Jump to content

The Panda

A History in Film - BOT Top 50 Historical Fiction/Narrative Films - Counting Lists Now, Will Still Take A List Today

Qualification Poll  

39 members have voted

  1. 1. Should Historical Films with slight alternative history deviations be allowed (Ex Once Upon a Time In Hollywood), this is NOT talking about films with historical inaccuracies

    • Yes
      33
    • No
      6
  2. 2. Should Fantasy films that serve as Historical Allegories be allowed? (Examples: The Wizard of Oz and Pan’s Labyrinth)

    • Yes
      12
    • No
      27
  3. 3. Should older films which cover historical events in their present time be included? (Ex Casablanca)

    • Yes
      17
    • No
      16


Recommended Posts



Henry II - watch these two back to back (made just 4 years apart) - Marvel at O'Toole

 

xq1kThMFCvSTSKMpLPYM85gNvcKxh-5zcrxKYUPtMV5BMTkzNzYyMzA5N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODcw

 

Two Richard IIIs

 

richardIII_UKquad.jpg

51MT61JHNML._SY445_.jpg

 

 

 

WW II (Aside from Schindler's List)

 

MV5BNGRmOWY0MGUtNTVhMy00NzRlLTljNDAtNTBilatest?cb=20170324170127&path-prefix=esMV5BODFlNTI0ZWQtOTcxNC00OTc0LTkwZDUtMmNk71raFpC3woL._AC_SY500_.jpgthe_pianist_2002.jpg?itok=YESnDninlustcKey300.jpg51Bwii+hgnL.jpg1958-the_bridge_on_the_river_kwai.jpgthe-great-escape.jpgp887_v_v8_aa.jpgGunsofNavarone.jpg

 

 

(not including contemporaneous films - Stalag 17 in 1953 might be cutting it too close)

 

 

 

 

Edited by TalismanRing
  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites



For those interested, this my current personal short list comprising of different time periods and culture

 

Films Based in East Asia

Spoiler

Silence – Japanese Buddhist and Christian Theology and the Tokugawa Shonugate, 17th Century

 

Seven Samurai – Sengoku Period of Japan, 1586

 

The Grave of the Fireflies – Effects of WW2 on Japanese Civilians, 1945

 

Ran – Sengoku Period of Japan, 16th Century

 

House of the Flying Daggers - The Tang Dynasty in China, 859 CE

 

The Last Emperor – The End of the Chinese Dynastical Period, 1908 to 1967

 

Kundun – Early Life of the 14th Dalai Lama, Early to Mid 1900s

 

Hero - Qin Dynasty in China, 600 CE

 

Mongol (2007) - The Rise of Genghis Khan, 13th Century CE

 

The Last Samurai - The Meiji Restoration in Japan, 1870s

 

World War 2 Films

Spoiler

Schindler’s List – Holocaust, late 1930s to 1940s

 

Das Boot – German Submarines in WW2, 1941

 

Come and See – World War 2 from Russian Civilian Perspective, 1943

 

Bridge on the River Kwai – Construction of Burma Railway, 1942-43

 

Saving Private Ryan – D-Day Invasion and WW2, 1944

 

Letters from Iwo Jima – World War II, 1944

 

Patton – Patton’s Campaigns during World War 2, early 1940s

 

Dunkirk – The Evacuation at Dunkirk, 1940

 

The Great Escape – World War 2 Prisoner of War Camp Escape, 1940s

 

The Longest Day – D-Day Told from Allies and Axis Points of View, 1945

 

Stalingrad – The Battle of Stalingrad, 1942

 

Tora! Tora! Tora – Attack on Pearl Harbor, 1941

 

World War 1 Films

Spoiler

Lawrence of Arabia – WW1 in the Ottoman Empire, 1910s

 

All Quiet on the Western Front – World War 1, 1910s


1917 – Trench Warfare in World War 1, 1917

 

Vietnam War Films

Spoiler

Apocalypse Now – Vietnam War, 1960s

 

Platoon – The Vietnam War, 1967

 

Born on the Fourth of July – The Vietnam War, 1960s and 70s


Films Based in 20th Century US

Spoiler

The Grapes of Wrath – The Great Depression in the US, 1930s

 

Goodfellas – American Mafia, 1900s

 

There Will Be Blood – Oil Boom in Gilded Age America, Early 1900s

 

The Right Stuff – The Mercury Program and Space Race, Mid 1900s

 

The Immigrant – Polish Immigration to America, 1920s

 

Apollo 13 – The Space Race, 1969

 

Malcom X – Biography of Malcom X, Mid 1900s

 

Once Upon a Time … In HollywoodHollywood Golden Era, 1960s

 

Selma – March on Selma by MLK, 1965

 

Bridge of Spies – The Cold War, 1957

 

First Man – The Moon Landing, 1969

Road to Perdition - Organized Crime in the Prohibition Era, 1931


Films Based in 20th Century Europe

Spoiler

Pan’s Labyrinth – Fracoist Period (post Spanish Civil War), 1944

 

The Battle of Algiers – Algerian War for Independence, 1950s

 

The Devil’s Backbone – The Spanish Civil War, 1939

 

Judgement at Nuremberg - Trials for Nazi War Crimes, 1947

 

Films Based in 19th Century Europe

Spoiler

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World – Napoleonic Wars, Early 1800s

 

Amistad – Spanish Slave     Ship Uprising, 1800s

 

Pride and Prejudice - Regency Era in Great Britain, 1813

 

Les Miserables (1998) - The Bourbon Restoration through July Revolution in France, Early 1800s

 

Amazing Grace (2005) - Abolition of Slavery in Great Britain, 1807

 

Films Based in Feudal Europe

Spoiler

The Lion in Winter – Politics of King Henry II, 1183

 

Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Parody of European Feudalism and Legends, 932 CE

 

The Passion of Joan of Arc – The Hundred Years War, 15th Century CE

 

El Cid - The Unification of Spain, 11th Century CE

 

Braveheart – First War of Scottish Independence, late 1400s

 

A Man for All Seasons – The Separation of the English Church, Early 1500s

 

Becket – Henry the II of England and Thomas Becket, 12th Century CE

 

Intolerance - Includes timeline of St Batholomew’s Day Massacure, 1572

 

Films Based in Russia

Spoiler

Doctor Zhivago – The Russian Revolution and Civil War, 1910s through 1950

 

Come and See – World War 2 from Russian Civilian Perspective, 1943

 

Alexander Nevsky – Invasion of Novgorod, Early 1200s

 

The Death of Stalin – Coming to Power of Khrushchev in the Soviet Union, 1953

 

Stalingrad – The Battle of Stalingrad, 1942


Films Based in the Roman Empire / Rise of Christianity

Spoiler

Life of Brian – Judea in the Time of Christ, circa 33 CE

 

The Last Temptation of Christ – Christian Theology and Life of Jesus, circa 30 CE

 

Gladiator – Fighting Pits of the Roman Empire, circa 180 CE 

 

Spartacus – The Third Servile War in Rome, 1st Century CE

 

Ben-Hur (1958) – The Story of Christ, 1st Century CE

 

Quo Vadis (1951) - The reign of Nero, 1st Century CE


Films Based in 19th Century United States

Spoiler

How the West Was Won – History of the American West, 1800s

 

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford – Gangs in the American West, Late 1800s

 

Lincoln – American Civil War, 1863

 

12 Years a Slave – Slavery in American Antebellum Period, 1853

 

All the President’s Men – Watergate Scandal, 1972

 

The Revenant – Life in the American Frontier, 1823

 

Glory – American Civil War, 1860s

 

The Red Badge of Courage – American Civil War, 1860s

 

Dances with Wolves - American Civil War, 1860s

 

Films Based in the Colonial Era/15th-17th Century

Spoiler

Aguirre, The Wrath of God – Spanish Conquistadors, 1560

 

The Last of the Mohicans – The French and Indian War, 1757

 

The Madness of King George – Descent of King George III in England, Late 1700s

 

The Mission – Spanish and Portuguese Colonialism, 18th Century

 

The VVitch – Colonial New England Folklore, 1630s

 

The Favourite – The Affairs of Queen Anne, 18th Century

 

A Tale of Two Cities - The French Revolutions, 18th Century

 

Amadeus – Life of Mozart, Late 1700s

 

Barry Lyndon - Ireland during the 18th Century, 18th Century


Films Based in Ancient History

Spoiler

Quest for Fire – Life in the Paleolithic Era, circa 80,000 BCE

 

Hero - Qin Dynasty in China, 600 CE

 

Asoka – Early Life of Maurya Dynasty Emperor Asoka, 3rd Century BCE

 

Intolerance - Shows the Fall of Babylon and Crucifixion, 539 BCE


Films Based in the Middle East

Spoiler

Lawrence of Arabia – WW1 in the Ottoman Empire, 1910s

 

The Message – Rise of the Islamic Empire under Muhammad, 7th Century CE

 

Munich – Operation Wrath of God in Israel-Palestine, Early 1970s

 

The Hurt Locker – The Iraq War, Early 2000s

 

Argo - Iranian Hostage Crisis, 1979-80

 

Films Based in Latin America

Spoiler

City of God – Organized Crime in Brazil, 1960s     

 

Aguirre, The Wrath of God – Spanish Conquistadors, 1560

 

The Mission – Spanish and Portuguese Colonialism, 18th Century

 

Roma - Events in Mexico City during the 1970s under a Domestic Backdrop, 1970s

 

Contemporary History Films (1970s and onward)

Spoiler

The Big Short – Cause of the Financial Crisis in the US, early 2000s through 2008

 

The Social Network – Rise of Social Media, 2000s

 

Zodiac – Manhunt for the Zodiac Killer, 1970s

 

The Last King of Scotland – Rule of Idi Amin in Uganda, 1970s

 

Hotel Rwanda – The Rwandan Genocide, 1990s

 

A Beautiful Mind – Biography of Mathematician/Game Theorist John Nash, Mid 1900s

 

Black Hawk Down – Modern U.S. Intervention in the Middle East, 1990s

 

The Wolf of Wall Street – Jordan Belfort and Wall Street Excess, 1990s

 

United 93 – Attack on 9/11, 2001

 

Invictus – Nelson Mandela and the Apartheid in South Africa, 1995

 

Blood Diamond - Sierra Leone Civil War, 1990s


Films Based in India

Spoiler

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India – India under Imperial British Rule, Late 1800s

 

Gandhi – The Life and Work of Gandhi, Late 1800s to Early-Mid 1900s

 

Asoka – Early Life of Maurya Dynasty Emperor Asoka, 3rd Century BCE


Films Based in Africa

Spoiler

The Last King of Scotland – Rule of Idi Amin in Uganda, 1970s

 

Hotel Rwanda – The Rwandan Genocide, 1990s

 

Invictus – Nelson Mandela and the Apartheid in South Africa, 1995

 

Blood Diamond - Sierra Leone Civil War, 1990s

 

Zulu - The Battle of Rorke’s Drift, 1879


Films Based Off of Historical Legend/Theology

Spoiler

The VVitch – Colonial New England Folklore, 1630s

 

Noah – Ancient Hebrew Theology, circa 800 BCE

 

The Ten Commandments – Ancient Hebrew Theology, circa 800 BCE

 

The Prince of Egypt – Ancient Hebrew Theology, circa 800 BCE

 

Beowulf (2007) - Scandinavian Legends and English Epic Poem, 800-1000 CE

 

The Adventures of Robin Hood - English Feudal History and Legend blended, 1191

 

Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? - A blending of Southern and Greek mythos/legend in the Great Depression, 1930s

 

 

Edited by The Panda
  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites



2 hours ago, Tower said:

They haven't been mentioned here, but am I correct in assuming that The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, and Once Upon a Time in the West qualify?

 

I personally wouldn't, since there's no real historical context for the latter other than just taking place in the past. As for the former, the "Confederate Gold" is a macguffin but the actual film really just uses the Civil War as a backdrop for a story that has nothing to do with it.

 

But that's my personal opinion.

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some Bollywood historical epics if you have time

 

Mughal-E-Azam, the granddaddy of them all

 

MV5BZjcyNzM5Y2MtMWQ0ZS00OGMxLThiMzEtY2Zm

 

 

Jodha Akbar, in many ways a prequel to Mughal-E-Azam since its the same characters earlier in life

 

72-727521_this-jodha-akbar-movie-poster.

 

 

 

Bajirao Mastani, a long gestating project which came together well

MV5BYjMwNDU1MTQtNDBjMS00YTVlLWE4NWYtODBm

 

 

Padmavat, for some reason the most controversial movie of 2018, got everyone death threats and threats of their nose being cut off. A bit overwrought

 

Padmaavat_poster.jpg

 

Shatranj Ke Khiladi, about feudal lords who ignore the British and play chess all day

 

1000156621-h

 

Gadar, set during India's partition

Gadar_-_Ek_Prem_Katha_(movie_poster).jpg

 

Hey Ram, about the plot to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi - highly recommended

hey-ram.jpg

 

 

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites



17 hours ago, The Panda said:

For those interested, this my current personal short list comprising of different time periods and culture

 

Films Based in East Asia

  Reveal hidden contents

 

World War 2 Films

  Reveal hidden contents

 

World War 1 Films

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Vietnam War Films

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based in 20th Century US

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based in 20th Century Europe

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Films Based in 19th Century Europe

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Films Based in Feudal Europe

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Films Based in Russia

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based in the Roman Empire / Rise of Christianity

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based in 19th Century United States

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Films Based in the Colonial Era/15th-17th Century

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based in Ancient History

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based in the Middle East

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Films Based in Latin America

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Contemporary History Films (1970s and onward)

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based in India

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based in Africa

  Reveal hidden contents


Films Based Off of Historical Legend/Theology

  Reveal hidden contents

 

 

Edited the list to make a few additions

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites



Just curious, what about movies like Troy? Or Mice and Men? Films that are (as far as we know) fictional, based off of fictional characters etc. but have their basis/backdrop/setting in history?

 

Because if it counts, I'd definitely like to nominate Of Mice and Men. John Malkovich was heartbreakingly good in that. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites



2 minutes ago, DAJK said:

Just curious, what about movies like Troy? Or Mice and Men? Films that are (as far as we know) fictional, based off of fictional characters etc. but have their basis/backdrop/setting in history?

 

Because if it counts, I'd definitely like to nominate Of Mice and Men. John Malkovich was heartbreakingly good in that. 

The Grapes of Wrath was listed here to so Of Mice and Men should be allowed. Loved the book back when I read it in middle school but don't remember liking the movie much.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, lorddemaxus said:

The Grapes of Wrath was listed here to so Of Mice and Men should be allowed. Loved the book back when I read it in middle school but don't remember liking the movie much.

Surprised you read that in middle school to be honest. I don't think we read it until Grade 11

Link to comment
Share on other sites



8 hours ago, DAJK said:

Just curious, what about movies like Troy? Or Mice and Men? Films that are (as far as we know) fictional, based off of fictional characters etc. but have their basis/backdrop/setting in history?

 

Because if it counts, I'd definitely like to nominate Of Mice and Men. John Malkovich was heartbreakingly good in that. 

Both of those are allowed.  Technically, in any Historical Fiction film, even movies based on true events are featuring fictionalized versions of real people.

 

I’d actually recommend watching the 1939 Of Mice and Men, imo it is better than the 92 version

Edited by The Panda
  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites





So just to be clear, this list doesn't have to be just true stories, do they?  I mean, a film like Saving Private Ryan takes place during a real period in history but it is not truthful, not all of it.

 

And I assume a film like Gladiator would count?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites



1 hour ago, baumer said:

So just to be clear, this list doesn't have to be just true stories, do they?  I mean, a film like Saving Private Ryan takes place during a real period in history but it is not truthful, not all of it.

 

And I assume a film like Gladiator would count?

Yes, that is correct.  I’ll even accept stories with some mythic elements to an extent, if they have some real historical meat to them in terms of providing nuance into a certain cultural setting.

 

Example, The VVitch would be allowed although it goes a bit supernatural with the ending.  This is because it explores real New England Colonial period folklore and fears that were fundamental to their cultural development.  It also uses the New England colonial setting and time period and gives you access to understanding elements of the culture better.

 

Things that go to far off into the pure fantasy realm, say “The Great Wall”, would not be eligible though.  
 

Granted, overall I’m usually a bit more lenient in letting the voters decide what they think should be eligible.  So I’m going to be more prone to allowing people to vote for things they have legitimate reasons for thinking should be included, as if the thought isn’t prevalent enough it won’t make the list anyways.

Edited by The Panda
Link to comment
Share on other sites



@Panda this is going to be a very interesting list no doubt and I'm sorry to ask you what is probably a silly question, but would something like Amityville Horror count?  The murders took place 1974 the film came out in 1979.  I'm assuming the Conjuring is a good one to include?

Link to comment
Share on other sites



2 minutes ago, baumer said:

@Panda this is going to be a very interesting list no doubt and I'm sorry to ask you what is probably a silly question, but would something like Amityville Horror count?  The murders took place 1974 the film came out in 1979.  I'm assuming the Conjuring is a good one to include?

Although films won’t be disqualified from some amount of supernatural elements on their own, definitely think about how important the culture and historical setting being represented in the movie play a role in the pivotal framework.

 

Like with the VVitch example I gave you, here’s a good article on why that specific film, despite a few supernatural elements, is allowed.

 

https://www.vulture.com/2016/02/how-robert-eggers-researched-the-witch.html

 

In general, think if a film has some supernatural element within the film, the more prevalent it is, the more the film should justify the historical context.

 

However, the list is mostly self filtering, so if you think there’s a justifiable reason for a film to be included feel free to state so and include it

Link to comment
Share on other sites



1 hour ago, baumer said:

@Panda this is going to be a very interesting list no doubt and I'm sorry to ask you what is probably a silly question, but would something like Amityville Horror count?  The murders took place 1974 the film came out in 1979.  

 

Putting aside Panda's post, the original Amityville Horror would presumably be ineligible because it came out very close to the time of the actual event. It's a contemporary film, not a historical one.

 

 

I personally think you need at least a decade of distance to get that separation between past and present perspectives

Edited by 4815162342
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites



Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Guidelines. Feel free to read our Privacy Policy as well.