In this article, we will discuss the top 10 historical movies on Netflix, which you can binge-watch anytime and give yourself a new pinch of flavor with a decent amount of past knowledge as well. Thankfully, Netflix got you covered as it has some amazing tales to offer you. When it comes to history, Netflix has expanded its palette over the years. There are plenty of historical dramas, movies, and documentaries that will give you an insight into past times and what history looks like. The genre is an absolute win-win as it provides the audience with the grittiness of history and the entertainment value and plot twists. Our list will be primarily focusing on the Netflix historical dramas where we will be sharing the top 10 historical movies which are available on Netflix, and you can watch them with a Netflix subscription fee. Without further ado, let’s get started with the list of top 10 historical movies on Netflix.
Lincoln
The Abraham Lincoln biopic is directed by Steven Spielberg and is a masterpiece. The film featured Daniel Day-Lewis in the lead role and was nominated for 12 academy awards for a beautiful creation of its age. The movie features commendable scenes with outstanding performances by every cast member in the movie. The movie is a tale of a coming age where it depicts how America was able to survive a destructing Civil war and, most importantly, how Lincoln’s ability to inspire, lead, and bring people together played a significant role in saving America. The movie does not feature any action or war scenes as it’s a tale about an unbelievably patient man who faced difficult and terrible circumstances with utter patience and faith. The entire movie is profoundly engaging and is considered one of the most powerful non-war histories of all time.
The King’s Speech
The movie showcases the relationship between a king and his speech therapist. If it’s a little too drab to capture 3 hours of your time, then I must tell you that this amazing creation has the power to do so much with so little. In the movie, the story follows Prince Albert, played by Colin Firth, who has to ascend the throne, but his incompatibility with his speech makes his political powers a little off. Therefore, he ended up hiring Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to help him tone his speechcraft and give him the required skills to be an effective speaker so that he could effectively run a nation. The film is beautiful, gripping, and engaging despite its run length.
Saving Mr. Banks
This movie is a wonderful tale about Walt Disney’s (Tom Hanks) quest to receive the rights of Marry Poppins from Pamela “P.L.” Travers (Emma Thompson), who is the original author of this character’s story. The film showcases the struggles of both the parties of how Walt Disney desperately tries to secure the rights of a film which he has promised his children to secure soon. On the other hand, it shows Emma’s struggles, who tries to safeguard the rights of her greatest creation and doesn’t want to get twisted or altered in any way. It’s a heartwarming journey about two people wanting two different things. Also, check out Netflix’s best romantic movies and horror movies.
Once Upon a Time in America
Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a time in America can be considered the most brutally honest and sad mafia tale ever put on big screens. The premise of the film is based on a true story, and at the same time, the creative freedom of the story is also explored in the movie. However, consideration has been given to the fact that the historical accuracy of the event must not be degraded, and the audience sees the original site of the story with a hint of creativity and freedom in the storyline. The main story revolves around David Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and Maximillian ‘Max’ Bercovicz (James Woods), who rise through the ranks of the underworld as Jewish youths. During their journey, themes of friendship, love, loss, and growth are explored beautifully in the movie.
The Aviator
One of the most history-driven films, the premise of Aviator centers on the life of Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his absolutely eccentric lifestyle. The movie shows him as a successful aviator and film producer. On the other hand, it shows his OCD problem where the protagonist continued to make progress, which ultimately makes Hughes more reclusive and bizarre. The movie is directed and performed beautifully, and it’s gripping at the very end.
Schindler’s List
This period drama showcases the brutality of the Nazi regime. Oskar Schindler is on his fable to save Jewish people from the horrors and terrifying hatred of the Holocaust by giving them work in their factories. The film is shot entirely in black-and-white and showcases Schindler’s brave attempts against the brutality of the Nazis. The movie tells a significant story about the past, which is also heartbreaking at times.
All the President’s Men
The movie follows the Watergate scandal, which eventually led to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the country’s presidency. It features two journalists for the Washington Post, namely Carl Bernstein (Robert Redford) and Bob Woodward (Dustin Hoffman) where they try to get the inside scoop on the Watergate scandal and what is the real story behind it. The film is pacey with interesting twists and revelations taking place. The best thing about the movie is that it showcased the real competition and cut-throat world of journalism.
Dangerous Beauty
The movie is a true modern historical piece where it goes back to the 16th century to portray the story of Veronica Franco, played by Catherine McCormack. Veronica is basically a courtesan in Venice and seduces men to gain permission for her education. The protagonist goes so far in seducing kings, which ultimately ended her sacrificing herself for her city, Venice. The movie takes a dark turn when people start accusing her as a witch.
The Gangs of New York
The movie tells the story of the time period when New York City was still a city, bustling with Irish and Italian immigrants. It showcases two different gangs, namely the Dead Rabbits (and Irish Catholic gang) and the Natives (an American protestant gang). When the Dead Rabbits are slaughtered, Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio), the son of the gang leader, goes on a quest to take revenge for his father’s murder and execute the culprits. The movie set the backdrop of a bustling city, and the scenes and storylines depict the fantasies of that time. It also depicts how reality comes crashing down on the viewer in profound ways.
The Theory of Everything
In the time of Stephen Hawking’s unfortunate death, the movie tells the story of his life and what his journey is all about becoming the most brilliant physicists and theorists on the entire planet. The movie depicts his real-life journey right from his ongoing struggle with his neuron disease to his inexplicable passion and drives for physics, black holes, and the whole universe. In the movie, the protagonist’s deep character beautifully breaks the mold of his media portrayal in general. The film has successfully shown the sides of love, loss, and ultimately one man’s struggle with a life-destroying and decaying disease. He has his fascination and passion for going with everything scientific in life.
