W2TCH

22 Movies Unveiling Historical Figures and Events from 2004 to Ancient Times

22 titles

Step into a time machine and embark on an unforgettable cinematic journey through the year 2004. Our list of the Top 30 History films from this remarkable year offers a diverse array of stories, each delving into fascinating moments in history. From thrilling wartime dramas to riveting biographical portraits, these captivating movies bring the past vividly to life. Join us as we explore Working Slowly (Radio Alice), Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession, The President's Barber, and many more extraordinary tales from 2004 that continue to resonate today.

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 1OlgaMovie · 2004 · 141m · Drama, History, WarThis is based on the true story of Olga Benário, the German-born wife of Brazilian communist leader Luís Carlos Prestes. During the dictatorship of Getúlio Vargas (1930-1945), she was arrested and deported to Nazi Germany, where she was killed in a concentration camp. After World War II began, Vargas chose to support the Allied forces.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.1
  2. 2Working Slowly (Radio Alice)Movie · 2004 · 111m · Drama, Comedy, HistoryBologna, 1976. Two directionless young friends become involved with Radio Alice, a pirate radio station that supports the leftist student movement.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3
  3. 3Z Channel: A Magnificent ObsessionMovie · 2004 · 121m · History, DocumentaryThis documentary explores the Z Channel, a pioneering pay cable station in the United States, and the influential programming chief, Jerry Harvey. Launched in Los Angeles in 1974, the channel’s diverse selection of films demonstrated the significant potential of cable television.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1
  4. 4The President's BarberMovie · 2004 · 116m · History, Drama, ComedyA kind but politically unaware barber becomes involved with South Korean dictator Park Chung-Hee, leading to serious trouble for his family. The film follows roughly twenty years of South Korean political history through the eyes of the barber's son.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1
  5. 5Operation ValkyrieMovie · 2004 · 92m · Drama, HistoryIn 1944, a group of high-ranking German officers plot to assassinate Hitler. Colonel Stauffenberg is among the leaders, tasked with planting a bomb during a meeting with the Führer. The explosion fails to kill Hitler, and the conspirators are subsequently executed. This real-life event, known as the "Valkyrie Operation," is depicted in this film.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.9
  6. 6Ike: Countdown to D-DayMovie · 2004 · 89m · Drama, War, HistoryThis film chronicles the high-stakes planning that led to the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. It follows the preparations from the moment Dwight D. Eisenhower became Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, through to the successful establishment of a beachhead in Normandy.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4
  7. 7Demetrius and the GladiatorsMovie · 1954 · 101m · Adventure, History, DramaIn a small clinic on the edge of a busy city, "Naša mala klinika" presents a humorous and dramatic look at the lives of its staff and patients. Dr. Leopold Krota, a compassionate and witty family doctor, is central to the story. He works alongside surgeon Jože Jarc, doctor Igor Muc, and regular patient Srečko Debevec, each with unique personalities. Nurse Franja, business director Magda Velepič, and receptionist Veso Lola Ribar, among others, add to the clinic's lively atmosphere. "Naša mala klinika" became a popular series in Slovenia, with its 2007 season being the most-watched of the year. It offers an engaging blend of humor and heartfelt stories about human relationships and the challenges of working in a medical environment.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4
  8. 8H.H. Holmes: America's First Serial KillerMovie · 2004 · 64m · Crime, Documentary, HistoryH.H. Holmes constructed a terrifying castle filled with devices of death: torture chambers, acid vats, greased chutes, and gassing rooms. The film chronicles Holmes' life as a criminal mastermind, detailing his creation of this horrific place.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1
  9. 9WolfMovie · 2004 · 125m · Thriller, HistoryBased on a true story. In 1970s Spain, during the final years of Franco's dictatorship, Txema, a Basque construction worker, is arrested due to his alleged ties to a group recently involved in a murder. The secret service identifies him as a perfect candidate to infiltrate the terrorist organization ETA and attempts to persuade him to become a double agent.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.4
  10. 10The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie EditingMovie · 2004 · 98m · Documentary, HistoryThis documentary explores the craft of film editing. It features excerpts from numerous influential movies showcasing distinctive and inventive editing techniques.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.0
  11. 11Cazuza: Time Doesn't StopMovie · 2004 · 98m · Drama, Music, HistoryBased on Lucinha Araújo's memoir, "Só as Mães São Felizes," the film chronicles Cazuza's intense and short life over a decade. It follows his journey from early success at the Circo Voador in 1981 through his rise to fame with Barão Vermelho, his solo career, and his relationships with family, friends, lovers, and passions. The film also portrays his courage in confronting his final years with HIV, culminating in his death in 1990.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1
  12. 12BBC HorizonMovie · 2004 · 176m · War, History, ActionAlexander, King of Macedonia, commands his army in a campaign against the vast Persian Empire. Following victory over the Persians, he leads his forces on a journey across the known world, pushing eastward into India further than any Westerner had previously traveled.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.0
  13. 13The Weeping MeadowMovie · 2004 · 169m · Drama, HistoryThis is the first installment in an ongoing story about the Greek people. The film opens in 1919, as Greek immigrants from Odessa arrive near Thessaloniki. Under the leadership of the compelling Spyros, they found a new community in a river delta. Among the new arrivals are Spyros’ son Alexis and Eleni, an orphan from Odessa. A deep, intense connection forms between the teenagers, leading to twins who are placed with a foster family. Adding to their difficulties, Spyros intends to marry his foster daughter. The young lovers decide to escape the village, pursued by Spyros, and begin a life in exile. As Alexis joins a group of musicians heading to the United States, Eleni regains custody of the twins. Angelopoulos, as in his other films, examines the hardships faced by ordinary people during the 1935 workers' protests, the oppressive rule of Metaxas’ fascist government, forced emigration to America, and the Greek Civil War of 1944-1949.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5
  14. 14Alone in the WildernessMovie · 2004 · 57m · Documentary, HistoryIn 1967, Dick Proenneke, at 50, retired to build a cabin in the remote wilderness of what is now Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. Using color footage he filmed himself, the documentary follows his journey to this isolated location and his solitary construction of a log cabin. It details his first year living there, documenting his daily life and the changing seasons as he worked to survive independently in the Alaskan wilderness.IMDb 8.6TMDB 7.9
  15. 15The Assassination of Richard NixonMovie · 2004 · 95m · Drama, History, ThrillerIn 1974, Sam Bicke is devastated. His wife leaves him with their three children, he's fired from his job, his brother abandons him, and he's denied a loan to rebuild his life. Consumed by a desire for someone to blame, Sam fixates on the President of the United States and begins planning an assassination.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5
  16. 16The AlamoMovie · 2004 · 137m · History, War, DramaThe film depicts the 1836 siege of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. It focuses on the battle between a group of Texan and Tejano men, commanded by Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, and the army of Mexican dictator Santa Anna.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.8
  17. 17R-PointMovie · 2004 · 107m · Action, History, HorrorOn January 7, 1972, a South Korean base in Nha-Trang, Vietnam, receives a radio message from a platoon that was previously reported missing and presumed dead.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.6
  18. 18MiracleMovie · 2004 · 135m · Drama, HistoryCollege coach Herb Brooks takes charge of the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, introducing an unconventional and demanding approach. Following an initial defeat, Brooks motivates his talented but undisciplined players to focus on a single goal: defeating the seemingly unbeatable Soviet team.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1
  19. 19DownfallMovie · 2004 · 155m · Drama, History, WarApril 1945. With the Soviet Army advancing from the east and the Allied forces attacking from the west, Germany faces imminent defeat. In Berlin, Adolf Hitler declares Germany will still win and orders his generals to fight to the death. When Hitler dies by suicide, the remaining German military must find a way to stop the fighting and surrender.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9
  20. 20Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of WarMovie · 2004 · 148m · Action, Adventure, DramaDuring the Korean War, two brothers find themselves fighting on opposite sides. The older brother consistently volunteers for the most dangerous assignments, hoping to keep his younger sibling safe from combat.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0
  21. 21Hotel RwandaMovie · 2004 · 122m · Drama, History, WarBased on true events, the film is set in Rwanda during the 1990s, a time when over a million Tutsis were murdered in a genocide largely ignored internationally. Hotel owner Paul Rusesabagina uses his hotel to shelter over a thousand refugees, desperately trying to protect them from the violence.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.7
  22. 22King ArthurMovie · 2004 · 126m · Adventure, War, HistoryThis film explores the Arthurian legend through the lens of the "Sarmatian hypothesis." It proposes that the story has roots in the Sarmatian cavalry troops stationed in Britain, and that the Roman-British commander, Lucius Artorius Castus, is the historical figure at the legend's core.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.3