My Favourite Historical Films of All-Time

Few film genres have built a legacy as strong as the historical epic. Since the 1960’s, the genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s gladiators, political leaders or star-crossed lovers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies in a genre that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I was taught about the Holocaust by a professor that had immense knowledge. Several years ago, I was taught about the genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a ghetto. He often took great pride in educating students about a mass genocide in which his people died. My teacher believed that movies were an art that could never capture a genocide that tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the genocide in which people perished as powerfully as “Schindler’s List”. Ever since its release in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest historical film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Spielberg did an extraordinary job of capturing a gruesome mass genocide that caused Jewish citizens to experience despair. Spielberg has an aptitude for using symbolism in his movies to convey emotions, and “Schindler’s List” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Oskar Schindler witnesses reacts with horror seeing the girl in the red coat face warfare causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodied an evil Nazi commander evoking terror. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” the greatest historical film ever made is its message. The film accomplishes exactly what a historical movie is supposed to do which is educate audiences about an important time in history. It delivers a strong message about the genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a gruesome mass genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies which have always left audiences satisfied.

2. Titanic

The Titanic is a tragic event in history that shaped my brother’s identity. Ever since its sad sinking in 1912, the Titanic is a disaster that has interested my brother. At an early age, I bonded with a brother that had knowledge about a shipwreck causing damage. In 1997, James Cameron honoured the tragic shipwreck in his iconic film “Titanic”. With the greatest film of his career, Cameron used innovative cinematic techniques to recreate a historical disaster causing despair. Cameron has always had an aptitude for staging spectacle in his movies, and “Titanic” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Unlike most movies in the historical genre, what makes “Titanic” stand out is its attention to detail. Cameron used stunning production-design to recreate the tragic shipwreck. For instance, the scene in which Jack and Rose face tension being torn apart from each other as the ship begins sinking is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. The film is anchored by a pair of amazing performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, capturing doomed lovers facing despair. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” a historical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a universal message about disasters which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years following the tragic sinking of the Titanic, its a fantastic reminder of a genre which has made unforgettable movies that have created a long-lasting legacy that’s iconic.

3. The Pianist

Individuals with a strong drive to survive disaster have inspired me. At an early age, my family faced bombings in Saudi Arabia causing damage. Truth be told, I was five years old. Through my parent’s drive to survive, I made it out of the bomb blast without a scratch alive. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured individuals with strong drive to survive disasters that are missed as powerfully as “The Pianist”. Released in 2002, Roman Polanski’s movie captured hardships that a Jewish pianist in WWII went through. Unlike most movies in the historical genre, what makes “The Pianist” shine is its humanity. Polanski has always excelled at using point-of-view shots in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Pianist”. For instance, the scene in which Szpilman breaks down in tears after he is separated from his parents is one of the the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Adrien Brody, who embodies a downtrodden pianist that survived catastrophe. Ultimately, what makes “The Pianist” a historical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after Wladyslaw Szpilman managed to survive ghettos in WWII, it’s a commemorated reminder of a genre that has made timeless films which audiences value.

4. Gladiator

Gladiators are grand historical figures that my grandfather loved dearly. At an early age, I bonded with a grandfather having knowledge about gladiators with courage. As courageous as Maximus, he always spoke fondly about gladiators he considered precious. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather appreciating ancient gladiators, I adored “Gladiator”. Released in 2000, Ridley Scott’s movie captured gladiators that fought in the ancient Roman era. Scott has always had an aptitude for capturing historical events in his movies, and “Gladiator” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scott effectively recreated the time period of ancient Rome through production-design. For instance, the iconic scene in which Maximus asks the crowd of spectators in the Colosseum whether they are entertained is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a brave gladiator that fought in ancient Rome centuries ago. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” Ridley Scott’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. A grand depiction of gladiators that fought in the Colosseum, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has made memorable movies achieving stardom.

5. 12 Years a Slave

Slavery is a sensitive subject that shaped my friend’s identity. Several years ago, I formed bonds with a friend that took great interest in slavery. I remember he grew up to treasure slavery as an important subject matter. He sought to educate people in my school about a time in history he came to celebrate. Few films I’ve seen have captured grave slavery in American history as powerfully as “12 Years a Slave”‘. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery in American history. McQueen bravely tackled the subject of slavery through stunning visuals capturing atrocities. For instance, the scene in which Solomon is forced by Epps to whip Patsy in public causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who embodies a real-life slave that survived atrocities centuries ago. Ultimately, what makes “12 Years a Slave” a commemorated historical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about slavery which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with slavery history to appreciate it. A powerful portrait of slavery that caused lives of African-American communities to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre that audiences appreciate.

6. Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer is a legendary historical figure that changed the world forever. A physicist with lasting legacy, Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb causing catastrophe. Oppenheimer’s bomb invention made him a controversial figure in history. In 2023, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic inventor in his Oscar-winning movie “Oppenheimer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Oppenheimer” stand out is its complex storytelling. Nolan deviates from the traditional three act structure of biopics telling the story in a unique non-linear style. Assisted by Cillian Murphy who is extraordinary in the lead role, Nolan honoured Oppenheimer’s legacy. 90 years after Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb with consequences that were tragic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has built a legacy which is iconic.

7. Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is a powerful president that gave America greater direction. A president with larger-than-life personality, Lincoln guided the country during slavery. With bold presence, wisdom and charisma, Lincoln guided America. In 2012, Steven Spielberg honoured the legendary president in his movie “Lincoln”. Unlike most movies in the historical genre, what makes “Lincoln” stand out is its strong attention to detail. Spielberg used gorgeous production to recreate the era when Lincoln guided the nation. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, who embodied the American president. Centuries after Abraham Lincoln become a powerful American president guiding his nation, its a breathtaking reminder of a genre that produced memorable movies which deserve celebration.

8. Inglorious Basterds

One of the criticisms levelled against the historical genre is its predictability. The genre has often followed a safe formula recreating events from a past era. This has left little room for surprises. In a genre that has become inglorious, it’s worth praising “Inglorious Basterds”. Released in 2009, Quentin Tarantino’s movie offered a humorous take on the Holocaust. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inglorious Basterds” stand out is its bravery. Tarantino takes a risky approach of reimagining serious historical events with comedy but it pays off tremendously. Assisted by Christoph Waltz who is spectacular, Tarantino captured genocide disaster. A glorious depiction of a mass genocide with consequences which were dangerous, it’s a grand reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences consider precious.

9. Gandhi

When it comes to the most beloved politicians in Indian history, it’s worth discussing Mahatma Gandhi. With strong presence, charismatic nature and peaceful beliefs, Gandhi gained a huge following. An iconic figure in India, Gandhi became an icon in the modern era. In 1982, Richard Attenborough honoured the legendary figure in Indian history in his film “Gandhi”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gandhi” stand out is its respectful depiction of India. Attenborough used stunning visuals to capture the beauty of the country. Assisted by Ben Kingsley who is extraordinary in the lead role, Attenborough honoured an icon in Indian history. An incredible tribute towards a leader that changed India, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a genre filled with unforgettable movies that always attract audiences to the Cinema.

10. Argo

The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. I’ve always believed that movies have rarely depicted the country accurately. As someone that grew up in the Middle East several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s movie captured the Iranian hostage crisis in the 1970’s. Affleck showcased strong control as a filmmaker capturing history of Iran. Although “Argo” can’t live up to the greatest historical films ever made, it captures the lasting appeal of the genre. Nearly 40 years after a CIA Agent sought to rescue civilians held hostage in Iran with commitment, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced poignant movies which I will forever treasure for shaping my lifelong love of entertainment.