20 Best History Movies on Paramount Plus 2026
Explore 20 history films on Paramount Plus, from Troy and Dunkirk to The King’s Speech, Argo, and Zero Dark Thirty, with quick picks for every mood.
If you’re searching for the best history movies on Paramount Plus, this lineup gives you a wide mix of true-to-life drama, war stories, biographical portraits, and a few smarter genre twists. You’ll find big, familiar names like Troy, Dunkirk, Argo, and The King’s Speech alongside more offbeat picks such as The Death of Stalin and Shakespeare in Love. There are also powerful modern titles like Zero Dark Thirty, September 5, and Before Dawn for viewers who want history told through tense, character-driven stories. Whether you want ancient legend, twentieth-century conflict, or a royal portrait, these films make it easy to find something that fits your mood.
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01
Marie Antoinette
Won 1 Oscar
biography · drama · history · romance
The retelling of France’s iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette - from her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at fifteen to her reign as queen at nineteen and ultimately the fall of Versailles.
Why watch: If you enjoy royal dramas with romance and biography mixed in, this portrait of Marie Antoinette fits well. It may appeal most if you want a history film centered on court life and personal upheaval.
Directed by Sofia CoppolaCast Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Steve Coogan, Judy Davis, Clara BrajtmanNetflixParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
Roofman
comedy · drama · crime · history · music & musical · romance
A former Army Ranger and struggling father turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname 'Roofman'. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in.
Why watch: If you like history stories with crime, comedy, and romance woven together, Roofman is a distinctive pick. Its unusual premise makes it a fit for viewers who want something rooted in real-world events but not handled in a straight-laced way.
Directed by Derek CianfranceCast Channing Tatum, Tony Revolori, Kirana Kuic, Gabriella Cila, Alissa Marie PearsonAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
Troy
1 Oscar nomination
action & adventure · history · war & military · made in europe
In year 1250 B.C. during the late Bronze age, two emerging nations begin to clash. Paris, the Trojan prince, convinces Helen, Queen of Sparta, to leave her husband Menelaus, and sail with him back to Troy. After Menelaus finds out that his wife was taken by the Trojans, he asks his brother Agamemnon to help him get her back. Agamemnon sees this as an opportunity for power. They set off with 1,000 ships holding 50,000 Greeks to Troy.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to large-scale ancient conflicts, Troy is an easy choice. Its action-adventure and war elements make it a good match for viewers who want a sweeping historical epic.
Directed by Wolfgang PetersenCast Julian Glover, Brian Cox, Nathan Jones, Adoni Maropis, Jacob SmithParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
Dunkirk
Won 3 Oscars Best Picture (2018) · 8 nominations
action · drama · history · thriller · war
The story of the miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from Belgium, Britain, Canada and France, who were cut off and surrounded by the German army from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk between May 26th and June 4th 1940 during World War II.
Why watch: If you prefer tense wartime stories, Dunkirk is likely to suit you. The history, thriller, and war mix makes it a strong pick for viewers who want urgency and battlefield pressure.
Directed by Christopher NolanCast Fionn Whitehead, Damien Bonnard, Aneurin Barnard, Lee Armstrong, James BloorParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
The Return
adventure · drama · history
After twenty years away, Odysseus washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognizable. The king has finally returned home, but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.
Why watch: If you like classic literature-inspired material with a historical setting, The Return may interest you. Its adventure and drama blend is best for viewers who want a familiar mythic backdrop.
Directed by Uberto PasoliniCast Charlie Plummer, Juliette Binoche, Ralph Fiennes, Claudio Santamaria, Roberto SerpiParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
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06
The Death of Stalin
2 BAFTA Film Award nominations
comedy · drama · history
When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains — just who is running the government?
Why watch: If you enjoy historical events treated with dark comedy, this one stands out. The blend of comedy, drama, and history works well for viewers who want political chaos with a satirical edge.
Directed by Armando IannucciCast Olga Kurylenko, Tom Brooke, Paddy Considine, Justin Edwards, Adrian McLoughlinParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
We Were Soldiers
action · drama · history · war
The year is 1965 and America is at war with North Vietnam. Commanding the air cavalry is Lt. Col. Hal Moore (Gibson), a born leader committed to his troops. His target: the Ia Drang Valley, called "The Valley of Death." As Moore prepares for one of the most violent battles in U.S. history, he delivers a stirring promise to his soldiers and their families: "I will leave no man behind...dead or alive. We will all come home together."
Why watch: If you want a military history film focused on leadership and camaraderie, We Were Soldiers fits that lane. Its drama and war elements make it a good match for viewers who like battlefield stories grounded in duty.
Directed by Randall WallaceCast Mel Gibson, Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear, Sam Elliott, Chris KleinParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
Zero Dark Thirty
Won 1 Oscar Best Picture (2013) · 5 nominations
drama · history · thriller
A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May, 2011.
Why watch: If you prefer modern history with thriller energy, Zero Dark Thirty is a strong option. It suits viewers who want a serious, procedural-style account of a major manhunt.
Directed by Kathryn BigelowCast Jason Clarke, Reda Kateb, Jessica Chastain, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer EhleNetflixParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
Boudica: Queen of War
action · drama · history · war
Inspired by events in A.D. 60, Boudica follows the eponymous Celtic warrior who rules the Iceni people alongside her husband Prasutagus. When he dies at the hands of Roman soldiers, Boudica’s kingdom is left without a male heir and the Romans seize her land and property. Driven to the edge of madness and determined to avenge her husband’s death, Boudica rallies the various tribes from the region and wages an epic war against the mighty Roman empire.
Why watch: If you enjoy sword-and-shield style war stories built around a legendary rebel leader, Boudica: Queen of War is worth a look. The action and war mix will appeal most to viewers who want an epic conflict-driven title.
Directed by Jesse V. JohnsonCast Olga Kurylenko, Tim Barber, Andy Beckwith, Tom Bennett, Jeff BettsParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
Queen of the Desert
adventure · biography · drama · history · romance
A chronicle of Gertrude Bell's life, a traveler, writer, archaeologist, explorer, cartographer, and political attaché for the British Empire in the Near and Middle East at the dawn of the twentieth century. Her knowledge of the tribal leaders is used by the British to establish the Kingdoms of Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Why watch: If you like biographies about explorers and politically important figures, Queen of the Desert may be a good fit. Its adventure, drama, and romance elements give it a broader appeal than a standard period biography.
Directed by Werner HerzogCast Nicole Kidman, James Franco, Robert Pattinson, Damian Lewis, Jay AbdoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
Argo
Won 3 Oscars Best Picture (2013) · 7 nominations
drama · history · mystery & thriller
As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.
Why watch: If you’re interested in political history told through a suspenseful lens, Argo is an easy recommendation. The drama, history, and thriller combination works especially well for viewers who like real events with high tension.
Directed by Ben AffleckCast Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor GarberParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
The Ten Commandments
Won 1 Oscar Best Picture (1957) · 7 nominations
drama · history · kids & family · made in europe
Escaping death, a Hebrew infant is raised in a royal household to become a prince. Upon discovery of his true heritage, Moses embarks on a personal quest to reclaim his destiny as the leader and liberator of the Hebrew people.
Why watch: If you want a classic-era history film with a religious and family-friendly angle, The Ten Commandments is a strong pick. Its drama and kids & family tags make it suitable for viewers looking for a more traditional epic.
Directed by Cecil B. DeMilleCast Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson, Yvonne De CarloParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
13
The King's Speech
Won 4 Oscars Best Picture (2011) · 12 nominations
biography · drama · history
The King's Speech tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country into war.
Why watch: If you enjoy character-focused royal dramas, The King’s Speech is one of the safest bets here. It blends biography and history with an underdog arc centered on leadership and self-doubt.
Directed by Tom HooperCast Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi, Robert Portal, Richard DixonParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
14
Sid & Judy
documentary · biography · history
Explore the dramatic career and personal struggles of the talented and tragically short-lived entertainer Judy Garland through rare concert footage, never-heard-before voice recordings and personal photos.
Why watch: If you like documentary storytelling about well-known performers, Sid & Judy may be the right choice. Its biography and history focus make it a good pick for viewers interested in entertainment history.
Directed by Stephen KijakCast Rob Dodd, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason LeighParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
15
September 5
1 Oscar nomination Best Original Screenplay (2025)
drama · history · thriller
During the 1972 Munich Olympics, an American sports broadcasting crew finds itself thrust into covering the hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes.
Why watch: If you want a tense history film tied to a major international event, September 5 is a solid option. The drama and thriller elements should suit viewers who like real-time pressure and newsroom-style urgency.
Directed by Tim FehlbaumCast Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, Leonie Benesch, Zinedine SoualemAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
16
300: Rise of an Empire
action & adventure · drama · fantasy · history · war & military
Greek general Themistocles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war. Themistocles faces the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god, Xerxes and Artemesia, the vengeful commander of the Persian navy.
Why watch: If you enjoy ancient warfare with a fantasy edge, 300: Rise of an Empire may be your kind of watch. It is best for viewers who want history framed through stylized action and mythic conflict.
Directed by Noam MurroCast Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, Callan MulveyParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
17
Free Birds
animation · comedy · fantasy · history · kids & family · science-fiction
Two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history—and get turkey off the holiday menu for good.
Why watch: If you want a lighter family option with a historical twist, Free Birds is the clear outlier on this list. Its animation, comedy, and time-travel setup make it best for viewers who want something playful rather than serious.
Directed by Jimmy HaywardCast Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler, George Takei, Colm MeaneyParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
18
Alone in Berlin
drama · history · war
Berlin in June of 1940. While Nazi propaganda celebrates the regime’s victory over France, a kitchen-cum-living room in Prenzlauer Berg is filled with grief. Anna and Otto Quangel’s son has been killed at the front. This working class couple had long believed in the ‘Führer’ and followed him willingly, but now they realise that his promises are nothing but lies and deceit. They begin writing postcards as a form of resistance and in a bid to raise awareness: Stop the war machine! Kill Hitler! Putting their lives at risk, they distribute these cards in the entrances of tenement buildings and in stairwells. But the SS and the Gestapo are soon onto them, and even their neighbours pose a threat.
Why watch: If you like resistance stories set during World War II, Alone in Berlin is a thoughtful pick. The drama, history, and war mix suits viewers who want a serious civilian perspective on conflict.
Directed by Vincent PerezCast Louis Hofmann, Emil von Schönfels, Katrin Pollitt, Sammy Scheuritzel, Joachim BißmeierAMC+Paramount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
19
Shakespeare in Love
Won 7 Oscars Best Picture (1999) · 13 nominations
comedy · drama · history · romance
Young Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter," before it's even written. When a lovely noblewoman auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love -- and his play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship progresses, Shakespeare's comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
Why watch: If you enjoy period romances with literary connections, Shakespeare in Love is a natural fit. Its comedy, drama, history, and romance mix makes it appealing for viewers who want wit alongside a historical backdrop.
Directed by John MaddenCast Geoffrey Rush, Tom Wilkinson, Steven O'Donnell, Tim McMullan, Joseph FiennesParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
20
Before Dawn
drama · history · war
After leaving his family's sheep farm in the Australian outback, a young man joins his countrymen on the western front of World War I with hopes of helping expedite an end to the bloody conflict. But as war rages on, he is forced to grapple with the brutal realities of trench warfare, including a near-constant battle to keep himself alive—without leaving another man behind. Inspired by the real-life diary entries of local ANZACs, the feature film details the untold story of some of Australia’s greatest military victories.
Why watch: If you prefer World War I stories that focus on hardship and survival, Before Dawn is a strong match. Its drama and war elements make it best for viewers who want a grounded military history film.
Directed by Jordon Prince-WrightCast Levi Miller, Jordan Dulieu, Jason Burch, Ed Oxenbould, Ben MortleyParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This list brings together historical dramas, biographies, war films, and a few lighter choices so you can match your pick to the kind of story you want tonight. From classics like The Ten Commandments to newer releases such as September 5 and Roofman, there’s a lot of range here without leaving the theme behind. Bookmark this page and come back when you want another historical watchlist, since it’s updated regularly. It’s an easy way to keep track of strong options without digging through the catalog again.
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 a Paramount Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Paramount 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.