American history movies and TV shows

The list contains the best, new and most relevant american history movies ordered by relevance. The recommendation service has sorted out realistic, serious, captivating, epic, historical drama and period drama films and TV shows about / with american history, battles, violence, society, world history, military, historical event, murder, usa history and history lesson plots mostly in Drama, History and War genres shot in USA, UK, India and other countries.
american history
 540
american history movies
TOP 10 movies tagged as american history: John Adams (2008), Lincoln (2012), TURN: Washington's Spies (2014), Into the West (2005), Gods and Generals (2003), The Butler (2013), The Eternal Road (2017), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), The Crossing (2000), The New World (2005).

List of american history movies

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 8.4
 36K
John Adams (2008)
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 71 min.
TV show
Story: The life of one of the USA's Founding Fathers, its second President, and his role in the nation's first 50 years.
Style: atmospheric, political, period piece, realistic, serious ...
Plot: american history, president, american revolution, politics, lawyer, freedom, u.s. president, politician, colonial america, leadership, historical character, true love ...
Time: 18th century, 19th century, 2000s, ancient times, year 2008 ...
Place: usa, massachusetts, boston, america, paris france ...
Is relevant ?
 7.3
 272K
Lincoln (2012)
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: USA, India
Duration: 150 min.
Story: A revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish ...
Style: political, period piece, emotional, factual, epic ...
Audience: teens
Plot: president, civil war, politics, american civil war, american history, idealism, slavery, racism, head of state, courage, freedom, abraham lincoln ...
Time: 19th century, 1860s, year 2012, 2010s, 1800s ...
Place: washington d.c., usa, america
Is relevant ?
TURN: Washington's Spies (2014)
Genre: Drama, History, War
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min.
TV show
Story: The story of New York farmer, Abe Woodhull, who bands together with a group of childhood friends to form The Culper Ring, an unlikely group of spies who turn the tide in America’s fight for independence.
Style: period piece, serious, captivating, suspenseful, realistic ...
Audience: boys' night
Plot: spy, american revolution, american history, colonial america, espionage, political unrest, treason, rebellion, rivalry, ambition, undercover, rebelliousness ...
Time: 18th century, 1780s, 1770s
Place: usa, new jersey, america, new york, connecticut
Is relevant ?
Into the West (2005)
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance, Western
Country: USA
Duration: 552 min.
TV show
Story: Steven Spielberg executive produced this TNT miniseries about American Westward expansion during the 19th century. Told from both the perspective of the white Wheeler family and the Native American Lakota tribe, the 12-hour epic follows the clans as ...
Style: epic, realistic, sincere, serious, atmospheric ...
Plot: native american, american indian, wild west, indian war, old west, native american attack, tribe, native american white relationships, wagon train, interracial relations, friendship, injustice ...
Time: 19th century, 1800s
Place: south dakota
Is relevant ?
Related movie lists
Gods and Generals (2003)
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: USA
Duration: 219 min.
Story: The film centers mostly around the personal and professional life of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a brilliant if eccentric Confederate general, from the outbreak of the American Civil War until its halfway point when Jackson is killed ...
Style: intense, sincere, rough, serious, epic ...
Audience: family friendly
Plot: american civil war, military, confederate soldier, civil war, american history, battlefield, confederate army, war hero, military life, epic battle, social relations, rivalry ...
Time: 19th century, 1860s
Place: virginia, maine, america, west virginia, usa ...
Is relevant ?
 7.2
 119K
The Butler (2013)
Genre: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 132 min.
Story: A look at the life of Cecil Gaines who served eight presidents as the White House's head butler from 1952 to 1986, and had a unique front-row seat as political and racial history was made.
Style: touching, inspirational, political, emotional, factual ...
Audience: teens, date night
Plot: racism, civil rights, president, u.s. president, black history, butler, african american, injustice, father son relationship, white house, biopic, civil rights movement ...
Time: 80s, year 2013, 70s, 2010s, 60s ...
Place: washington d.c., usa, tennessee, america, indiana ...
Is relevant ?
The Eternal Road (2017)
Genre: Drama, History
Country: Finland, Estonia, Sweden
Duration: 103 min.
Story: Based on true events an epic story of one man's struggle for survival. Jussi Ketola, returns to Finland from the great depression struck America only to face growing political unrest. One summer night of 1930, nationalist thugs violently abduct ...
Style: suspense, psychological, tense, suspenseful, thought provoking ...
Plot: immigrant, espionage, great depression, communism, family relations, secret police, idealism, fear, mass murder, violence, american history, getting home ...
Time: 1930s, year 1931, year 1938, year 1937
Place: soviet union, germany
Is relevant ?
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance, War
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min.
Story: As the English and French soldiers battle for control of the American colonies in the 18th century, the settlers and native Americans are forced to take sides. Cora and her sister Alice unwittingly walk into trouble but are reluctantly saved by ...
Style: epic, exciting, period piece, costume drama, historical drama ...
Audience: chick flick, family friendly
Plot: native american, indians, american indian, wilderness, army, colonial america, war, colonialism, freedom, fight scenes, american history, revenge ...
Time: 18th century, middle ages, georgian era, ancient times, 20th century ...
Place: persia, usa
Is relevant ?
 7.1
 2K
The Crossing (2000)
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: USA
Duration: 89 min.
Story: A made-for-TV dramatization of George Washington's perilous gamble of crossing the Delaware River and attacking the British forces at Trenton.
Style: tense, realistic, exciting, serious, political ...
Plot: american revolution, george washington, war, battles, heroes, military life, against the odds, heroic mission, rebellion, rebelliousness, battlefield, american history ...
Time: 18th century, georgian era
Place: america, philadelphia, delaware, usa, new jersey
Is relevant ?
 6.7
 89K
The New World (2005)
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: USA, UK
Duration: 135 min.
Story: A drama about explorer John Smith and the clash between Native Americans and English settlers in the 17th century.
Style: epic, emotional, period piece, scenic, romantic ...
Plot: indians, culture clash, new world, power of love, communication problem, native american, colonialism, american history, adventurer, self discovery, native, unlikely relationship ...
Time: 17th century, year 2005, middle ages, ancient times, 16th century ...
Place: virginia, america, usa, england
Is relevant ?
Dances with Wolves (1990)
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Western
Country: USA, UK
Duration: 181 min.
Story: Wounded Civil War soldier, John Dunbar tries to commit suicide – and becomes a hero instead. As a reward, he's assigned to his dream post, a remote junction on the Western frontier, and soon makes unlikely friends with the local Sioux tribe.
Style: scenic, touching, sentimental, epic, breathtaking ...
Plot: native american, american civil war, self discovery, culture clash, friendship, native, tribe, courage, pride and honor, native american white relationships, wolf, indians ...
Time: 19th century, 90s, victorian era, 20th century, 1800s ...
Place: kansas, south dakota, tennessee, america, usa ...
Is relevant ?
 7.3
 2K
Rough Riders (1997)
Genre: Action, Drama, History, War, Western
Country: USA
Duration: 240 min.
TV show
Story: In 1898 the US government decided to intervene on the side of the Cuban rebels in their struggle against Spanish rule. Assistant Navy Secretary Theodore Roosevelt decides to experience the war first hand by promoting and joining a volunteer cavalry ...
Style: realistic, sincere, serious, captivating, tense ...
Audience: boys' night
Plot: american history, civil war, u.s. president, battles, president, soldier, state affairs, military life, heroic mission, political unrest, white house, danger ...
Time: 19th century, 1890s
Place: latin america, cuba, san antonio texas, new mexico
Is relevant ?
12 Years a Slave (2013)
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 134 min.
Story: In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In ...
Style: motivational, heartbreaking, disturbing, harsh, bleak ...
Audience: teens
Plot: slavery, racism, survival, civil rights, torture, african american, freedom, american history, life is a bitch, black history, interracial relations, kidnapping ...
Time: 19th century, year 2013, 2010s, victorian era, ancient times ...
Place: louisiana, new orleans, america, africa, usa ...
Is relevant ?
 7.2
 292K
The Patriot (2000)
Genre: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: USA, Germany
Duration: 165 min.
Story: After proving himself on the field of battle in the French and Indian War, Benjamin Martin wants nothing more to do with such things, preferring the simple life of a farmer. But when his son Gabriel enlists in the army to defend their new nation, ...
Style: period piece, dramatic, rough, uplifting, factual ...
Audience: manly, family friendly, kids, boys' night, adult
Plot: american revolution, war, freedom, revolution, military, battles, vengeance, rebellion, human spirit, heroic mission, wartime, combat ...
Time: 18th century, year 2000, georgian era, y2k, 1780s ...
Place: south carolina, america, southern usa, virginia, britain ...
Is relevant ?
How the West Was Won (1962)
Genre: Adventure, War, Western
Country: USA
Duration: 164 min.
Story: The epic tale of the development of the American West from the 1830s through the Civil War to the end of the century, as seen through the eyes of one pioneer family.
Style: exciting, epic, intense, serious, realistic ...
Plot: old west, native american, civil war, wilderness, american civil war, gold, usa history, outlaw, small town, attempted murder, cowboy, survival ...
Time: 19th century, 1800s, year 1962, year 1865, victorian era ...
Place: california, arizona, missouri, ohio, usa ...
Is relevant ?
Harley and the Davidsons (2016)
Genre: Biography, History
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min.
TV show
Story: Based on a true story, "Harley and the Davidsons" charts the birth of this iconic bike during a time of great social and technological change beginning at the turn of the 20th century. Walter, Arthur and Bill risked their entire fortune ...
Style: factual, semi documentary, educational, colorful
Plot: inventions and discoveries, motorcycle, american history, fame, inventor, engineer, biker, historical event, civil engineer, desire for fame, historical character, best friend ...
Time: 20th century, 1930s, 1900s, 1910s
Place: usa
Is relevant ?
Billy the Kid (2022)
Genre: Adventure, Biography, Drama, History, Romance, Western
Country: USA
Duration: 49 min.
TV show
Story: An epic romantic adventure series based on the life of famous American outlaw Billy the Kid — from his humble Irish roots, to his early days as a cowboy and gunslinger in the American frontier, to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War and ...
Style: disturbing, tense, captivating, romantic drama, bilingual
Plot: american history, gunslinger, outlaw gang, fast draw, female nudity, bandit, cowboy, gang, lifestyle, criminal gang, criminal, ancient ...
Time: victorian era, 19th century, 1870s
Place: new mexico
Is relevant ?
All the President's Men (1976)
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Country: USA
Duration: 138 min.
Story: In the run-up to the 1972 elections, Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward covers what seems to be a minor break-in at the Democratic Party National headquarters. He is surprised to find top lawyers already on the defense case, and the discovery of ...
Style: political thriller, political, cerebral, realistic, serious ...
Audience: family outing
Plot: journalism, newspaper, investigation, politics, political conspiracy, conspiracy, political corruption, journalist, president, american politics, white house, political intrigue ...
Time: 70s, 20th century, year 1976, year 1972, year 1973
Place: washington d.c., usa, miami, florida
Is relevant ?
 7.6
 31K
Gettysburg (1993)
Genre: Drama, History, War
Country: USA
Duration: 271 min.
Story: Summer 1863. The Confederacy pushes north into Pennsylvania. Union divisions converge to face them. The two great armies clash at Gettysburg, site of a theology school. For three days, through such legendary actions as Little Round Top and ...
Style: epic, factual, realistic, captivating, serious ...
Audience: family outing
Plot: american civil war, military, battles, war, civil war, slavery, civil rights, soldier, usa history, battlefield, prejudice, infantry ...
Time: 19th century, 1800s, 1860s
Place: usa, pennsylvania, maryland
Is relevant ?
 8.1
 490K
The Help (2011)
Genre: Drama
Country: USA, India
Duration: 146 min.
Story: Aibileen Clark is a middle-aged African-American maid who has spent her life raising white children and has recently lost her only son; Minny Jackson is an African-American maid who has often offended her employers despite her family's ...
Style: touching, inspirational, thought provoking, uplifting, feel good ...
Audience: girls' night, chick flick, teens, kids, date night ...
Plot: racism, friendship, discrimination, civil rights, writers, women, maid, master and servant, human spirit, life is a bitch, racial segregation, racial issues ...
Time: 60s, 2010s, year 2011, 1900s, 50s ...
Place: mississippi, usa, america, africa, southern usa
Is relevant ?
 8.1
 437K
Platoon (1986)
Genre: Drama, War
Country: USA, UK
Duration: 120 min.
Story: As a young and naive recruit in Vietnam, Chris Taylor faces a moral crisis when confronted with the horrors of war and the duality of man.
Style: epic, realistic, rough, disturbing, emotional ...
Audience: manly, boys' night
Plot: vietnam war, military, soldier, battlefield, battles, squad, combat, jungle warfare, anti war, conflict, violent, jungle ...
Time: year 1986, year 1967, year 1968, 60s, 20th century
Place: vietnam, southeast asia, the philippines, america, asia
Is relevant ?
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Genre: Drama, War
Country: USA
Duration: 169 min.
Story: As U.S. troops storm the beaches of Normandy, three brothers lie dead on the battlefield, with a fourth trapped behind enemy lines. Ranger captain John Miller and seven men are tasked with penetrating German-held territory and bringing the boy home.
Style: realistic, epic, breathtaking, captivating, tense ...
Audience: manly, chick flick, kids, date night, adult
Plot: war, world war two, military, courage, battles, self sacrifice, sniper, friendship, nazi, army, d day, rescue ...
Time: 1940s, year 1944, year 1998, 90s, 20th century ...
Place: normandy, poland, germany, france, europe ...
Is relevant ?
 8.4
 705K
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Genre: Drama, Mystery, War
Country: USA
Duration: 147 min.
Story: At the height of the Vietnam war, Captain Benjamin Willard is sent on a dangerous mission that, officially, "does not exist, nor will it ever exist." His goal is to locate - and eliminate - a mysterious Green Beret Colonel named Walter ...
Style: bleak, psychological, disturbing, surreal, visual ...
Audience: date night, adult
Plot: vietnam war, insanity, jungle, mission, anti war, army, military, violence, secret mission, soldier, violent, river ...
Time: 20th century, year 1979, 60s, year 1969
Place: vietnam, cambodia, southeast asia, asia, the philippines
Is relevant ?
Related movie lists
Gangs of New York (2002)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Country: USA, Italy
Duration: 167 min.
Story: It's 1863. America was born in the streets. Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points of America to seek vengeance against the psychotic gangland kingpin, Bill the Butcher, who murdered his father years earlier. With an eager pickpocket by ...
Style: epic, rough, tense, atmospheric, captivating ...
Audience: boys' night, adult
Plot: revenge, gang, gangster, vengeance, organized crime, street gang, racism, crime boss, betrayal, violent, courage, gang war ...
Time: 19th century, victorian era, 1800s, edwardian era, 50s ...
Place: new york, usa, manhattan new york city
Is relevant ?
Son of the South (2020)
Genre: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min.
Story: Based on a true story, Bob Zellner, grandson of a Klansman, comes of age in the Deep South and eventually joins the Civil Rights Movement.
Style: thought provoking, psychological, captivating, disturbing, inspirational
Plot: civil rights movement, american history, civil rights, ku klux klan, social issues, society, moral dilemma, fighting the system, social problems, social relations, fight, historical figure ...
Time: 60s
Is relevant ?
Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 55 min.
TV show
Story: Boardwalk Empire is a period drama focusing on Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (based on the historical Enoch L. Johnson), a political figure who rose to prominence and controlled Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition period of the ...
Style: serious, costume drama, captivating, suspenseful, atmospheric ...
Audience: boys' night
Plot: mafia, gangster, mob boss, organized crime, prohibition, smuggling, criminal heroes, corruption, politician, mobster, female nudity, american history ...
Time: 1920s, 2000s, 2010s, 1900s, year 2010 ...
Place: new jersey, usa, cuba, atlantic city new jersey, atlantic city ...
Is relevant ?
 7.5
 38K
Little Big Man (1970)
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Western
Country: USA
Duration: 139 min.
Story: Jack Crabb, looking back from extreme old age, tells of his life being raised by Indians and fighting with General Custer.
Style: epic, humorous, sentimental, captivating, disturbing ...
Plot: native american, indians, american history, orphan, chief, injustice, escapades, imperialism, wild west, salesman, thief, society ...
Time: 19th century, year 1970, 70s, 20th century, 1870s ...
Place: montana, south dakota, usa
Is relevant ?
The Longest Day (1962)
Genre: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: USA
Duration: 178 min.
Story: The retelling of June 6, 1944, from the perspectives of the Germans, US, British, Canadians, and the Free French. Marshall Erwin Rommel, touring the defenses being established as part of the Reich's Atlantic Wall, notes to his officers that ...
Style: epic, realistic, black and white, factual, harsh ...
Audience: manly
Plot: world war two, war, nazi, military, french resistance, d day, world war, courage, allies, resistance, beach, soldier ...
Time: year 1962, 20th century, year 1944, 1940s
Place: normandy, america, english channel, europe, france ...
Is relevant ?
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Genre: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 158 min.
Story: Ruthless silver miner, turned oil prospector, Daniel Plainview moves to oil-rich California. Using his adopted son to project a trustworthy, family-man image, Plainview cons local landowners into selling him their valuable properties for a pittance. ...
Style: serious, suspense, disturbing, cerebral, epic ...
Audience: adult
Plot: oil, greed, character study, ambition, capitalism, money, rise to the top, rivalry, visceral, psychopath, religion, business ...
Time: 20th century, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 19th century ...
Place: california, texas, los angeles, america, persia ...
Is relevant ?
 8.0
 867K
The Revenant (2015)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Western
Country: Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA
Duration: 156 min.
Story: In the 1820s, a frontiersman, Hugh Glass, sets out on a path of vengeance against those who left him for dead after a bear mauling.
Style: atmospheric, breathtaking, scenic, suspenseful, harsh ...
Audience: manly, date night, boys' night, adult
Plot: survival, wilderness, revenge, vengeance, native american, snow, bear attack, life & death, nature, winter, obsessive quest, hunter ...
Time: year 2015, 2010s, 19th century, 90s, distant future ...
Place: los angeles, usa
Is relevant ?
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