30 Diverse Historical Films That Capture 2011's Global Stories

Nova Zembla

2011 • 108 min

History, Drama

On a 16th-century Dutch merchant ship, novice writer Gerrit de Veer documents a perilous expedition to find a trade route to Asia by traversing the North Pole. The ambitious voyage becomes a tragedy when the vessel becomes trapped in the…

5.4

5.8

23-F: la película

2011 • 105 min

History, Drama

In 1981 Spain, a group of military officers attempt a coup to overthrow the government and threaten the country's newly established democracy following Franco's death in 1975. They seize key political figures at the Congress of Deputies, causing national alarm.…

5.5

6.1

Stream on

Heleno

2011 • 116 min

Drama, History

José Henrique Fonseca delivers a sweeping, long-awaited tribute to a key figure in Brazil's 20th-century history. This biopic, styled after film noir, recounts the dazzling yet ultimately tragic life of football legend Heleno de Freitas. The elegant black and white…

6.2

6.9

17+

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

2011 • 85 min • Box office $61K

Documentary, Crime, History

Filmmaker Marshall Curry examines the Earth Liberation Front, a radical group dedicated to disrupting facilities linked to deforestation. The film also profiles Daniel McGowan, an Oregon ELF member who faced terrorism charges due to his activism with the organization.

6.5

7.1

Stream on

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975

2011 • 100 min • Box office $268K

Documentary, History

This film explores the development of the Black Power Movement in America between 1967 and 1975. Using footage captured by Swedish journalists, it documents the movement's key figures: Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, Huey P. Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, and other prominent…

7.6

Stream on

The Butcher of Prague

2011 • 126 min

Drama, History, War

Prague, Czechoslovakia, 1941. With the war ongoing, Nazi Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich takes control of the city, imposing a brutal reign of fear that pushes resistance groups to desperate measures. However, their fight for freedom will demand a devastating cost.

6.6

6.8

Detective K: Secret of Virtuous Widow

2011 • 115 min • Box office $32M

Mystery, Action, History

In 1782, King Jeong-jo of Joseon tasks detective K with investigating a series of murders linked to government corruption.

6.6

6.3

Stream on

+10

Memorial Day

2011 • 108 min • Budget $4M

Action, Drama, War

Memorial Day, 1993. Thirteen-year-old Kyle Vogel finds his grandfather Bud's World War II footlocker and is told to leave it alone. He doesn't. Bud, who has never discussed the war, makes a deal with Kyle: he can choose three souvenirs,…

6.1

17+

Stream on

+11

Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster

2011 • 105 min • Budget $5M • Box office $625

Crime, Drama, History

Inspired by a true story, *American Outlaw* follows Eddie Boyd, a disillusioned World War II veteran and devoted family man. Struggling with life after the war, Eddie feels the pressure to support his family while harboring a secret ambition: to…

5.6

6.1

Stream on

The Mill and the Cross

2011 • 96 min • Box office $1M

Drama, History

Imagine stepping into a famous painting, watching it unfold around you, and seeing the artist sketch the scene as it happens. From acclaimed Polish filmmaker Lech Majewski, *The Mill and the Cross* is a film that recreates Pieter Bruegel's masterpiece,…

6.4

6.9

Stream on

Simon & the Oaks

2011 • 122 min • Box office $150K

Drama, History, War

This epic follows two families and their enduring friendship in Gothenburg, Sweden, during the 1940s and 1950s. The story is told through the eyes of young Simon Larsson, who discovers he was adopted and has a Jewish father from Germany.…

6.4

6.5

Stream on

The Ambassador

2011 • 93 min • Box office $27K

Documentary, History

Danish journalist Mads Brügger goes undercover as a Liberian Ambassador to undertake a risky and darkly humorous investigation into the illegal blood diamond trade in Africa.

6.6

7.2

Stream on

+10

My Grandfather's People

2011 • 123 min • Box office $6M

Comedy, Family, Drama

This film recounts the story of a director's grandfather, who was compelled to abandon his home in Crete during the 1920s Greek-Turkish population exchange.

7.4

8.0

Stream on

United

2011 • 90 min

Drama, History

United tells the true story of Manchester United's legendary "Busby Babes," the youngest team to ever win the Football League. The film recounts the 1958 Munich Air Crash, which tragically resulted in the loss of eight players. Drawing on interviews…

6.9

7.3

13+

Stream on

+12

War Horse

2011 • 146 min • Budget $66M • Box office $177M

War, History, Adventure

Just before World War I, a young man named Albert's horse, Joey, is sold by his father to the army. During the war, Joey's journey is filled with peril, happiness, and heartbreak, profoundly affecting those he encounters. Albert, determined not…

7.3

7.2

13+

Stream on

There Be Dragons

2011 • 112 min

War, History, Drama

Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War's horrors, a man being considered for sainthood is examined by a journalist. He learns his own father had a profound and painful connection to the saint's life. While researching the life…

5.0

5.7

13+

Stream on

+11

The Sleeping Voice

2011 • 119 min • Budget $4M

Drama, History

Following the end of the Spanish Civil War in April 1939, Pepita journeys from her rural home in Córdoba to Madrid in November 1940. She seeks to be with her sister Hortensia, who is seven months pregnant and imprisoned, living…

6.6

7.2

Stream on

The Conspirator

2011 • 122 min • Budget $25M • Box office $15M

Crime, Drama, History

In the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Mary Surratt becomes the only woman charged as a co-conspirator. Facing widespread public hostility, she must depend on a hesitant lawyer to expose the truth and fight for her survival.

6.6

6.9

13+

Stream on

Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 1: The Sun Flag

2011 • 144 min • Budget $25M • Box office $29M

Drama, Action, History

A people who live in harmony with nature are threatened when outsiders from a different culture arrive, seeking to take their resources and enslave them. *Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 1: The Sun Flag* is the first…

7.3

7.5

Stream on

Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

2011 • 128 min • Box office $5M

Drama, History

This is a story about revenge, honor, and shame. It follows a poor samurai who learns what happened to his son-in-law, a wandering warrior. This discovery triggers a dangerous confrontation with the family of a powerful feudal lord.

7.2

7.3

Stream on

Buddha: The Great Departure

2011 • 111 min

Adventure, Animation, Drama

Prince Siddhartha, heir to the kingdom of Shakya, lives under the shadow of constant warfare with the stronger Kosala kingdom. His father attempts to mold him into a warrior king and protect him from the world's hardships. A relationship with…

7.5

6.3

Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale - Part 2: The Rainbow Bridge

2011 • 132 min • Budget $25M • Box office $29M

Action, Drama, History

Following the Wushe uprising, Mona Rudao leads a guerrilla war against the stronger Japanese military and the Seediq clans. He and his followers fight to defend their honor and identity, striving to be recognized as "Seediq Bale"—true men. Warriors of…

8.1

7.6

Stream on

J. Edgar

2011 • 137 min • Budget $35M • Box office $84M

Drama, Crime, History

For nearly 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover shaped American law enforcement, inspiring both fear and respect. Yet, hidden from public view were secrets that threatened to shatter his reputation, end his career, and destroy his life.

6.2

6.5

17+

Stream on

The Iron Lady

2011 • 105 min • Budget $13M • Box office $115M

History, Drama

This film explores the life of Margaret Thatcher, Britain's former Prime Minister, examining the personal sacrifices she made to achieve and maintain power.

6.4

13+

Stream on

+13

The Bang Bang Club

2011 • 106 min

Drama, History

During the final years of apartheid in South Africa, four photographers – Greg Marinovich, Kevin Carter, Ken Oosterbroek, and João Silva – formed a close bond driven by their shared commitment to documenting the escalating violence and turmoil before Nelson…

6.6

6.9

17+

Stream on

Ironclad

2011 • 121 min • Budget $25M • Box office $5M

Romance, Adventure, Action

In 1215, rebellious barons force King John to sign the Magna Carta, a landmark document protecting the rights of free people. But soon after, the King breaks his promise and gathers an army to crush the barons and regain control.…

6.1

17+

Stream on

My Way

2011 • 137 min • Budget $25M • Box office $16M

Drama, Action, History

A photograph of a slender Korean man in a German uniform was discovered during the Normandy invasion. The man had previously served in the armies of Japan, Russia, and Germany. This remarkable story inspired director Kang Je-Gyu to make this…

7.9

7.6

17+

Stream on

+13

War of the Arrows

2011 • 122 min • Budget $8M • Box office $49M

Drama, Action, History

Following their father's death, two siblings are raised by their father's closest friend. Their lives are upended when one of them is kidnapped just before her wedding, prompting the other to rebel against the Manchus.

7.2

7.1

17+

Stream on

+18

Anonymous

2011 • 130 min • Budget $30M • Box office $15M

Drama, History, Thriller

Against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth I's reign and the Essex Rebellion, the story explores the theory that Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare's plays.

6.4

6.8

13+

Stream on