My Favourite Films About Historical Figures 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 possessed immense knowledge. Several years ago, I was taught about grim genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a ghetto. He often took great pride in educating his class of 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 film ever made about historical figures. 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 making engaging movies about historical figures in danger, 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 figures of all-time 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. Nearly 90 years after a grim mass genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has made movies that leave audiences satisfied.

2. 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 facing a bombing in Saudi Arabia. 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. 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 universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be Jewish to relate towards the themes of the movie. Nearly 90 years after Wladyslaw Szpilman survived WWII, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made strong films about the hardships of legendary historical figures which audiences value.

3. 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 has always had an aptitude for making engaging movies about historical figures, and “Gandhi” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. 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 iconic Indian politician that changed history. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a historical masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian history to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An incredible tribute towards an iconic political leader that changed India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about historical figures which attract audiences to the Cinema.

4. Darkest Hour

Winston Churchill is a great historical figure that inspired my mother. At an early age, I bonded with a mother had knowledge about a historical figure with courage. She grew up to treasure the legendary British Prime Minister. Fascinated with WWII, she grew up to value a historic figure making her dreams come true. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic political leader during his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Wright used captivating montages to capture hardships that a prime minister guiding Britain during a time of warfare was facing. For instance, the scene in which Winston Churchill delivers a rousing speech to encourage political leaders during the era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Gary Oldman, who embodied a legendary British politician. Ultimately, what makes “Darkest Hour” a historical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with history of Britain to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has made memorable films about the lives of larger-than-life historical figures dedicated to guiding their countries which audiences treasure.

5. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate students about an illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone recalling a teacher fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic depicted the life of Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard used stunning unreliable narration to capture the anxiety faced by a troubled mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a beautiful masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.

6. 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.

7. The King’s Speech

When it comes to the most beloved figures in the royal family, it’s worth discussing King George V. A troubled leader, George V suffered from severe speech impediments affecting his ability to guide the country. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic political leader with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The King’s Speech” stand out is its depiction of speech impediments. Hooper uses captivating montages capturing a royal figure that suffered from speech disabilities that are frightening. Assisted by Colin Firth who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured the king’s legacy. As strong as King George V’s desire to overcome speech disabilities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which are worth celebrating.

8. Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is a legendary president that built a great reputation. Lincoln guided the country during the time period of slavery. With his larger-than-life presence, wisdom and charisma, Lincoln became a symbol of hope for America. In 2012, Steven Spielberg honoured the iconic president in his movie “Lincoln”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Lincoln” stand out is its depiction of presidents. Spielberg uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a president seeking to guide his country was facing. Assisted by Daniel Day-Lewis who is extraordinary in the lead role, Spielberg honoured a legendary president today. Centuries after Abraham Lincoln became a legendary president, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable entertainment about the lives of historical figures with commitment.

9. Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer is a legendary historical figure that designed a bomb which changed the world forever. During WWII, Oppenheimer designed the atomic bomb with huge consequences. In 2023, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic inventor in his movie “Oppenheimer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Oppenheimer” stand out is its depiction of bombs. Nolan uses stunning sound-design to capture an inventor that sought to design a revolutionary bomb causing lives to decline. Assisted by Cillian Murphy who is extraordinary in the lead role, Nolan honoured Oppenheimer’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb that was catastrophic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured terrific movies about famous historical figures captivating the public.

10. Vice

Few movies ever made about presidents making a sacrifice are as beloved as “Vice”. Released in 2018, Adam McKay’s movie captured the life of a controversial vice-president. McKay used captivating montages capturing hardships a politician seeking to guide his country was facing. Assisted by Christian Bale who is extraordinary in the lead role, McKay honoured Dick Cheney’s legacy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a politician in a position of authority abusing his power has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 20 years after Dick Cheney became a controversial politician, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies about historical figures with dedication which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.