W2TCH

30 Historical Movies That Brought 2009's Epic Tales to Life

30 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 1AmeliaMovie · 2009 · 111m · Adventure, Drama, HistoryThis film chronicles the life of Amelia Earhart, the celebrated American aviator. It focuses on her 1937 attempt to circumnavigate the globe by plane, which ended with her mysterious disappearance over the Pacific Ocean.Stream onIMDb 5.8TMDB 5.7
  2. 27 Husbands for HurmuzMovie · 2009 · 120m · Comedy, History, RomanceThis remake of a beloved Turkish musical comedy follows the escapades of the charmingly flirtatious Hurmuz in late 19th century Istanbul. Living in Taskasap, Hurmuz has six husbands, a scheme devised to alleviate her financial difficulties. She schedules a weekly visit with each of them. However, she unexpectedly falls for the town doctor, whom she encounters at her husband's barbershop. The doctor reciprocates her feelings. But chaos erupts when all six husbands unexpectedly return home at once, leaving Hurmuz and her close confidante Safinaz to navigate a series of hilariously awkward situations.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0
  3. 3EnidMovie · 2009 · 82m · Drama, History, TV MovieThis is a moving account of a hugely popular 20th-century author. Her tales captivated young readers worldwide, yet she faced considerable personal difficulties.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4
  4. 4ZenMovie · 2009 · 127m · Drama, HistoryIn the early 1200s, Dogen introduced Chinese Zen philosophy to Japan, founding the Japanese Zen school of Buddhism. He taught that individuals could achieve enlightenment through self-realization via Zazen, a practice involving extended periods of sitting meditation to attain a state of "Mu"—a state of nothingness or empty existence.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1
  5. 5Ningen Shikkaku: Director's Cut-banMovie · 2009 · 99m · Animation, Drama, HistoryThis theatrical film adapts Madhouse's *Aoi Bungaku Series* anime, focusing on the four episodes based on Osamu Dazai's novel *No Longer Human*. The film features character designs by Takeshi Obata, the manga artist and illustrator of the novel. This "director's cut" includes original introductory and transitional scenes created specifically for the film, narrated by Masato Sakai.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.5
  6. 6TsarMovie · 2009 · 119m · Drama, HistoryIn 16th-century Russia, consumed by turmoil, Ivan the Terrible is convinced he's on a divine mission, foreseeing the Last Judgment. He seizes absolute power, ruthlessly eliminating all opposition. Amidst this reign of terror, Philip, a respected scholar and Ivan's trusted friend who heads a monastery on the Solovetsky Islands, bravely challenges the Tsar’s fanatical rule. The result is a conflict between two opposing worldviews, shattering morality and justice, faith and humanity. Starring Mamonov and Yankovsky, this epic film serves as an allegory for Stalinist Russia.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.2
  7. 7The Sword with No NameMovie · 2009 · 124m · Drama, Action, HistoryIn the Joseon dynasty, headhunter Mu Myeong falls for Lady Ja Yeong, who is destined to become Empress Myseongseong. Years later, Ja Yeong enters the royal palace to marry King Gojong. Still harboring feelings for her, Mu Myeong becomes her personal bodyguard, hoping to be closer to her.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1
  8. 8Iron & Blood: The Legend of Taras BulbaMovie · 2009 · 130m · Drama, HistoryIn 16th-century Ukraine, Cossack warriors fight to protect their homeland from the Polish army's advance.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.2
  9. 9The Big DreamMovie · 2009 · 101m · Drama, History, RomanceItaly, 1968. To fund his acting ambitions, Nicola joins the police force and is assigned to go undercover among students protesting against the government, the Vietnam War, and societal norms. His assignment becomes complicated when he develops feelings for Laura, a woman from a privileged background who hopes for a more equitable future.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.5
  10. 10Glorious 39Movie · 2009 · 129m · War, Drama, HistoryThis is a story about a traditional British family living in the countryside just before World War Two. The wealthy Keyes family projects an image of stability, unaware of the impending war. Their lives are disrupted when daughter Anne stumbles upon hidden recordings, unexpectedly creating division within the family.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0
  11. 11The Age of StupidMovie · 2009 · 92m · War, Documentary, HistoryIn 2055, a solitary man (Pete Postlethwaite) reflects on the past by watching old videos from 2008. He grapples with the question of why humanity failed to prevent climate change when the opportunity was available.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5
  12. 12The Purple SeaMovie · 2009 · 105m · Drama, History, RomanceAngela defies everyone – her father and the church – to be with Sara, her childhood best friend and the woman she loves. Based on a true story, Viola di Mare offers a compelling look at family, community, and societal expectations for women in a 19th-century Italian village.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6
  13. 13VincereMovie · 2009 · 128m · Drama, HistoryThis is the story of Ida Dasler, Mussolini's first secret wife, and her gradual descent into madness. She was drawn to the dictator's intense charisma and energy, but remained unaware of his numerous failings.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7
  14. 14Fort Apache NapoliMovie · 2009 · 105m · History, DramaThis is the true story of Giancarlo Siani, a journalist murdered by the Neapolitan Mafia in 1985.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1
  15. 15Army of CrimeMovie · 2009 · 139m · War, Drama, HistoryThis historical drama tells the story of Missak Manouchian, an Armenian immigrant who worked as a woodworker and was also a political activist. In 1943, he led a division of immigrant laborers in the Parisian Resistance, carrying out 30 operations against the Nazis. The Nazis labeled the group an "Army of Crime," a propaganda effort that ultimately made the team's members symbols of resistance.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4
  16. 16Public EnemiesMovie · 2009 · 140m · Crime, History, DramaDuring the Great Depression, bank robber John Dillinger gains popularity with many Americans struggling through hard times. However, he also becomes a major problem for J. Edgar Hoover and the new FBI. Determined to capture Dillinger, Hoover declares him Public Enemy Number One and assigns his best agent, Melvin Purvis, to hunt him down – dead or alive.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7
  17. 17Bodyguards and AssassinsMovie · 2009 · 139m · Drama, Action, HistoryIn 1905, revolutionary Sun Yat-Sen travels to Hong Kong to meet with members of the Tongmenghui and discuss plans to overthrow the Qing dynasty. However, upon learning of an assassination plot against him, they gather a team of protectors to safeguard him from attack.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8
  18. 18The CountessMovie · 2009 · 100m · Drama, History, ThrillerHungary, 17th century. Countess Erzsébet Báthory (1560-1614), a woman of immense power, becomes increasingly fixated on a younger man as she ages. Driven by a desperate desire to remain youthful, she descends into madness, believing that drinking the blood of others will grant her eternal beauty.Stream onIMDb 6.2TMDB 5.9
  19. 19Into the StormMovie · 2009 · 100m · Drama, History, TV MovieFollowing "The Gathering Storm," this film chronicles Churchill's leadership of Britain from 1940 to 1945 during World War II, a period of immense hardship for the country. The story also portrays personal challenges within Churchill's marriage during these difficult years.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3
  20. 20City of Life and DeathMovie · 2009 · 132m · Drama, History, WarIn 1937, at the height of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Imperial Japanese Army captures Nanjing, the capital of the Republic of China. What follows is the Nanking Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanking, a six-week period during which tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers and civilians are killed.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  21. 21Grey GardensMovie · 2009 · 104m · History, Drama, TV Movie"Grey Gardens" follows an aunt and her adult daughter, raised in privileged New York society, who chose to live a secluded life in their Long Island home. As their wealth faded and they became increasingly isolated, their connection to reality began to unravel.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8
  22. 22John RabeMovie · 2009 · 134m · Drama, History, WarThis is the true story of a German businessman who rescued over 200,000 Chinese people during the Nanjing Massacre of 1937-38.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1
  23. 23Coco Before ChanelMovie · 2009 · 110m · Drama, HistoryYears after leaving the orphanage where her father never returned, Gabrielle Chanel works in a small-town bar. She sews costumes for the performers and sings, earning the nickname Coco from a song she performs with her sister each night. A relationship with Baron Balsan introduces her to high society and provides an opportunity to hone her talent for design.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.9
  24. 24The Young VictoriaMovie · 2009 · 105m · Drama, History, RomanceTeenage Victoria, the sole heir to the English throne, finds herself navigating complex family politics. Her mother pressures her to sign a document granting regency powers, while her Belgian uncle plots a marriage between Victoria and Prince Albert, a union destined to be a lifelong love.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2
  25. 25CreationMovie · 2009 · 108m · Drama, HistoryThis is a deeply personal love story offering a rare glimpse into the life of Charles Darwin. He grapples with his conflicting beliefs about faith and science while striving to complete his groundbreaking book, "On the Origin of the Species"—a work that would revolutionize our understanding of life itself.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4
  26. 26Red Cliff IIMovie · 2009 · 141m · Action, Adventure, DramaThe battle of Red Cliff rages on, and the alliance between Xu and East Wu is weakening. Facing Cao Cao's overwhelming army, can these kingdoms hold out?IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
  27. 27NotoriousMovie · 2009 · 122m · Music, Drama, History"Notorious" tells the story of Christopher Wallace. With remarkable talent and unwavering determination, Wallace evolves from a Brooklyn street hustler – who once sold crack to pregnant women – into one of the greatest rappers ever: The Notorious B.I.G. The film follows his rapid ascent to fame and his resistance to conforming to expectations, ultimately reshaping the idea of "The American Dream."Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.9
  28. 28InvictusMovie · 2009 · 134m · Drama, HistoryFollowing apartheid's end, President Nelson Mandela recognizes deep racial and economic divisions within South Africa. Hoping to unite the country through sport, he inspires the nation's rugby team as they achieve a historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
  29. 29AgoraMovie · 2009 · 127m · Adventure, Drama, HistorySet in Roman Egypt, this historical drama explores the connection between philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria and Davus, her slave. Davus finds himself conflicted as he grapples with his feelings for Hypatia and the potential for freedom offered by the growing popularity of Christianity.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0
  30. 30The Time That RemainsMovie · 2009 · 109m · Drama, HistoryThis four-chapter film explores the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and its impact to the present day. Through the personal stories of a family, the film offers an intimate look at the daily lives of Palestinians who remained in their ancestral lands and became known as "Israeli-Arabs," living as a minority within their own country. The film combines family memories with historical context to portray their experiences.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1