9 Best History Movies on Apple TV Plus 2026
Explore the best history movies on Apple TV Plus, from Black Hawk Down and Killers of the Flower Moon to Tetris, Greyhound, and more.
If you’re searching for the best history movies on Apple TV Plus, this lineup gives you a mix of true stories, wartime pressure, and historical drama. You’ll find big-scale titles like Black Hawk Down, Greyhound, Napoleon, and Blitz alongside more focused picks such as 9/11: Inside the President's War Room and Tetris. Killers of the Flower Moon brings a crime-driven look at a painful chapter in U.S. history, while Tenzing adds an inspiring mountaineering story to the list. There’s enough variety here to help you choose based on mood, whether you want action, mystery, or a more reflective history watch.
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01
Tenzing
drama · history · mystery & thriller
The untold and inspiring tale of one of the most important mountain climbers in history who, with Edmund Hillary, became the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Why watch: If you enjoy inspiring true-life adventure stories with a historical angle, Tenzing is a strong fit. Its mix of drama, history, and mystery & thriller suggests a more intriguing take on a landmark climb.
Directed by Jennifer PeedomCast Samdrup Dorje Lama, Bhuchung Kata, Johnny Flynn, Lhakpa Tsamchoe, Jampa Kalsang TamangApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
Black Hawk Down
Won 2 Oscars Best Director (2002) · 4 nominations
action · drama · history · war
When U.S. Rangers and an elite Delta Force team attempt to kidnap two underlings of a Somali warlord, their Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, and the Americans suffer heavy casualties, facing intense fighting from the militia on the ground.
Why watch: If you want a tense war movie built around real conflict, Black Hawk Down is the pick here. Its action, drama, history, and war genres point to a fast-moving, high-stakes watch.
Directed by Ridley ScottCast Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, William FichtnerApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
Killers of the Flower Moon
10 Oscar nominations
crime · drama · history · western
When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one—until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.
Why watch: If you like history told through crime and drama, Killers of the Flower Moon should stand out. The mystery around the Osage murders gives this period story a darker edge.
Directed by Martin ScorseseCast Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo CardinalApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
Tetris
biography · drama · history · thriller
In 1988, American video game salesman Henk Rogers discovers the video game Tetris. When he sets out to bring the game to the world, he enters a dangerous web of lies and corruption behind the Iron Curtain.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to history stories with a business or tech twist, Tetris is a good choice. Its biography, drama, history, and thriller mix suits viewers who like true events with tension built in.
Directed by Jon S. BairdCast Taron Egerton, Mara Huf, Miles Barrow, Rick Yune, Nikita EfremovApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
Greyhound
1 Oscar nomination
drama · history · war
A first-time captain leads a convoy of allied ships carrying thousands of soldiers across the treacherous waters of the "Black Pit" to the front lines of WWII. With no air cover protection for 5 days, the captain and his convoy must battle the surrounding enemy Nazi U-boats in order to give the allies a chance to win the war.
Why watch: If you want a WWII story centered on military pressure at sea, Greyhound fits well. It’s a strong option for viewers who like drama and history with war-driven suspense.
Directed by Aaron SchneiderCast Tom Hanks, Elisabeth Shue, Stephen Graham, Matt Helm, Craig TateApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for history on Apple TV Plus →
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06
The Lost Bus
1 Oscar nomination
biography · drama · history · thriller
A determined father risks everything to rescue a dedicated teacher and her students from a raging wildfire.
Why watch: If you prefer a modern survival story framed as history and biography, The Lost Bus may appeal to you. Its thriller angle and rescue premise make it a good pick for viewers who like urgent, emotional stakes.
Directed by Paul GreengrassCast Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson, Kimberli FloresApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
Napoleon
3 Oscar nominations
action · adventure · biography · drama · history · war
An epic that details the chequered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.
Why watch: If you’re interested in a large-scale historical drama about power and ambition, Napoleon is the obvious match. The biography, drama, history, and war tags make it best for viewers who want an epic period story.
Directed by Ridley ScottCast Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, Mark BonnarApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
9/11: Inside the President's War Room
Won 1 BAFTA TV Award 2 nominations
documentary · history
Experience the events of September 11, 2001 through the eyes of President Bush and his closest advisors as they personally detail the crucial hours and key decisions from that historic day.
Why watch: If you want a documentary-style look at a major moment in recent history, 9/11: Inside the President's War Room is a clear choice. It should suit viewers who prefer history told through firsthand accounts and key decisions.
Directed by Adam WishartCast Jeff DanielsApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
Blitz
3 BAFTA Film Award nominations
action · drama · history · war
In World War II London, nine-year-old George is evacuated to the countryside by his mother, Rita, to escape the bombings. Defiant and determined to return to his family, George embarks on an epic, perilous journey back home as Rita searches for him.
Why watch: If you enjoy WWII stories about civilians and survival, Blitz may be the right pick. Its focus on a child’s journey home gives the war setting a more personal, dramatic angle.
Directed by Steve McQueenCast Saoirse Ronan, Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clémentine, Kathy Burke, Paul WellerApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This list brings together historical movies and documentaries that cover war, politics, crime, survival, and biography, so it’s easy to match a title to your interests. Whether you want the intensity of Black Hawk Down and Greyhound or the more grounded perspective of 9/11: Inside the President's War Room, there’s plenty to explore. Bookmark this page and come back when you want a fresh historical watch, since it’s updated regularly. That makes it a practical place to revisit whenever you’re deciding what to stream next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need an Apple TV Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Apple TV Plus. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these history movies ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the history titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.