Journey Through Time: Historical Movies on Netflix You Can't Miss

Even if you didn’t enjoy studying history in school, you can still enjoy historical dramas and films. These movies are quite enjoyable and fulfill a lot of functions. History buffs turn them into a deep conversation topic, unraveling all the strands, calling out errors, and disputing the significance of the occurrences. For some, these are the enthralling stories of a different era, a civilization outside of their own, and a world they will never get to experience.

Whichever group you belong to, historical films are unquestionably important. They are entertaining and educational, but above all, they serve as warning signals that indicate what would happen to the earth if mankind continued to make the same mistakes. The adage “history repeats itself” has merit. Netflix has been expanding the kinds of stories it tells with each year that goes by. It affects historical fiction as much as factual films. The list of excellent historical Netflix films is provided below if you’d want to learn about history without having to go through a boring school lecture.

A Twelve-Year Night (2018)

Uruguayan drama “A Twelve-Year Night” was once known as “La noche de 12 anos.” The movie, which is based on true events, depicts the 12-year period of solitary incarceration that members of the left-wing urban guerrilla group Tupacaros endured. If the military government is unable to murder them, then “drive them mad.” Pepe Mujica, who will serve as Uruguay’s 40th president from 2010 to 2015, is one of the nine hostages that have been captured. The highly regarded movie was chosen to compete in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 91st Academy Awards. You can view it right here.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

The German film “All Quiet on the Western Front” narrates the narrative of German soldier Paul Bäumer and is based on Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 novel of the same name. Three years after the outbreak of World War I, Paul, a young and idealistic man, enlists in the Imperial German Army with his pals in the hopes of achieving fame and glory. However, as the movie goes on and Paul gets intimately familiar with the atrocities of war, he comes to understand that glory is rarely found on the battlefield. He can only hope to live till the bloodshed around him ends. Lewis Milestone’s iconic film of the same name, which debuted in 1930, was likewise influenced by Remarque’s book. The American film, which is widely considered as one of the best war films ever made, was the first to win the Academy Awards for Best Director and Outstanding Production. It also shows the horrors of battle in graphic detail. You may watch the movie right here.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016)

“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny” is a masterful work of historical fiction that merits our attention even though it may not be a historical film in the strictest sense of the word. The movie is a follow-up to Ang Lee’s 2000 blockbuster “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.” In this movie, Michelle Yeoh plays warrior-maiden Shu Lien once more. She is desperate to locate the enchanted sword Green Destiny, which formerly belonged to her beloved Li Mu Bai, after having been gone for about eighteen years. Shu Lien is determined to keep the sword safe even as Hades Dai, a deadly criminal, grows more and more eager to seize it. She is accompanied on her mission by a mysterious warrior known only as Silent Wolf and a young woman. The wuxia movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny” teaches us a lot about the martial arts culture of medieval China. In addition to witnessing some masterfully staged action scenes, we also learn about the era’s philosophies. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny” is available for streaming right now.

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

Craig Brewer is the director of the 2019 comedy film “Dolemite Is My Name.” The life of Rudy Ray Moore, a legendary figure of the 1970s Blaxploitation famed for his persona Dolemite, is chronicled in this gripping biography. In spite of all odds, Eddie Murphy gives a remarkable portrayal of Moore that follows his rise from obscurity to success. In addition to guaranteeing laughs, the ensemble cast—which includes well-known actors like Craig Robinson, Keegan-Michael Key, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Epps, Chris Rock, and Snoop Dogg—addresses important social concerns of the day. This hilarious journey is both enjoyable and an educational look into a revolutionary age of entertainment, capturing the spirit of 1970s Blaxploitation film and Rudy’s unwavering will. It’s a must-watch on Netflix. Here is where you can view “Dolemite Is My Name.”

Elisa & Marcela (2019)

The film centers on Elisa Sánchez Loriga and Marcela Gracia Ibeas, who meet and form a beautiful friendship. It is based on the first same-sex marriage in Spain. However, because same-sex partnerships were completely prohibited at the time, things take a dark turn after their friendship develops into a romantic engagement. But Elisa and Marcela don’t give up and choose to go against the grain and get married while continuing their romance that defies death. After that, the story takes an exciting yet tense turn, similar to 1901. Elisa makes the decision to take on a boy’s identity in order to unite with her love. You may watch the movie right here.

Farha (2021)

Darin J. Sallam is the director of the historical drama film titled “Farha.” The film, which is based on a true event, depicts the heartbreaking coming-of-age journey of a Palestinian child during the catastrophic expulsion of her people from their homeland in 1948 during the Nakba. When Zionist soldiers attack Farha’s village, she is imprisoned in a pantry for protection and witnesses horrific atrocities. With an impressive ensemble that includes Ashraf Barhom as Abu Farha and Karam Taher as Farha, the movie offers a moving portrayal of the brutality of ethnic cleansing. The film is a must-watch for anybody interested in learning more about Palestinian history and the human tales that surround it, and it merits recognition for its moving depiction of a historical tragedy. Here is where you may view the film.

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First They Killed My Father (2017)

First They Killed My Father is a Khmer-language film directed by Angelina Jolie and based on the 2000 memoir published by Loung Ung. The story takes place in 1975 and centers on 7-year-old Loung, who is coerced into serving as a child soldier by the Khmer Rouge government. After the Khmer Rouge win the Cambodian Civil War, Loung’s family flees Phnom Pen as refugees and eventually finds themselves in a work camp. Loung is one of the seven children of her father, a Khmer National Armed Forces general known as “Pa” in the movie. Loung is enlisted as a child soldier in a different camp when her father dies, right before the Vietnamese troops begin their liberation effort in Cambodia. You may view the movie right here.

Kardec (2019)

“Kardec,” which is based on Allan Kardec’s true biography, depicts the modest beginnings of Hippolyte Leon Denizard Rivail as a French educator. Rivail discovers, when studying Spinning tables, that there might be a means of communicating with ghosts. Even though it doesn’t seem like society is ready for such a discovery, the teacher adopts the pen name Allan Kardec and gets to work writing the works that are the foundation of Spiritist research today. The film is worth seeing because it focuses on Rivail’s discoveries and his efforts to disseminate them to the wider audience. You are welcome to see the film here.

Kartini: Princess of Java (2017)

Hanung Bramantyo is the director of the biographical play “Kartini: Princess of Java.” A poignant story of a heroine’s struggle against social and gender inequality, it is set in Indonesia during the Dutch colonial era in the early 1900s. In a time when education was reserved for the nobles, Raden Adjeng Kartini fights against long-standing Javanese customs in favor of women’s rights and educational equality. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Reza Rahadian, Christine Hakim, Dian Sastrowardoyo, and Acha Septriasa, the movie offers a moving glimpse into the life of the well-known Indonesian heroine. This film is uplifting to see because of Kartini’s fight against repressive customs and her quest for equality, which highlights the significance of women’s liberation in a bygone era. You may watch the movie right here.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Ashutosh Gowariker is the director of the historical sports drama film “Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India.” In the late Victorian era of the British Raj, an epic musical takes place in a village in colonial India that is suffering from a drought. An haughty British commander challenges the impoverished villagers—who are suffering from a drought and heavy taxes from the government—to a cricket match as a way of getting out of paying the onerous taxes. The movie centers on Bhuvan, who organizes a group of locals and gains knowledge of cricket. The film effectively captures the villagers’ suffering, hope, and persistence with Amitabh Bachchan’s narration and strong performances by Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, and British actors Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne.

The picture, which was produced in the face of numerous obstacles, was the most expensive in India when it was released and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language picture. The term “Lagaan” refers to the weight that the villagers carry due to both colonial persecution and taxes. The film definitely deserves its place because of its engaging plot, beautiful soundtrack, and fusion of sport and culture. It invites spectators to observe a rare combination of sportsmanship and resistance to colonialism. Here is where you may view “Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India.”

Marshall (2017)

Reginald Hudlin is the director of the legal drama film titled “Marshall.” The groundbreaking African-American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall’s early professional years are highlighted in this 1940s biography. The movie, which focuses on a particularly difficult case in Connecticut, depicts Marshall’s unwavering quest of justice as he defends an African-American driver who was falsely convicted of rape. The film highlights the racial stereotypes of the time and stars Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Sterling K. Brown, and Chadwick Boseman in a riveting performance as Marshall. Acknowledged for its captivating narrative and outstanding acting, it rightfully merits its position by offering an engrossing courtroom drama combined with essential historical insights. You may view the movie right here.

Mudbound (2017)

“Mudbound,” one of the best movies of the year, takes place in the years following World War II. After the War, two soldiers come home, their former selves wiped away by their ordeals. Ronsel Jackson was an infantryman, and Jamie McAllan was an army pilot. Henry, Jamie’s older brother, is happily married to Laura back home. on contrast, Ronsel’s family works on the fields owned by the McAllans. After coming home, Jamie and Ronsel become friends and talk about their shared experiences in the War. But where they resided, assimilation of Blacks and Whites was not yet common, and as a result, they both had difficulties. The movie focuses on bigotry that Ronsel has to witness—something he isn’t used to after joining the army—and PTSD, which primarily affects Jamie. Here’s where you can see “Mudbound”

Munich: Edge of War (2021)

“Munich: Edge of War,” helmed by Christian Schwochow, is a film adapted upon Robert Harris’s 2017 worldwide best-selling novel of the same name. It takes place in the years preceding World War II and, through the eyes of old Oxford friends, British civil servant Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and German diplomat Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner), highlights the 1938 Munich Agreement, a desperate attempt to avert the war as Hitler gets ready to invade Czechoslovakia. “Munich: Edge of War,” a compelling war picture directed by Christian Schwochow, is a must-see. All of the performers do a fantastic job capturing the intensity of the era, and Ben Power’s screenplay has been adapted. Ulrich Matthes, Jeremy Irons, August Diehl, and Jessica Brown Findlay make up the remaining cast. Here is where you can watch it.

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My Best Friend Anne Frank (2021)

Ben Sombogaart is the director of the Dutch drama “My Best Friend Anne Frank.” The story, which takes inspiration from “Memories of Anne Frank: Reflections of a Childhood Friend,” is told from Hanneli Goslar’s point of view and highlights the close relationship that existed between Hanneli and Anne Frank during World War II. Through Goslar’s eyes, viewers are given a new insight into Anne Frank’s existence and are taken on an emotional journey. With riveting performances, Aiko Beemsterboer as Anne and Josephine Arendsen as Hannah wind up in concentration camps where they are tragically divided by a wall as the story comes to a close. The moving story serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. You are welcome to see the film here.

Narvik: Hitler’s First Defeat (2022)

The Norwegian war film “Narvik” was helmed by Erik Skjoldbjaerg. The movie, which is set in April 1940 (World War II), shows Adolf Hitler’s initial loss after the Battle of Narvik (Norway), which took place from 9 April to 8 June 1940. The conflict of Narvik, the largest land and sea conflict since Hitler’s invasion of Poland, was fought to seize iron ore, which was essential to his Nazi war machines. His soldiers were temporarily vanquished. In addition to this large viewpoint, we also receive a micro perspective that shows us the war as it is seen through the eyes of Gunnar and Ingrid Tofte, a couple who are trying to survive it. starring Mathilde Holtedahl Cuhra, Kari Bremnes, Henrik Mestad, Carl Martin Eggesbø, and Kristine Hartgen. Watch the movie right here.

Operation Finale (2018)

After Germany was overthrown, Adolf Eichmann, the mastermind of the Holocaust, vanished without explanation. The events that follow when a crew of Israeli spies learns out of the blue that Eichmann is hiding in Argentina are the subject of “Operation Finale.” In an effort to apprehend the war criminal, the organization carefully arranges a kidnapping in a foreign nation. But all of a sudden, they find themselves in danger as covert Nazi sympathizers plot the creation of a second Reich. You can view the movie here to see what happens next.

Outlaw King (2018)

In Scottish history, Robert Bruce is a highly esteemed figure. He was the leader of the First War of Scottish Independence and is regarded as one of the deadliest fighters. “Outlaw King” centers on what transpired following the Scottish nobility’s surrender to the English King during the siege of Stirling Castle. Serving the King with obedience for a while was followed shortly by the leadership of a rebellion against the British by Robert Bruce, who was inspired by the public display of William Wallace’s disfigured body and the general discontent with the regime. The title character was portrayed by Chris Pine, with appearances by Tony Curran, Florence Pugh, Billy Howle, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in supporting parts. There will be certain historical mistakes, just like in any other Hollywood production. However, you will understand the general outline of all the incidents that brought him to prominence and, ultimately, to the throne of Scotland. You may view the movie right here.

The Angel (2018)

When one thinks of historical films, they usually picture eras that are at least a hundred years apart from our own. In all honesty, albeit it is the most recent history, what occurred ten years ago is also history. But enough about that argument. My argument is that, regardless of how distinct it is from the other movies on this list, if I recommend you watch a movie that is set in the early 1970s, it is also historical. Additionally, this one is a must-watch as it functions more like an espionage thriller. The film centers on the life of an Egyptian spy for Israeli intelligence, based on Uri Bar-Joseph’s book of the same name. It is set in the aftermath of the Six Days War and features the prime minister of Egypt and his cabinet discussing how to get revenge on Israel for their most recent defeat. The prime minister’s son-in-law, Ashraf Marwan, is allowed to listen in on the conversation. He receives a severe rebuke, nevertheless, when he offers a significant recommendation. This propels him in the direction of Israeli intelligence, and the rest is history! Watch “The Angel” online at this link.

The Forgotten Battle (2020)

“The Forgotten Battle,” which takes place in the days preceding the Battle of the Scheldt during World War II, connects the lives of three unrelated people. Teuntje Visser, the first of the three, finds herself enlisting in the Dutch resistance after her brother is brutally murdered by the Nazis. Marinus van Staveren, a Nazi sympathizer, makes every effort to save Teuntje’s brother; nevertheless, when his plea is denied, Marinus is more and more dejected and starts to doubt his allegiances. At this point, in the run-up to the Battle of Walcheren Causeway, Glider Pilot Regiment Sergeant Will Sinclair crashes into German-occupied Zeeland and engages the German forces. But because the three’s lives are intertwined and their futures are uncertain, fate has much more in store for them. This is where you can view “The Forgotten Battle.”

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a book club that Juliet Ashton (Lily James), a writer based in London, befriends over time. As the book club members relate their experiences of living on the Nazi-occupied island, Juliet decides to visit the island herself. The story takes place against the backdrop of World War II and the German occupation of Guernsey Island. She chooses to write about the German occupation because it gives her a book topic, and in the process, she makes lifelong companions. Juliet learns from the entire experience that she is unable to leave her life in Guernsey behind and go back to London. Here is a link to stream the film.

The Highwaymen (2019)

“The Highwaymen,” which centers on the notorious criminal couple Bonnie and Clyde, follows former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Benjamin Maney Gault as they work to bring the pair to justice. Frank and Benjamin are compelled to come out of retirement and resume their search after police obtain precise information regarding the pair’s whereabouts. The movie takes the audience on an exciting ride across an exquisitely detailed and created 1930s America, even though their age first causes them to slow down. However, the excitement of being on the road and remembering old experiences quickly gets them back on track. Here is where you may view the film.

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The Irishman (2019)

The Irishman, which was directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, features a number of Hollywood’s top names, all of whom Scorsese frequently chooses for his roles. Among them are Harvey Keitel, Joe Pesci, and Robert De Niro. Al Pacino rounds out this outstanding cast. The 2004 nonfiction book “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt served as the basis for the movie. The story, which takes place in Philadelphia in the 1950s and beyond, revolves around Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran, a war veteran turned hitman. Sheeran first worked for Jimmy Hoffa, the president of the Teamsters labor union at the time, and later for mobster Russell Bufalino of the Bufalino crime family. As they say, “The Irishman” is cinema, a true-to-form representation of the politics and organized crime of the era in a way that is simultaneously intimate and open-world in classic Scorsese fashion. It is available for streaming here.

The King (2019)

Based on multiple Shakespeare plays, this Netflix original movie primarily follows the early years of English monarch King Henry “Hal” V. At the beginning of the movie, Hal shows no interest in state affairs; later, however, after his brother Thomas is killed in battle, he is unexpectedly crowned King of England. King Charles VI of France openly insulted him at his coronation, leading many to assume that he was weak. Hal declares war and advances toward France to demonstrate his true might to his adversaries after learning that Charles VI has dispatched an assassin to kill him. The child who has always opposed violence and politics is now being shaped into the same person he detested. Timothée Chalamet has made a name for himself as a significant talent, and this movie serves as yet another testament to his ability to carry out any job that is assigned to him. We should also be impressed by the cinematography, costumes, and production design of this movie. Here is where you can watch it.

The Red Sea Diving Resort (2019)

“The Red Sea Diving Resort,” a Netflix original movie, is based on the story of how the Israeli spy agency Mossad was able to sneak Ethiopian Jews who were residing there into Israel. Agent Ari Levinson of Mossad offers to his superiors that they purchase a beach resort and utilize it as a front for their clandestine mission. They complete their task in Sudan, but soon after some truths are revealed, the agents’ and the people they are defending’s lives are in jeopardy. The movie has all the makings of a gripping thriller, but writer-director Gideon Raff utterly wastes the chance by creating terribly written characters and providing the actors with little to work with. The “white savior complex” in the movie has also drawn a lot of flak. It is available for streaming here.

The Resistance Banker (2018)

“The Resistance Banker” is a story about Walraven “Wally” van Hall, an Amsterdam financier who is enlisted by the Dutch underground resistance to provide financial support during Nazi Germany’s occupation of the Netherlands. Gijsbrecht “Gijs,” his brother, assists Wally in creating a productive network that allows money to be sent to the resistance fast. Because of how effective their strategies are, Wally gains the nickname “van Tuyl” from his fellow resistance fighters. The rebel leaders organize their funds with Wally acting as their banker. As this is going on, Nazi collaborator and chairman of the Dutch State Bank Rost von Tonningen realizes someone is providing financial support to the resistance and contacts SS intelligence for assistance. You are welcome to see the film here.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

“The Trail of the Chicago 7” is a documentary directed by Aaron Sorkin that centers on the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War demonstrators who are accused of causing the riots that occurred during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This historical judicial drama focuses on the seven ringleaders connected to the tragedy and their valiant efforts to uphold their convictions throughout their unfair trials. Despite having different political ideologies, the Chicago 7 understand how important each other is to one another—especially if they want to win the fight. You may watch the movie here. Notable actors such Michael Keaton, Daniel Flaherty, Frank Langella, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II are among the ensemble cast.

The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)

“The Zookeeper’s Wife,” which is set during the Polish invasion, tells the true tale of Jan and Antonina Żabiński’s rescue and sanctuary of hundreds of Jews, shielding them from the violence of the Germans. In order to hide it from persecution, Jan and his wife convert the zoo into a pig farm when they intend to convert it into a rescue zone. Additionally, with the assistance of the local resistance, they start trucking Jews out of the ghetto and providing them with a safe refuge. The film is a brilliant commentary on the horrific persecution of Jews and demonstrates how a couple perseveres in standing up for what’s right even in the face of death. You may see the movie online here.

Divesh Solanki

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Being a binge-watcher himself, finding Content to write about comes naturally to Divesh. From Anime to Trending Netflix Series and Celebrity News, he covers every detail and always find the right sources for his research.