10 Epic Historical Movies to Binge Watch This Weekend

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Historical movies always start arguments. Some people love how directors turn old events into exciting stories full of drama and action. Others get angry when filmmakers change facts to make things more entertaining. History teachers and experts often complain that movies are not completely accurate.

But here is the truth, even with all the criticism, historical films never stop being popular. People keep watching them because they make the past feel alive and real. These movies help us imagine what life was like long ago.

If you like the story of the past, here are ten amazing historical movies perfect for your weekend watching:

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is set during World War II. It follows Captain Miller and his squad as they search for Private James Ryan, whose brothers have all died in combat. Known for its intense and realistic battle scenes, especially the opening D-Day sequence, the movie stars Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. It won five Academy Awards and remains a defining war film.

This classic film tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Directed by David Lean, it is famous for its breathtaking desert cinematography. Peter O’Toole’s performance as Lawrence is unforgettable, and the movie won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie follows Roman general Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, who is betrayed and forced into slavery. Seeking revenge, he becomes a gladiator and rises to challenge the corrupt emperor Commodus. The film combines action, political intrigue, and emotion. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe, and is remembered for its thrilling battle scenes.

This moving film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,000 Jewish people during the Holocaust. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it shows Schindler’s transformation from profit-seeker to humanitarian. The black-and-white cinematography gives it a powerful, haunting look. Liam Neeson stars as Schindler, with Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes in key roles. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Set in the 1930s, this film follows Prince Albert, later King George VI, as he struggles with a speech disorder. With the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue, he learns to overcome his stammer and deliver powerful speeches during World War II. Colin Firth gives a remarkable performance as the king, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film also won Best Picture and became a worldwide success.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, this war film tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II. British and Allied soldiers are trapped on the beaches of France while enemy forces close in. The story is told from land, sea, and air, giving viewers a tense, immersive experience. With little dialogue and stunning visuals, it relies on sound and action to tell the story. It won three Academy Awards.

Based on true events, this film follows the dangerous Apollo 13 space mission. When an oxygen tank explodes, astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise struggle to survive while NASA races to bring them home safely. Directed by Ron Howard, the film stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton. It earned nine Academy Award nominations and is known for the famous line, “Houston, we have a problem.”

This film tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South before the Civil War. Directed by Steve McQueen, it stars Chiwetel Ejiofor in a powerful lead role, with supporting performances from Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong’o. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and offers a raw, emotional portrayal of survival and freedom.

This political drama follows journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate the Watergate scandal, which led to President Nixon’s resignation. Based on true events, the movie shows the power of investigative journalism. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, it stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as the determined reporters. The film won four Academy Awards and is still considered one of the best political thrillers ever made.

Set during World War II, this film shows Winston Churchill’s early days as Prime Minister. Facing Nazi Germany’s rapid advance, Churchill must decide whether to fight or negotiate. Gary Oldman delivers a strong and memorable performance as Churchill, earning the Academy Award for Best Actor. Directed by Joe Wright, the movie highlights the famous “We shall fight on the beaches” speech and the heavy burden of leadership during crisis.