8 Best History Movies on Starz 2026
Find gripping Starz period dramas, biographies, and music stories with Michael, Marshall, Straight Outta Compton, and more standout historical films.
If you want a lineup of historical films that mix real events, strong performances, and plenty of drama, this Starz watchlist is a great place to start. From the gripping courtroom story of Marshall to the emotional power of Parkland and the music-driven energy of Straight Outta Compton, these films cover a wide range of eras and perspectives. You’ll also find Michael, Chappaquiddick, and The Other Boleyn Girl, each bringing a different kind of period tension to the screen. For viewers who like their history with a personal angle, Death Defying Acts and Nas: Time Is Illmatic add even more variety to the mix.
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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.
Directed by Antoine FuquaCast Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, Colman Domingo, Jayden Harville, Jaylen Lyndon HunterStarz -
02
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.
Directed by Peter LandesmanCast Marcia Gay Harden, Matt Barr, Zac Efron, Mallory Moye, Paul GiamattiAmazon Prime VideoHuluStarz -
03
Marshall
biography · crime · drama · history
Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, battles through one of his career-defining cases.
Directed by Reginald HudlinCast Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Sterling K. Brown, Dan StevensStarz -
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.
Directed by John CurranCast Jason Clarke, Kate Mara, Ed Helms, Bruce Dern, Jim GaffiganStarz -
05
The Other Boleyn Girl
biography · drama · history · romance
A sumptuous and sensual tale of intrigue, romance and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in European history: two beautiful sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry VIII.
Directed by Justin ChadwickCast Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Jim Sturgess, Mark RylanceStarz -
06
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.
Directed by Gillian ArmstrongCast Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Timothy Spall, Saoirse Ronan, Malcolm ShieldsStarz -
07
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.
Directed by One9Cast Nas, Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Pete RockStarz -
08
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.
Directed by Freida Lee MockCast Anita Hill, Clarence Thomas, Joe Biden, Orrin Hatch, Ted KennedyStarz
Wrapping Up
These Starz picks show how history can be told through politics, family conflict, music, and biography without ever feeling dry. Whether you are in the mood for a serious drama or a story shaped by a famous life, this list makes it easy to find something worth watching. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you want a fresh way to explore the past on streaming. It is updated regularly, so the lineup can change as new titles arrive and old favorites rotate in.
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.
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Last updated: September 8, 2026