Top 5 Movies and Shows That Explain Major Historical Events

I’m a history buff, but I don’t like reading about the major events that shaped the world we live in today. I would rather watch critically acclaimed movies and shows based on those events, for two reasons.

Firstly, I can better understand the chain of events by watching them. Secondly, the immersive experience in movies and shows always keeps me hooked and ignites my interest in learning more about history.

I’ve watched dozens of historical movies and shows ever since switching to Xfinity TV. Besides a diverse entertainment channel lineup, I can also watch on-demand content this way.

Anyway, I will share some of the best and historically accurate movies and shows that I’ve watched in the last few years.

Without further ado, let’s start:

World War II in Color (2009)

World War II (WWII) is probably one of the most important events in our world’s history. Today, imagining a world at war seems a frightening idea. But it has already happened twice in our history, with WWII being the latest one fought between the Axis and Allied Powers.

WWII in Color includes archived footage from the real battlefields, barracks, and cities that were devastated by the unrestrained bombing during the war.

Additionally, what I like about WWII in Color is the storyline, as it follows a linear approach, which I believe is particularly helpful for someone who wants to learn more about the history.

Dunkirk (2017)

Dunkirk is also based on WWII, but it covers a specific event, and likely the most important one as well.

As the Axis Powers, particularly Germany, swept their way through Europe, the Allied Powers found themselves trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk.

It is estimated that more than 300K British and French soldiers were stranded on the beaches, waiting for the Germans to arrive. Having air superiority over the Allied Powers, the French and British soldiers were sitting ducks for the Germans.

Anyway, Dunkirk beautifully explains the tactical prowess and masterclass of British and French officers who managed to outmaneuver the Axis Powers and evacuate their soldiers.

Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020)

Long before World War II and any concept of the nation-state, another war was brewing up. This time, countries weren’t up against each other; it was empires that wanted to dominate each other with sheer power.

The Ottoman Empire was disbanded after the First World War. But before its collapse, the Empire showed its true colors. From the Romans to anyone who stood in their way, the Ottomans conquered everyone.

Rise of Empires: Ottomans primarily explains the war and political tactics of the Ottomans. The series also sheds light on the famous conquest of Constantinople, a victory that truly marked the birth of this great empire.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

While most movies and shows revolve around a country or an empire, this movie focuses on a single man, Lawrence. The Ottoman Empire had successfully established its control over the Arabian Peninsula, and Lawrence was tasked with diminishing their control.

Lawrence was a man of many talents. He spent some years as a journalist, and then worked as a strategist for the British.

Lawrence of Arabia explains how this man successfully merged the Arabian tribes into a single force and urged them to revolt against rule of the Ottomans. Although some characters in the movie are purely fictional, Lawrence’s story and his adventures in the Arabian Peninsula remain untouched by any fabrication.

Oppenheimer (2023)

World War II was at its peak, with thousands of American soldiers falling every day on the battlefield. And that is exactly when the Americans decided to pursue the “Manhattan Project” under the supervision of Dr. Oppenheimer, one of the renowned nuclear physicists at that time.

Oppenheimer explains the struggles of the American military in keeping this project a top secret from enemy agents, who had infiltrated key positions in the government.

The movie also explains how the non-state actors try to undermine the work and position of Dr. Oppenheimer by associating him with the enemy. Plus, the producers also shed some light on the love life of Dr. Oppenheimer, known to the public.

So, these are the top five historical movies and shows for me. But before I conclude, here are some more shows and movies, based on true events, which you can watch:

• The Great Escape (1963)
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
• Bridge of Spies (2015)
• Hunt for Red October(1990)
• Apollo 13(1995)