The Best Historical Movies for Every Occasion

When it comes to historical films, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an epic tale to inspire you or a more internal drama to reflect on, chances are you’ll find at least one classic movie that speaks to you. Historically focused films can also be great conversation starters and learning tools. Most importantly, they allow us to step back in time and better understand the past’s complicated and often uncomfortable realities.

When selecting a film to watch, it’s important to remember an event or era you’d like to explore. From the ancient world to the Cold War to stories about cultural resilience in the face of colonialism, a carefully picked historical film can offer a reasonable chance to expand your knowledge and deepen your appreciation for a bygone era.

For a Historical Storytelling Evening

No historical movie marathon would be complete without a classic epic like “Gone With The Wind.” Winner of an astonishing ten Academy Awards and the highest-grossing movie of all time, this sweeping romance tells the grand story of survival and resilience during the Civil War era.

For an Inspiration Evening

If you are searching for stories of bravery and moral courage, you should look no further than “Schindler’s List.” Director Steven Spielberg’s holocaust masterpiece tells the true and tragic story of businessman Oskar Schindler, who risks everything to shelter 1,200 Jews from extermination. Winner of seven Academy Awards, this intense and thought-provoking film should be mandatory viewing for everyone.

For a Learning Evening

The pages of history witness the Vietnam War, a profoundly contentious and wrenching episode. For those searching for a cinematic homage to the indomitable spirit and courage of those who navigated these tumultuous times, “Platoon” emerges as a compelling choice. With Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe at the helm, this trailblazing masterpiece secured four coveted Academy Awards and etched its name as the pioneer in portraying the war through the eyes of the quintessential American soldier.

For a Classical Evening

If classic period films from the golden age of cinema are your thing, you’ll want to keep “The Paths of Glory” in mind. This 1967 anti-war film, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas, centers on three French soldiers who are falsely accused of treason during the First World War. It earned an Academy Award nomination and remains one of the most acclaimed war films ever made.

For a Drama Evening

“The Last Emperor” by Bernardo Bertolucci is undoubtedly an epic classic. Based on the life of the last emperor of China, Pu Yi, this sprawling and visually stunning film earned nine Academy Awards and an Oscar for Best Picture. It’s an engaging and emotionally nuanced exploration of a cinematic life that follows the rise and fall of one of history’s most extraordinary final dynasties.

For a Political Evening

No list of the best historical films would be complete without mention of “All The President’s Men,” the thrilling political drama directed by Alan J. Pakula. The movie “All The President’s Men,” starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein for the Washington Post, depicts the real-life events of two journalists who exposed the Watergate crisis in the 1970s. Winner of four Academy Awards, this riveting masterpiece has remained an international favorite for decades.

For a Comedy Evening

“Life is Beautiful” directed by Roberto Benigni is a laugh-out-loud tale of an Italian Jewish man whose effort to protect his son from the harsh realities of World War II shows resilience and hope even in the darkest of times. Winner of three Academy Awards, this heartwarming, bittersweet comedy is full of unforgettable moments.

From a Historical Perspective

Set in the early 18th century, “Amadeus” is an incredible biographical portrayal of the life and music of Austrian music genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This exceptional and motivational drama, which was directed by Milos Forman and starred Tom Hulce, is still the best-performing biopic of all time and earned 8 Academy Awards.

For a Documentary

Finally, you can’t go wrong with “The Fog of War,” Errol Morris’s acclaimed documentary explores the life of Robert McNamara, the US Secretary of Defense, during the Vietnam War. Through archival footage and in-depth interviews with the former president, this eye-opening film reveals how leaders in high-level positions can have a profound personal effect on the shape of history.

Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or just looking to pass the time, one thing is certain. These classic historical films provide an opportunity to gain insight into how the world was and discover timeless stories of love, courage, and resilience. So the next time you’re looking for mind-engaging entertainment, why not take a trip down history lane?