The Best Movies About Historic Events Ranked

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 knowledge about genocide damage. Several years ago, I was taught about genocides by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in ghettos. He would take pride teaching students about gruesome genocides where individuals died. My teacher believed movies were inferior art that couldn’t capture genocides destroying lives apart. Few films I’ve seen have captured a genocide in which terror would persist 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 movie ever made about historic events. With the greatest film of his career, Spielberg used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a mass genocide that caused despair. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for making movies about historical events putting lives in danger, and “Schindler’s List” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. One of the most common techniques that Spielberg uses in his movies is symbolism. Throughout “Schindler’s List”, the girl in the red coat symbolizes hope amidst the gruesome genocide. For instance, the scene in which Schindler reacts with horror seeing the girl in the red coat being slaughtered causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” my favourite film about historical events of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the Holocaust targeted towards an intellectual audience, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about 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 breathtaking genre that has manufactured movies demonstrating historical events which have commonly left audiences satisfied.

2. Titanic

The Titanic is a tragic event in the history of mankind that shaped my brother’s identity. At an early age, I formed bonds with a brother that had great 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 grim historical disaster causing despair. Cameron has always had an aptitude for staging great 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 doomed ship begins sinking is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. The film is anchored by a pair of amazing roles by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, capturing doomed lovers facing despair. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” a historical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold 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 making great movies that have created a bold legacy that’s undeniably 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. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of Jewish ghettos to appreciate it. 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 commonly value.

4. Judas and the Black Messiah

Fred Hampton is a legendary African-American leader that earned my friend’s appreciation. I remember a close classmate that was fascinated with the black political leader. He would always speak fondly about a messiah that started rebellions during the segregation era. My friend always admired an African-American leader with wisdom that fought racism. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the iconic rebellious messiah in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. King used captivating montages capturing a rebellious African-American leader fighting racism in his country that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Fred Hampton delivers a rebellious speech about injustice to his followers during a ceremony in America is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Daniel Kaluuya, who embodied a rebellious political leader that fought injustice in America. Ultimately, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute towards a rebellious black leader with charisma that fought racism, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies that achieved stardom.

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. I recall with nostalgia that my grandfather spoke fondly about a political leader in India. 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 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, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about real-life events that audiences commonly treasure.

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 commonly appreciate.

7. Oppenheimer

When it comes to iconic inventors that changed the world forever, it’s worth discussing Oppenheimer. 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 that was tragic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre building a legacy which is absolutely iconic.

8. The King’s Speech

King George V is a legendary figure of the royal family that sought speech therapy. 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 seeking help from a therapist to overcome 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 his speech disability, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies audiences love commonly dearly.

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 worldwide reviews.

10. Argo

The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. 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” is a captivating historical drama, it has aged poorly. Its exaggerated depiction of the hostage crisis that isn’t true to history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 40 years after a CIA Agent rescued hostages in Iran facing a price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies that portray historical events which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism today.