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 often had a great knowledge about dark genocide damage. Several years ago, I was taught about a grim genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in dark ghettos. He would often take pride in teaching his students about gruesome genocides in which his people died. My teacher believed movies were an inferior art that couldn’t capture genocides which tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever 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 real-life 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 real-life events of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the Holocaust targeted towards an intellectual audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about genocide resonating 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 manufactured great movies about dark historical events which leave audiences satisfied.
2. The Social Network
Facebook is a legendary social networking company that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored the company which changed social media. A huge fan of Facebook, he would always praise ambitious founders of a company that changed his outlook. He would often yearn to see the social media company depicted in Cinema. In 2010, David Fincher honoured the ambitious entrepreneurs that formed the social network in his movie “The Social Network”. Fincher used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing the ambitious entrepreneurs that formed a company which revolutionized social networking. For instance, the scene in which Mark is accused by the twins of stealing their idea for Facebook causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the ambitious founder of a social network. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about famous companies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers don’t need to be Facebook users to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute to a company that changed social media, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre manufacturing commemorated movies commonly attracting audiences towards modern-day Cinema.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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 commonly behind.
6. 12 Years a Slave
Stories of slaves overcoming adversity are rare in history. Slaves often faced terrible circumstances rarely ever overcoming odds during a dark time in American history. In 2013, Steve McQueen captured a rare slave that overcame odds through bravery in his movie “12 Years a Slave”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “12 Years a Slave” stand out is its depiction of slavery. McQueen uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a slave mistreated on plantations is facing. Assisted by Chiwetel Ejiofor who is extraordinary in the lead role, McQueen created a captivating slavery movie. Centuries after Solomon Northup faced slavery leading his life to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre making unforgettable movies about important real-life events in history that hasn’t lost abilities to commonly captivate.
7. 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.
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. Hidden Figures
When it comes to the most inspiring women in NASA’s space history, it’s worth discussing the hidden figures. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The women broke barriers of colour to become legendary figures. In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. What makes “Hidden Figures” stand out in the space genre is its empowering depiction of women. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing. Accompanied by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards Africa-American women that participated in the space race, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences embrace.
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.
The Film Buff 