I Never Knew History Could Be This Thrilling: Hulu’s Best Picks 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.

History doesn’t have to stay confined to dusty school textbooks; a Hulu subscription can bring it to life in your living room. From epic battles that shaped nations to untold tales of loss and triumph, these films are more than just entertainment; they are a gateway to the past. 

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a healthy dose of nostalgia, Hulu’s collection of history movies about bygone eras will keep you captivated. These are the best historical movies you can stream right now on Hulu, ranked by IMDB users. 

Quo Vadis, Aida? (2021) – 8/10

Edita Malovcic in Quo vadis, Aida? (2020)
Image credit: Angel Films via IMDB.
  • Director: Jasmila Zbanic
  • Starring: Jasna Djuricic, Izudin Bajrovic, Boris Ler

Official synopsis: In war-torn Bosnia, UN translator Aida faces a harrowing choice as the Serbian army seizes control. With her family seeking refuge in a UN camp, Aida holds vital information as an interpreter during negotiations.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – 7.9/10

Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Image credit: Nick Delaney – © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.
  • Director: Bryan Singer
  • Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee

Official synopsis: Feel the beat of Queen’s iconic hits in this electrifying story of music, defiance, and the indomitable Freddie Mercury. Follow their tumultuous climb to fame, through breakups and makeups, leading to one of rock’s most historic concerts.

The Last King of Scotland (2006) – 7.6/10

Forest Whitaker in The Last King of Scotland (2006)
Image credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures via IMDb.
  • Director: Kevin Macdonald
  • Starring: James McAvoy, Forest Whitaker, Gillian Anderson

Official synopsis: The Last King of Scotland follows Nicholas Garrigan, a Scottish physician drawn into the perilous web of General Idi Amin’s rule in Uganda. While trying to modernize Uganda’s healthcare, he finds himself caught in the vortex of Amin’s deadly megalomania.

Patriots Day (2016) – 7.3/10

Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg in Patriots Day (2016)
Image credit: Lionsgate Films via IMDB.
  • Director: Peter Berg
  • Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, J.K. Simmons

Official synopsis: Set on April 14, 2013, the film unfolds just before the Boston Marathon. The following day, a devastating bombing by brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev grips the city in fear. Amid the chaos, a young couple, Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky, face traumatic injuries and dual amputations. Steve Woolfenden, a family man, is also hurt, and separated from his son Leo, who is whisked to safety by police.

Hostiles (2017) – 7.2/10

Christian Bale in Hostiles (2017)
Image credit: Lorey Sebastian – © Yellow Hawk, Inc.
  • Director: Scott Cooper
  • Starring: Scott Shepherd, Rosamund Pike, Ava Cooper

Official synopsis: Hostiles takes you on a grueling journey through 1892 America as a hardened Cavalry Captain must escort his fiercest rival, a dying Cheyenne chief, across treacherous lands. 

The Death of Stalin (2017) – 7.2/10

Steve Buscemi, Michael Palin, Jeffrey Tambor, Simon Russell Beale, and Rupert Friend in The Death of Stalin (2017)
Image credit: Gaumont via IMDB.
  • Director: Armando Iannucci
  • Starring: Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Jeffrey Tambor

Official synopsis: In early 1953 Moscow, the sudden collapse of Soviet leader Iosif Stalin triggered a frantic power struggle among the senior members of the Council of Ministers. Amidst paranoia and competition, a relentless rollercoaster of plotting and alliances unfolds, leaving no one, not even the feared Lavrenti Beria, safe.

Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (2023) – 7/10

Crystal Reed, Mike Faist, and Christopher Convery in Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (2022)
Image credit: MPI Original Films via IMDb
  • Directors: Austin Bragg, Meredith Bragg
  • Starring: Mike Faist, Crystal Reed, Dennis Boutsikaris

Official synopsis: Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game is a nostalgic dive into 1970s New York through the eyes of Roger Sharpe, a writer whose life intertwines with the outlawed game of pinball. As Roger battles personal demons and a citywide ban, he’s on a quest not just to save the game he loves, but to find fairness in the world and harmony in his relationship.

Flamin’ Hot (2023) – 6.9/10

Jesse Garcia in Flamin' Hot (2023)
Image credit: Emily Aragones/Emily Aragones – © 2021 20th Century Studios.
  • Director: Eva Longoria
  • Starring: Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Emilio Rivera

Official synopsis: Witness the remarkable tale of Richard Montañez, a Frito Lay janitor who harnessed his Mexican heritage to revolutionize the food industry. With his sheer determination, he transforms Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a mere snack into an iconic worldwide pop culture sensation.

The East (2021) – 6.9/10

Martijn Lakemeier in The East (2020)
Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios via IMDb
  • Director: Jim Taihuttu
  • Starring: Martijn Lakemeier, Marwan Kenzari, Jonas Smulders

Official synopsis: A young soldier faces a moral battleground in post-WWII Indonesia, where loyalties blur and the fight for independence challenges every conviction. Caught in the crossfire of history and humanity, he must choose between following orders and following his conscience in this gripping drama.

Escape from Pretoria (2020) – 6.8/10

Daniel Radcliffe in Escape from Pretoria (2020)
Image credit: Signature Entertainment via IMDb.
  • Director: Francis Annan
  • Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Daniel Webber, Ian Hart

Official synopsis: Escape from Pretoria is based on the audacious real-life escape of two political prisoners during the turbulent apartheid days of South Africa. This intense, against-the-clock thriller captures the essence of the period with breathtaking precision.

Benediction (2021) – 6.7/10

.Jack Lowden in Benediction (2021)
Image credit: Roadside Attractions, Vertigo Films via IMDB.
  • Director: Terence Davies
  • Starring: Jack Lowden, Thom Ashley, Orlando Jopling

Official synopsis: Decorated soldier Siegfried Sassoon goes from being a war critic to a war poet, navigating affairs and his struggle with homosexuality. Seeking solace in marriage and religion, his quest for acceptance mirrors a fractured world, resonating with today’s search for peace and self-discovery.

Corsage (2022) – 6.6/10

Jeanne Werner and Katharina Lorenz in "Corsage"
Image credit: Robert C. Brandstaetter – © Robert C. Brandstaetter.
  • Director: Marie Kreutzer
  • Starring: Vicky Krieps, Florian Teichtmeister, Katharina Lorenz

Official synopsis: Corsage provides a fictionalized glimpse into a year in the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. After her 40th birthday in 1877, the once idolized for her beauty monarch grapples with aging and the challenge of preserving her public image.

Ammonite (2020) – 6.5/10

Kate Winslet in Ammonite (2020)
Image credit: Lionsgate via IMDb.
  • Director: Francis Lee
  • Starring: Kate Winslet, Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Jones

Official synopsis: This movie tells the story of overlooked fossil hunter Mary Anning in 1840s England. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she’s entrusted with the care of a wealthy visitor’s wife, and a surprising bond starts to form between the two women.

Boston Strangler (2023) – 6.5/10

Keira Knightley in Boston Strangler (2023)
Image credit: 20th Century Studios/20th Century Studios – © 2023 20th Century Studios.
  • Director: Matt Ruskin
  • Starring: Keira Knightley, Carrie Coon, Chris Cooper

Official synopsis: This Hulu original tells the true story of Loretta McLaughlin, the first reporter to connect and expose the infamous Boston Strangler murders. Alongside fellow reporter Jean Cole, they challenge the sexism of the era as they work to keep women informed about the city’s most dangerous serial killer.

Chevalier (2023) – 6.5/10

Lucy Boynton and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chevalier (2022)
Image credit: Larry Horricks/Larry Horricks – © 20th Century Studios.
  • Director: Stephen Williams
  • Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton

Official synopsis: Chevalier brings to life the inspiring story of composer Joseph Bologne, the mixed-race son of a French noble and an African enslaved woman, who ascends the ranks of French society. His prodigious talent leads to fame, but an entangled love affair composes a bittersweet melody in his life’s work.

25 Best TV Shows To Binge on Hulu This Month Ranked by IMDB

Jason Bateman, Jessica Walter in Arrested Development, Saving for Arraignment Day
Image credit: Netflix.

Ready to binge-watch but not sure which series to sink into? Let us guide you! We’ve curated a list of the top 25 TV Shows on Hulu, as ranked by IMDb score. Take a look at our up-to-date list and get ready to enjoy one of these well-loved series.

Top 20 Movies to Stream on Hulu in July 2023 Ranked by IMDB

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of Kings
Image credit: © 2003 – New Line Cinema.

Hulu is undoubtedly one of the best streaming services available, so it’s no surprise that it’s packed with incredible films. To help you choose the right one for your movie night, we’ve put together a list of the top 20 movies on Hulu, ranked by IMDb score. Every film on this list is a winner, so what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn and get watching!

Top 15 Comedy Movies Streaming on Hulu Now According to IMDb

Sacha Baron Cohen in Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Image credit: © TM and 2006 Twentieth Century Fox.

If you love to laugh (and who doesn’t?), your Hulu subscription is the ticket to barrels of laughs right in your living room! There’s no shortage of comedic films on this platform, but we can guide you to the best ones. Take a look at our list of the best comedy movies streaming right now on Hulu, and get ready for a movie night filled with uproarious laughter!