8 Best History Movies on Starz 2026
Explore eight history-driven movies on Starz, from Marshall and Parkland to Michael, Nas: Time Is Illmatic, and more compelling picks.
If you’re searching for the best history movies on Starz, this list gives you a mix of political drama, biographical stories, and documentary picks that approach the past from different angles. Michael looks at the early life of Michael Jackson through music and ambition, while Marshall focuses on Thurgood Marshall and one defining legal fight. For a more tense historical angle, Parkland, Chappaquiddick, and Death Defying Acts each bring a different period and perspective. You’ll also find nonfiction titles like Nas: Time Is Illmatic and Anita: Speaking Truth to Power, plus Northmen: A Viking Saga for viewers who want history with action.
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01
Michael
drama · history · music & musical
The early life of musician Michael Jackson, from the discovery of his talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to the artist whose creative ambition fueled a pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
Why watch: If you enjoy music-centered drama with a historical angle, Michael may be a strong fit. Its focus on Michael Jackson’s early life and creative ambition makes it a natural pick for viewers interested in music and biography.
Directed by Antoine FuquaCast Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, Colman Domingo, Jayden Harville, Jaylen Lyndon HunterStarzMore details on IMDb → -
02
Marshall
1 Oscar nomination
biography · crime · drama · history
Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, battles through one of his career-defining cases.
Why watch: If courtroom stories and real-life legal history appeal to you, Marshall is worth a look. Its biography, crime, drama, and history blend makes it especially relevant for viewers drawn to landmark legal figures.
Directed by Reginald HudlinCast Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Sterling K. Brown, Dan StevensStarzMore details on IMDb → -
03
Parkland
drama · history · mystery · thriller
November 22nd, 1963 was a day that changed the world forever — when young American President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This film follows, almost in real time, a handful of individuals forced to make split-second decisions after an event that would change their lives and forever alter the world’s landscape.
Why watch: If you like historical dramas that stay close to a real-world turning point, Parkland may suit you. The mystery and thriller elements add extra tension for viewers who want a more urgent take on a major event.
Directed by Peter LandesmanCast Marcia Gay Harden, Matt Barr, Zac Efron, Mallory Moye, Paul GiamattiHuluStarzMore details on IMDb → -
04
Chappaquiddick
biography · drama · history · thriller
Ted Kennedy's life and political career become derailed in the aftermath of a fatal car accident in 1969 that claims the life of a young campaign strategist, Mary Jo Kopechne.
Why watch: If political biography with dramatic tension is your thing, Chappaquiddick is a good match. Its history and thriller mix may appeal to viewers interested in the personal fallout around a famous public figure.
Directed by John CurranCast Jason Clarke, Kate Mara, Ed Helms, Bruce Dern, Jim GaffiganStarzMore details on IMDb → -
05
Death Defying Acts
drama · history · romance · thriller
On a tour of Britain in 1926, Harry Houdini enters into a passionate affair with a psychic out to con the famous magician.
Why watch: If you prefer historical stories with romance and suspense, Death Defying Acts could be a fit. The 1926 setting and magician-centered premise give it a distinctive twist for period-drama fans.
Directed by Gillian ArmstrongCast Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Timothy Spall, Saoirse Ronan, Malcolm ShieldsStarzMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for history on Starz →
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06
Nas: Time Is Illmatic
documentary · history · music & musical
Time Is Illmatic is a feature length documentary film that delves deep into the making of Nas' 1994 debut album, Illmatic, and the social conditions that influenced its creation.
Why watch: If documentaries about music history interest you, Nas: Time Is Illmatic is an easy recommendation. It connects an album’s creation to the social conditions around it, which should appeal to viewers who want culture and context together.
Directed by One9Cast Nas, Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Pete RockStarzMore details on IMDb → -
07
Anita: Speaking Truth to Power
documentary · history
The story of young, brilliant African-American Anita Hill who accuses the Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of unwanted sexual advances during explosive Senate Hearings in 1991 and ignites a political firestorm about sexual harassment, race, power and politics that resonates today.
Why watch: If you want a documentary focused on politics, power, and social change, Anita: Speaking Truth to Power may be the right choice. Its subject and history focus make it especially suited to viewers interested in influential real-life testimony.
Directed by Freida Lee MockCast Anita Hill, Clarence Thomas, Joe Biden, Orrin Hatch, Ted KennedyStarzMore details on IMDb → -
08
Northmen: A Viking Saga
action · drama · history
A band of Vikings cross enemy lines and a panicked race begins. The losers will pay with their lives.
Why watch: If you enjoy action with a historical backdrop, Northmen: A Viking Saga may fit your taste. Its drama and history blend should work well for viewers who want a more adventurous period story.
Directed by Claudio FähCast Tom Hopper, Ryan Kwanten, Ken Duken, Charlie Murphy, Ed SkreinStarzMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
Whether you want biography, courtroom drama, music history, or a documentary rooted in real events, this page gives you a useful place to start. Titles like Marshall, Parkland, and Anita: Speaking Truth to Power offer different ways to approach history on screen, while Michael and Nas: Time Is Illmatic lean into music-centered storytelling. Bookmark this page and check back when you want a fresh guide to historically themed films worth exploring. It’s updated regularly, so it can keep helping you narrow down what to watch 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 a Starz subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Starz. 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.