16 Historical Films to Watch Now

This History Channel program explores the enduring legend of Robin Hood: was he a real person who stole from the wealthy to help the less fortunate? The program examines the folk hero's origins, suggesting he's based on several historical figures,…

The bridges of the River Kwai, popularized by the 1957 film, represent a largely misunderstood historical event. Unlike the romanticized movie, these structures stand as a symbol of terror, desperation, and death for over 16,000 prisoners of war and 100,000…

First Invasion: The War of 1812, a 2004 History Channel documentary, depicts a young United States facing potential destruction in its conflict with the powerful British Empire. While some critics argue the film presents an overly favorable view of the…

More than just a story about a Thanksgiving dinner, the Pilgrims' journey is a foundational part of American history. This comprehensive documentary offers the most complete account of the Pilgrims and their voyage to and settlement in the New World.…

In April 1912, the RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 people. Decades later, the circumstances surrounding the ship's sinking continue to be debated.

Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus explores the Appalachian region, uncovering the rich history of its mountain people. The film reveals the surprising 300-year legacy of these communities, challenging stereotypes of isolation and backwardness, and highlighting their significant contributions to…

A century after the Titanic sank following a collision with an iceberg on its first voyage, scientists and historians continue to study the wreck. Using advanced underwater technology, submersibles have captured high-definition 3D footage of the ship's remains, aiming to…

Leonardo da Vinci, the celebrated "Mind of the Renaissance," remains influential today. A painter, sculptor, engineer, and scientist, he excelled as both master and innovator in every area. Known for iconic works like The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa,…

Throughout their history, the planets in our solar system have endured dramatic disasters, caused by events both from space and within. This film journeys back in time to explore these violent events that profoundly shaped planets like Earth. We'll discover…

In the late 1600s, over 150 people were accused of witchcraft. Following the well-known Salem Witch Trials, 19 people were executed and one died under immense pressure. This documentary explores this dark period in American history, revealing surprising details about…

In 1789, angry Parisians stormed the Bastille, taking control of the King's military supplies. This sparked a decade of upheaval marked by idealism, war, violence, and ultimately, the end of feudalism and the emergence of equality. "The French Revolution" is…

With the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking near, a team of scientists, engineers, archaeologists, and imaging experts collaborate to solve a key mystery: How did the supposedly unsinkable ship break apart and sink in the North Atlantic?

The USS Midway served the U.S. Military with dedication for nearly fifty years, from its commissioning in 1945 through Operation Desert Storm in 1991. As the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Naval history, the Midway became a legendary vessel. Launched…

Blackbeard, Henry Morgan, Ann Bonny, and Black Bart Roberts: pirates and buccaneers, larger than life and more dangerous than legend, set sail for plunder. Filmed in high definition, *True Caribbean Pirates* recounts the rise of piracy in the Caribbean and…

This special explores the history of our world, revealing surprising connections to everyday life. It unveils how the universe's origins are woven into our existence – from background radiation from the Big Bang to the stardust in a wedding ring,…

The film follows the Johnson family – Chris (Rob Hartz), Ellen (Kathleen Cameron), and their son Casey (Hy Rillero) – living in Los Angeles, California, among the few who survive a global pandemic that begins "sometime in the future." The…