Introduction
Movies stimulate the human psyche by offering a glimpse of the historical past, making it much easier to perceive than reading a textbook. Arguably the most well-known films ever created stem from actual historical events, encapsulating the essence of different patriotic struggles and victories. These films are of great importance not just culturally, but from a historical standpoint as well as they teach us about vital people and events of our world.
In this article, we take a look at 10 of the most popular movies based on real history and these films have dramatically altered the public’s perception and interaction with history.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Historical Event: The Holocaust (World War II)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Schindler’s List portrays perhaps one of the greatest stories ever told. In it, a German businessman exploits Polish Jews during the Second World War, which results in him saving over 1,000 Jews from the concentration camps. The motion picture is shot in marvelous black-and-white imagery and provides us with a stirring depiction of genocide and the position of heartlessness alongside the strength of humanity.
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Why It’s Iconic:
Captivated the audience’s attention by winning 7 Academy awards including Best Picture.
Contribution to educating millions of people about the Holocaust.
Spielberg’s astounding creation gave the world another reason to understand the importance of this powerful film.
2. Braveheart (1995)
Historical Event: Scotland’s First War of Independence (13th Century)
Directed by: Mel Gibson
This epic tale centers on William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who famously led a rebellion against English oppression. Braveheart might be off in some details, but it certainly brought valiant Wallace’s story to the world stage, which in turn ignited an interest in Scotland’s fight for independence.
Why It’s Iconic:
Wins five Academy Awards, including for Best Picture.
Best known for its beautiful battle scenes in film.
For Wallace’s notable speech: “They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!”
3. Apollo 13 (1995)
Historical Event: The Apollo 13 Mission (1970)
Directed by: Ron Howard
The story revolves around the disaster of NASA’s Apollo 13 spaceflight, and how the astronauts along with the mission control team try to rescue the crew after an oxygen tank ruptures while in orbit.
Why It’s Iconic:
Commonly quoted in: “Houston, we have a problem.”
An engaging and authentic depiction of the challenge of space travel.
Shows the outstanding creativity and intelligence of NASA engineers.
4. Titanic (1997)
Event Highlight: The Sinking of the Titanic (1912)
Directed By: James Cameron
Titanic, one of the biggest cinema disasters, showcases a romance between the fictional Jack and Rose, built into a historical framework straddling the real events of the sinking of Titanic. It is as beautiful as the ship itself and as tragic as its sinking.
What Makes It Memorable:
Won Best Picture and 11 other Academy Awards.
One of the most profitable movies of all time.
Popularized the Titanic catastrophe.
5. Gladiator (2000)
Event Highlight: The Roman Empire (2nd Century CE)
Directed By: Ridley Scott
While the actual figure of Maximus is made up, Gladiator is based on an ancient Roman figure, specifically focused on Emperor Commodus’ corruption. It touches on themes of honor, vengeance, and political power within the context of the Roman Colosseum.
What Makes It Memorable:
Best Picture and five other Academy Award wins.
Renewed interests in ancient Roman history and gladiator fanfare.
Features one of the most famous quotes from cinema: “Are you not entertained?”
6. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Historical Event: Slavery in America (19th Century)
Director: Steve McQueen
This powerful film based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped into slavery, presents the shocking reality of slavery in the United States.
Why It’s Iconic:
Won the Oscar for Best Picture.
Increased awareness of the truth about slavery.
Chiwetel Ejiofor gives an astounding performance as Northup.
7. The Imitation Game (2014)
Historical Event: World War II and Alan Turing’s Codebreaking
Director: Morten Tyldum
This movie is about Alan Turing, an English mathematician and logician who was a major figure in the history of computer science and who helped in cracking the Nazi Enigma code. However, he was later persecuted for being a homosexual. He contributed to shortening the war and saving millions of lives through his efforts in cryptography and working for the British Government.
Why It’s Iconic:
Depicts the terrible injustice that was inflicted on Turing, notwithstanding his success.
Emphasizes the significance of pioneering computing and codebreaking.
Cumberbatch does a fantastic job portraying the cognitive burden of Turing’s life and Turing’s brilliance.
8. Dunkirk (2017)
Historical Event: The Dunkirk Evacuation (1940)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
During the Second World War, American and Allied soldiers fleeing Germany’s attacks are masterfully recreated in this modern war movie which is both emotionally charged and cinematically delightful.
Why It’s Iconic:
Uses a very limited amount of dialogue. Opted for visuals to tell the story as well as heighten the suspense.
Tells the hopelessness of war in a different approach.
Made a considerable amount of revenue and acclaim for its believable portrayal.
9. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Historical Event: The Battle of Okinawa (1945)
Directed by: Mel Gibson
This phenomenal war picture depicts the actual life of Desmond Doss, a gentle soldier who, although did not accept wearing arms, managed to rescue more than 75 soldiers while battling in Okinawa.
Why It’s Iconic:
Depicts a fascinating icon that attained the Medal of Honor without discharging his rifle even once.
Contains some of the most brutal battle moments ever produced and captured on screen.
An overcoming belief, strength, and will for something good no matter the circumstances.
10. The King’s Speech (2010)
Historical Event: King George VI had problems speaking in public.
Director: Tom Hooper
This movie depicts the life of King George IV who, with the help of Lionel Logue, a speech therapist, was able to overcome his debilitating stammer in time to help steer Britain during World War II.
Why It’s Iconic:
It won four Academy Awards, one of which was for Best Picture.
It shows the personal hardships of a prominent figure in history.
The movie portrays determination and inspires the audience.
Final Say
These movies without a doubt prove that no part of history is boring. Each of the films depicted in this list adds a new dimension to the past through war, survival, politics, and even personal victories. Though some of the films are more fiction-based than others, they bring attention to events that have changed the course of humanity.
What is your favorite historical movie? Let’s start a dialogue about it!
FAQs
- Are historical movies always accurate?
Not necessarily. Although they are rooted in truth, filmmakers tend to incorporate fictional elements to enhance audience engagement.
- What is the most historically accurate movie?
Schindler’s List and Twelve Years a Slave remain two films that are highly rated for portraying real historical events.
- Why do filmmakers modify certain details in history?
To streamline a plot, boost the scope, or ensure that the film resonates with the viewer’s interests.
- Which historical films received the highest number of Academy Awards?
It is ‘Titanic’ that has garnered the highest 11 Oscars and triumphed as the most awarded historical film of all time.
- Are there any other noteworthy historical films?
Other award-winning films include Lincoln, The Pianist, and A Beautiful Mind.
