Anmol Ahuja
One is bound to develop a profound sense of appreciation for movies set in a different period in history simply because of the visible effort put into them. Recreating a specific period in time, now long gone, especially if it’s through props and sets and not special effects, is a mammoth task for the entire team, including the production designers, art directors, and even the writers, for they are the ones who decide how the setting is going to be exploited to best effect.
The world we live in is full of stories to tell, varying in scale, ranging from intimate home-grown tales to battles that changed the course of history as we know it, and Amazon Prime hosts a bunch of period/historical films with some impeccable craft on display. So here are the best historical movies on Amazon Prime that are available to stream right now.
19. The Ballad of Davy Crockett (2024)
Derek Estlin Purvis’ ‘The Ballad of Davy Crockett’ centers on American frontiersman/politician Davy Crockett, whose stories have been made into miniseries, animated series, books, and multiple feature-length films. In this film, set in 1815, we follow Crockett, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee, who takes on Caleb Powell, leader of the Middle Tennessee crew of trappers, after the latter takes away the former’s kids. Why? Because they stole a raccoon from Powell’s area albeit it was to feed their ailing mother (Crockett’s wife) and themselves. The makers of ‘The Ballad of Davy Crockett’ have done a commendable job making the characters, the dialogues, and the setting cohesive. This adds to the film’s appeal, especially for history buffs and lovers of frontier stories. You can stream it here.
18. Pippa (2023)
An Indian Hindi-language (Bollywood) drama directed by Raja Krishna Menon, this war drama is based on the life of Balram Singh Mehta (Ishaan Khatter) of India’s 45 Cavalry regiment. Singh fought in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which itself was a part of the Bangladesh Liberation War. The film’s title refers to the PT-76 tank, nicknamed ‘Pippa,’ which was part of his regiment and one he worked on. ‘Pippa’ is an adaptation of Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta’s war memoir, ‘The Burning Chaffees.’ You can watch the film here.
17. Love & Friendship (2016)
Based on Jane Austen’s 1794 epistolary novel ‘Lady Susan,’ ‘Love & Friendship’ is directed by Whit Stillman. The period comedy-drama is set in the late 18th century and follows recently widowed Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), who is searching for a well-off husband for her daughter Frederica (Morfydd Clark). Susan moves into her brother-in-law Charles Vernon’s (Justin Edwards) house in Churchill for the same.
However, Susan’s secret intention is also to find a husband for herself and raise her status in society. Known for her flirtatious nature, she soon entraps Reginald DeCourcy (Xavier Samuel), brother of Charles’ wife Catherine (Emma Greenwell), in her beauty. Meanwhile, Frederica doesn’t want to get forcibly married off, although she may not have a choice. The question is: What else does Susan have on her mind? Beckinsale shines bright as Lady Susan Vernon, smartly balancing the flamboyance and flaws of the character. ‘Love & Friendship’ has won numerous accolades, including Critics Choice Awards and Golden Tomato Awards. You can watch the film here.
16. The Captain (2017)
Directed by Robert Schwentke, ‘The Captain’ follows German war criminal Willi Herold (Max Hubacher), who deserted his army when World War II was reaching its end and the downfall of Nazi Germany was on the horizon.
After finding the uniform of a Luftwaffe (aerial-warfare branch of the German armed forces) captain, he garners a group of followers. He even executes lots of prisoners after being infatuated with his newly gained powers. He is eventually captured and executed by Allied forces. An exploration of human nature’s dark side, ‘The Captain’ sets a deeply personal story against one of the worst time periods in human history, and that’s where its effectiveness lies. You can watch the film here.
15. Padmaavat (2018)
‘Padmaavat’ is a Bollywood drama that tells the story of Queen Padmavati of Chittorgarh, played by Deepika Padukone. Padmavati performed ‘Jauhar,’ or the age-old Indian patriarchal practice of self-immolation, along with a hundred or so other women in the face of certain defeat as an act to defend their honor after the fort was laid siege upon by invader Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh). Shahid Kapoor plays the role of Padmavati’s husband, Rajput ruler Ratan Singh of Mewar, who was killed by Khilji. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali creates an intricately detailed, gorgeous-looking drama underscored by impeccable visual artistry and deep storytelling to give us a visual spectacle. ‘Padmaavat’ can be streamed here.
Read More: Best Historical Movies on Netflix
14. Badamasi (Portrait of a General) (2021)
Written and directed by Obi Emelonye, ‘Badamasi (Portrait of a General)’ is a Nigerian authorized biopic film that tells the story of the real-life former military leader and head-of-state Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). The film chronicles Badamasi’s (Enyinna Nwigwe) journey from the village of Wushishi in Northern Nigeria to the nation’s corridors of power, depicting the general as a flawed individual who attempts to guide his country through a tumultuous era.
After losing his parents at age 14, Badamasi eventually joined the military. His unparalleled charm and intelligence helped him steadily rise through the ranks and become an important player in Nigerian military politics. The film also offers a largely faithful depiction of the Nigerian civil war and Badamasi’s role in it. You can watch it here.
13. Emma (2020)
Autumn de Wilde’s ‘Emma’ is adapted from Jane Austen’s 1815 eponymous novel. The film centers on rich 21-year-old Miss Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy), who lives with her father at their posh estate in Highbury, Surrey, in Regency-era England. While she isn’t interested in marrying, she loves matchmaking and takes pleasure in setting people up for marriage. However, as expected, her involvement in the affairs of others affects her personal life and, by extension, her love life. is she ready for that?
With two Oscar nominations, one BAFTA nomination, one Golden Globe nomination, and three Critics Choice Awards, ‘Emma’ is a captivating period drama that does a good job of giving shape to Jane Austen’s intimate and impeccable depiction of the English society of the time. Co-starring Johnny Flynn, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, and Bill Nighy, ‘Emma’ can be streamed here.
12. The Round Up (2010)
Directed by Roselyne Bosch, this film showcases the horrific events during the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup (Rafle du Vel’ d’Hiv), a mass arrest of Jews by the French police at Nazi Germany’s behest, in Paris on 16 and 17 July 1942. More than 13000 Jews were arrested as a part of the roundup. Appreciated for its emotional quality and authenticity, ‘The Round Up’ is a harrowing and powerful period drama that serves as a reminder of true-to-form French cinema. The cast includes Jean Reno, Mélanie Laurent, Gad Elmaleh, Hugo Leverdez, and Raphaëlle Agogué. You can watch the film here.
11. The Lost City of Z (2016)
‘The Lost City of Z’ tells the legend of Percy Fawcett, a British explorer who went missing in the jungles of the Amazon following his pursuit of the lost city of Z, more famously known as the elusive El Dorado. A technically sound drama that is also gorgeous, the James Gray directorial stars Charlie Hunnam as Percy Fawcett, along with Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland. If you like historic adventures, this film is a must-watch. It can be streamed here.
Read More: Best Period Dramas on Hulu
10. Peterloo (2018)
Directed by Mike Leigh, this film showcases the Peterloo Massacre of 1819. On August 16, 1819, a vast number of people (estimated 60,000) gathered at St Peter’s Field in Manchester, Lancashire, England, to demand voting rights and Parliamentary reform. Eighteen people died while more than 700 were wounded after the government militia charged at them with the aim to get hold of the leader.
As horrific as the event was, it led to the establishment of the Manchester Guardian newspaper, which, in turn, played a crucial role in passing the Great Reform Act, which made big changes in England’s electoral system. The cast includes Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake, David Moorst, Roger Sloman, and Karl Johnson. You can watch the film here.
9. The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine (2018)
Directed by Japanese auteur Takahisa Zeze, ‘The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine’ is set against one of the most tumultuous times in Japanese history. The film depicts the drastic changes that Japan undergoes after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. As the rise of nationalism takes place in the background, the narrative focuses on Tomoyo (Mai Kiryu) and Tamae (Hanae Kan), two women who are part of a group of all-female Sumo wrestlers.
Elsewhere, Tetsu (Masahiro Higashide) and Daijiro (Kanichiro) become involved with an anarchist group called the Guillotine Society with the desire to bring changes to their nation through violent rebellion. These two plot threads intersect each other when the anarchists begin attending the female Sumo matches. ‘The Chrysanthemum and the Guillotine’ can be streamed here.
8. Kesari (2019)
‘Kesari’ is an Indian Hindi-language war film directed and co-written by Anurag Singh. The movie recounts the story of the Battle of Saragarhi, a violent struggle in which 10,000 Afridi and Orakzai Pashtun tribesmen attacked the outpost of Saragarhi, where the 36th Sikhs of the British Indian Army posted only 21 men to defend the region. Once the enemies were staring right at them, Havildar Ishar Singh (Akshay Kumar), a brave soldier, led his men against one of the most violent confrontations known in history. While offering an intimate overview of the battle, the movie also sheds light on the circumstances that led to it. Parineeti Chopra plays the role of Jeevani Kaur, wife of Ishar Singh. ‘Kesari’ can be streamed here.
7. The Patriot (2000)
‘The Patriot’ is an epic war drama set in South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War. It follows war veteran turned pacifist Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), who is pulled back into the war by one of his sons (Heath Ledger), who overrides his wishes and joins the rebellion against the British. Brutal, sentimental, and entertaining, ‘The Patriot’ is a heroic tale helmed by Roland Emmerich and has a dedicated fan base. With three Oscar nominations to its credit, the film is a must-watch for Gibson devotees. You can watch it here.
6. Sardar Udham (2021)
Shoojit Sircar’s ‘Sardar Udham’ is a somber, grounded tale of one of the most celebrated revolutionaries of Colonial India. The film’s non-linear narrative shifts back and forth between Sardar Udham Singh’s (Vicky Kaushal) time in London and the eventual assassination of Indian Civil Service officer Michael O’Dwyer in the present and his involvement in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in the past. Wanted by the British authorities, Udham reaches England through Russia and assassinates O’Dwyer. Following his arrest, he narrates his tale to his appointed lawyer and an investigating inspector. He explains how he was impacted by the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919 and how that ultimately influenced his decision to kill O’Dwyer. You can watch the film here.
5. Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)
Based on the 1955 novel ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ by Kalki Krishnamurthy, ‘Ponniyin Selvan: Part I’ is the first entry in a two-part film series. The film offers a dramatized rendition of the early life of Chola prince Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi), who is destined to become Rajaraja the Great, who would reestablish the Chola control over South India and expand his empire to various islands on the Indian Ocean. The film begins with Emperor Sundara Chozhar (Prakash Raj) realizing something sinister is brewing amongst his courtiers and dispatching Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan (Karthi) to find out the truth. Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam guides this opulent love letter to India’s past with his characteristic candidness, telling a grand tale that is ultimately grounded in remarkable characterization. The stellar cast also includes powerful performances by Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Prabhu, and Aishwarya Lekshmi. You can watch the film here.
4. Fanny’s Journey (2016)
Directed by Lola Doillon, ‘Fanny’s Journey’ is a French-Belgian film inspired by the autobiographical memoir “Le journal de Fanny” by Fanny Ben-Ami. It follows Fanny (Léonie Souchaud), a 12-year-old girl, one of a group of French Jewish children sheltered by the Œuvre de secours aux enfants (OSE), a French Jewish humanitarian organization, in Vichy France (occupied by Nazi Germany), and how the group flees the place and sets off on a journey to neutral Switzerland without the supervision of an adult. As scary as it sounds, it is a thousand times more so. You can watch the film here.
3. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
This painful film explores the friendship between a German kid, 8-year-old Bruno (Asa Butterfield), and an eight-year-old Jewish prisoner, Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), after the former’s family moves in near a concentration camp and his father, an SS officer, takes charge as a commandant. Unbeknownst to the situation that each of them faces, the two kids forge a friendship that transcends the war that divides them. But can it keep them safe? To find out, you can watch this Mark Herman directorial here.
2. Oppenheimer (2023)
One of the most dialogue-heavy films to have come in recent times, Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ delves into the mind of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who led the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The film is based on the 2005 biography ‘American Prometheus’ by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. It chronicles Oppenheimer’s research and relationships, both personal and professional, which contributed to/affected his achievement that itself was questionable. We also see his 1954 security hearing related to his work at the Los Alamos Laboratory (the Manhattan Project).
Cillian Murphy plays J. Robert Oppenheimer, a role for which he got the Best Actor Award at the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. Robert Downey Jr. plays the United States Atomic Energy Commission member Lewis Strauss and won the Best Supporting Actor award at the three above awards. Alongside Murphy and Downey, the film co-stars Matt Damon as Manhattan Project director Leslie Groves, Emily Blunt as Robert Oppenheimer’s wife Katherine, and Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, a USA Communist Party/Oppenheimer’s love interest. The film won Nolan his first Oscar as Best Director, along with the BAFTA and Golden Globe for the same. You can watch the film here.
1. The Pianist (2002)
‘The Pianist’ is based on the life of Polish Jewish radio station pianist Władysław Szpilman, played by Adrien Brody to the T. The Roman Polanski directorial follows Szpilman’s emotionally and physically wrecking journey as he tries to survive in a war-torn Warsaw during World War II. From being separated from his family to hiding here and there to avoid being caught and sent to a concentration camp, Szpilman’s quest for survival is depicted in a most heart-wrenching manner, not for the faint-hearted. Based on the eponymous autobiographical book by Szpilman himself, ‘The Pianist’ won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and three Academy Awards, including the Best Actor Oscar for Brody. The film is a must-watch period drama and can be streamed right here.
Read More: Best War Movies on HBO Max
