The Paramount+ History Movies That Changed My View of the Past in May 2024

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Written By Lori C.

Lori C. writes about movies, TV shows, and the latest updates from the world of entertainment. She studied Film and Television many years ago at university and uses her knowledge to dissect the newest releases. When not in front of a laptop, she wanders around various European cities with a backpack and a little dog.

Paramount+ is not just a treasure trove of entertainment but also a portal to the past, presenting some of the most compelling history movies to ever grace the screen. With selections handpicked according to their standing on The Movie Database, this collection is composed of films that have resonated with audiences for their portrayal of significant moments in human history.

Whether it’s the roar of battle, the whispers of conspiracy, or the silent struggles of the oppressed, prepare to be transported across different eras as we explore these powerful cinematic journeys.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Immerse yourself in the intense true story of 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, where a security team battles to defend an American diplomatic compound in Libya. The film is a visceral and gritty portrayal of modern warfare and heroism, with heart-stopping action sequences that leave a lasting impact.

Braveheart (1995)

Braveheart
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Braveheart tells the stirring tale of Scottish hero William Wallace, who led a fierce resistance against English rule. Mel Gibson’s passionate portrayal and epic battle scenes make this a timeless ode to freedom and courage. The film is also a visual feast, with its sweeping Scottish landscapes and powerful score.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Prime Video
Image Credit: Dreamworks Pictures.

Witness the harrowing realism of World War II in Saving Private Ryan, a film celebrated for its authentic portrayal of the D-Day invasion. Directed by Steven Spielberg and anchored by Tom Hanks, the film’s poignant exploration of sacrifice and honor is as profound as it is gripping.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Image Credit: Miramax.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas explores the Holocaust from the innocent perspective of two young boys on opposite sides of a concentration camp fence. This hauntingly beautiful and heart-wrenching film serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the purity of friendship.

We Were Soldiers (2002)

We Were Soldiers (2002)
Image Credit: Icon Entertainment International.

Delve into the intense Vietnam War drama We Were Soldiers, which follows Lt. Col. Hal Moore and his battalion during the Battle of Ia Drang. The film, featuring Mel Gibson, portrays the brutal reality of combat and the deep bonds formed between soldiers.

The Doors (1991)

The Doors (1991)
Image Credit: Bill Graham Films.

The Doors vividly captures the psychedelic 60s and the rise of one of rock’s most iconic bands, led by the enigmatic Jim Morrison. Val Kilmer’s transformative performance and the movie’s immersive soundtrack deliver a piece of history that’s as captivating as the music itself.

Enemy at the Gates (2001)

Enemy at the Gates (2001)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Enemy at the Gates sets its crosshairs on the Battle of Stalingrad through the duel between two elite snipers. It’s a thrilling wartime chess match that’s as much about the soldiers’ psychological warfare as it is about their sharpshooting skills.

Cold Mountain (2003)

Cold Mountain (2003)
Image Credit: Miramax.

Cold Mountain chronicles a Confederate soldier’s perilous journey back to his beloved in the waning days of the Civil War. With an all-star cast featuring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renée Zellweger, this film captures the resilience of the human spirit amid chaos and despair.

Silence (2016)

Silence (2016)
Image Credit: SharpSword Films.

Silence is a profound meditation on faith and humanity, as two Jesuit priests faced persecution while spreading Christianity in 17th-century Japan. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is a visually stunning and emotionally taxing odyssey that tests the bounds of belief.

Defiance (2008)

Defiance
Image Credit: Paramount Vantage.

Defiance recounts the true story of the Bielski brothers, who led a group of Jewish partisans to fight Nazis and survive in the Belarusian forests. The film is a powerful testament to resistance and the will to protect one’s own against all odds.

Serpico (1973)

Serpico (1973)
Image Credit: Artists Entertainment Complex.

Based on a true story, “Serpico” stars Al Pacino as a New York City cop who exposes widespread corruption within the police force. It’s a gritty, intense portrayal of one man’s unwavering fight for justice in a system riddled with moral decay.

Seabiscuit (2003)

Seabiscuit
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Seabiscuit is an inspiring tale of an underdog racehorse that captured America’s heart during the Great Depression. It’s a story that transcends sport, highlighting the hope and determination that defines the American spirit.

1900 (1976)

1900 (1976)
Image Credit: Produzioni Europee Associate (PEA).

1900 is an epic saga tracing the lives of two Italian men from different social classes through the tumultuous political landscape of the 20th century. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this film is as grandiose in its storytelling as it is in its historical breadth.

Selma (2014)

Selma (2014)
Image Credit: Plan B Entertainment.

Selma provides a powerful chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights with an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. It’s a gut-wrenching and inspiring depiction of a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
Image Credit: Rumbalara Films.

Rabbit-Proof Fence tells the remarkable true story of three Aboriginal girls who traversed the Australian outback on foot to return to their community after being forcibly removed by the government. This film is a stirring journey of strength, survival, and the inalienable right to belong.

15 Best History Movies on Max

Spotlight
Image Credit: Kerry Hayes.

Seeing these stories captured or recreated on film ensures they’re never forgotten. Take a look at some of the best history movies streaming on Max.

Best 15 History TV Shows on Max

The Knick
Image Credit: Cinemax.

Secrets revealed, new mysteries formed, and the best and worst of humanity examined. Take a look at some of the most gripping history TV shows streaming on Max.

Best History Movies on Disney+: A Journey Through Time

Togo
Image Credit: Chris Lange – © 2019 – Disney+.

From epic biopics to heartwarming documentaries, these cinematic gems will transport you to different eras and introduce you to legendary figures. So, sit back, relax, and let the magic of cinema take you on a mesmerizing journey through time!