Table of Contents
There is no better way to witness history’s amazing tales of romance, war, politics, and individual triumphs and tragedies than through motion pictures. Fortunately, Netflix‘s huge library of historical movies of all time transports us back in time to relive the extraordinary lives of both iconic figures and everyday individuals.
These Netflix films provide a glimpse into the past and serve as a reminder of timeless classical films, ranging from intimate tragedies to epic battles. This article features a curated selection of the very best historical movies on Netflix. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just planning a movie night, stream Netflix for the best historical movies to watch in UK.
1. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
| Director | Edward Berger |
| Release Date | October 28, 2022 |
| Lead Cast | Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Aaron Hilmer |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 |
The Erich Maria Remarque novel served as the inspiration for the German war drama All Quiet on the Western Front. In the film, a young German soldier experiences the atrocities of World War 1 and the disillusionment that results from them. This best Historical movie on Netflix lies among the good German films.
The movie does a great job of showing how cruel and pointless war is, as well as the toll it has on the troops that fight in it. Strong performances are given, especially by the lead actor, who does a great job of capturing the character’s emotional and psychological pain. With the use of close-ups and slow-motion views, the cinematography further enhances the impact of the movie.
2. My Best Friend Anne Frank (2021)
| Director | Ben Sombogart |
| Release Date | September 9, 2021 |
| Lead Cast | Aiko Beemsterboer, Josephine Arendsen, Zsolt Trill |
| IMDb Rating | 6.2/10 |
Julien Grosse’s French biographical drama movie My Best Friend Anne Frank was released in 2017. The historical movie centres on Hannah Goslar and Anne Frank’s friendship while the Netherlands was under Nazi rule.
The devastation that the Holocaust inflicted on people and families is well-depicted in the movie. Young women playing the parts of Hannah Goslar and Anne Frank give great performances, in particular. The film also offers a detailed representation of the complexities of interpersonal interactions and how individuals can be both kind and flawed.
3. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
| Director | Aaron Sirkin |
| Release Date | October 16, 2020 |
| Lead Cast | Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen |
| IMDb Rating | 7.7/10 |
American legal drama The Trial of the Chicago 7 was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. The 1969 prosecution of a group of anti-war activists who were accused of conspiring and instigating a riot during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago served as the inspiration for the film.
The ensemble cast gives great performances in this gripping and well-made courtroom drama. The movie does a fantastic job of examining the social and political dynamics of the period as well as how the trial served as a microcosm for larger problems with civil rights and free speech. The pacing is superb throughout, and the conversation is incisive and compelling. It is one of the best historical movies of all time.
4. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
| Director | Chiwetel Ejiofor |
| Release Date | March 1, 2019 |
| Lead Cast | Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Felix Lemburo |
| IMDb Rating | 7.6/10 |
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a British drama movie based on William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer’s memoir of the same name. The true story of a little kid in Malawi who constructs a wind turbine to aid his town amid a terrible drought is depicted in the film.
The movie is an affecting and motivational depiction of the strength of creativity and tenacity in the face of difficulty. The young actor who plays the lead gave an especially convincing performance. The mix of expansive landscapes and close-ups in the cinematography further enhances the impact of the movie.
5. The Endless Trench (2019)
| Directors | Aitror Arregi, Jon Garano, Jose Mari Goenaga |
| Release Date | September 22, 2019 |
| Lead Cast | Antonio de la Torre, Belen Cuesta, Vicente Vergara |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2/10 |
Spanish drama film The Endless Trench was helmed by Aitor Arregi, Jon Garao, and Jose Mari Goenaga. In the film, a guy spends more than 30 years living in a tiny subterranean bunker after going into hiding during the Spanish Civil War.
The film explores the human cost of political persecution and authoritarianism sadly and compellingly. The performances are excellent, with the lead actor giving a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the character’s emotional and psychological issues. The movie does a great job of examining the concepts of loneliness, resiliency, and fear as well as how people may find purpose and connection, even in the most difficult situations. Definitely recommend adding this among your best historical movies to watch.
6. The King (2019)
| Director | David Michod |
| Release Date | November 1, 2019 |
| Lead Cast | Timothee Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Tom Glynn-Carney |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
David Michôd’s historical drama The King is based on a number of William Shakespeare plays, including “Henry IV” and “Henry V.” The film portrays the tale of Hal, a rebellious prince who grows up to become King Henry V of England and commands his army against the French.
The film is a compelling and expertly made depiction of political intrigue, combat, and individual change. Strong performances all throughout, but Timothée Chalamet in the title character and Joel Edgerton as Falstaff stand out. The utilization of expansive landscapes and fighting scenes in the cinematography further enhances the impact of the true history movie on Netflix.
7. The Resistance Banker (2018)
| Director | Joram Lursen |
| Release Date | March 8, 2018 |
| Lead Cast | Jacob Derwig, Barry Atsma, Fockeline Ouwerkerk |
| IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 |
A Dutch show about war called The Resistance Banker is based on the real-life experiences of Walraven van Hall, a banker who supported the Dutch resistance during World War Two. Van Hall’s attempts to sneak cash out of the Netherlands and into the hands of the resistance are the subject of the film.
The movie is a skillfully made and compelling depiction of bravery and sacrifice during a time of war. The performances are excellent, especially the lead actor’s sensitive and nuanced portrayal of van Hall. The movie does an excellent job of delving into the complicated political and social issues of the historical period as well as the ways in which regular people might fight injustice.
8. Outlaw King (2018)
| Director | David Mackenzie |
| Release Date | November 9, 2018 |
| Lead Cast | Chris Pine, Stephen Dillane, Rebecca Robin |
| IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 |
Robert the Bruce, the Scottish monarch who battled for independence from England, is played by Chris Pine in the historical action drama Outlaw King, which was directed by David Mackenzie. The film chronicles Bruce’s attempts to bring the Scottish clans together and confront King Edward I’s English army.
The movie is a masterfully made and thrilling depiction of combat and political intrigue. Chris Pine, who plays the protagonist character, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who plays James Douglas, both give outstanding performances. Dive into the compelling narrative of another best historical movies of all time.
9. Mudbound (2017)
| Director | Dee Rees |
| Release Date | November 17, 2017 |
| Lead Cast | Jason Mitchell, Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke |
| IMDb Rating | 7.4/10 |
Based on the Hillary Jordan novel, Mudbound is a Dee Rees-directed American historical movie. Two families, one white and one black, who reside on a farm in rural Mississippi during and after World War II are the subject of the film.
A compelling and skillfully created representation of race, class, and gender in America during a period of significant change can be found in the movie. The ensemble cast, which includes Mary J. Blige, Carey Mulligan, and Jason Mitchell, gives great performances. The mix of expansive landscapes and close-ups in the cinematography further enhances the impact of the movie.
10. First They Killed My Father (2017)
| Director | Angelina Jolie |
| Release Date | September 15, 2017 |
| Lead Cast | Sareum Srey Moch, Phoeung Kompheak, Sveng Socheata |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2/10 |
Based on the narrative by Loung Ung, First They Killed My Father is a Cambodian-American biographical drama film directed by Angelina Jolie. The film chronicles Ung’s childhood experiences in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge rule.
The brutality and anguish of war and political persecution are powerfully and melancholy portrayed in the movie. Strong performances are given by all, especially by the young actress who plays the lead. Intimate close-ups and expansive landscapes are used in the cinematography, which further enhances the impact of the movie. In addition, the movie does a fantastic job of examining topics like tenacity, survival, and the strength of human connection in the face of extreme tragedy.
11. Predestination (2014)
| Director | Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig |
| Release Date | August 28, 2014 |
| Lead Cast | Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor |
| IMDb Rating | 7.4/10 |
Predestination is a science fiction movie. It revolves around a government agent immersed in time-travel intricacies, racing against the clock to thwart an impending terrorist threat. The dynamic duo of Ethan Hawke as the agent and Sarah Snook as the terrorist fuels a pursuit that traverses diverse epochs.
With its exhilarating narrative, it emerges among the best historical movies on Netflix. With time travel, the historical film delivers a blend of action and suspense. Nestled among the true history movies on Netflix, Predestination stands as a testament to the art of storytelling.
Wrap Up!
Streaming these historical films on Netflix is a fantastic way to educate about the past and have fun. These true history movies can give us a better perspective of the society we live in now. As it brings historical personalities and events to life.
There are historical movies on Netflix for everyone, regardless of your interest in titanic combat, inner conflict, or political intrigue. For your next movie night, Our list of the best historical movies on Netflix in UK will provide some inspiration. Enjoy exploring the varied and complex histories depicted in these best historical movies of all time. Happy Watching!
