Ranking: See the best historical films of all time.

Check out our selection of the best historical films that range from global conflicts and compelling biographies to striking portraits of different eras. These titles are essential for understanding the events and figures that were fundamental in building the diverse societies we know today, combining historical narrative with the impact of the big screen. The list is organized in a ranking based on ratings from [source missing]. Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.

Marighella (2019)  

7,1 on IMDB

Where to watch: balloon play, Prime Video e Youtube

marighella, one of the best Brazilian historical films, explores the final years of Carlos Marighella (Seu Jorge), a former congressman who became the main leader of the armed struggle against the military dictatorship. At the head of a group of young guerrillas, he tries to combat censorship and mobilize resistance against the regime, while facing the relentless hunt commanded by the police. Lúcio (Bruno Gagliasso), his biggest opponent. The cast includes names such as Humberto Carrão, Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos e Adriana Esteves.

What Is This, Comrade? (1997) 

7,4 on IMDB

Where to watch: bandplay, MUBI, Prime Video, Telecine e Youtube

What's Up, Mate? It's a film based on real events during the military dictatorship that narrates the kidnapping of the United States ambassador by a group of young guerrillas seeking the liberation of political prisoners. Amidst the tension of captivity and the police siege, the group faces ethical and ideological dilemmas regarding armed struggle. The film is directed by... Bruno Barreto count with Fernanda Montenegro, Peter Cardoso, Fernanda Torres, Luiz Fernando Guimarães, Claudia Abreu, Selton Mello e Matheus Nachtergael.

They Don't Wear Black Ties (1981) 

8,2 on IMDB

Where to watch: Prime Video

Depicting the vibrant labor union scene in the ABC Paulista region at the end of the military dictatorship, They Don't Wear Black Tie It narrates the ideological clash between the veteran militant Otávio (Gianfrancesco Guarnieri) and your son Tião (Carlos Alberto Riccelli)While his father leads a metalworkers' strike for collective rights, the young man decides to break the strike to ensure the financial stability of his pregnant fiancée. Maria (Bete Mendes).

Life is Beautiful (1997)

Original title: Life is Beautiful

Popular title:  Life Is Beautiful 

80% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

Considered one of the most moving films about World War II, Life is Beautiful accompany the Jew Guido (Roberto Benigni) and your son Giosué (Giorgio Cantarini) after being taken to a Nazi concentration camp. Separated from his wife, Guido She uses her imagination and sense of humor to make the boy believe that the two of them are participating in a scavenger hunt, trying her best to spare him from fear and protect him from the surrounding violence.

Hunger for Power (2016)  

Original title: The Founder

80% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

Hunger for Power It details the controversial origin of one of the world's most famous brands by following the seller. Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) when, in the late 1950s, he discovers an innovative diner operated by the brothers Mac McDonald (John Carroll Lynch) e Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman) In Southern California, impressed by the revolutionary fast-food system and the business's scalability potential, the ambitious businessman expands the network through franchises, but initiates an intense battle to gain complete control of the company. Names like Linda Cardellini, BJ Novak, Laura Dern e Patrick Wilson are part of the cast.

Gladiator (2000)  

Original title: Gladiator

80% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

This acclaimed film about Ancient History, inspired by historical accounts of the decline of the Roman Empire, narrates the fall and rise of... Maximus (Russell Crowe), a respected Roman general chosen by the emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) as his successor. The decision sparks the fury of the direct heir, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who assumes the throne after betraying the general and ordering the extermination of his family. Reduced to slavery and trained for combat arenas, Maximus He transforms into a gladiator with a thirst for revenge, determined to challenge the corruption of Rome. 

Munich: On the Edge of War (2021)  

Original title: Munich: The Edge of War

83% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Based on the work of Robert HarrisThis film about World War II follows the events of the Munich Conference in 1938. The story focuses on the British diplomat Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and in the German official Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner)Two former Oxford classmates find themselves reunited on opposite sides of the negotiations. While European leaders try to avert impending conflict, the two young men become entangled in a dangerous web of espionage to uncover the true intentions of... Adolf Hitler (Ulrich Matthes).

The Soldier Who Never Existed (2021)  

Original title: Operation Mincemeat

83% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Based on a true mission, this World War II film details 'Operation Ground Meat' (Operation Mincemeat, a British intelligence plan to deceive the Nazi high command. The plot follows the officers Ewen Montagu (Colin Firth) e Charles Cholmondeley (Matthew Macfadyen), who devise an unusual strategy: using the corpse of a civilian, carrying false documents, to divert the Axis' attention from the invasion of Sicily.

Thirteen Days That Shook the World (2000)  

Original title: Thirteen Days

83% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

This film, based on true events, reconstructs the behind-the-scenes events of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the most tense moment of the Cold War. The narrative follows President [name missing]. John F. Kennedy (Bruce Greenwood) and his advisor Kenny O'Donnell (Kevin Costner) At the moment surveillance photos reveal the installation of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, the United States government must decide between diplomacy and direct military confrontation for thirteen agonizing days, while the world watches the imminent risk of full-scale nuclear war.

Until the Last Man (2016)  

Original title: Hacksaw Ridge

84% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video e Youtube 

Until the Last Man  It's a film about World War II that tells the true story of... Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), a U.S. Army medic who refuses to carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs. During the bloody Battle of Okinawa, back He faced mockery from other soldiers and pressure from officers to serve on the front lines. His courage was so great that he single-handedly saved 75 men under enemy fire, becoming the first man to earn the Medal of Honor without killing anyone.

The Fate of a Nation (2017) 

Original title: Darkest Hour

84% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Youtube

In one of the best historical films, Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) He is about to face one of his greatest challenges: taking office as Prime Minister of Great Britain at a critical moment. While part of the government tries to force him to negotiate a peace treaty with Nazi Germany, Churchill must decide whether to yield to the pressure or keep the country in the fight against Hitler. The film also features... L e Kristin Scott Thomas.

Erin Brockovich: A Woman of Talent (2000)   

Original title: Erin Brockovich

85% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

In this film based on true events, the journey of Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts)A single, unemployed mother undergoes a dramatic transformation after landing a job at a small law firm. Upon discovering medical records and documents indicating that a large corporation is contaminating a city's water supply, she decides, with the support of her boss, to investigate the matter. Ed Masry (Albert Finney), to lead an investigation. With intelligence, persistence, and an unorthodox style, Erin He wins the trust of local residents and builds one of the largest compensation cases in United States history.

JFK: The Question That Won't Go Away (1991)  

Original title: JFK

85% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney + e Prime Video

Em JFK: The Question That Won't Go Away, the prosecutor Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) questions the official version of the murder of John F. KennedyBy reopening the case, he exposes ignored evidence and brings to trial an alleged conspiracy network within the government. The narrative is based on his own accounts. Garrison and in the journalist's research Jim MarrsUsing historical footage to uncover the truth behind the crime that shocked the world.

First Man (2018)  

Original title: First Man

87% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Youtube

In one of the best historical films, the astronaut Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) He embarks on a journey to become the first man to walk on the Moon in 1969. The story portrays the years of rigorous training, personal sacrifices, and extreme risks faced by him and NASA in one of the most dangerous missions in space exploration. The cast also includes... Claire Foy, Jason Clarke e Kyle chandler.

1917 (2020)  

88% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Youtube

During the First World War, young British soldiers Schofield (George MacKay) e Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) They receive a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory to deliver a message that could prevent an attack and save the lives of 1.600 comrades, including the brother of... BlakeThe cast also includes Colin Firth, D e Andrew Scott.

The Last of the Mohicans (1992)   

Original title: The Last of the Mohicans

88% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

Inspired by historical facts and figures from the French and Indian War in the 18th century, the plot follows Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis), a man of European origin raised by Mohican natives. Amidst the conflict between the French and English for control of North America, he fights to protect the daughters of a British colonel in a territory marked by betrayals and ambushes.

The Post: Secret War (2017)   

Original title: The Post

88% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

This film, based on true events, portrays the historical moment in which Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep), the first woman to head The Washington Post newspaper, and the editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) They decide to publish the "Pentagon Papers." In 1971, they risk their careers and freedom to expose government secrets that had concealed the truth about the Vietnam War for decades. The cast also includes names such as Bob odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Bradley Whitford, Matthew Rhys e Carrie Coon.

Titanic (1997)  

88% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

With extremely meticulous technical detail in the reconstruction of the real 1912 shipwreck, one of the best historical blockbuster films tells the story of... Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a poor artist, and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet)A young woman from high society, who falls in love during the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. While the couple faces social barriers and opposition from the family of RoseThe luxurious ocean liner collides with an iceberg in the North Atlantic, turning the journey into a fight for survival.

Lincoln (2012) 

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

The film focuses on the president's political efforts. Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) to approve the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. As the American Civil War draws to a close, Lincoln faces a legislative battle to definitively abolish slavery. The cast includes... Sally field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt e James Spader.

Malcolm X (1992)  

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Play Market, MUBI e Prime Video

Based on the autobiography written in collaboration with the journalist Alex HaleyThe film tells the story of Malcolm Little (Denzel Washington) until he became the iconic activist leader. Malcolm XThe plot, directed by Spike LeeThe film follows his life from a traumatic childhood and criminal youth to his conversion to Islam in prison and his rise as one of the leading advocates of Black nationalism in the U.S. The cast includes... Angela Bassett, Cute Delroy e Albert Hall"..

The Chicago 7 (2020)  

Original title: The Trial of the Chicago 7

89% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

A peaceful protest against the Vietnam War in Chicago in 1968 turned into a violent confrontation with the police and resulted in one of the most notorious trials in the United States. The following year, seven leaders of different movements, including Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen), Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne) e Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong)They were accused of conspiracy by the federal government. Under the defense of their lawyer William Kunstler (Mark Rylance) and the judge's stern gaze Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella)The group faces a politicized court while the prosecutor... Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) leads the prosecution.

Nothing New on the Front (2022)

Original title: nothing new in the West

Popular title: All Quiet on the Western Front

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Based on the novel by Erich Maria NoteBased on his own experiences as a soldier, this historical drama follows the journey of a teenager. Paul Baumer (Felix Kammerer) On the front lines of the First World War, the young man begins his military service with idealism and enthusiasm, but is soon confronted with the harsh reality of combat and disillusionment in the trenches.

The Imitation Game (2014) 

Original title: The Imitation Game

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: HBO Max

In a story inspired by true events, Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) He is a brilliant mathematician recruited in 1939 by MI6 to decipher the Nazi "Enigma" code, considered impossible to break. ThenTuringalongside the specialist Joan ClarkeKeira Knightley He and his team create the "Turing Machine" to decipher the coded messages, saving thousands of lives and hastening the end of World War II. 

Born to Kill (1987)  

Original title: Full Metal Jacket

90% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: HBO Max

The plot adapts the book by Gustav Hasford about his experiences in Vietnam, accompanying the soldier. Davis (Matthew Modine), nicknamed Joker by the sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey)During the abusive training designed to turn recruits into war machines, Joker tries to help his colleague. Lawrence (Vincent D'Onofrio), who succumbs to psychological pressure. After graduation, Joker He works covering the conflict as a journalist and ends up participating in the bloody Battle of Hue in 1968.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)  

Original title: Zero Dark Thirty

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

The plot details a decade-long hunt for the terrorist leader. Osama Bin LadenThe series, which began shortly after the September 11 attacks and ended with her death in May 2011, follows the CIA analyst. Maya (Jessica Chastain) While she uses intelligence tactics and interrogations to locate the fugitive's whereabouts. With the support of the agents, the operation results in the raid on the Abbottabad compound by U.S. Navy Team 6. The cast includes... Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Jason Clarke e Kyle chandler.

Hotel Rwanda (2004) 

Original title: Hotel Rwanda

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

One of the best historical films follows Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines, which sheltered over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. As the Hutu militia advances, Paul protects his wife Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo) and hundreds of civilians, counting on the support of Colonel Oliver (Nick Nolte) amidst international inaction.

The Elephant Man (1980)  

Original title: The Elephant Man

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: AppleTV

The film addresses the true story of Joseph Merrick (John Hurt)A severely disfigured man survives as a circus attraction in the Victorian era, enduring constant mistreatment. He is rescued by a surgeon. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), who takes him into the London hospital and discovers a personality of extreme kindness, intelligence, and sophistication behind his appearance. With the support of those close to him, Merrick He tries to regain his dignity while confronting the prejudices of British society.

The Killing Fields (1984)  

Original title: The Killing Fields

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

The Screams of Silence It follows the story of the American journalist. Sidney Schanberg (Sam Waterston) during the Cambodian Civil War and his friendship with the local interpreter. Dith Pran (Haing S. Ngor)With coverage of the Khmer Rouge's capture of Phnom Penh, Schanberg He wins the Pulitzer Prize, but lives tormented by having left his friend behind during the violent regime of Pol PotAlongside professionals like the photographer Al Rockoff (John Malkovich) and the journalist Jon Swain (Julian Sands)He begins a relentless search to find it again. Pran.

One Life: The Story of Nicholas Winton (2023) 

Original title: One Life

91% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: HBO Max

One of the best historical films focuses on the life of the London stockbroker. Nicky Winton (Anthony Hopkins)...which helps rescue hundreds of children, mostly Jewish, from the clutches of Nazism in Czechoslovakia. The mission turns into a race against time as the Germans close the borders, forcing... Winton organizing them to save lives as soon as possible. The cast includes names such as Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Flynn e Lena Olin.

Dunkirk (2017)  

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: Play Market e HBO Max

This is the true story of Operation Dynamo during World War II, when Germany advanced towards France and surrounded Allied troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. Under aerial cover from the pilot. Farrier (Tom Hardy) and land forces of the British led by Commander Bolton (Kenneth Branagh)The soldiers are slowly being evacuated. In this context, we follow... Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) In the struggle for survival, civilians cross the English Channel to assist in the rescue.

September 5 (2024) 

Original title: September 5

92% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

During the 1972 Munich Olympics, an American sports broadcasting team is forced to cover a hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes. The historical drama follows the producer. Geoff (John Magaro) and the executiveRoone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard) as they adapt their real-time coverage in response to the terrorist attack.

Stars Beyond Time (2016)  

Original title: Hidden Figures

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: Disney +

This is the true story of three brilliant mathematicians who were vital to the success of the American space race, revealing the journey of women who overcame racial and gender bias at NASA during the 1960s. The trio consists of... Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), whose calculations were fundamental to the launch of astronaut John Glenn into space, alongside Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) e Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe)Under the management of Al Harrison (Kevin Costner)They challenged Jim Crow laws and institutional segregation.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)  

Original title: Lawrence of Arabia

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Telecine e Netflix

One of the best historical films on the list is inspired by the extraordinary life of the British archaeologist and officer. T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) and recounts his strategic role in the Arabian Peninsula during the First World War. Assigned to observe the Arab Revolt, Lawrence He follows orders by uniting rival nomadic tribes to fight the Ottoman Empire. The cast also includes names such as Alec Guinness, Anthony quinn e Jack hawkins.

Milk: The Voice of Equality (2008)  

Original title: Milk

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Youtube

The true story of the activist who became a civil rights icon, recounting the rise of... Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. In 1972, he and his partner, Scott Smith (James Franco)They moved to San Francisco, where they founded a camera shop that became the epicenter of LGBTQIAPN+ resistance. After being elected supervisor in 1977, Milk faces political tensions with Dan White (Josh Brolin), culminating in a tragic outcome that marked American history.

Oppenheimer (2023)  

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

In this film about World War II, the brilliant physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) He leads the top-secret Manhattan Project in the development of the first atomic bombs. From this point, the plot unfolds, directed by Christopher Nolan It follows the ethical dilemma of the scientist, from the scientific race against the Nazis to the political consequences and the moral judgment that would change his life and the world forever.

Area of ​​Interest (2023)  

Original title: The Zone of Interest

93% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,3 on IMDb

Where to watch: Youtube

Inspired by the true story of Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), the SS officer who served as the longest-serving commandant at Auschwitz, Zone of Interest It addresses the disturbing banality of evil during the Holocaust. The story focuses on the daily lives of... Hoss and his wife, Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), who resided in a luxurious house situated next to the walls of the extermination camp in occupied Poland. While the commander oversees the logistics of the genocide, his family cultivates gardens and seeks a “peaceful” life, deliberately ignoring the screams and horror that echo from the other side of the fence.

The King Woman (2022)  

Original title: The Woman King

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 6,9 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Inspired by the true story of agojieThe film, which tells the story of a unit of female warriors composed exclusively of women who protected the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century, is one of the best historical examples of resistance against oppression and the slave trade. The narrative follows the... General Nanisca (Viola Davis) while she trains a new generation of recruits, including the audacious Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), to confront external and colonial threats.

Apollo 13: From Disaster to Triumph (1995)  

Original title: Apollo 13

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Youtube 

Based on NASA's actual space mission in 1970, Apollo 13: From Disaster to Triumph It follows the struggle for survival after an oxygen tank explosion compromises the third US lunar mission. Under the command of Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) and accompanied by the astronauts Fred Haise (Bill Paxton) e Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon)The trio faces extreme conditions and a shortage of supplies in space. Meanwhile, back on Earth, the flight director... Gene Kranz (Ed Harris) He leads a race against time to bring them back alive.

The King's Speech (2010)  

Original title: The King's Speech

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video

This is the true story of Prince Albert (Colin Firth), the future King George VI, who must confront a persistent stutter that threatens his ability to lead the country. With his brother's abdication, the King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce)And faced with the imminence of the Second World War, Albert He struggles to overcome his speech difficulties. His wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), seeks help from an Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), which uses unconventional methods in treatment. Throughout the process, a sincere friendship develops between the two, which is fundamental for the monarch to regain confidence and deliver his historic war speech.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) 

Original title: Saving Private Ryan

94% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,6 on IMDb

Where to watch: Play Market, Paramount + e Netflix

Em O Resgate do Soldado RyanIn the film, four brothers from the Ryan family leave to serve in the armed forces during World War II. Upon discovering that three of them have died in combat, the army's high command sends... Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) on a dangerous mission: to find the last survivor, the soldier James Ryan (Matt Damon)The goal is to remove him from the front lines to spare his mother the unbearable pain of losing all her sons on the same day. To fulfill his duty, Miller And his men must plunge into the deepest horrors of war.

12 Years a Slave (2013)  

Original title: 12 Years a Slave

95% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Paramount + e balloon play

Adapted from an autobiographical account from 1853, the film narrates the journey of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man who was kidnapped in Washington and sold into slavery. For twelve years, he is subjected to the brutality of the Louisiana plantations, passing through the hands of the cruel owner. Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender)Throughout this period, Northup She needs to overcome physical and emotional humiliation to survive and find a way to return to her family.

The Pianist (2002) 

Original title: The Pianist

95% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: currently unavailable

The film about World War II, based on the true memoirs of the Polish musician. Władysław Szpilman (Adrien Brody)The play depicts the desperate struggle for survival during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. After being confined to the Ghetto and separated from his family in Operation Reinhard, the pianist lives clandestinely among the ruins of the Polish capital, doing everything he can to survive hunger, cold, and isolation.

The Social Network (2010)  

Original title: The Social Network

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,8 on IMDb

Where to watch: HBO Max

The social network is a film about the true story of the creation of Facebook. In it, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) is a Harvard student and computer genius who, in 2003, began developing the concept that would become one of the largest social networks in the world. In just six years, Zuckerberg He became the youngest billionaire in history, with over 500 million users on the social network. However, his unprecedented rise brings legal and personal complications. The cast includes names such as... Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake e Rooney Mara.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)  

Original title: BlacKkKlansman

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,5 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

Documenting the unusual investigation that took place in 1978, the film follows... Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), the first black detective in Colorado Springs, in his infiltration of the Ku Klux Klan. Through telephone contacts, Stallworth pretends to be a white extremist, while his colleague Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) He replaces him at the sect's in-person meetings. The strategy allows the pair to get closer to the leader. David Duke (Topher Grace) and sabotage attacks and hate crimes, exposing the inner workings of structural racism in the United States with a critical tone and biting humor.

Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)  

Original title: Judas and the Black Messiah

96% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,4 on IMDb

Where to watch: Youtube e Prime Video

Judas and the Black Messiah Explore the events that took place in 1960 related to Bill O'Neal (LaKeith Stanfield), who, after being arrested, accepts a deal from the FBI to infiltrate the movement of Black Panthers. Under FBI surveillance, O'Neal approaches Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), the charismatic leader of the group in Illinois, and begins to spy on their actions. Motivated by personal interests, he develops a complex relationship with Hampton which culminates in a tragic ending.

I'm Still Here (2025)  

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 IMDb

Where to watch: balloon play

in one of the best Brazilian historical filmsDirected by Walter salles Based on the true story of the Paiva family, the film is set in 1970s Brazil, living under the harsh rule of the military dictatorship. Following the death of former congressman... Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello) to be taken away by agents of the regime and disappear, his wife Eunice (Fernanda Torres) He takes on the quest for justice and the protection of his five children. The cast includes names such as Fernanda Montenegro, Valentina Herszage, Humberto Carrão e Maeve Jinkings.

The Bastard (2023) 

Original title: Bastard

Popular title: The Promised Land

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 7,7 on IMDb

Where to watch: Paramount +

Based on the actual colonization of the barren Danish plains in 1755, one of the best historical films follows Captain [Name of Captain] Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) In his struggle to cultivate arid lands and earn a noble title, he simultaneously faces the wrath of the tyrant. Frederik de Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg) by sheltering the runaway servants Johannes Eriksen (Morten Hee Andersen) e Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin).

Spotlight: Secrets Revealed (2015)  

Original title: Spotlight

97% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,1 on IMDb

Where to watch: Netflix

In the best historical investigative film, we follow a team of journalists from The Boston Globe, known as Spotlight, composed of Mike Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams), Matt Carroll (Brian d'Arcy James) and the editor Walter Robinson (Michael Keaton)They investigate allegations of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests, a scandal covered up by the Catholic Church in Boston. As the investigation progresses, the group uncovers a network of cover-ups involving priests and Church leaders and, despite resistance, manages to expose the abuses, revealing one of the biggest scandals in the Catholic Church.

Schindler's List (1993) 

Original title: Schindler's List

98% on Rotten Tomatoes | 9,0 on IMDb

Where to watch: Prime Video e AppleTV

Inspired by the true story of the businessman who saved more than 1.000 Jews during the Holocaust, the film by Steven Spielberg narrates the humanitarian transformation of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson). Originally an opportunistic member of the Nazi Party, Schindler He uses his influence and wealth to acquire a factory in occupied Poland, employing prisoners to protect them from extermination. With the support of his Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley)He then initiates a risky resistance operation against the SS officer. Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes), sacrificing his personal fortune to preserve innocent lives amidst the horrors of Auschwitz.

Temple Grandin (2010)  

100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8,2 on IMDb

Where to watch: HBO Max

In this film based on true events, the young autistic girl... Temple Grandin (Claire Danes) Overcoming prejudices to revolutionize US agriculture. With the support of his mentor. Dr Carlock (David Strathairn) and of his mother Eustacia (Julia Ormond)She uses her unique visual perception to create innovative animal handling techniques. From this, the sensitivity of Temple It transformed science and animal welfare in the country.

Which historical period do you think has been best portrayed on screen? Comment below with your favorite film!

See also other features

Ranking: See the best historical series of all time.

Check out the 100 best films of the 21st century.

Text revised by Alexandre Marques in 19 / 01 / 2025.

Sources: Entertainment Weekly, Metacritic, R.