web
• Movie Reviews
• BFI Cinema Pressbooks 1920-1940
• Cinema Pressbooks: Warner Bros. Sound Features
• Cinema Pressbooks: Warner Bros. Silent Features
• Cinema Pressbooks: Monogram Pictures
• Cinema Pressbooks: United Artists (Including Eagle Lion)
• History of Cinema: Hollywood and the Production Code
• Major Film Periodicals for Media Research: Series One: Film Daily and Predecessors, 1915-1970
• Major Film Periodicals for Media Research: Series Two: Film Daily Yearbook and Predecessors, 1918-1969
• Other Primary Sources

Search Catalyst for Movie Reviews

• Enter the title of your movie in quotation marks into the search box below. If the title of your movie is a common word or phrase (e.g. "The Birds"), you might want to add the director's name to the search box, outside of the quotation marks. Example: "The Birds" Hitchcock.
• Click "Search"
• Using the options to the left of your search results, filter your results under "Material Type" to "Reviews."
• Further filter your results by "Publication Date" to the years just before and after the original theatrical release of your movie.

Finding Movie Reviews

Search across a broad variety of historical and more contemporary periodicals using a selection of  ProQuest Databases , or search individual databases below.

Additional Movie Reviews and Synopses

• Film Review Annual Call Number: Ref PN1995 .F463 Availability and more information from Catalyst... This source provides the entire text of selected reviews of full length films released during the year. References to other film reviews are included.
• Magill's Cinema Annual Call Number: Ref PN1993.45 .M3 Availability and more information from Catalyst... Yearbook of technical data, credit listings, plot synopses, and reviews of films released in the previous year.
• Magill's Survey of Cinema--English Language Films, First Series by Frank N. Magill, Patricia King Hanson, Stephen L. Hanson Call Number: Ref PN1993.45 .M3 Availability and more information from Catalyst... Comprehensive technical data, credit listings, plot synopses, and reviews of films.
• Magill's Survey of Cinema--English Language Films, Second Series by Frank N. Magill, Stephen L. Hanson, Patricia King Hanson Call Number: Ref PN1993.45 .M32 Availability and more information from Catalyst... Comprehensive technical data, credit listings, plot synopses, and reviews of films.
• Magill's Survey of Cinema--Foreign Language Films by Frank N. Magill Call Number: Ref PN1993.45 .M34 1985 Availability and more information from Catalyst... Comprehensive technical data, credit listings, plot synopses, and reviews of foreign language films.
• Magill's Survey of Cinema--Silent Films by Frank N. Magill, Patricia King Hanson, Stephen L. Hanson Call Number: Ref PN1993.45 .M33 1982 Availability and more information from Catalyst... Comprehensive technical data, credit listings, plot synopses, and reviews of silent films.
• Silent films, 1877-1996 by Robert K. Klepper Call Number: Ref PN1995.75 .K57 1999 Availability and more information from Catalyst... Reviews and criticism of 646 important silent films.
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Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, history movies.

Kim's Video

Brian tallerico.

Peyton Robinson

Tomris Laffly

They Shot the Piano Player

Matt zoller seitz.

The Promised Land

Sheila o'malley.

The Peasants

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Oppenheimer

Film: Movie Reviews and Film Criticism

• Movie Reviews and Film Criticism
• Articles & Databases
• DVDs, Videos, & Streaming Media
• Web Resources

Finding Movie Reviews and Film Criticism

Film criticism provides evidence for Film & Digital Arts criticism assignments. This research guide distinguishes movie reviews from film criticism and pr ovides resources that will help you find criticism and reviews. See the Articles & Databases and Web Resources sections of this research guide for a list of search tools.

Movie Reviews

The purpose of a movie review is consumer in nature. The reviewer is making a judgment about the quality of the movie with the intention of telling the reader whether or not it is worth the time, effort, and money to watch. The reviewer assumes that the reader has not seen the movie and therefore is careful to reveal no spoilers. Reviews tend to be written when the movie is released into theaters, on video or DVD, or in streaming. The quality of reviews varies greatly, ranging from a simple plot summary with a thumbs up or thumbs down to an in-depth examination informed by expertise from film schools and years of film analysis and reviews. Regardless, the purpose of a review is to make a viewing recom mendation.

Examples of movie reviews of Pulp Fiction include:

• James Berardinelli
• Roger Ebert
• Andrew Wickliffe

Film Criticism

The purpose of film criticism is scholarly in nature. The film scholar is also making a judgment of the quality, but is doing so with the intention of making an argument about the meaning of the film or films by providing reasoned consideration and evidence. The scholar assumes that the reader has seen the film in order to better engage the argument – spoilers are irrelevant.

Film scholars have a distinct lens that they use in interpreting films. Their arguments might be based on filmmaker intent with an auteur lens, a formalist analysis of style and aesthetics or visual narrative, or an examination of the biographical or historical context. Their arguments might disconnect and dismantle the meaning of the film from its author’s intent by making a poststructuralist, semiotic, psychoanalytic, or literary analysis from the perspective of the viewer and of society. Their arguments might be a means to social justice intending to challenge the dominant power structures and the status quo by applying ideological Marxist, feminist, postcolonial, or queer approaches. Regardless, the purpose of criticism is to make a scholarly argument.

Examples of film criticism of Pulp Fiction include (you will need to be on campus or logged in to view):

• Davis, Todd F., and Kenneth Womack. “Shepherding the Weak: The Ethics of Redemption in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction.’” Literature Film Quarterly , vol. 26, no. 1, Jan. 1998, p. 60-66. EBSCOhost permalink .
• Jewers, Caroline. “Heroes and Heroin: From ‘True Romance’ to ‘Pulp Fiction.’” Journal of Popular Culture , vol. 33, 2000, pp. 39-61. Link
• Kimball, A.Samuel. “‘Bad-Ass Dudes’ in Pulp Fiction: Homophobia and the Counterphobic Idealization of Women.” Quarterly Review of Film & Video , vol. 16, no. 2, Sept. 1997, pp. 171-192. Link

Criticism as Evidence

As in criticism, the purpose of film assignments tends to be making your own argument about a film or films using reasoned consideration and evidence. The nature of the evidence that will best serve your needs is criticism, not reviews. This research guide shows how to find both criticism and reviews, because the simple fact is that not all films receive critical treatment, but virtually all are reviewed. In those cases where there is no criticism available, you may use reviews as a starting point, especially if they are the more in-depth examinations informed by expertise. However, you will most likely end up making your own reasoned consideration a centerpiece of the study without providing the evidence a film criticism provides.

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How to Write a Movie Review

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 Fact Checked

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 179 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,577,459 times. Learn more...

Whether a movie is a rotten tomato or a brilliant work of art, if people are watching it, it's worth critiquing. A decent movie review should entertain, persuade and inform, providing an original opinion without giving away too much of the plot. A great movie review can be a work of art in its own right. Read on to learn how to analyze a movie like a professional film critic, come up with an interesting thesis, and write a review as entertaining as your source material.

Sample Movie Reviews

Writing an Intro for a Movie Review

• Comparison to Relevant Event or Movie: "Every day, our leaders, politicians, and pundits call for "revenge"– against terrorist groups, against international rivals, against other political parties. But few of them understand the cold, destructive, and ultimately hollow thrill of revenge as well as the characters of Blue Ruin. "
• Review in a nutshell: "Despite a compelling lead performance by Tom Hanks and a great soundtrack, Forrest Gump never gets out of the shadow of its weak plot and questionable premise."
• Context or Background Information: " Boyhood might be the first movie made where knowing how it was produced–slowly, over 12 years, with the same actors–is just as crucial as the movie itself."

• Using stars, a score out of 10 or 100, or the simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down is a quick way to give your thoughts. You then write about why you chose that rating.
• Great Movie: ABC is the rare movie that succeeds on almost every level, where each character, scene, costume, and joke firing on all cylinders to make a film worth repeated viewings."
• Bad Movie: "It doesn't matter how much you enjoy kung-fu and karate films: with 47 Ronin, you're better off saving your money, your popcorn, and time."
• Okay Movie: "I loved the wildly uneven Interstellar far more than I should have, but that doesn't mean it is perfect. Ultimately, the utter awe and spectacle of space swept me through the admittedly heavy-handed plotting and dialogue."

• Great: "Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer's chemistry would carry Fruitvale Station even if the script wasn't as good. The mid-movie prison scene in particular, where the camera never leaves their faces, shows how much they can convey with nothing but their eyelids, the flashing tension of neck muscles, and a barely cracking voice."
• Bad: " Jurassic World's biggest flaw, a complete lack of relatable female characters, is only further underscored by a laughably unrealistic shot of our heroine running away from a dinosaur – in heels."
• Okay: "At the end of the day, Snowpiercer can't decide what kind of movie it wants to be. The attention to detail in fight scenes, where every weapon, lightbulb, and slick patch of ground is accounted for, doesn't translate to an ending that seems powerful but ultimately says little of substance."

• Does the film reflect on a current event or contemporary issue? It could be the director's way of engaging in a bigger conversation. Look for ways to relate the content of the film to the "real" world.
• Does the film seem to have a message, or does it attempt to elicit a specific response or emotion from the audience? You could discuss whether or not it achieves its own goals.
• Does the film connect with you on a personal level? You could write a review stemming from your own feelings and weave in some personal stories to make it interesting for your readers.

Composing Your Review

• When you name characters in your plot summary, list the actors' names directly afterward in parenthesis.
• Find a place to mention the director's name and the full movie title.
• If you feel you must discuss information that might "spoil" things for readers, warn them first.

• Cinematography: " Her is a world drenched in color, using bright, soft reds and oranges alongside calming whites and grays that both build, and slowly strip away, the feelings of love between the protagonists. Every frame feels like a painting worth sitting in."
• Tone: "Despite the insane loneliness and high stakes of being stuck alone on Mars, The Martian's witty script keeps humor and excitement alive in every scene. Space may be dangerous and scary, but the joy of scientific discovery is intoxicating."
• Music and Sound: " No Country For Old Men's bold decision to skip music entirely pays off in spades. The eerie silence of the desert, punctuated by the brief spells of violent, up-close-and-personal sound effects of hunter and hunted, keeps you constantly on the edge of your seat."
• Acting: "While he's fantastic whenever he's on the move, using his cool stoicism to counteract the rampaging bus, Keanu Reeves can't quite match his costar in the quiet moments of Speed, which falter under his expressionless gaze."

• Keep your writing clear and easy to understand. Don't use too much technical filmmaking jargon, and make your language crisp and accessible.
• Present both the facts and your opinion. For example, you might state something such as, "The Baroque background music was a jarring contrast to the 20th century setting." This is a lot more informative then simply saying, "The music was a strange choice for the movie."

• Great: "In the end, even the characters of Blue Ruin know how pointless their feud is. But revenge, much like every taut minute of this thriller, is far too addictive to give up until the bitter end.""
• Bad: "Much like the oft-mentioned "box of chocolates", Forest Gump has a couple of good little morsels. But most of the scenes, too sweet by half, should have been in the trash long before this movie was put out."
• Okay: "Without the novel, even revolutionary concept, Boyhood may not be a great movie. It might not even be "good.” But the power the film finds in the beauty of passing time and little, inconsequential moments – moments that could only be captured over 12 years of shooting – make Linklater's latest an essential film for anyone interested in the art of film."

Polishing Your Piece

• Ask yourself whether your review stayed true to your thesis. Did your conclusion tie back in with the initial ideas you proposed?
• Decide whether your review contains enough details about the movie. You may need to go back and add more description here and there to give readers a better sense of what the movie's about.
• Decide whether your review is interesting enough as a stand-alone piece of writing. Did you contribute something original to this discussion? What will readers gain from reading your review that they couldn't from simply watching the movie?

Studying Your Source Material

• The title of the film, and the year it came out.
• The director's name.
• The names of the lead actors.

• Make a note every time something sticks out to you, whether it's good or bad. This could be costuming, makeup, set design, music, etc. Think about how this detail relates to the rest of the movie and what it means in the context of your review.
• Take note of patterns you begin to notice as the movie unfolds.
• Use the pause button frequently so you make sure not to miss anything, and rewind as necessary.

• Direction: Consider the director and how he or she choose to portray/explain the events in the story. If the movie was slow, or didn't include things you thought were necessary, you can attribute this to the director. If you've seen other movies directed by the same person, compare them and determine which you like the most.
• Cinematography: What techniques were used to film the movie? What setting and background elements helped to create a certain tone?
• Writing: Evaluate the script, including dialogue and characterization. Did you feel like the plot was inventive and unpredictable or boring and weak? Did the characters' words seem credible to you?
• Editing: Was the movie choppy or did it flow smoothly from scene to scene? Did they incorporate a montage to help build the story? And was this obstructive to the narrative or did it help it? Did they use long cuts to help accentuate an actor's acting ability or many reaction shots to show a group's reaction to an event or dialogue? If visual effects were used were the plates well-chosen and were the composited effects part of a seamless experience? (Whether the effects looked realistic or not is not the jurisdiction of an editor, however, they do choose the footage to be sent off to the compositors, so this could still affect the film.)
• Costume design: Did the clothing choices fit the style of the movie? Did they contribute to the overall tone, rather than digressing from it?
• Set design: Consider how the setting of the film influenced its other elements. Did it add or subtract from the experience for you? If the movie was filmed in a real place, was this location well-chosen?
• Score or soundtrack: Did it work with the scenes? Was it over/under-used? Was it suspenseful? Amusing? Irritating? A soundtrack can make or break a movie, especially if the songs have a particular message or meaning to them.

Community Q&A

• If you don't like the movie, don't be abusive and mean. If possible, avoid watching the movies that you would surely hate. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
• Understand that just because the movie isn't to your taste, that doesn't mean you should give it a bad review. A good reviewer helps people find movie's they will like. Since you don't have the same taste in movies as everyone else, you need to be able to tell people if they will enjoy the movie, even if you didn't. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Structure is very important; try categorizing the different parts of the film and commenting on each of those individually. Deciding how good each thing is will help you come to a more accurate conclusion. For example, things like acting, special effects, cinematography, think about how good each of those are. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/terminology_and_starting_prompts.html
• ↑ https://www.spiritofbaraka.com/how-write-a-movie-review
• ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/9-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/writing-help/top-tips-for-writing-a-review
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/summary-using-it-wisely/
• ↑ https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/film-review-1.original.pdf
• ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/7-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_film/film_writing_sample_analysis.html
• ↑ https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/onnyx.bei/dual-credit/movie-review-writing-guide
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-movie-review/
• ↑ https://gustavus.edu/writingcenter/handoutdocs/editing_proofreading.php
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://edusson.com/blog/how-to-write-movie-review

About This Article

To write a movie review, start with a compelling fact or opinion to hook your readers, like "Despite a great performance by Tom Hanks, Forrest Gump never overcomes its weak plot." Then, elaborate on your opinion of the movie right off the bat so readers know where you stand. Once your opinion is clear, provide examples from the movie that prove your point, like specific scenes, dialogue, songs, or camera shots. To learn how to study a film closely before you write a review, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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10 Best Award-Winning Historical Movies of All Time (in Chronological Order)

Movies that are as iconic as the real stories.

Believe it or not, historical epic is one of the oldest film genres ever made. The powerful characters, larger-than-life scenes, and overwhelming action sequences are not only visually stimulating but also leave a lasting impression on the audience. That’s perhaps why most good historical movies remain iconic even years after their release. From Giovanni Pastrone 's Cabiria in 1914 to Robert Eggers ’ The Northman in 2022, historical films have had quite a journey, punctuated by some award-winning, stunning works.

The Northman is already leading in the historical genre, to the extent of becoming one of the best movies of 2022 so far. Like some of its acclaimed predecessors, the Viking epic is a breathtaking piece of storytelling weaved in a well-told narrative. The Northman has indeed stirred up our memories of all the great historical movies produced over the years. So, we decided to celebrate history through cinema, with our top picks of award-winning historical movies in chronological order. So let's get started, shall we?

Related: How 'The Northman' Weaves the Mystical into the Macabre

The Vikings (1958)

In a time when historical movies revolved around, sword-wielding, leather-clad kings and princes, The Vikings charged in with their swashbucklers in boots, furs, and axes. Based on the 1951 novel, The Viking by Edison Marshall , this epic movie narrates the sagas of Viking legend , Ragnar Lodbrok , and his sons.

The plot revolves around Viking prince Einar, and his half-brother, Eric, a former slave, fighting for the throne of Northumbria. But the rivalry is more to do with their love interest, Princess Morgana. Directed by Richard Fleischer , The Vikings stars Kirk Douglas as Einar, Tony Curtis as Eric, and Janet Leigh as Morgana, among others. With admirable cinematography, Orson Welles ’ narration, coupled with the quintessential Viking war sequences, this movie remains a benchmark for many period films.

Ben Hur (1959)

After a record 11 Academy Awards, and rave reviews from fans and critics alike, you cannot call Ben-Hur just a movie; it’s a spectacle that has lasted decades after its creation. The movie is a remake of the eponymous silent film, originally adapted from the 1880 novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ , by Lew Wallace . The plot follows Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince of Judaea, forced into slavery by his former childhood friend, who’s now a Roman imperial. After Ben-Hur’s family is brutally killed, he survives but swears revenge.

The religious epic movie, directed by William Wyler , stars Charlton Heston in the titular role, winning him the Academy Awards for Best Actor of the year for his career-defining performance. With more than 15,000 extras, an epic chariot race scene, and an overwhelming sea-battle sequence, Ben-Hur stands as an example of exemplary filmmaking in the history of Hollywood.

Spartacus (1960)

A historical classic, Spartacus sees another stunning performance by Kirk Douglas in the titular role and Stanley Kubrick ’s filmmaking genius, earning the movie four Academy Awards. Based on the eponymous novel by Howard Fast , the plot is inspired by the story of Spartacus , a leader of a slave revolt, and revolves around the events of the Third Servile War, weaved into a story of freedom, love, and political corruption within the Roman Empire.

Braveheart (1995)

The multiple-award-winning movie is inspired by the 15th-century epic poem, The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun SchirWilliam Wallace by Blind Harry. Mel Gibson helms the movie as the director, producer, and lead actor. He portrays the role of Sir William Wallace , a 13th-century Scottish warrior, who leads his countrymen in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. Braveheart has earned five Academy Awards and been highly acclaimed for its engaging and compelling narrative and production.

Gladiator (2000)

This award-winning movie of the new millennium is also regarded as one of the best period dramas made in the last couple of decades. Ridley Scott ’s magnum opus, or so we would like to believe, Gladiator features Russell Crowe in the titular role of Maximus the gladiator. Once a trusted general of the Roman Emperor, Maximus is made a slave after the emperor’s death. He steals the show with his valiance and fighting skills and leads a massive troop to defeat the army.

Though violent and gore to some extent, the depiction of slavery and enactments of famous battles in this movie are praise-worthy. The ensemble cast also features Joaquin Phoenix , Connie Nielsen , Ralf Möller , Oliver Reed , Djimon Hounsou , Derek Jacobi , John Shrapnel , Richard Harris , and Tommy Flanagan , among others.

Related: Connie Nielsen on Why Working With Joaquin Phoenix & Russell Crowe on 'Gladiator' Was an Unpredictable Gift

The Last Samurai (2003)

This period action-drama film emphasizes the conflict between history and modernism in two very different cultures. Set in 19th century Japan, The Last Samurai follows a veteran soldier, Nathan Algren, who is haunted by his wartime experiences. He is sent to train a Japanese army to stop a rebellion against the new emperor of Japan. But his mission turns into a journey of self-discovery and transformation, giving him a purpose that he never expected.

With lavish settings and rich costumes, accentuated by award-worthy performances by Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe , The Last Samurai is a beautifully-made movie and can be said to be one of Cruise’s best works. Directed by Edward Zwick , The Last Samurai also features Timothy Spall , Billy Connolly , Tony Goldwyn , Hiroyuki Sanada , Koyuki , and Shin Koyamada , in other roles.

Troy (2004)

Though it’s loosely based on Homer ’s Iliad , this movie is more about Achilles than it’s about the city of Troy. Instead of the original decade-long Trojan War, the plot follows a few weeks of the war, with Achilles leading the Myrmidons and the Greek army to invade Troy against Hector’s Trojan army. Brad Pitt’s Achilles is indeed the star of the show here, with his invincible, heroic warrior almost single-handedly wiping out the enemy army.

Troy might be a fictionalized version of the ancient epic poem but stands on its own merit. The legendary saga of power, glory, love, lust, betrayal, and heroism is recreated in a marvelous production, through intense drama and high-octane action. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen , Troy boasts a star-studded cast with Brad Pitt, Eric Bana , Orlando Bloom , Diane Kruger , Brian Cox , Sean Bean , Brendan Gleeson , and Peter O'Toole , among many others.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Another masterpiece by Ridley Scott, this historical epic deals with the complexities of religions through a dark and tragic narrative. Set in the 12th century during the Crusades, the plot follows a French blacksmith, Balian, who heads to Jerusalem to save the city from Sultan Saladin, who in turn is trying to claim the city back from the Christians. The two heroes face each other in the legendary Battle of Hattin, but each of them stands with his own virtues and faith.

The movie’s ensemble international cast is perhaps one of its highlighting features and boasts the likes of Orlando Bloom , Eva Green , Ghassan Massoud , Jeremy Irons , David Thewlis , Brendan Gleeson , Edward Norton , Marton Csokas , Liam Neeson , Michael Sheen , Velibor Topić and Alexander Siddig , among many others.

Let’s say this right away. This isn’t a movie for history buffs or those who swear by historical facts. Based on the 1998 comic series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley , this Zack Snyder directorial is a fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, fought between the Spartans and Persians.

The plot follows 300 Spartan warriors led by King Leonidas ​​​​​​, who battle the invasion led by Xerxes and his army of 300,000 soldiers. Real or not, the movie stands on the portrayal of unparalleled heroism and warriorhood of the Spartans, only heightened by Gerard Butler ’s gritty performance as Leonidas.

Valhalla Rising (2009)

There are many opinions and views on Valhalla Rising , owing to the unsettling violence and brutality. But that’s also what makes this movie so hard-hitting because that’s what you sign up for when you watch a Nicolas Winding Refn movie.

The Danish period drama is set in 11th century Scandinavia and follows a little boy and a Norse warrior-turned-slave called One-Eye, played by Mads Mikkelsen , who travel with a bunch of Christian Crusaders in search of the Holy Land. But the journey leads them to something far dangerous, to an unknown land with dark forces. The catch is that the protagonist is mute, and yet he brings unimaginable violence, which gives the action sequences a unique direction.

Screen Rant

15 movies that nailed historical accuracy.

Audiences love seeing pivotal moments of history portrayed on screen. And these are some of the best and most historically accurate movies out there!

• Some historically accurate movies can be more engaging than fiction, showing that fact can be just as compelling as storytelling.
• Films like "Chapter 27," "Downfall," and "Schindler's List" strive for accuracy, providing detailed depictions of historical events and figures.
• Other films, like Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," focus on one key aspect. There, it's about President Abraham Lincoln's administration, showcasing the political intrigue and deals made to abolish slavery.

While total accuracy in a narrative movie should never be expected, the most historically accurate movies show that sometimes fact can be more engaging than fiction. While movies like Ridley Scott's Napoleon fuel the debate about how much a movie based on a true story needs to adhere to the facts, there are some movies that have managed to depict the actual events in an honest way while still creating a cinematic representation of the story.

Some of the most beloved films in the medium have been inspired by important, tragic, or revolutionary events across human history, and as long as humanity endures, so will its odyssey. But as much as the film industry loves history, artistic license has been taken over and over again, including with inaccuracies in Napoleon and other similar films. Fortunately, some films strive to maintain as much accuracy and truth as they possibly can, whether that truth is glorious, hideous, uncomfortable, or unbelievable.

The 50 Best Movies Of All Time

1 chapter 27 (2007), jared leto stars as the man who killed john lennon.

To say a film that dives into the disturbed mind of a killer is 100% accurate is highly speculative, but Chapter 27 is perhaps the most in-depth exploration of the assassination of John Lennon. Led by Jared Leto in the starring role of Mark David Chapman, the film recreates the week leading up to Lennon's murder and nearly all his doings during his time in New York City in December 1980.

The film is uncomfortable to watch, but then again that's essentially the point. Seeing Chapman interact with other Beatles fans and even just meeting a kid in Central Park is unnerving on every level even before he pulls the trigger. While the movie does not succeed in giving much context or understanding to Chapman or his motivations, it does provide a detailed look at the events leading up to the murder that shocked the world.

Watch On Peacock

2 Lincoln (2012)

Steven spielberg explores the emancipation proclamation.

Steven Spielberg's biopic of President Abraham Lincoln is not the typical biopic as it does not look at the entire life of the man but rather focuses on one key aspect of his administration -- the passing of the amendment to abolish slavery in the United States. It details the political intrigue and deals made behind the scenes to ensure the important part of history was actually created. It also depicts Lincoln as a storyteller and complex leader whose reasons for ending slavery are not as heroic as others.

The film is not only powerful but emotionally gripping as Daniel Day-Lewis plays Lincoln as a weary and steadfast leader holding the weight of the nation on his shoulders as he struggles to keep the thirteenth amendment and his Emancipation Proclamation from dissolving after the Civil War.

Rent Lincoln on Apple TV.

9 American Civil War Movies With Glaring Historical Inaccuracies

3 downfall (2004), the last days of adolf hitler.

Although it was the birthplace of a thousand memes, Downfall should be taken as a brilliant character study that faithfully recreated the last days of Adolf Hitler during the Battle of Berlin in the fall of WWII. The film gives an inside look deep into the bowels of Hitler's Wolf's Den as Germany loses the war. The movie explores different aspects of the h=infamous historical figure that are not often covered in movies, from his crippling insecurities to his health issues.

Because Hitler is such a grotesque historical figure, movies often feel the need to depict him and his evil as inhuman and even cartoonish. While the Fuhrer himself is by no means a sympathetic or heroic character in this film , it's still quite remarkable to see the man at the forefront of the picture instead of a stereotypical Nazi commander or an over-the-top caricature.

4 Schindler’s List (1993)

Spielberg's harrowing look at the horrors of the holocaust.

On the subject of World War II films , the genre would be nothing without the moving and heart-wrenching saga of Schindler's List. Based on the account of Oskar Schindler and the hundreds of Jewish refugees he saved from Germany's concentration camps, it goes into painstaking detail depicting the cruelty of the Nazi party, the indifference to the plight of the Jewish population felt by onlookers, and the compassion had by one man who saved over a thousand.

While there had been many holocaust movies before this, Steven Spielberg's Best Picture winner gave mainstream audiences an unflinching look at one of the darkest moments in human history. While the story of Schindler himself is a fascinating one, it is Spielberg's sequences like the liquidation of the Jewish ghetto that stand out as the most harrowing.

Rent Schindler's List on Apple TV.

5 Joyeux Noël (2005)

The inspiring christmas story set on a battlefield.

Inspired by the famous Christmas Truce of WWI, Joyeux Noël is a war film that is also an unexpected Christmas movie. Excruciating attention to detail was taken to ensure that this emotional tale of war, brotherhood, and peace was given the proper respect it deserves. The movie takes a look at the soldiers on both sides of the fight and the harsh realities of their dangerous lives in the trenches mixed with the welcome reprieve from the fighting.

So much attention to historical accuracy was given that the biggest deviation from actual events concerned the fate of a stray cat that wandered into the trenches , making him captured instead of being shot by French soldiers. A charming anecdote, but one that shows how dedicated the filmmakers were in preserving and presenting this story.

Watch On Tubi

6 12 Years A Slave (2013)

Solomon northup's unjust journey to freedom, 12 years a slave.

Few people knew about the story of Solomon Northrup before 12 Years A Slave won Best Picture , but it is an unbelievable and harrowing story set during the dark period of American history. Solomon is a free Black man living in New York with his family when he is kidnapped and illegally sold into slavery.

The portrayal of slavery in the United States is among one of the periods that undergoes the most rewriting once a project tackling the subject reaches Hollywood. Perhaps out of fear people won't flock to theaters to witness the depiction of atrocities that not far in the past, movies about slavery fail to do the period justice. Steven McQueen's movie glosses over nothing as it shows the many faces of racism, inhumanity, and barbaric cruelty Solomon and the other slaves face.

Watch 12 Years A Slave on Apple TV

7 Spotlight (2015)

Journalists expose the crimes of the catholic church.

Spotlight is another Best Picture winner that excels in telling a true story accurately and making the details of the truth speak for themselves. Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Mark Ruffalo star as part of an investigative team with the Boston Globe who help to uncover the long history of abuse by Catholic priests and the church's cover-up of those events. It is easy to see how most movies would simplify the story for a Hollywood version, shrinking the team to fewer heroes or ignoring the investigation's disruption due to 9/11, but Spotlight is committed to the entire story.

Spotlight premiered in 2015, a little over half a decade after the events it portrays took place in real life. Even though that might seem little to consider historical accuracy, it must be acknowledged that the world in 2015 was very different from the world in 2001, mostly due to technological advancements. From giant and clumsy computers to the characters' fashion choices, Spotlight delivered on those small details.

Watch On Max

8 All The President's Men (1976)

An investigation into the watergate scandal.

Like Spotlight, All the President's Men is a movie about investigative journalism that requires as keen an eye for detail as the journalists in the movie have with their work. If a movie is undergoing the task of portraying on screen one of the biggest scandals to ever occur in American politics, the filmmakers want to make sure they do it right, and nailing the specifics is an absolute must.

That was the daunting task facing the Best Picture-winning All The President's Men , and the movie met the challenge going as far as having the executive editor of The Washington Post at the time of the Watergate Scandal consult for the movie. This ensured the offices and the two main characters were the spitting image of the actual journalists on the case.

Watch On Prime Video

9 Zodiac (2007)

A detailed examination of the unsolved serial killer case.

David Fincher has taken on some ambitious and unique projects throughout his career, and the 2007 movie Zodiac might just be one of the best projects the director was involved in. The movie is a look at the decades-long investigation into the Zodiac Killer as police and journalists attempt to uncover who is behind the murders that gripped the people of San Fransisco in the 1970s. Drawning from those investigators, survivors of the attacks, and police details, the movie is an eerie recreation of the mystery.

Extremely influenced by All The President's Men and nailing each and every necessary detail, Z odiac doesn't make up a satisfying conclusion to the movie in order to appease audiences. Instead, it embraces the real-life implications of the story, which further imprints a lot of character into the film and gives it an A+ in historical accuracy.

Watch On Showtime

10 Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

A look at both sides of the pearl harbor attacks.

The attack on Pearl Harbor is one of the most impactful events in American and Japanese history. What sets this film apart from other movies that took many liberties with their historical portrayals is the team of people involved. Tora! Tora! Tora! made the groundbreaking decision to involve both sides of the story in the making of the film, making it a joint production between the two countries discussed in the movie. Research that gathers material from several sources and not just one side is bound to result in a much more accurate portrayal than a biased view.

While movies like Midway and Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor turn the historical event into an action blockbuster, Tora! Tora! Tora! is a much more nuanced and interesting look at the event while still keeping an epic feel.

Rent Tora! Tora! Tora! on Apple TV.

11 A Night To Remember (1958)

The depiction of the titanic tragedy that influenced james cameron.

Before Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio were Rose and Jack in the epic Titanic, helmed by director James Cameron, the public got to witness the history of the famous ship all the way back in 1958. While Cameron did have an enormous budget and technology to work with, his take on the sinking Titanic was widely romanticized by focusing largely on the love story. On the other hand, A Night To Remember went to great lengths to accurately portray the several people involved, the class dissonance, and what led to the sinking in the first place, among many other details.

Looking at A Night to Remember, it is clear that Cameron was heavily influenced by the historically accurate depiction of the sinking and that the research of the two movies overlaps in some areas. There are moments from A Night to Remember that are depicted nearly identically in Cameron's Titanic , making it a must-watch for fans of Cameron's epic.

10 Surprisingly Funny Historical Dramas

12 apollo 13 (1995), the telling of a desperate nasa rescue mission.

Apollo 13 had everything to be great and, simultaneously, everything to flop. The fact that this milestone in human history was so ingrained into people's minds and heavily documented meant the production team had plenty of information to draw from. But it also meant everyone would heavily criticize it if something was off. Ron Howard didn't want to take the chance that the latter would happen and made sure to surround himself with NASA consultants and special permissions to film in given places.

The movie is an intense and thrilling look at the rescue mission that gripped the nation when a trio of astronauts faced a catastrophic issue while in space. From the movie's recreation of the zero-gravity atmosphere to the brilliant and innovative work of the engineers on the ground, the movie was thrilling just from showing how the real situation unfolded.

Rent Apollo 13 on Apple TV.

13 Full Metal Jacket (1987)

A real-life boot camp instructor elevates stanley kubrick's vietnam movie, full metal jacket.

The disastrous results of the Vietnam War on every party involved have been heavily explored by Hollywood throughout the years, often giving birth to some of the rawest and most incredible pieces of cinema out there. Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket is one such movie, with its portrayal of the time and the environment reaching near perfection thanks to the extensive research carried out by the director.

One of the most memorable and effective examples of the movie's realism is the casting of R. Lee Ermey as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. The first half of the movie depicts the soldiers' experiences in boot camp with this abusive, profane, and darkly hilarious instructor. Ermey was a real-life boot camp instructor and his experience brings authenticity to that entire section of the story which informs the rest of the movie. Ermey earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.

Rent Full Metal Jacket On Apple TV.

14 The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford (2007)

An unheroic look at an american icon.

Incredibly long title aside, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford gives a completely different take on what audiences were used to from a Western movie. Less guns and exaggerated violence, more attention paid to the details surrounding the characters, their outfits, their dialogues, and their motivations. It depicts the murder of outlaw Jesse James by a former colleague, Robert Ford (Casey Affleck), but it is the story leading up to that point that is truly fascinating.

Along with the detailed account of the various characters within James' life, it is a more honest and unromantic look at the life of an outlaw in the Old West. Indeed, Jesse James is often depicted in movies as a Robin Hood-like antihero, but Brad Pitt's take on the character is a paranoid, ruthless murderer more accurate to his real persona .

Rent The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford on Apple TV.

15 The Lion In Winter (1968)

An oscar winner with notable stars.

The Lion In Winter might be guilty of investing too much in the heavy romanticization that was often seen in medieval-era movies of the past. However, that doesn't result in its downfall but can be largely ignored in favor of what it does get right. The star-studded Oscar-winning movie details the reign of Henry II as his sons seek to inherit the throne and he reunites with his imprisoned wife.

This 1968 movie is incredibly accurate where political intrigue is concerned and went to great lengths in order to correctly portray just how tense and complex the political situation was at the time. The historical accounts of the era are more vague than some historical dramas set in more modern times, but its sharp dialogue and accuracy to the known events make it an engrossing look back in time.

Rent The Lion in Winter On Apple TV.

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How To Write a Historical Drama Screenplay (Free Beat Sheet Template)

It's all about research, worldbuilding, and execution..

'Napoleon'

Historical dramas and epics are some of the most fun movies to see in the theater. They always feel so large and so sweeping. They transport you somewhere and introduce you to people who have shaped the world we have today via actions in the past.

Creating a captivating historical feature film screenplay requires a unique blend of creativity, research, and adherence to storytelling principles. That's why I wanted to work on historical genre screenplays with you today.

In this guide, we'll delve into the art of crafting a compelling historical screenplay that not only respects the past but also resonates with modern audiences. We'll explore essential tropes that add depth to your narrative and provide you with a beat sheet template to keep your script on track.

If that sounds good, then keep reading.

The Power of History in Film

Credit: DreamWorks Distribution

Whether it's a biopic or historical fiction or just a movie that takes place in the past, feature films have the incredible ability to transport audiences to different eras, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the past.

As someone who has written a few ideas like this, I can tell you that these films offer a window into history while tackling universal themes that continue to resonate today.

They also give you the freedom to explore anything that piques your interest.

Whether it's exploring personal stories against a backdrop of major events or shedding light on lesser-known historical figures, the possibilities are endless.

You just have to choose what to write about...

How To Pick a Period in History To Write About

Greta Gerwig on the set of 'Little Women'

Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing

The first step in crafting a captivating historical screenplay is selecting a specific time period, event, or figure that resonates with you. Whether it's a pivotal historical event or a lesser-known story, your passion for the subject will infuse authenticity and depth into your screenplay.

As always, write what you care about. Don't pick someone because they're famous or because you think it's marketable. Pick stuff you really want to explore and will enjoy immersing yourself within.

These kinds of films have to be authentic. Devote ample time to thorough research. Dive into primary and secondary sources, such as books, journals, letters, and artifacts from the chosen era. Museums, libraries, and online databases can provide a wealth of information to enrich your understanding of the historical context.

Nothing is more fun than going to a museum with a notebook and just jotting down scene ideas and character ideas and taking relevant photos. It's wonderful.

When I'm picking a historical topic, I try to identify timeless themes like love, power, resilience, and justice that will resonate with modern audiences.

You want to find a powerful connection between the past and the present.

Once you've done the research, it's time to write the screenplay .

Balance Fact and Fiction

'Barry Lyndon'

Credit: Warner Bros.

This might shock you, but a lot of times historical movies in Hollywood are not 100% factual.

The thing is, your writing needs to be entertaining above all else. That means while historical accuracy is crucial, creative liberties are often necessary to enhance the narrative.

Balancing authenticity with storytelling allows you to create a compelling cinematic experience while staying true to the essence of the past.

Worldbuilding in History

Steven Spielberg, on the set of 'Lincoln'

Credit: 20th Century Studios

Worldbuilding is one of my favorite aspects of writing. You get to transport your audience to another time through detailed descriptions of settings, costumes, and atmospheres.

Put all this stuff in the action lines. Describe the world, tell us about the garb, drop in little facts. Engaging visuals immerse viewers in the historical world and enhance their connection with the story.

Historical Film Beat Sheet Template

A beat sheet is a roadmap that outlines the key plot points and character arcs of your screenplay. While the structure of a historical feature film screenplay mirrors that of any other genre , the historical setting adds unique layers to your storytelling.

I took the liberty of drawing up a beat sheet that you can use to brainstorm your historical movie idea.

• Introduction to the Era: Introduce the time, place, and major historical events that will frame your story.
• Meet the Protagonist: Present your main character's everyday life, aspirations, and flaws, while hinting at their connection to the upcoming historical events.
• Inciting Incident: Launch the story with a pivotal event that disrupts the protagonist's life and propels them toward the central conflict.
• Historical Event Integration: Seamlessly weave your characters' arcs into the historical events, offering an authentic perspective on how ordinary lives are impacted.
• Rising Tensions: Escalate conflicts and obstacles, forcing the protagonist to evolve as they confront challenges.
• Forbidden Love/Complicated Relationships: Introduce romantic interests or intricate relationships that mirror the societal tensions of the era.
• Midpoint Twist: Reveal a significant turn of events that reshape the protagonist's goals and strategies.
• Moment of Doubt: Push the protagonist to the brink of giving up, testing their commitment to their goals.
• Climactic Historical Event: Build toward a climactic scene where historical events and personal stakes collide.
• Resolution and Transformation: Conclude the protagonist's arc, showcasing their growth and reflecting on how historical events have impacted them.
• Legacy: Highlight the lasting impact of the protagonist's actions on history and the world around them.

Crafting a historical feature film screenplay is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By incorporating essential historical tropes and utilizing a well-structured beat sheet template, you can create a narrative that bridges the gap between past and present, captivating audiences with its depth and resonance.

Remember, the key lies in striking a balance between historical accuracy and engaging storytelling, ensuring that your screenplay both educates and entertains.

Now, go get writing.

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What is the "Chosen One" Trope?

And how is it used in screenwriting for film and tv.

When it comes to telling stories about heroes, there are plenty of tropes surrounding the protagonist . The one I have the most trouble writing is called the Chosen One, but it's also one of my favorites to watch.

The Chosen One trope is one of the most common in literature, film and TV. It's at the center of two of the biggest franchises of all time, and every year people try to mimic the storytelling device to find their own fortune on the spec market .

So today, I'm going to crack into the trope, define it, show some examples, and try to catch you up to speed on it while learning about it myself.

Let's dive in.

The Chosen One Definition

The trope of the Chosen One is a literary device where an individual, often the protagonist, finds themselves singled out by destiny, a prophecy, or their unique lineage to fulfill a monumental task—usually to save the world.

Why We Love The Chosen One Trope

Wonder Woman 1984

Warner Bros.

This trope plays into people's needs and desires to feel special. We like reading or watching a character who has been annoyed out of the ordinary, or preordained to do something great.

Many people live boring lives. I am one of them. Sometimes it's nice to think there are parts of the cosmos that are pulling the strings and picking and choosing which one of us will find success or have an amazing life.

This trope is so popular that it's responsible for what I consider to be the two biggest franchises of all time, Harry Potter and Star Wars .

But the history is deeper than that.

The History of the Chosen One

The Chosen One trope has deep, ancient roots. Like from the beginning of storytelling time.

Mythologies often feature heroes or demigods who are divinely selected to perform extraordinary feats.

Think of figures like King Arthur, Perseus, or Moses—all guided by a higher purpose beyond their choosing. This theme weaves through religious narratives as well, with prophets and messiahs playing crucial roles dictated by their faith.

The Chosen One trope gained even more traction in the realm of fantasy literature and later transitioned seamlessly into film and television.

From Tolkien's Lord of the Rings to the modern phenomenon that is Game of Thrones , and its Prince That Was Promised, authors continue to tap into the trope's inherent appeal.

The Global Reach of the Chosen One Trope

Kung Fu Hustle

Columbia Pictures

The thing that's special about this trope is that it';s not just an American thing. It has its roots in Greek mythology, but also pops up across the world in different stories, meaning it has a universal appeal and imagination.

While the Chosen One trope flourishes in Western cinema, its presence extends far beyond.

Here are a few examples:

• Bollywood : Indian cinema embraces the idea of the Chosen One. Films like Baahubali and Krrish feature protagonists with exceptional abilities or divine origins tasked with defeating great evils.
• Chinese Cinema: Kung Fu Hustle and other martial arts movies often have unlikely heroes with hidden potential who emerge to face off against powerful villains. This theme stems from the Wuxia literary tradition in China.
• Japanese Anime : Chosen Ones are a mainstay of anime , from Naruto to Sailor Moon , where teenagers with extraordinary abilities become beacons of hope. The trope often connects with themes of legacy and inherited powers.

Examples of The Chosen One Trope in Film and TV

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

We built it up enough, let's take a look at a few examples that I think properly highlight the trope.

Classic Examples:

• Neo from The Matrix : Quite literally "The One" prophesied to break the system and liberate humanity from the Matrix.
• Luke Skywalker from Star Wars : The son of a powerful Jedi, destined to use the Force to defeat the Galactic Empire and his own father, Darth Vader.
• Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series: "The Boy Who Lived," targeted by the dark wizard Voldemort, carries the prophecy to vanquish evil.
• Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer : The latest in a long line of vampire slayers, Buffy inherits extraordinary powers and the responsibility to protect the world from supernatural forces.

Slightly Tweaked Examples:

• Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings : An unassuming hobbit becomes the unlikely ring-bearer, tasked with destroying the One Ring and ending the reign of Sauron.
• Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games : Initially a volunteer in the place of her sister, Katniss becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol, defying expectations along the way.
• John Connor from the Terminator franchise: As the foretold leader of the human resistance against Skynet, John's very survival is crucial to humanity's future.
• Wonder Woman (Diana Prince) from DC Comics: Daughter of Zeus and Queen of the Amazons, she's destined to become a bridge between the world of the gods and humans, bringing peace and understanding.

Subversions of the Trope:

• Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender : While technically the Chosen One (the Avatar), Aang is also a child who simply wants to have fun. The series explores the burden of responsibility even when one might not be 'ready'.
• Shrek from Shrek : An ogre living in a swamp, the opposite of a classic hero, finds himself thrust into a fairy tale quest, poking fun at the very concept of destiny along the way.
• Enola Holmes from Enola Holmes : While having a famous detective brother (Sherlock), Enola breaks from the mold. She carves her own path, using her wit and skills to solve her own mysteries, defying the expectation that the Chosen One must be male.

The Chosen One trope taps into a fundamental human desire for something greater than ourselves. We yearn for heroes in a complicated world.

These narratives offer hope and a sense of purpose, assuring us that even an ordinary person can rise to extraordinary challenges if fate calls upon them.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

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The Best Historical Films You Haven't Watched (Yet)

Not all historical films are action blockbusters. Many of them go past our radar despite their quality. Check out these cinematic hidden gems!

Are you ready to go on a cinematic journey through time? Get ready to discover some hidden historical gems! We all have our favorite historical movies, but many underrated films deserve more attention. This list has everything from epic battles and royal scandals to inspiring biopics and heart-wrenching dramas. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and dive into the world of lesser-known yet impressive historical films.

Update July 10, 2023: History is all the rage in Hollywood right now as Oppenheimer approaches its release, and the trailer for Napoleon has just been released, so this list has been updated with even more underrated historical films.

There is no shortage of historical movies out there; some go overboard by portraying fantastic elements, but this never dilutes their historical value. If you're tired of watching the same old blockbusters and want to discover something new and exciting, we've curated a list of the best historical films you likely haven't watched, from gripping war dramas to little-known biopics that will transport you back in time.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey into history's darkest corners with our must-watch historical movies.

25 Exodus (1960)

Exodus is a sweeping epic that tells the story of the founding of the modern state of Israel. The film is notable for its impressive production values and ability to capture the political and social upheaval of the period. The movie's script pays close attention to many historical details, including the settlement of the first establishments of Jewish people in the former region of Palestine. The direction and music score are top-notch, especially when combined with powerful performances by an all-star cast that includes Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, and Peter Lawford, to make it a standout in the genre of historical epics. The film's portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the Israeli people also lends it a timeless quality, allowing it to resonate with audiences decades after its initial release.

24 Zulu (1964)

Zulu is a 1964 British epic historical war film depicting the Battle of Rorke's Drift between the British Army and the Zulu Kingdom. Set in 1879 during the Anglo-Zulu War, it chronicles the story of 150 British soldiers who successfully held off a force of 4,000 Zulu warriors, despite having numerous sick and wounded among their ranks. The film stars Stanley Baker, Michael Caine, Jack Hawkins, and Ulla Jacobsson. The screenplay was written by Cornelius Ryan and directed by Cy Endfield.

Almost taken page-by-page from British history books, this movie was shot entirely in South Africa and depicted the battle as a victory of British colonization over African savagery. The film has garnered a lot of criticism over the years for its depictions of racial stereotypes and violence. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the best historical war films ever.

23 The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)

The Fall of the Roman Empire is a 1964 American epic film directed by Anthony Mann, starring Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Alec Guinness, James Mason, Christopher Plummer, and Omar Sharif. The film was deemed a box office bomb, losing an estimated $12 million. The movie chronicles the life of Marcus Aurelius, from his youth as a member of the ruling class in Rome through his later years as emperor. The story focuses on Aurelius' battle with Germanic tribes invading the empire and his eventual death at the hands of his son Commodus (Boyd).

This film was not well-received upon its release but has garnered a cult following among fans with time. The Fall of the Roman Empire is now considered one of the best historical films ever.

22 Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

Tora! Tora! Tora! is a 1970 American epic historical war film dramatizing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent United States declaration of war on Japan. The film was directed by Richard Fleischer, Toshio Masuda, and Kinji Fukasaku. It starred an ensemble cast of American and Japanese actors, including Martin Balsam, So Yamamura, E.G., Marshall, James Whitmore, Tatsuya Mihashi, Jason Robards, Henry Fonda, and Charlton Heston. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (for Richard Fleischer), but only won Best Visual Effects.

As part of commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 2016, the Library of Congress selected Tora! Tora! Tora! for preservation in the National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant."

21 Waterloo (1970)

Waterloo is a classic directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, starring Rod Steiger, Christopher Plummer, and Orson Welles as Louis XVIII of France. The performances are powerful and nuanced, bringing to life the historical figures they portray with authenticity and depth. The film tells the story of the Battle of Waterloo from the perspective of Napoleon Bonaparte. The film is notable for taking a few liberties in portraying the events leading up to the battle and its depiction of the conflict.

Related: 20 Classic Movies About Controversial Historical Figures

Waterloo has received critical acclaim for its attention to detail, stunning battle sequences, and outstanding performances. Upon its release, the film received several accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score and BAFTA nominations for Best Costume Design and Best Art Director. The film would eventually become a huge source of inspiration for many future filmmakers, most notably Peter Jackson, who said the scope of his Lord of the Rings trilogy is mainly drawn from this film. The upcoming Ridley Scott-directed Napoleon will have a lot to live up to.

20 A Bridge Too Far (1977)

A Bridge Too Far is a 1977 epic war film based on the 1974 book of the same name by Cornelius Ryan. The film tells the story of Operation Market Garden, an Allied military operation in September 1944 during World War II intended to break through German defenses and seize a series of bridges leading to the Netherlands. The operation was undertaken by American, British, Polish, and Canadian forces, and it was the largest airborne operation up to that time. The operation was unsuccessful, and many soldiers were killed or captured.

The film stars an ensemble cast that includes Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Anthony Hopkins, Hardy Krüger, Dirk Bogarde, Robert Redford, James Caan, Liv Ullmann, Gene Hackman, Laurence Olivier, and Ryan O'Neal. A Bridge Too Far was directed by Richard Attenborough and produced by Joseph E. Levine and Richard P. Levine. It received mixed reviews from critics but was nominated for eight BAFTA Awards, winning Best Sound, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Music, and Best Cinematography.

19 Glory (1989)

Not many films accurately tackle the horrors of the American Civil War, including the rampant racism that plagued both sides fighting the war. Edward Zwick did his best to change this with this minor hit from 1989. Glory is a war drama recounting a romanticized version of the achievements of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, one of the first all-Black units during the American Civil War.

Directed by Zwick and with a screenplay by Kevin Jarre, Glory tells a powerful and inspiring story about the brave men who faced the Confederacy and their mandate to kill black soldiers alongside their white superiors. This fantastic film features the talents of Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman, who does incredible work depicting the struggles of the era . It was made on a budget of $18 million and only recouped $27 million at the box office. It's fair to say it deserves a second chance by audiences.

18 Curse of the Golden Flower (2006)

Though less well-known than some of its predecessors on this list, Curse of the Golden Flower is a 2006 Chinese historical drama worth your time. Starring Chow Yun-fat, Gong Li, and Jay Chou, the film is set in the Tang Dynasty and tells the story of Emperor Ping and his Empress, who are struggling to maintain their power amidst court intrigue and rebellion. The film's plot is equally enthralling, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.

Visually, Curse of the Golden Flower is a feast for the eyes, with lavish costumes and settings that will transport you back in time. If you're looking for a historical drama that's a little off the beaten path, Curse of the Golden Flowe r is worth checking out.

17 Arn: The Knight Templar (2007)

If you're a fan of medieval action epics, then Arn: The Knight Templar is a must-watch. The film is a captivating historical epic telling the story of Arn Magnusson, a young Swedish nobleman who joins the Knights Templar during the Crusades. The film is notable for its breathtaking cinematography, impressive battle sequences, and strong performances from its talented cast.

Starring Joakim Nätterqvist, Sofia Helin, and Stellan Skarsgård, the film boasts a skilled cast that brings depth and authenticity to their roles. Director Peter Flinth expertly captures the harsh beauty of medieval Europe, immersing viewers in a vivid and authentic depiction of the era. The film's attention to historical accuracy and detail adds to its appeal, offering a glimpse into the time's religious conflicts and cultural clashes.

16 Agora (2009)

Agora is a 2009 Spanish historical drama written and directed by Alejandro Amenábar and co-written bt Mateo Gil. The film stars Rachel Weisz as Hypatia of Alexandria, a female mathematician, philosopher, and astronomer in 4th-century Roman Egypt who investigates the flaws of the geocentric Ptolemaic system and develops her theory about the universe's heliocentricity. As the Roman Empire crumbled in the 4th century A.D., religious fanatics led by Cyril of Alexandria were hell-bent on destroying anything representing pagan culture—including the renowned Library of Alexandria. When Hypatia refuses to renounce her beliefs, she becomes Cyril's next target.

Related: Historical Dramas That Get It Right

Agora is an epic story of courage and conviction set against one of history's most turbulent eras. Weisz delivers a knockout performance as Hypatia, a woman whose groundbreaking theories ultimately lead to her tragic demise.

15 Pope Joan (2009)

Pope Joan is a historical movie directed by Sönke Wortmann, starring Johanna Wokalek in the title role. The film is based on the legend of Pope Joan, a woman who allegedly disguised herself as a man and rose to the papacy in the 9th century. Despite its subject matter, Pope Joan is not a particularly religious film. Instead, it focuses on the personal story of Joan, who is driven by her ambition and intellect to achieve great things. However, her true identity is discovered when she gives birth during a papal procession.

Pope Joan is an intriguing and thought-provoking film that challenges traditional ideas about gender and power. Wokalek performs strongly, and the film's period setting is well-rendered. If you're looking for a historical drama different from the usual fare, Pope Joan is worth seeking out.

14 Black Death (2010)

The Black Death is a 2010 historical film directed by Christopher Smith. It stars Sean Bean as Ulric , a Knight Hospitaler who accompanies a young monk (Eddie Redmayne) to find a cure for the Black Death. The film also stars Carrie-Anne Moss and John Lynch. Set in medieval England, The Black Death follows the story of Ulric and his companions as they travel to a remote village to find a cure for the plague ravaging the country. Along the way, they must face many challenges, including hostile villagers, murderous bandits, and the ever-present danger of the disease itself.

Although it may not be one of the most well-known historical films, The Black Death is worth watching. It's an excellent example of how powerful and entertaining history can be.

13 Centurion (2010)

In 2010, director Neil Marshall brought us the historical action film Centurion . The film is a gripping historical tale about a group of Roman soldiers who must fight for their lives against a tribe of Pictish warriors in 2nd-century Scotland. The film is notable for its attention to historical accuracy, its gritty and realistic portrayal of ancient warfare, and its outstanding cast. Starring Michael Fassbender, Olga Kurylenko, and Dominic West, the cast's powerful performances bring its characters to life with depth and complexity.

A talented crew, including director Neil Marshall, supports the cast, who expertly balances the film's action and drama. Centurion has received critical acclaim for its authenticity and engaging storytelling, earning Best British Film and Best Production Design nominations at the Empire Awards. The film's impressive use of real Scottish locations and attention to detail in its depiction of ancient Roman and Pictish cultures make it stand out in historical epics.

12 The Eagle (2011)

Another British historical drama film set in 140 AD starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell, The Eagle is considered by many a proto-sequel to Centurion since the two stories are historically linked. The film follows the story of Marcus Aquila (Tatum), a Roman centurion who sets out to find his father's lost legion in Britain. Along the way, he teams up with Esca, a British slave who hates Romans but begrudgingly agrees to help Marcus on his quest.

The Eagle is an underrated gem that deserves more attention . The film is visually stunning, with sweeping shots of the British landscape. The acting is also top-notch, with Tatum and Bell giving great performances.

11 The Physician (2013)

The Physician is a 2013 historical drama film directed by Philipp Stölzl, starring Tom Payne, Ben Kingsley, Emma Rigby, and Oliver Martinez. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Noah Gordon. It tells the story of Rob Cole, a young man in medieval England with a natural gift to identify illnesses and dreams of becoming a physician, despite being born into a family of clothiers. With the help of his friend and mentor, John Marnin, Rob sets out on a journey to study medicine in Persia, where he meets physician Ibn Sina and falls in love with a woman named Rebecca.

Related: Best Historical TV Shows of All Time, Ranked

The Physician is an epic tale of ambition, courage, and determination. It's a film that celebrates the human spirit and the power of knowledge. The acting is superb, the cinematography is beautiful, and the story is heartwarming and tragic. This is a film that should not be missed.

10 42 (2013)

It's refreshing to take a bit of a detour and appreciate a film that still recounts significant historical events without all the gruesome visuals of war. 42 is a chronicle of the groundbreaking journey of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, the first black man who played in the Major Leagues of Baseball by merit. The story was set in 1945, and while the film offers a heartwarming story, it's difficult to do so without showcasing an accurate portrayal of the racism of the era.

The film was written and directed by Brian Helgeland. It features the exceptional talent of the late Chadwick Boseman as Robinson, a man who was offered a golden ticket and took knowing too well what he'd have to face. Although the movie plays fast and loose with specific events, it also features some historical landmarks that really took place, such as the show of support offered by Pee Wee Reese, played by Lucas Black. The film was a modest success deserving more love from current audiences.

9 Unbroken (2014)

Some of the most harrowing historical films recount men enduring hard times. Most World War II veterans barely lived to tell the tale. Unbroken is a film based on the real-life of Louis Zamperini as told in the book of the same name written by Laura Hillenbrand. The film was written by the Coen Brothers and directed by Angelina Jolie. It was a modest box office hit back in the day, so it's safe to say you haven't watched it yet.

In the movie, we follow Zamperini, a boy who is constantly picked on by his Italian heritage but manages to overcome his social surroundings to become an Olympic-level athlete . He gave up his dreams to enlist and fight in WWII, as happened with many Americans back in the day. After surviving a plane crash, he's captured alongside the surviving members of the crew. He endures two years of hell on earth as a sadist Japanese Sargent named Mutsuhiro Watanabe beats and tortures him constantly for his incredible defiance.

8 Trumbo (2015)

Trumbo is a biographical drama narrating the story of Dalton Trumbo, a screenwriter who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his political beliefs. Trumbo was the author of the notorious anti-war book Johnny Got His Gun , which inspired a film and the first-ever Metallica music video many years later. The movie explores the dangerous consequences of political censorship, which still plagues the modern-day world.

The film is notable for its nuanced portrayal of Trumbo and his fight for freedom of speech and artistic expression. The film's strong performances by Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, and Helen Mirren, combined with its attention to historical accuracy and detail, make it stand out as a historical drama.

7 Macbeth (2015)

Macbeth is a visually stunning adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play. The movie explores the psychological toll of ambition and power while portraying the brutal realities of medieval life. The film is notable for striking cinematography, capturing medieval Scotland's raw beauty and violence. Macbeth is imbued with attention to detail, complemented by powerful performances by Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, making it a huge accomplishment as a period piece.

The film’s main achievement is adapting one of the most complex literary pieces ever written and offering a great film for a script usually reserved for plays. Overall, Macbeth is a visually stunning portrayal of one of Shakespeare's most iconic plays and a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.

6 Furious (2017)

Also known as Legend of Kolovrat , Furious is an epic about a young warrior who sets out to protect his homeland from invading Mongols in 13th-century Russia. Starring Ilya Malakov, Polina Chernyshova, and Aleksey Serebryakov, the film is notable for its stunning visuals, thrilling action sequences, and strong performances from its talented cast. Malakov, in particular, delivers a standout performance as the fearless warrior Evpaty Kolovrat, showcasing physical prowess and emotional range as he battles to defend his people. Director Dzhanik Fayziev expertly captures medieval Russia's brutal violence and harsh beauty, immersing viewers in a vivid and authentic depiction of the era.

The film pays good attention to historical accuracy, offering a glimpse into pivotal moments in Russian history. Furious has received critical acclaim for its exceptional visuals and engaging storytelling, earning Best Costume Design and Best Makeup nominations at the Golden Eagle Awards. The movie can balance action and drama while exploring deeper themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of the human spirit.

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The Greatest Historical Movies of All Time

Movies that are both great and based around true events and/or situated in events that happened in our history. The movies on this list are my preference only; Including, but not limited to: being enjoyable, thought provoking, exciting, technically smart, having fine-honed costuming/props/set pieces, and/or having engaging dialogue. These movies are, for me, the reasons why I keep watching cinema. side note: Only the movies I have seen are on the list. As I watch more, I will update accordingly.

• Movies or TV
• IMDb Rating
• In Theaters
• Release Year

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

R | 169 min | Drama, War

Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Tom Hanks , Matt Damon , Tom Sizemore , Edward Burns

Votes: 1,493,342 | Gross: $216.54M

2. Gladiator (2000)

R | 155 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.

Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Russell Crowe , Joaquin Phoenix , Connie Nielsen , Oliver Reed

Votes: 1,615,609 | Gross: $187.71M

3. Schindler's List (1993)

R | 195 min | Biography, Drama, History

In German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.

Director: Steven Spielberg | Stars: Liam Neeson , Ralph Fiennes , Ben Kingsley , Caroline Goodall

Votes: 1,446,854 | Gross: $96.90M

4. Blood Diamond (2006)

R | 143 min | Adventure, Drama, Thriller

A fisherman, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen match wits over the possession of a priceless diamond.

Director: Edward Zwick | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Djimon Hounsou , Jennifer Connelly , Kagiso Kuypers

Votes: 584,965 | Gross: $57.37M

5. Black Hawk Down (2001)

R | 144 min | Action, Drama, History

The story of 160 elite U.S. soldiers who dropped into Mogadishu in October 1993 to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord, but found themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily armed Somalis.

Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Josh Hartnett , Ewan McGregor , Tom Sizemore , Eric Bana

Votes: 422,726 | Gross: $108.64M

6. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

R | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Three trappers protect the daughters of a British Colonel in the midst of the French and Indian War.

Director: Michael Mann | Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis , Madeleine Stowe , Russell Means , Eric Schweig

Votes: 187,204 | Gross: $75.51M

7. Braveheart (1995)

R | 178 min | Biography, Drama, War

Scottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion to free his homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England.

Director: Mel Gibson | Stars: Mel Gibson , Sophie Marceau , Patrick McGoohan , Angus Macfadyen

Votes: 1,089,634 | Gross: $75.60M

8. Apollo 13 (I) (1995)

PG | 140 min | Adventure, Drama, History

NASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy.

Director: Ron Howard | Stars: Tom Hanks , Bill Paxton , Kevin Bacon , Gary Sinise

Votes: 314,925 | Gross: $173.84M

9. Fury (2014)

R | 134 min | Action, Drama, War

A grizzled tank commander makes tough decisions as he and his crew fight their way across Germany in April, 1945.

Director: David Ayer | Stars: Brad Pitt , Shia LaBeouf , Logan Lerman , Michael Peña

Votes: 545,724 | Gross: $85.82M

10. Joyeux Noel (2005)

PG-13 | 116 min | Drama, History, Music

In December 1914, an unofficial Christmas truce on the Western Front allows soldiers from opposing sides of the First World War to gain insight into each other's way of life.

Director: Christian Carion | Stars: Diane Kruger , Benno Fürmann , Guillaume Canet , Natalie Dessay

Votes: 31,947 | Gross: $1.05M

11. Ben-Hur (1959)

G | 212 min | Adventure, Drama

After a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.

Director: William Wyler | Stars: Charlton Heston , Jack Hawkins , Stephen Boyd , Haya Harareet

Votes: 253,185 | Gross: $74.70M

12. Hotel Rwanda (2004)

PG-13 | 121 min | Biography, Drama, History

Paul Rusesabagina , a hotel manager, houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda, Africa.

Director: Terry George | Stars: Don Cheadle , Sophie Okonedo , Joaquin Phoenix , Xolani Mali

Votes: 371,516 | Gross: $23.53M

13. The Great Debaters (2007)

PG-13 | 126 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.

Director: Denzel Washington | Stars: Denzel Washington , Forest Whitaker , Kimberly Elise , Nate Parker

Votes: 62,777 | Gross: $30.23M

14. The Last Samurai (2003)

R | 154 min | Action, Drama

Nathan Algren, a US army veteran, is hired by the Japanese emperor to train his army in the modern warfare techniques. Nathan finds himself trapped in a struggle between two eras and two worlds.

Director: Edward Zwick | Stars: Tom Cruise , Ken Watanabe , Billy Connolly , William Atherton

Votes: 470,040 | Gross: $111.11M

15. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Approved | 218 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

The story of T.E. Lawrence , the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks.

Director: David Lean | Stars: Peter O'Toole , Alec Guinness , Anthony Quinn , Jack Hawkins

Votes: 313,630 | Gross: $44.82M

16. Rudy (1993)

PG | 114 min | Biography, Drama, Sport

Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame.

Director: David Anspaugh | Stars: Sean Astin , Jon Favreau , Ned Beatty , Greta Lind

Votes: 68,926 | Gross: $22.75M

17. The Right Stuff (1983)

PG | 193 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

The U.S. space program's development from the breaking of the sound barrier to selection of the Mercury 7 astronauts, from a group of test pilots with a more seat-of-the-pants approach than the program's more cautious engineers preferred.

Director: Philip Kaufman | Stars: Sam Shepard , Scott Glenn , Ed Harris , Dennis Quaid

Votes: 65,261 | Gross: $21.50M

18. Cinderella Man (2005)

PG-13 | 144 min | Biography, Drama, Romance

The true story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer, who returned to the spotlight to win the heavyweight championship of the world.

Director: Ron Howard | Stars: Russell Crowe , Renée Zellweger , Craig Bierko , Paul Giamatti

Votes: 198,010 | Gross: $61.65M

19. The Pianist (2002)

R | 150 min | Biography, Drama, Music

During WWII, acclaimed Polish musician Wladyslaw faces various struggles as he loses contact with his family. As the situation worsens, he hides in the ruins of Warsaw in order to survive.

Director: Roman Polanski | Stars: Adrien Brody , Thomas Kretschmann , Frank Finlay , Emilia Fox

Votes: 909,400 | Gross: $32.57M

20. Zulu (1964)

Not Rated | 138 min | Drama, History, War

Outnumbered British soldiers do battle with Zulu warriors at Rorke's Drift.

Director: Cy Endfield | Stars: Stanley Baker , Jack Hawkins , Ulla Jacobsson , James Booth

Votes: 42,664

21. Les Misérables (1998)

PG-13 | 134 min | Crime, Drama, Romance

Valjean, a former criminal, has atoned for his past and now finds himself in the midst of the French Revolution, avoiding a law-obsessed policeman hell-bent on capturing him.

Director: Bille August | Stars: Liam Neeson , Geoffrey Rush , Uma Thurman , Christopher Adamson

Votes: 43,146 | Gross: $14.10M

22. Amazing Grace (2006)

PG | 118 min | Biography, Drama, History

The idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade.

Director: Michael Apted | Stars: Ioan Gruffudd , Albert Finney , Michael Gambon , Romola Garai

Votes: 25,667 | Gross: $21.21M

23. Henry V (1989)

PG-13 | 137 min | Biography, Drama, History

In the midst of the Hundred Years War, the young King Henry V of England embarks on the conquest of France in 1415.

Director: Kenneth Branagh | Stars: Kenneth Branagh , Derek Jacobi , Simon Shepherd , James Larkin

Votes: 31,610 | Gross: $10.16M

24. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

R | 144 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Balian of Ibelin travels to Jerusalem during the Crusades of the 12th century, and there he finds himself as the defender of the city and its people.

Director: Ridley Scott | Stars: Orlando Bloom , Eva Green , Liam Neeson , Martin Hancock

Votes: 313,466 | Gross: $47.40M

25. Enemy at the Gates (2001)

R | 131 min | Action, Drama, War

A Russian and a German sniper play a game of cat-and-mouse during the Battle of Stalingrad.

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud | Stars: Jude Law , Ed Harris , Joseph Fiennes , Rachel Weisz

Votes: 277,238 | Gross: $51.40M

26. American Sniper (2014)

R | 133 min | Action, Biography, Drama

Navy S.E.A.L. sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home with his family after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

Director: Clint Eastwood | Stars: Bradley Cooper , Sienna Miller , Kyle Gallner , Cole Konis

Votes: 528,116 | Gross: $350.13M

27. The Hurt Locker (2008)

R | 131 min | Drama, Thriller, War

During the Iraq War, a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad is put at odds with his squad mates due to his maverick way of handling his work.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow | Stars: Jeremy Renner , Anthony Mackie , Brian Geraghty , Guy Pearce

Votes: 473,168 | Gross: $17.02M

28. Glory (1989)

R | 122 min | Biography, Drama, History

Robert Gould Shaw leads the U.S. Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates.

Director: Edward Zwick | Stars: Matthew Broderick , Denzel Washington , Cary Elwes , Morgan Freeman

Votes: 144,112 | Gross: $26.83M

29. Rob Roy (1995)

R | 139 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

In 1713 Scotland, Rob Roy MacGregor is wronged by a nobleman and his nephew, becomes an outlaw in search of revenge while fleeing the Redcoats, and faces charges of being a Jacobite.

Director: Michael Caton-Jones | Stars: Liam Neeson , Jessica Lange , John Hurt , Tim Roth

Votes: 45,589 | Gross: $31.60M

31. The Patriot (2000)

R | 165 min | Action, Drama, History

Peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son.

Director: Roland Emmerich | Stars: Mel Gibson , Heath Ledger , Joely Richardson , Jason Isaacs

Votes: 293,023 | Gross: $113.33M

32. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

PG-13 | 138 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

During the Napoleonic Wars, a brash British captain pushes his ship and crew to their limits in pursuit of a formidable French war vessel around South America.

Director: Peter Weir | Stars: Russell Crowe , Paul Bettany , Billy Boyd , James D'Arcy

Votes: 237,463 | Gross: $93.93M

33. Apocalypto (2006)

R | 139 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

As the Mayan kingdom faces its decline, a young man is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression.

Director: Mel Gibson | Stars: Gerardo Taracena , Raoul Max Trujillo , Dalia Hernández , Rudy Youngblood

Votes: 330,606 | Gross: $50.87M

34. Saints and Soldiers (2003)

PG-13 | 90 min | Action, Drama, War

Four American soldiers and one Brit fighting in Europe during World War II struggle to return to Allied territory after being separated from U.S. forces during the historic Malmedy Massacre.

Director: Ryan Little | Stars: Corbin Allred , Alexander Polinsky , Kirby Heyborne , Larry Bagby

Votes: 21,403 | Gross: $1.31M

35. Defiance (I) (2008)

R | 137 min | Action, Drama, History

Jewish brothers in German-occupied Eastern Europe escape into a Belorussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters, and endeavor to build a village, in order to protect themselves and about one thousand Jewish non-combatants.

Director: Edward Zwick | Stars: Daniel Craig , Liev Schreiber , Jamie Bell , Alexa Davalos

Votes: 155,514 | Gross: $28.64M

36. Valkyrie (2008)

PG-13 | 121 min | Drama, History, Thriller

A dramatization of the July 20, 1944 assassination and political coup plot by desperate renegade German Army officers against Adolf Hitler during World War II.

Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Tom Cruise , Bill Nighy , Carice van Houten , Kenneth Branagh

Votes: 258,887 | Gross: $83.08M

37. Mississippi Burning (1988)

R | 128 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

Two F.B.I. Agents with wildly different styles arrive in Mississippi to investigate the disappearance of some civil rights activists.

Director: Alan Parker | Stars: Gene Hackman , Willem Dafoe , Frances McDormand , Brad Dourif

Votes: 110,448 | Gross: $34.60M

38. Titanic (1997)

PG-13 | 194 min | Drama, Romance

A seventeen-year-old aristocrat falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic.

Director: James Cameron | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Kate Winslet , Billy Zane , Kathy Bates

Votes: 1,277,340 | Gross: $659.33M

39. Freedom Writers (2007)

PG-13 | 123 min | Biography, Crime, Drama

A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves and pursue education beyond high school.

Director: Richard LaGravenese | Stars: Hilary Swank , Imelda Staunton , Patrick Dempsey , Scott Glenn

Votes: 85,258 | Gross: $36.61M

40. Spartacus (1960)

PG-13 | 197 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

The slave Spartacus survives brutal training as a gladiator and leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman Republic, as the ambitious Crassus seeks to gain power by crushing the uprising.

Directors: Stanley Kubrick , Anthony Mann | Stars: Kirk Douglas , Laurence Olivier , Jean Simmons , Charles Laughton

Votes: 142,950 | Gross: $30.00M

41. Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

GP | 108 min | Adventure, Drama, Western

A mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by the Crow tribe and proves to be a match for their warriors in single combat on the early frontier.

Director: Sydney Pollack | Stars: Robert Redford , Will Geer , Delle Bolton , Josh Albee

Votes: 34,925 | Gross: $47.74M

42. Patton (1970)

GP | 172 min | Biography, Drama, War

The World War II phase of the career of controversial American general George S. Patton .

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner | Stars: George C. Scott , Karl Malden , Stephen Young , Michael Strong

Votes: 107,808 | Gross: $61.70M

43. Rescue Dawn (2006)

PG-13 | 125 min | Adventure, Biography, War

A U.S. fighter pilot's epic struggle of survival after being shot down on a mission over Laos during the Vietnam War.

Director: Werner Herzog | Stars: Christian Bale , Steve Zahn , Jeremy Davies , Zach Grenier

Votes: 110,697 | Gross: $5.49M

44. Anna and the King (1999)

PG-13 | 148 min | Drama, History, Romance

The story of the romance between the King of Siam and widowed British schoolteacher, Anna Leonowens, during the 1860s.

Director: Andy Tennant | Stars: Jodie Foster , Chow Yun-Fat , Bai Ling , Tom Felton

Votes: 38,934 | Gross: $39.26M

45. Hidalgo (2004)

PG-13 | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Biography

In 1890, a down-and-out cowboy and his horse travel to Arabia to compete in a deadly cross desert horse race.

Director: Joe Johnston | Stars: Viggo Mortensen , Omar Sharif , Zuleikha Robinson , Louise Lombard

Votes: 85,464 | Gross: $67.29M

46. Elizabeth (1998)

R | 124 min | Biography, Drama, History

The early years of the reign of Elizabeth I of England and her difficult task of learning what is necessary to be a monarch.

Director: Shekhar Kapur | Stars: Cate Blanchett , Liz Giles , Rod Culbertson , Paul Fox

Votes: 104,975 | Gross: $30.08M

47. Joan of Arc (1999)

TV-PG | 180 min | Adventure, Biography, Drama

Spurred by divine voices and visions, fifteenth century teen Joan d'Arc leads French forces against the English.

Stars: Leelee Sobieski , Chad Willett , Peter O'Toole , Neil Patrick Harris

Votes: 6,326

48. The Young Victoria (2009)

PG | 105 min | Biography, Drama, History

A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert.

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée | Stars: Emily Blunt , Rupert Friend , Paul Bettany , Miranda Richardson

Votes: 66,292 | Gross: $11.00M

49. We Are Marshall (2006)

PG | 131 min | Drama, Sport

When a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team's new coach and his surviving players try to keep the football program alive.

Director: McG | Stars: Matthew McConaughey , Matthew Fox , Anthony Mackie , David Strathairn

Votes: 64,755 | Gross: $43.55M

50. Flyboys (2006)

PG-13 | 140 min | Action, Drama, History

The adventures of the Lafayette Escadrille, young Americans who volunteered for the French military before the U.S. entered World War I, and became the country's first fighter pilots.

Director: Tony Bill | Stars: James Franco , Jean Reno , Jennifer Decker , Scott Hazell

Votes: 44,382 | Gross: $13.08M

51. The Alamo (2004)

PG-13 | 137 min | Drama, History, War

Based on the 1836 standoff between a group of Texan and Tejano men, led by Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, and Mexican dictator Santa Anna's forces at the Alamo in San Antonio Texas.

Director: John Lee Hancock | Stars: Dennis Quaid , Billy Bob Thornton , Emilio Echevarría , Jason Patric

Votes: 22,268 | Gross: $22.41M

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Perspective

Dystopias are so 2020. meet the new protopias that show a hopeful future.

Ari Wallach interviews Andrea Kritcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. BetterTomorrows/PBS hide caption

Ari Wallach interviews Andrea Kritcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Dystopias are on their way out. At least, that's the hope of Kathryn Murdoch.

The activist and philanthropist is married to James Murdoch, the liberal-leaning son of Rupert Murdoch, the founder of Fox News. She's also the executive producer of a TV show of her own. A Brief History of the Future premieres on PBS on April 3.

"The whole concept started, actually, when my daughter told me she didn't think there was any hope for the future," Murdoch told NPR. "And I was really upset by that, because I had been working on democracy and climate change issues for such a long time."

Murdoch has dedicated herself to environmental issues since 2006. She's served on the board of the Environmental Defense Fund and co-founded the Quadrivium Foundation, which funds "practical, evidence-based solutions for critical societal problems." She's well aware of the tremendous problems currently plaguing the planet, and she reassured her daughter that intelligent people are doing their diligent best to fix them.

"She still thought her future looked bleak," Murdoch said. "And I couldn't understand that. And she said, well, look at all the young adult books [that] are about dystopias. Look at the television shows. Look at the films. Everything about the future is dystopian."

It was hard not to concede the point. The cultural preoccupation with zombies shambles on in The Last of Us and other movies and video games. The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale remain influential in fiction and on screen. Murdoch could not find a single YA show or book that portrayed a positive vision of the future, at least not a plausible one that didn't involve superheroes or dragons. "Really, the last time we dreamed about a better future was Star Trek ," she said. "It was 1964."

The Star Trek universe, she says, is a good example of a "protopia." She didn't make up the word. It was coined by futurist Kevin Kelly in his 2010 book, What Technology Wants . The idea is this: dystopias are horrible, and utopias are perfect (and therefore not feasible, and potentially also menacing and pre-dystopian.)

Protopias, on the other hand, are achievable. They present a realistic, better tomorrow. But even the protopian visions of more recent iterations of Star Trek , she notes, do not necessarily grapple with our most immediate crises.

"We don't have anything that's dealing with climate change, with democracy, with AI and all the problems and challenges that we have today." Murdoch says, adding that movies such as The Day After Tomorrow and Don't Look Up only serve to scare us about failing to save the planet. "We've done a less good job of showing what the world would be like if we do act."

Decades ago, movies imagined a futuristic 2022

So Murdoch co-founded Futurific Studios , which is focused on telling these stories. Its first production is the PBS series, hosted by the company's co-founder, futurist Ari Wallach.

In A Brief History of the Future , he travels the world to meet people finding solutions. Like Valérie Courtois , a Canadian expert in Aboriginal forestry, who works with other First Nation activists and the Canadian government to protect national parks. And Dutch entrepreneur Boyan Slat , who runs a non-profit organization called The Ocean Cleanup .

"We have interceptors now in 11 rivers in some of the most polluting rivers in the world and we believe we can stop most of the world's plastic emissions from leaking into the ocean," Slat explains in the show's second episode.

The series also features stories about training AI on the best of humanity, not the worst. A story about the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant, in Copenhagen. A U.S. company on the cutting edge of using virtual reality in healthcare. The common thread: innovation and hope.

"If you look at history, everything that we now take for granted used to be impossible at some point," Slat observes. "If there's one bit of advice that you should really ignore, is people saying that something can't be done."

But is it it possible, I asked Kathryn Murdoch, that PBS viewers are already receptive to the show's measured, evidence-based message? Wouldn't it be more productive for a Futurific production to end up, say, on Fox, where the audience is massive? What are the chances her series could be aired on the network started by her father-in-law?

Murdoch pointed out that PBS attracts a bipartisan audience, with nearly half in 2017 identifying as conservative . Plus, she added, the Murdoch family no longer owns most of the Fox entertainment assets. "So actually it would be Disney, and I think that would be great," she said.

What's next for Futurific, Murdoch says, is a series of graphic novels, a famously dystopian medium. After all, graphic novels were the original source of The Walking Dead . Perhaps eventually, Futurific's might also be adapted into protopian shows or video games. But it's not easy, Murdoch admits, to compete with the perverse allure of dystopian stories

"It's sort of thrilling to think of yourself as, 'Oh, I'm gonna be the lone survivor in the apocalypse but I think there's something to be said about civilization," she said with a laugh. "And I would like to see examples of people working together and cooperating and making a better future for my kids."

And becoming, as Ari Wallach puts it, the ancestors that our future desperately needs.

Edited for the web and radio by Rose Friedman.

• Kathryn Murdoch
• Ari Wallach
• Futurific Studios