30 Must-See Historical Films from 2020–2024: Hidden Gems and Diverse Narratives
30 titles
- 1
ScarletMovie · 2023 · 105m · Drama, History, RomanceAfter serving as a WWI veteran, a French widower returns to his village to care for his new baby daughter.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.8
- 2
Der KaiserMovie · 2022 · 103m · Drama, HistoryThis biopic follows the career of Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German footballer who won the World Cup both as a player in 1974 and as the team's coach in 1990. Set against the backdrop of these major tournaments, the film portrays a man who challenged traditional football structures and fought to live his personal life according to his own terms, resisting the moral expectations of his era.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.9 - 3
The Real Right StuffMovie · 2020 · 90m · Documentary, HistoryThis film chronicles the lives of the Mercury 7, America's pioneering astronauts. It uses newly restored archival news footage, previously unheard NASA recordings from the missions, and rare, never-before-seen materials to tell their story.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6 - 4
BardejovMovie · 2024 · 85m · History, WarThis is the story of Emil A. Fish, a Holocaust survivor who was nine years old when he and his family from Bardejov, Slovakia were deported to a concentration camp.Stream onIMDb 4.9TMDB 5.5
- 5
Getting Away with Murder(s)Movie · 2021 · 175m · Documentary, HistoryThis documentary examines the disturbing reality of the widespread involvement in the murders of 11 million people during World War II, across 22 nations. Despite knowing the locations of many perpetrators, from Germany to the USA, the Allied powers, following The London Agreement of 1945, only prosecuted a small number.
The film explores why these nations failed to bring most of the perpetrators to justice, leaving their crimes largely unpunished. Through interviews with historians and archival footage, it reveals the complex political pressures, diplomatic considerations, and difficulties in confronting such immense tragedy that shaped this outcome. The film prompts viewers to consider the moral implications of a justice system struggling to address unprecedented human suffering.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 10.0
- 6
Ingeborg Bachmann – Journey into the DesertMovie · 2023 · 110m · Drama, HistoryIn the summer of 1958, Ingeborg Bachmann and Max Frisch, both renowned international writers, meet in Paris. Over the next four years, they experience a passionate relationship, navigating the distance between his home in Zurich and her life in Rome, within an open relationship.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.6 - 7
HarbinMovie · 2024 · 108m · Action, Thriller, HistoryIn 1909, following Korea's forced annexation by Japan, a group of freedom fighters plans a risky assassination of the Japanese prime minister as part of their fight for independence.Stream onIMDb 6.3TMDB 7.6
- 8
The Swedish TorpedoMovie · 2024 · 120m · History, DramaAs World War II looms, Sally Bauer is consumed by a different ambition: swimming the English Channel. It's her only focus, her ultimate dream.IMDb 5.9TMDB 7.0 - 9
The Most Precious of CargoesMovie · 2024 · 81m · Animation, Drama, HistoryIn a vast forest, a poor woodcutter and his wife struggle with hardship: cold, hunger, poverty, and war. Their lives change when the wife rescues a baby girl from a train. This child becomes central to their lives and the lives of everyone she meets, including the person who abandoned her. As those around her fight to protect her, the story explores the capacity for both cruelty and kindness within people.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.6
- 10
The Six Triple EightMovie · 2024 · 130m · Drama, War, HistoryIn World War II, the U.S. Army assigns its only all-Black, all-female battalion a daunting task: process a three-year backlog of 17 million undelivered letters to American soldiers – all within six months.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 7.5
- 11
Hidden BladeMovie · 2023 · 128m · Drama, Mystery, HistoryThis is the story of people working in secret who put their lives on the line to deliver information and protect their country. The events take place after Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, when the Wang Jingwei regime declares war against Britain and the United States.Stream on - 12
Beyond UtopiaMovie · 2023 · 116m · Documentary, HistoryA determined pastor operates a secret network to help North Korean families escape to freedom. These families face great danger as they risk everything to seek a new life.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7
- 13
Before DawnMovie · 2024 · 101m · War, Drama, HistoryLeaving his family's sheep farm in the Australian outback, a young man joins his fellow Australians fighting on the Western Front during World War I, hoping to bring the devastating conflict to a swift end. However, as the war intensifies, he must confront the harsh realities of trench warfare and the constant struggle for survival – determined to never leave a comrade behind. Inspired by the true diary entries of Australian soldiers, this film recounts some of Australia's most significant military triumphs.Stream onIMDb 5.5TMDB 6.7
- 14
La Familia del Barrio: La PelículaMovie · 2024 · 78m · Comedy, Animation, HistoryA Norwegian time traveler inadvertently alters history when he gets Miguel Hidalgo intoxicated before the pivotal call to arms that sparked the War of Independence.Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 8.1
- 15
The Flying SailorMovie · 2022 · 8m · Animation, Comedy, FantasyThe Flying Sailor tells the story of a remarkable man who survived the Halifax Explosion of 1917. When two ships collided in Halifax Harbour, it created the largest accidental explosion in history. Amidst the tragedy, one sailor was thrown over 2 kilometers into the air and landed unharmed, only wearing his boots.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.0 - 16
OppenheimerMovie · 2023 · 181m · Drama, HistoryThis is the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer and his central role in the creation of the atomic bomb during World War II.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0
- 17
JohnnyMovie · 2022 · 120m · DramaFollowing a court order, a former criminal begins working at a hospice. There, he forms a bond with a kind priest who helps him find a new path in life.Stream on - 18
Mujib: The Making of a NationMovie · 2023 · 176m · Drama, History, WarThis biopic chronicles the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Bangladesh. It follows his journey from childhood to his early activism against injustice, culminating in his leadership of his nation's fight for independence. The film depicts how he inspired a country to freedom through his unwavering commitment to justice.IMDb 4.3TMDB 6.5 - 19
The Martha Mitchell EffectMovie · 2022 · 40m · Documentary, Crime, HistoryOnce a prominent social figure, comparable to Jackie Kennedy, Martha Mitchell's life took a dramatic turn when she attempted to expose a President's wrongdoing. A Republican wife, she was later discredited by Richard Nixon to silence her. Now, her story is being told.Stream on - 20
OsloMovie · 2021 · 118m · TV Movie, Drama, HistoryThis is the true story of the behind-the-scenes negotiations between bitter enemies that resulted in the 1993 Oslo Accords. It follows the secret back-channel talks, unexpected friendships, and quiet bravery of a small group – Israelis, Palestinians, and a Norwegian couple – who made the peace possible.Stream on - 21
The DigMovie · 2021 · 112m · Drama, HistoryWith World War II approaching, a wealthy widow hires an amateur archaeologist to excavate burial mounds on her property. Their work yields a significant historical find, prompting reflections on Britain's heritage as the nation faces an uncertain future.Stream on - 22
Caravaggio's ShadowMovie · 2022 · 120m · History, DramaAs the Pope considers forgiving the artist Caravaggio for a deadly act against a rival, the Catholic Church conducts a covert investigation into Caravaggio's life.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 23
Dance of the Forty OneMovie · 2020 · 99m · Drama, HistoryMexico City, November 1901. Police raid a private party. The guests include the president's son-in-law.Stream on - 24
The Last FrontierMovie · 2020 · 130m · War, Drama, HistoryIn October 1941, cadets from Podolsk made a heroic stand outside Moscow. Sent to the Ilyinsky line to fight alongside the Soviet 43rd Army, they desperately defended against the German advance until reinforcements could arrive. Vastly outnumbered, the young men fought for nearly two weeks, sacrificing their lives to slow the powerful German forces approaching the city. Approximately 3,500 cadets and their officers were deployed to hold the final line of defense outside Moscow, where most remained.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.6
- 25
Kalashnikov AK-47Movie · 2020 · 105m · War, History, DramaThis Russian film tells the story of Kalashnikov, a tank commander who suffers a serious injury in battle during 1941, preventing his return to combat. While recovering in the hospital, the self-taught inventor begins sketching the design for a weapon that will become famous worldwide. By the age of 29, he develops the AK-47 assault rifle – an iconic firearm – while the film is set in occupied Crimea.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 7.4
- 26
Inu-OhMovie · 2022 · 98m · Animation, Drama, MusicIn 14th century Japan, a dancer burdened by a curse and a musician who is blind find themselves outsiders. They form a partnership and a close friendship, and together, their spectacular concerts lead them to fame.Stream on - 27
The CourierMovie · 2020 · 112m · Thriller, History, DramaDuring the Cold War, British businessman Greville Wynne secretly works with a Soviet contact to help avert the Cuban Missile Crisis.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0
- 28
The EastMovie · 2021 · 137m · War, Drama, ThrillerIn post-World War II Indonesia, a young Dutch soldier is sent to quell independence movements in the Netherlands' colony. He struggles with his conscience as he becomes part of an elite, increasingly ruthless unit led by a commander.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 5.9
- 29
Flamin' HotMovie · 2023 · 99m · Drama, HistoryThis is the inspiring true story of Richard Montañez, a janitor at Frito Lay who drew on his Mexican American background to create Flamin' Hot Cheetos. His innovation revolutionized the snack food industry, transforming the product into a worldwide sensation.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 8.0
- 30
Killers of the Flower MoonMovie · 2023 · 206m · Crime, History, DramaIn the 1920s, the discovery of oil on Osage Nation land in Oklahoma brings wealth, but also a wave of murders targeting Osage people. The FBI is called in to investigate and expose the truth behind the killings.Stream on
