The past has always fascinated audiences, and while time travel isn’t an option, cinema offers a glimpse of what life, times, people, and customs were like years ago. Historical fiction movies have become a mainstay in yearly movie rosters, and catching them is easy on Netflix.
From classic Shakespearean adaptations that depict the life and comedy of people and monarchies, to Greek mythology that spans even further into history in the 13th century BCE, these movies make for compelling tales to watch for history buffs. IMDb has ranked these Netflix offerings favorably so viewers know that they’re in for a fun ride into the tunnels of time.
Victoria And Abdul (2017) – 6.8
Chronicling the Golden Jubilee era of Queen Victoria’s reign, Victoria And Abdul also depicted the unlikely friendship between the monarch and her Indian domestic help, Abdul. With power-packed performances by Judi Dench and Ali Fazal, this movie is a great watch about how the camaraderie between the two was contentious and heartwarming as well: Victoria faces dethronement in the face of her friendship with Abdul.
This movie will be loved by any Dench fan who plays an excellent Victoria, and a new face in the form of Fazal makes for a refreshing but warm story, with tender bits, comedic touches, and moments of emotional depth (few but memorable).
The Dig (2021) – 7.1
Based on the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo, The Dig is a dramatic retelling that stars Ralph Fiennes, Carey Mulligan, and Lily James. What began as a local excavation on Edith Pretty’s property quickly escalated to one of national importance when Anglo-Saxon coins and ships are discovered by Basil Brown, who gets ousted from his own site.
The ruins are kept safe during the London raids, and only given to the museum later. The Dig is a typical historical movie: slow and steady to begin with, and then building into a rousing chorus with amazing acting, fantastic cinematography, and a feel-good mood for lovers of the genre. In reality, Brown only got his laurels much later on.
The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) – 7.3
In 1941, the German-occupied island of Guernsey sees the hasty birth of a literary society in the dead of the night: an attempt to cover up why some inhabitants were breaking curfew. The formation of the book club, however, becomes a reality, as Dawsey and the gang discuss tomes over food and drink and become a tight-knit group.
Years later, Dawsey contacts prolific writer Juliet Aston about a copy of her book, and the epistolary exchange becomes a personal one when Juliet lands up in Guernsey, learns some hard truths about the German forces and members of the club, and even finds true love. Nostalgic, old-fashioned, and romantic, this Netflix romance is so engaging it could be a TV series.
Troy (2004) – 7.3
Brad Pitt-starring Troy is a well-loved movie and with good reason. Adapted from Homer’s famous Iliad, the movie chronicles the saga of Paris and Helen of Troy’s ill-fated love, and how it led to the mythological Trojan War, with Achilles and his heel making the cut too.
Beautiful sets, an engaging plot, and the ways of the Greeks keep viewers hooked, and it’s no wonder why they keep returning for rewatches. Wolfgang Peterson builds the universe of Troy and its characters with aplomb, and the depth and nuance of each player are visible from the get-go. The grandiosity and attention to detail is also noteworthy.
The King (2019) – 7.3
Timothee Chalamet impressed fans with his intense scenes in The King, the fictionalized story of Hal, a young good-for-nothing prince who has the responsibility of the throne thrust upon him in a war-torn world.
Based on Shakespeare’s Henriad, the movie is set in the first two decades of the 15th century, and follows Hal, later Henry V, as he navigates palace politics, Conniving French royalty, and leads the nation into battle. In terms of casting, this movie is perfect with not only Chalamet but also Robert Pattinson who plays an unnaturally perky Dauphin with grace and without tipping into the clownish territory.
Little Women (1994) – 7.3
Louisa May Alcott documented the struggles of 19th century New England perfectly in her book of the same name, and the Winona Ryder-starring movie brings to life the times of Meg, Jo, Beth Amy, and their friend Laurie.
Jo’s journey of finding her identity as a writer, Meg’s domestic life, Beth’s unfortunate scarlet fever, and Amy’s escapades in Europe, and her love for Laurie make for a compelling watch. Poignant music scores a touching and sweet screenplay performed by seasoned actors, and the sets, especially the Laurence mansion, are a treat to watch.
Darkest Hour (2017) – 7.4
Winston Churchill’s early days as Prime Minister are dramatized in this 2017 movie by a stellar Gary Oldman — days that were fraught with Nazism, the menace of Adolf Hitler, and widespread war.
The movie follows the war negotiations, politics, and tactics that Churchill employs to strengthen his nation, and how his military prowess and foresight earn him Prime Ministership for the rest of wartime and beyond. Darkest Hour succeeds in two areas, namely achieving the 1940s aesthetic and Gary Oldman’s shocking transformation, complemented by his wonderful acting.
Downton Abbey (2019) – 7.4
While the show gave viewers soapy, historical goodness and lots of scandals, the Downton Abbey movie took it a notch further and showed a royal visit to the estate by King George V and Queen Mary in 1927, and all the hijinks that preluded the visit (both upstairs and downstairs) and followed it.
The royal staff threatens to oust Downton’s own, while the Crawleys scramble to look and be their best for a drama-filled visit by their monarchs — an elevated yet familiar period drama. Seeing the television favorites gracing the big screen is a total delight, and the improved production quality makes the Estate and the drama even better.
Les Misérables (2012) – 7.6
Directed by Tom Hooper, Les Misérables is an epic tale of heartbreak, love, and resilience in France, beginning in 1815 with ex-convict Jean Valjean and his journey towards absolution after being imprisoned for nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread.
In the midst of being chased by Javert and caring for Cosette, the musical shows beautifully the many facets of human life and the adversities that one must champion every day. The musical aspect of the movie is excellent, and the singing truly conveys how deep the emotion of each character is. Superlative costumes and art design also contributed to Les Misérables magnificence.
Ip Man (2008) – 8.0
A Grandmaster in martial arts, Ip Man focuses on the events of his life in the city of Foshan in the midst of the Sino-Japanese War. Ip Man is wealthy and a trainer to the greats, but when his city is occupied, he flees with survivors penniless, and figures how to live a new life.
Spectacular fights and matches dot the troubled historical landscape of the time and make for a truly epic watch. The film’s fast pace (unlike most historical movies) keeps viewers engrossed in the crisp sound, visuals, and arresting story.
