7 Great Historical Movies Everyone Needs To Watch Once in Your Life

Historical movies don’t always seem exciting, and many aren’t. However, the best ones can truly transport you to another time and help you understand what it was like to live through important events. It’s less about remembering facts and more about experiencing the emotions and pressures faced by people in the past. They can offer a deeper understanding of politics, war, and what it takes to survive than any book or documentary. These films are memorable and can stay with you for years. For movie lovers, they offer a rare and meaningful experience, providing something truly valuable compared to many mainstream films.

Here are 7 historical films that truly stand out and deserve to be seen. They’re exceptionally well-made in every way, and most people would agree they’re essential viewing – skipping them would mean missing out on some truly great cinema.

7) The King

Okay, let me tell you about The King. It’s a seriously intense movie – think political maneuvering, backstabbing, and full-on warfare. It takes its story from Shakespeare, but makes it way more immediate and easy to follow, without sacrificing any of the dramatic weight. We follow Hal, played by Timothée Chalamet, as he’s thrown into becoming king and faces constant betrayals, tricky deals, and a huge war with France. But what really struck me is that it’s not just about the battles. It’s about the impossible choices you make when you’re in charge, and the weight of leading a country. Honestly, it gives you a real sense of what leadership and responsibility meant back in the Middle Ages – where those decisions literally meant life or death. And surprisingly, a lot of the struggles Hal goes through still feel relevant to what’s happening in the world today.

Timothée Chalamet gives a brilliant performance as a complex character who transforms from a carefree rebel into a leader thrust into the brutal realities of 15th-century warfare. While many films tackle similar historical themes, this one is special because it makes the workings of power and the impact of political choices feel incredibly human and understandable. If you’re a fan of history and political strategy, The King is a must-see.

6) Gladiator

Almost everyone knows the movie Gladiator, especially with a sequel in the works and Ridley Scott planning a third film. While it’s incredibly popular, many don’t realize why it was so successful and remains a cinematic masterpiece. The story follows Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general betrayed and forced into slavery, who rises through the ranks as a gladiator to avenge Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). The film quickly delivers intense action – brutal fights, political intrigue, and Maximus’s powerful personal journey – all of which combine to explain its enduring legacy.

What truly sets Gladiator apart is its ability to transport you to Ancient Rome, making you feel fully immersed in the world rather than just observing it. Beyond the exciting action, the film explores universal themes like loyalty, honor, and the consequences of corruption and revenge – ultimately asking us to consider what we want to leave behind. Gladiator isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience that stays with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with a vivid sense of the past and a deep connection to Maximus’s journey.

5) The Revenant

Everyone remembers Leonardo DiCaprio finally winning his Oscar, but surprisingly, few people have actually seen the film that earned it – The Revenant. While survival stories are common, this movie feels incredibly raw and realistic. It follows Hugh Glass, a fur trapper in the 1800s, who is attacked by a bear and abandoned. What follows is a harsh struggle against both the wilderness and other people. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutal reality of survival, making it intensely gripping. But what truly makes The Revenant a must-watch?

You should definitely see The Revenant. It powerfully depicts the harsh realities of life on the American frontier and how people were driven by the need to survive. The film is incredibly immersive – you truly feel what the main character, Glass, is going through, from the freezing cold and gnawing hunger to the constant danger. His struggle isn’t just against the wilderness or other people; it’s a grueling test of his own strength, courage, and the limits of human endurance. The Revenant is more than just a movie; it’s a visceral experience that offers a profound lesson about determination and how precious and fragile life can be.

4) Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan is known for making complex films, and Dunkirk is no exception. He presents a unique take on World War II, but it’s a film that’s definitely worth seeing because of his innovative approach. Instead of focusing on a single hero’s journey, Dunkirk immerses you in the experience of the evacuation from Dunkirk, France, as it happened. You witness the events unfold through the eyes of soldiers on the beach, civilians attempting a sea rescue, and pilots providing air cover, all while feeling the intense chaos and urgency without relying on lengthy, patriotic speeches. Compared to typical war movies, Dunkirk is notable for its willingness to try something new.

The film isn’t about a complex plot or high drama; it’s a straightforward story of survival. What truly captivates viewers is how skillfully it’s made. Dunkirk is a must-see because it portrays war not as a noble endeavor, but as a brutal struggle. Director Christopher Nolan is famous for his meticulous attention to detail, and this film fully immerses you in the experience. You can almost feel the war – the deafening planes, the overwhelming crowds, and the relentless ticking clock. This level of detail is unmatched, making you feel like you’re in the battle, not just watching it.

3) The Pianist

The 2000s saw many historical films, but The Pianist is arguably the most memorable. It’s a powerful classic that truly stays with you. The film tells the story of Władysław Szpilman (played by Adrien Brody), a Jewish pianist struggling to survive in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation. However, it doesn’t focus on the battles or grand events of the war; instead, it powerfully depicts the everyday horrors of hunger, fear, and loneliness, as well as the small, almost unbelievable moments of hope. We see Szpilman’s world crumble around him, yet he fights to maintain his humanity. It’s a deeply moving film, particularly impactful when considering the many other movies about the Holocaust.

Beyond the personal tragedies, the film powerfully conveys what life was like during that time, highlighting how even small acts of courage or choices could determine survival. The story feels incredibly authentic and avoids sensationalism, focusing on the genuine experiences of real people facing impossible circumstances. The Pianist transforms a large-scale historical event into a deeply moving and personal experience, offering insights into history while prompting self-reflection. It’s a truly masterful film.

2) 12 Years a Slave

Watching 12 Years a Slave is a difficult but essential experience. The film recounts the true story of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and forced into slavery for twelve years on Louisiana plantations. Like other films dealing with this subject, it doesn’t exaggerate the horrors; instead, it presents the stark reality of slavery. It’s a raw and unflinching portrayal of the system’s brutality, focusing on Northup’s struggle to maintain his dignity amidst constant violence and dehumanization. Through his experiences, the film offers a glimpse into the true horror and injustice of slavery.

“12 Years a Slave” is a powerfully sobering film, more impactful than many expect, given its subject matter – a system that defined so much of history. It doesn’t just show the physical brutality of slavery, but also the devastating loss of identity and the constant struggle to maintain one’s humanity. It’s a film everyone should see, as it powerfully connects the past to present-day issues. While difficult to watch, it’s a deeply educational, challenging, and moving experience – not just a movie to check off a list, but a truly essential one for everyone.

1) Schindler’s List

While The Pianist offers a deeply emotional look at the Holocaust, Schindler’s List is considered the most important film about this time in history. It tells the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), who saved over a thousand Jewish people while also benefiting from the war. The film powerfully demonstrates how a single person can have a huge impact, even during immense devastation. Schindler is portrayed as a complex and flawed individual, which makes his actions even more impactful, as people’s lives literally depend on him. The film doesn’t use the horrors of the Nazi occupation for sensationalism, but instead aims to help viewers understand the impossible struggle for survival faced by the victims. It remains the most compelling cinematic portrayal of one of history’s greatest tragedies.

Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List is a powerful and unflinching film. Shot in black and white and featuring graphic violence, it doesn’t shy away from the horrors of the Holocaust, presenting deeply disturbing details. The film is profoundly impactful, leaving viewers shaken and with a visceral understanding of the events – almost as if they experienced them firsthand. It’s a crucial film because it demands we confront the truth directly. More than just a history lesson, it’s a masterclass in human nature, exploring themes of survival, courage, morality, and compassion with raw intensity. Schindler’s List is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, and can truly change the way you see the world.

What are your thoughts on these films? Have you had a chance to watch any of them? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-15 02:15