Best Historical Movies
AMC Movie List

Best Historical Movies

No textbooks required. Which true-life tale is the most riveting?

rank title points votes your vote
1 Patton
George C. Scott's Oscar-winning portrayal of the American general delves into the history of the war-time leader's complicated legacy. 256 592
2 Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg directed this visceral exploration of World War II and its devastating aftermath. 252 686
3 Lawrence of Arabia
In Peter O'Toole's star-making turn as the titular emissary, he's the enigmatic Brit who spurs war between the Arabs and the Turks. 251 605
4 Braveheart
Director and star Mel Gibson dramatizes the struggles endured by medieval Scottish patriot William Wallace. 223 691
5 The Last of the Mohicans
The James Fenimore Cooper adventure story hits the big screen with multiple Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis. 135 495
6 Amadeus
Milos Forman's 1984 romp delivers a bawdy portrayal of the life and times of Mozart (Tom Hulce) and his peers. 90 502
7 Raging Bull
Martin Scorsese's character study portrays the rise, fall and redemption of boxer Jake La Motta (Robert De Niro). 59 463
8 Elizabeth
As the eponymous queen, Cate Blanchett battles dangers from outside her country's borders and inside the royal court. 36 442
9 The Queen
Helen Mirren stars as the enigmatic monarch in Stephen Frears' exploration of the atmosphere following the death of Princess Di. 15 461
10 Titanic
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet put a romantic spin on the tragic events that led to the sinking of the famed ocean vessel. -5 633
11 Young Mr. Lincoln
John Ford directs Henry Fonda in this biopic based on the life of America's sixteenth president. -6 364
12 Ray
Jamie Foxx pays tribute to the life of troubled but revered musician Ray Charles (and wins an Oscar in the process). -10 464
13 Malcolm X
Spike Lee's epic look at the life and times of the slain civil rights leader Malcolm X (Denzel Washington). -76 420
14 Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts dons trashy heels and duds to tell the inspiring story of the woman who took on Big Energy in 1993. -78 434
15 Capote
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, as Truman Capote, relives the events that led to the author's publication of In Cold Blood. -93 375
16 Che
Steven Soderbergh retraces the life of the iconic Cuban revolutionary, here portrayed by Benicio Del Toro. -176 392