The best historical films can be a great way to learn about history, whether you’re interested in the lives of monarchs, war heroes or everyday people who witnessed significant moments in history. Some movies offer a lot of action, while others focus on the human struggle. But no matter which kind of historical film you’re into, there’s always something that appeals to you about watching a movie about the past.

World War One

 This epic war movie starring George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman is an incredible depiction of the horrors of the first world war, from a British soldier’s attempt to deliver a message in No Man’s Land to the battle of the Bulge. You can watch all these movies on Gomovies or Solarmovie for free. Its breathtakingly realistic portrayal of war makes it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to see what really happened in that gruesome time, and it’s an absolute must-see for all military buffs.

Winston Churchill 

One of the most revered and critically acclaimed war movies ever made, this film stars Gary Oldman as Britain’s Prime Minister at the beginning of World War Two. Although he isn’t necessarily the most charismatic or recognisable war leader, this film still manages to capture the fear and anxiety that drove him to lead Britain towards victory over Germany. The climactic battle of the Bulge is a must-see for everyone, and Churchill’s famous speech ‘We Will Fight Them On The Beaches’ will leave you in tears.

Saving Private Ryan

This Oscar-winning WWII movie is one of the most memorable war stories of all time, and its super-realistic portrayal of the battle of Normandy is simply amazing. Tom Hanks’ performance as an American captain who storms the beaches and sets out on a special mission to find a mother’s son is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

12 Years A Slave 

This heartbreaking film, based on Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir of the same name, is an in-depth look at the daily struggles of enslaved people during the period of chattel slavery. It’s one of the most harrowing and difficult films to watch, but it’s also the best – and certainly the most important – that has been made about this dark part of our history.

Gladiator

Russell Crowe’s tumultuous turn as a Roman general in this classic historical drama helped to reinvigorate the appetite for epic historical epics. He returned to this genre in 2011 with Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, which focused on a Royal Navy captain in the Napoleonic Era.

The Iron Lady

This biopic of Margaret Thatcher focuses on the former Prime Minister in her prime, as she deals with issues such as the Falkland War and the infamous ’Poll Tax’ riots. She is shown to be a strong, capable leader who grew old slowly, but her ruthless approach to politics and the way she handled her personal life can make you root for her throughout.

The most thrilling and historically accurate war movies tend to be the ones that are based on real events. These are the movies that make you feel like you’re part of history yourself, and they make you think about the events they depict in ways you probably never would have thought about them before.