Streaming Historical Epic Movie Magic
Historical epics once filled movie theaters, but they've taken a backseat to superheroes, sci-fi, and other modern blockbusters. That doesn't mean we can't still enjoy the grandeur of bygone eras on our screens! Here, we've rounded up 26 smashing historical epics now available to stream. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to journey through time!
Titanic (1997)
Dive into the ocean's chilly depths with this unforgettable tale of Titanic's sail, sink, and survivors. Oh, and don't forget that epic romance, all set against the backdrop of the opulent early 20th century. Stream it on .
Malcolm X (1992)
Pay tribute to the iconic civil rights leader in this gripping biopic starring Denzel Washington. It's a powerful piece of history brought to life, available for viewing on .
The Last Duel (2021)
Step into the court of 14th-century France in this retelling of a gruesome tale of honor, deception, and medieval revenge. Ridley Scott directs this 2021 release, which you can catch on .
Schindler's List (1994)
This gut-wrenching masterpiece, where Steven Spielberg weaves the story of the Holocaust with his signature brilliance, is a must-watch. The film's available on both and .
Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)
Off on an epic quest for El Dorado, this German-Percuvian historical drama sees conquistador Lope de Aguirre (plagued by madness) in the grip of his obsessive hunt. Watch it on , , , , and .
The Battle of Algiers (1966)
This revolutionary film, set during the Algerian War, is an exciting, some would say haunting, exploration of resistance and colonialism. Stream it on or .
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
This groundbreaking masterpiece by renowned Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein is a powerful reminder of the past, packed with gripping scenes like the famous Odessa steps sequence. Catch it on or .
Gladiator (2000)
A classic tale of revenge, romance, and gladiatorial might, Gladiator conquered the box office with its sweeping visuals and an unforgettable Maximus story. Stream it on or .
Chaos (1985)
Based on a play "Ran" by Kurosawa, this 80s film follows an unhinged samurai passionately hunting for personal glory and riches. See it on .
The Death of Stalin (2017)
Snarky British humor meets political intrigue in this hilarious, if somewhat controversial, portrayal of Stalin's power struggle and ultimate downfall. Stream it on , , or .
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985)
Born of Paul Schrader's creativity, this experimental film is an artistic powerhouse, weaving together fictionalized aspects of Japanese artist Yukio Mishima's life, work, and suicide (and wait, there's more!). Stream it on .
Becket (1964)
A stellar duo of Peter O'Toole and Richard Burton deliver in this period piece based on a play, exploring the historical feud between Henry II and Thomas Becket. Stream it on , , or .
From Here to Eternity (1953)
Instantly memorable rom-com moments edge into a dark war narrative in this timeless classic. Stream it on .
1917 (2019)
A gripping wartime trip through the trenches as two soldiers carry an urgent message across no-man's land. Stream it on "Showtime" or "Fubo".
The Last Emperor (1987)
Bernardo Bertolucci's opulent, semi-autobiographical tale of China's last emperor, Puyi, is beautifully set against the backdrop of the Forbidden City. Stream it on and .
Kesari (2019)
An epic historical drama filled with action, inspired by the battle of Saragarhi in 1897. Sing along to the catchy soundtrack as you stream it on .
Spartacus (1960)
Stanley Kubrick's 1960 retelling of the tale of Spartacus — a Thracian gladiator and the leader of a slave revolt — remains a beloved classic. Stream it on .
Thirteen Assassins (2010)
Loosely based on a Japanese folktale, this gripping film by Takashi Miike follows a gang of samurais on a mission to take down a tyrant in Edo-era Japan. Stream it on .
Rustin (2023)
An upcoming biopic focusing on the life and struggles of Bayard Rustin, a civil rights leader and activist who was often erased from historical accounts. Get ready to stream it on .
Throughout this journey through the world of historical epics streamed online, I've peppered in some curated enrichment insights to give you a hankering for even more cinematic historical goodness! Remember, these are not part of the original article, but are instead extra nuggets of info that I've sprinkled in as bonus content. This way, you can save the best for last 😉
As you browse the list, you'll notice that "Netflix", "Paramount+", "Fubo", , , , , , , , , , and are mentioned numerous times. These platforms should be your new best friends if you're looking to dive into the history of film.
Looking for more historical epic movies to stream? Many of the following titles, which didn't make it into the base article, can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your couch:
- Amazon Prime Video:
- Centurion - A thrilling historical action film set in Roman Britain during the 2nd century AD.
- The Great Battle - A historical action film that revisits the Goguryeo - Tang War, 7th century AD.
- The Bounty - A historical drama based on the mutiny on HMS Bounty in 1789.
- Red Cliff - An epic battle film set in the Three Kingdoms period in ancient China.
- Apocalypto - A historical drama that explores the collapse of the ancient Mayan civilization.
- Kingdom of Heaven - A classic historical epic where the Crusades play out in 12th-century AD.
- Spartacus - A retelling of the Thracian gladiator Spartacus's role in the Third Servile War.
If you're seeking more contemporary films and didn't catch the mention of Gladiator, don't miss out! An epic sequel to the action classic has been in the works, so pay close attention to your favorite streaming service announcements.
Remember, watching historical epics is just one step towards delivering knowledge and insight into the past. To deepen your understanding of bygone eras, don't forget the importance of reading up on historical events, political contexts, and inspiring personalities. Enrich your viewing experience with further exploration and discover the incredible stories that have shaped our world!
