Historical and Epic Movies: 10 Movies to Watch and Learn More

Everyone knows that the most common way to learn about history is through books. But there are several historical films that fulfill this role very well! Get to know some of them!

Gone are the days when books were the only way to revisit historical facts and learn about the history of humanity. 

Although books are still the most recommended and usual way, thanks to cinema, it has become possible to explore historical events. 

And even though it may not seem like a real type of study, it is completely possible to learn History through films if you know how to choose the film catalog well.

Remembering that some of the films are considered retellings – since the directors have a certain poetic license to adapt the story and make it more agile. 

So if you find a film on a topic you want to study, it's worth watching the film and then looking for more sources to better understand the events.

Below, we have prepared a special list of 15 historical films for you to watch and learn more about several important events in the history of Brazil and the world!

This way, you will be able to combine business with pleasure, combining entertainment with learning! 

10 Historical and Epic Movies to Watch and Learn More About

Check out the 10 historical films that, in addition to entertaining, also teach about historical events in Brazil and the world.

They Don't Wear Black Tie, one of the oldest historical films on the list

The film tells the story of Otávio, a young man who works in a union and organizes a strike movement against the metalworking company where he and his son work to resist exploitative practices.

Everything changes when his son decides not to participate in the strike for fear of losing his job and not being able to support his pregnant wife.

Gladiator

The powerful Roman general, Maximus, is loved by all his people, including Emperor Marcus. 

The emperor's son, Commodus discovers that his father wishes to leave the throne to Maximus, awakening his son's ire.

Commodus murders his father, assumes the throne and orders the death of Maximus, who manages to escape and pose as a gladiator slave and seeks revenge.

Elizabeth

The film tells the story of Elizabeth Tudor, who becomes Queen of England in 1558, a fragile time for the country. 

Elizabeth is seen as a weak and naive woman by everyone around her and has to constantly hear that she should marry her lawyer, William.

What no one knows is that the young woman is extremely cautious and intelligent and has a big decision to make: in which of the three men will she place her trust, will it be her shrewd secretary, her lover or a powerful spy?

12 Years a Slave

In this Oscar-winning film for Best Picture, we meet Solomon Northup, a black man who lives freely with his wife and children, but when he accepts a job offer, he is kidnapped and chained up.

Solomon is sold into slavery and is forced to endure several physical and emotional humiliations while he thinks of a way to be free again.

From 1841 to 1853, passing through two masters who exploited their services, 12 Years a Slave is touching and very important.

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is a boy with a below average IQ, which makes him slower than average, which has never stopped him from doing anything.

Thanks to his mother, he always led a normal life, playing sports, taking care of his boat and even fighting in Vietnam.

But the most difficult role for Forrest will be winning back the love of his childhood sweetheart, the kind and fearless Jenny.

Gandhi

In this film based on the life of the great Mohadas Ghandi, we learn about the most important and remarkable events of this Indian leader who fought against British rule in his country.

Even though he was not taken seriously by major leaders for his anti-violence resistance movement, Gandhi gained respect as he presented his agenda.

With the popularization of their thoughts, the protests gained international traction, leading India to achieve its long-awaited independence.

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Joan of Arc

In this French feature film, we meet Joana, a young teenager who lives in a small village.

One day, Joan claims to have received a calling from God to lead the French army during the war and defend her people and lands.

And during the Hundred Years' War against England, we have the transformation of a sweet girl into a warrior leader.

Olga, another Brazilian historical film on the list

A highly praised Brazilian film, we meet Olga Benário, a communist who is persecuted by the police and flees to Moscow.

Olga begins military training in Russia and is tasked with returning to Brazil accompanied by Luís Carlos Prestes and leading the Communist Intentona of 1935.

With the failure of the movement and seven months pregnant, Olga is arrested and deported to Nazi Germany and gives birth to her daughter Anita in a women's prison in a concentration camp.

Charlotte Joaquina

Another national production, here we meet Carlota Joaquina, played by Brazil's darling, Marieta Severo.

We follow the life of Carlota who, at the age of ten, met the Prince of Portugal and was promised her hand, but as she grew up she became disappointed with her future husband.

Always showing great disposition towards power and her lovers, Joaquina is not very happy when the Portuguese court comes to Brazil.

A satire of Brazil in the 18th century, narrated in a light and humorous way.

Alexandre, a cinema success that is also one of the historic films

Another film known to the general public, here we see the story of Alexander the Great who, before he turned 25, was already much loved by everyone and led a large army.

From little Macedonia, Alexander and his army headed towards Egypt to fight against the Persian army, and promised not to leave without victory.

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