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 great professor that had immense history knowledge. Several years ago, I was taught about the grim genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a dark ghetto. He often took great pride in educating students about a grim mass genocide in which his people died. My teacher believed that movies were an art that could never capture a dark genocide that tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured a genocide that can’t be dismissed 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” my favourite film about historical events of all-time is its universal appeal. The film achieves exactly what a historical movie is supposed to do which is educate audiences about a dark time in history. It delivers a strong message about the genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a dark mass genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has made unforgettable movies which have always left audiences satisfied.
2. Saving Private Ryan
War movies are a genre of film that my uncle has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bonds with an uncle that appreciated war veterans with courage. He would always appreciate movies depicting hardships soldiers in WWII went through. My uncle loved all kinds of war movies he regarded with affection but his favourite film was always “Saving Private Ryan”. Released in 1998, Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning movie captured the Battle of Normandy. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for using handheld camerawork in his movies to build tension, and “Saving Private Ryan” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the opening D-Day scene in which the soldiers have a gruesome fight during the battle of Normandy causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tom Hanks, who embodied a WWII soldier with bravery. Ultimately, what makes “Saving Private Ryan” a WWII masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about trauma experienced by soldiers in war that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 80 years after the frightening D-Day Landings in which soldiers experienced a painful price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre producing movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
3. Titanic
The Titanic is a tragic event in history that shaped my brother’s identity. 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. 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 manufacturing great movies that have created a long-lasting legacy that’s iconic.
4. 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. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a bombing causing trauma in Saudi Arabia. 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 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 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 Adrien Brody, who embodies a pianist facing catastrophe. Ultimately, what makes “The Pianist” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a message about survival which resonates with everyone. 90 years after Szpilman survived ghettos in WWII, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making films which audiences value.
5. Gandhi
Gandhi is a great historical figure that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved a leader with courage. I remember my grandfather would always praise a political leader that changed India forever. He believed Gandhi deserved to be celebrated for feats he achieved. In 1982, Richard Attenborough honoured the iconic political figure that changed history in his movie “Gandhi”. Attenborough uses captivating montages capturing an Indian politician that changed the course of history. For instance, the scene in which Gandhi delivers an inspirational speech towards a crowd of spectators during a political rally taking place in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Ben Kingsley, who embodied the Indian politician in history. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a historical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in India, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An incredible tribute towards an iconic political leader that changed India, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.
6. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from a dark time in American history that’s misunderstood. In an industry ignoring grave realities of being a slave, it’s worth praising “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s movie did an extraordinary job depicting slavery. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “12 Years a Slave” stand out is its violence. McQueen uses captivating handheld camerawork capturing frightening hardships slaves in history were facing. Assisted by Chiwetel Ejiofor who is amazing in the lead role, McQueen created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. 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.
7. Judas and the Black Messiah
Few political figures in American history have earned the recognition of Fred Hampton. During the 1960’s, Hampton was an African-American social activist that fought racism. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic political leader that changed America in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” stand out is its depiction of racism. King uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a black political leader during the segregation era was facing. Assisted by Daniel Kaluuya who is sensational in the lead role, King honoured an iconic leader in America. 60 years after Fred Hampton became an African-American political leader that’s powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.
8. Darkest Hour
Winston Churchill is a commemorated prime minister that guided Britain. During WWII, Churchill became a prime minister that citizens of Britain would value. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic political leader facing his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Darkest Hour” stand out is its makeup. Wright uses captivating makeup to recreate a president that guided his country in ways that are inspiring. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Wright honoured Winston Churchill’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable films about the lives of larger-than-life historical figures which audiences treasure.
9. The Brutalist
Stories of Jews are rarely told in historical movies. Hollywood has often ignored the plight of Jews that survived the Holocaust whose lives are misunderstood. In a genre where the stories of Jews are often dismissed, it’s worth praising “The Brutalist”. Released in 2024, Brady Corbet’s Oscar-winning movie depicted a Jewish architect surviving WWII. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Brutalist” stand out is its depiction of Jewish survivors. Corbet uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing hardships that a Jewish architect in post WWII America is facing. Assisted by Adrien Brody who is extraordinary in the lead role, Corbet honoured Jews in history. A powerful portrait of Jews that survived WWII with issues, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured timeless movies earning rave reviews.
10. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Few movies ever made about dilemmas people faced in the Holocaust are as beloved as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Since its release in 2008, Mark Sherman’s movie has become a classic. Sherman uses captivating visuals to capture the impact of mass genocide on children. Assisted by Asa Butterfield who is amazing in the lead role, Sherman created a portrait of genocide that’s compelling. However, the film’s has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of children as victims of mass genocides in history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 90 years after a mass genocide that caused tragedy, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies educating audiences about history that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 