55 Historical Films to Explore

Germanicus, a man who avoids work, is sold into slavery and brought to Rome by slave traders, ending up owned by the wealthy Tusnelda. He escapes, only to find himself in an even worse situation as a food taster at…

Lot leads his people to a fertile valley near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, ruled by the ruthless Queen Bera, whose cities are rife with corruption. Facing threats from the Helamites, Lot proposes a risky plan to save both…

A hopeful young U.N. Worker begins looking into the brutal death of his former colleague. His investigation leads him to a huge international plot, one that potentially implicates his own superior.

In ancient Egypt, the wife of an executioner attempts to seduce the Hebrew slave Joseph. They both share a vivid dream, and she believes that fulfilling it will bring them both happiness.

The film chronicles the life of a director widely considered the "worst of all time." He consistently made low-budget movies with a group of unusual friends, but never achieved mainstream success. The story follows his strange journey through filmmaking, touching…

While vacationing by the sea, Emperor Nero is surrounded by Poppea, Seneca, and other guests. He's planning a spectacular performance with himself as the main attraction, but his mother, Agrippina, arrives with her guards and insists he must conquer Britain…

Two families risk everything with a homemade hot air balloon to flee East Germany. However, their escape ends in a crash just before reaching the border. The Stasi discovers evidence of the attempt and launches an immediate investigation, forcing the…

This historical drama follows Kriemhild as she pursues vengeance through a network of political alliances and betrayals. She marries Etzel, the Hunnic king, and arranges a visit for King Gunther and his court to her new kingdom, concealing her plan…

In 1894, French Captain Alfred Dreyfus is wrongly convicted of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Devil’s Island penal colony.

This historical drama follows Mohandas K. Gandhi, a respected lawyer educated by the British, as he chooses a life of simplicity to lead India's fight for independence from colonial rule. Facing increasing conflict between the Indian people and the British,…

A skilled thief unexpectedly joins a legendary god on a journey across Egypt.

In Augusta, Roman Emperor Caligula must overcome his discomfort with public displays of masculinity at a festival. Seeking to avoid the embarrassing event, he hides away at the clinic of Professor Barnardus. The film is a comedic story of disguise…

Winter 1950. The Korean War. On the frozen, snowy expanse of Changjin Lake, a fierce battle is imminent between U.S. And Chinese elite forces.

This film tells the true story of Alan Turing, a brilliant cryptanalyst, and his team at Bletchley Park. During World War II, they raced against time to break the enemy's codes.

The film tells the story of Jacob and Joseph, two figures from the Bible. The first part follows Jacob's journey after he flees his family, having unfairly gained his birthright. During his exile, he faces further hardship and learns the…

In 2012, Cardinal Bergoglio asks Pope Benedict for permission to retire. Instead of granting it, Pope Benedict, grappling with scandal and personal uncertainty, calls his sharpest critic – Bergoglio, who will later become Pope Francis – to Rome. The Pope…

In the final years of the Ottoman Empire, a love triangle forms between Mikael, a gifted medical student; Ana, a striking and cultured artist; and Chris, a celebrated American journalist working in Paris.

In May 1940, Winston Churchill faces a critical decision. The future of World War II rests on his shoulders as he weighs the option of negotiating with Adolf Hitler against the prospect of continuing the fight, a choice that could…

After a brush with death, King David has a vision that his son Solomon is meant to be his successor. This decision clashes with Adonijah's vengeful plans to seize the throne. As Solomon rules benevolently and promotes monotheism, other kingdoms…

Alexander, King of Macedonia, commands his army in a campaign against the vast Persian Empire. Following victory over the Persians, he leads his forces on a journey across the known world, pushing eastward into India further than any Westerner had…

This is the story of the Battle of Midway, focusing on the leaders and soldiers who relied on their instincts, strength, and courage to triumph against overwhelming odds.

A brother is banished from his family, forced into slavery, and eventually returns years later as a powerful figure. Despite his past, he offers forgiveness and compassion to those who cast him out, demonstrating a strength of character forged through…

This drama tells the story of New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison and his determined effort to find the truth about President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The film unfolds during a time of political tension and national grief, depicting Garrison's…

This documentary recounts Sir Ernest Shackleton's disastrous 1914 expedition to Antarctica. Shackleton and the crew of his ship, 'The Endurance,' became trapped in the ice. Faced with injury, starvation, and exposure, Shackleton led a small team on a perilous journey…

A peaceful protest escalates into a violent confrontation with police, resulting in a highly publicized and controversial trial.

In 1942, with Nazi Germany at its strongest, Czech resistance fighters in London prepare a daring mission called Anthropoid. The plan: to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, the brutal head of the Gestapo and the driving force behind the Nazis' plan for…

Set in Roman Egypt, this historical drama explores the connection between philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria and Davus, her slave. Davus finds himself conflicted as he grapples with his feelings for Hypatia and the potential for freedom offered by the growing…

This film follows the final days of Jesus as he arrives in Jerusalem. Considered a danger by the authorities, a plot forms to capture him, put him on trial, and execute him as a criminal. The plan is aided by…

This is the story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski, the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo, who risked their lives to protect hundreds of people and animals when the Nazis invaded.

King David begins an affair with Bathsheba, a woman of great beauty. This relationship leads to devastating repercussions for David's family and the kingdom of Israel.

This modern take on Rossini's 'Mosè in Egitto' takes place at the Rossini Festival in Pesaro, promising exceptional musical performance. Conductor Roberto Abbado's contemporary setting unlocks new energy in Rossini's music. The production features a cast of acclaimed singers, including…

Caesar takes Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, to Rome, but their passionate relationship is fading. As a plot forms to overthrow them, Cleopatra starts having a recurring dream: her previous lover is murdered by those closest to him. Her priest…

In ancient China's Warring States period, a district official journeys to the court of Qin Shi Huang, asserting he eliminated the three individuals who previously tried to assassinate the king.

In the mid-19th century, Professor James Murray is leading the project to compile the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. He unexpectedly receives over 10,000 contributions from Dr. William Minor, a patient at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum.

This is the true story of the Boston Globe's investigation into widespread child molestation and a subsequent cover-up within the city's Catholic Archdiocese. The reporting sent shockwaves through the Catholic Church.

During the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II, a Russian and a German sniper engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Following his wife's death, Balian, a blacksmith, unexpectedly finds himself in the world of royalty, caught up in political schemes and brutal holy wars during the Crusades.

Directed by Bob McNaught. King Saul of Israel grows jealous of David, whose victory over Goliath earned him widespread fame and the loyalty of Saul's troops. Encouraged by his Edomite advisor Doeg, Saul plots to assassinate David. Saul's son and…

This film chronicles the ten-year pursuit of al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden following the September 11, 2001 attacks, culminating in his death at the hands of Navy SEAL Team Six in May 2011.

England, early 1700s. Queen Anne's close bond with Sarah Churchill is challenged by the arrival of Abigail Hill, Sarah's cousin. This sparks a sharp rivalry between the two women as they both compete for the Queen's favor.

This is the sweeping tale of Moses, who guides the Israelites from slavery and miraculously parts the Red Sea. He later receives the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. This version has been adapted for audiences.

Three wise men journey to find the Messiah, encountering unforeseen challenges along their path.

This is the story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – exceptional African-American women who worked at NASA and were essential to the success of the historic John Glenn orbital flight. These pioneering women broke barriers and…

In World War II, Austrian farmer Franz Jägerstätter is condemned to death for his refusal to serve in the Nazi military.

As Jesus leaves the wilderness, he confronts the Devil over a family facing hardship, initiating a significant trial for him.

Having earned respect as a soldier during the French and Indian War, Benjamin Martin desires only a peaceful life as a farmer. However, when his son Gabriel joins the army to fight for the newly formed nation of America against…

In December 1941, Czech soldiers Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš parachute into Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia with a mission: to assassinate the high-ranking Nazi officer Reinhard Heydrich.

This documentary tells the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young German theologian and pacifist who opposed the Nazi regime. He was executed just two weeks before the end of World War II.

After completing his medical training, young Scottish doctor Nicholas Garrigan seeks adventure in Uganda. He arrives as President Obote's regime collapses, and soon finds himself offered a position as personal physician to the newly appointed General Idi Amin.

When schoolteacher Bertram Cates is arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution to his students, the case becomes a national sensation. E.K. Hornbeck, a newspaper reporter, arranges for Henry Drummond, a famous atheist and defense attorney, to take on Cates's…

As a man in his forties approaches death, he reflects on his childhood, his mother, wartime experiences, and intimate personal memories. These recollections intertwine, offering a glimpse into significant events in Soviet history alongside the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Artaban, a young Magus, defies his family and friends to follow a star to the birthplace of the new King. He carries three precious jewels intended as a gift for the baby Messiah, and with his reluctant servant Orontes, sets…

This film chronicles the life of Jesus Christ, from his birth in Bethlehem, where he narrowly avoids King Herod's decree to kill newborn males, to his ministry and teachings. The story follows key events, including his baptism and the growing…

Akira Kurosawa's 'Ran' is a sweeping historical epic based on Shakespeare's King Lear, set in 16th-century Japan. The film highlights Kurosawa's masterful storytelling and his profound examination of human weakness, particularly the destructive effects of war. This late-career masterpiece explores…

This Russian drama chronicles the challenging life of Andrei Rublev, a highly respected religious icon painter living during a time of great upheaval. He finds peace in monastic life, and his art gains him recognition and fame. But witnessing the…