Skip To...
One of the most anticipated movies of 2023 is Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. The film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb. The WWII epic is only the latest in a long line of historical dramas made over the years. For those excited to see Nolan’s latest masterpiece, there are plenty of similar films to tide them over. From presidential dramas to gripping thrillers, here are ten historical dramas to check out before seeing Oppenheimer.
10. Lincoln (2012)
It is no secret that Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the most talented actors to ever live. He brings everything he can to a role and then manages to find a bit more. This isn’t more evident than in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln. The film features Lewis as the titular 16th President of the United States. Lincoln takes place in the final year of the Civil War and features Abe doing everything he can to rebuild the country and end the bloody war. The movie may be long, but it is still a fantastic watch for anyone even remotely interested in American history. Like Oppenheimer, Lincoln was made with the utmost care and was heavily researched.
9. Zodiac (2007)
Not every historical drama has to take place several generations ago. Zodiac is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Graysmith. Graysmith lived in the era when the Zodiac Killer was active and worked at the newspaper he taunted. Zodiac was active in San Fransisco in 1968 and 1969, and to this day his identity remains a mystery. The film displays the events as told by Graysmith, and to be fair, some liberties are taken. Besides this, most of the content of the film did tragically happen, including the fact the Zodiac Killer was never caught. Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downy Jr., and Mark Ruffalo round out the cast of this all-too-true crime thriller.
8. Downfall (2004)
Nolan’s film tells the story of the creation of the Atomic Bomb, the weapon that was crucial to the Allies winning in WWII. Downfall shows the other side of the war, as it showcases the final days of Adolf Hitler. The film far from idolizes the monster known as Hitler, instead showing the fall of Nazi power through the eyes of his secretary. The movie follows Traudl Junge, Hitler’s final secretary who served under him near the end of his life. What makes the film so riveting is the real-life Traudl Junge narrates the film. Hearing about the horrors of the Nazis from someone who was truly there is shocking and provides some of the best insight into one of mankind’s darkest eras.
7. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Oppenheimer will showcase some of the darkest days in all of mankind. This is far from the only film to do so, as is evident with 12 Years a Slave. This disturbing film follows Solomon Northup, a black man who was born free in the United States. While visiting Washington D.C., he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film shows his life and ultimate escape over a 12-year span. What makes 12 Years a Slave so intriguing is that it is based on a true story. Solomon was a real person, whose autobiography was the basis for the film. Solomon’s story is told through fantastic directing and stellar acting. Chiwetel Ejiofor leads the film and gives as close to a flawless performance as one can give.
6. Darkest Hour (2017)
Yet another historical drama taking place during WWII, Darkest Hour stars Gary Oldman as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The film takes place over the span of four weeks in the early days of the war. Churchill has just been appointed Prime Minister and is faced with an impossible task. He can either negotiate with Hitler or fight against the seemingly indestructible Nazi Army. Darkest Hour showcases the human spirit, and how in war there are few good choices; only necessary ones. The film is home to one of Gary Oldman’s greatest performances, which is no small feat. Oldman was nominated for an Academy Award and leads a film every history buff owes themselves to check out.
5. Tombstone (1993)
A common issue with films based on true stories is they take some serious liberties. Such is the case with Tombstone, which tells the story of the O.K. Corral gunfight. While the characters and basic events are all real, much of the movie is dramatized. Still, this legendary western gives modern audiences a peek into one of the best-known gunfights of the era. This film has some of the greatest performances ever seen in the genre. Kurt Russell leads the ensemble as Wyatt Earp, but the real show-stealer is Val Kilmer. Kilmer player Doc Holliday and it is one of the best performances of his entire career.
4. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Yet another historical western that takes some liberties is this Brad Pitt-led film. Jesse James stars Pitt in the titular role and Casey Affleck as Robert Ford. Ford has idolized James his entire life. While trying to prove himself to join the gang, he grows to resent the famous outlaw. The film was based on a novel of the same name by Ron Hansen. Hansen heavily researched the story, ensuring the major plot points are all factual. Of course, he did take some liberties with the characters’ personal lives. Besides the inaccuracies, this movie is great viewing for those who want to experience more history after watching Oppenheimer.
3. The King’s Speech (2010)
Not every historical drama has to be a bleak retelling of events. The King’s Speech is a great example of a film that has a bit more hope in it. Colin Firth stars as King George VI, a man who took the throne in 1936. Like in real life, the King had a stammer that he was desperate to overcome. Before he announces Britain’s declaration of war against Germany, he enlists a speech therapist to help him. The King’s Speech was heavily researched to be as accurate as possible. The film was a massive success, leading to several Oscar wins including Best Picture and Best Actor.
2. The Imitation Game (2014)
World War II was one of the darkest and most fascinating time periods in human history. It is no secret why so many movies are set during this time, and The Imitation Game is one of the best. More of an espionage thriller than a war film, Imitation Game tells the true story of Alan Turing. Turing was a cryptanalyst who decrypted German messages for the British army. The film focuses heavily on Turing himself as opposed to just him cracking the German code. It is refreshing to see the other side of World War II, outside the battlefield. Like Oppenheimer, this is one WWII scientist who deserves respect.
1. A Night to Remember (1958)
When thinking of films based on the Titanic, a vast majority of people think of James Cameron’s 1997 masterpiece. One of the more disturbing and intriguing looks at the disaster came much earlier in 1958. This film fully focuses on the sinking as opposed to using the ship as a backdrop. The movie was based on the novel of the same name. What makes the novel and film so interesting, is that they are based on first-hand reports. The movie was made close enough to the sinking that many of the survivors were still alive. These first-hand accounts make this the most personal Titanic film of all time.
