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- A historical movie is not a history lesson, but historical fiction, which provides a level of authenticity that sets a story in a commonly perceived historical reality.
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Jul 15, 2024 · Vote up your favorite movies based on or inspired by historical literature. Latest additions: Firebrand, The Zone of Interest. Most divisive: Tarzan. Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Based On History Novels.
- Reporter
- In Cold Blood. True crime has a strong hoard of devotees tuning in to and supporting various media from podcasts to YouTube channels to miniseries. In Cold Blood, both the 1967 film and 1966 book by Truman Capote, were pioneers that brought fascination of true crime to the mainstream.
- Of Mice and Men (1992) Of Mice and Men is one of the most common required reading books for children in schools. The novella was written by John Steinback and published in 1937.
- Gone with the Wind. Gone With the Wind. G. February 16, 1940. Victor Fleming , George Cukor , Sam Wood. Cast. Thomas Mitchell , Barbara O'Neil , Vivien Leigh , Evelyn Keyes , Ann Rutherford , George Reeves.
- The Secret Life of Bees. PG-13. September 17, 2008. Gina Prince-Bythewood. Cast. Dakota Fanning , Queen Latifah , Jennifer Hudson , Alicia Keys , Sophie Okonedo , Paul Bettany.
- Georgia May
- Apocalypse Now (1979) Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall. Drama, Mystery, War (2h 27m) 8.4 on IMDb — 98% on RT.
- Schindler's List (1993) Directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley. Biography, Drama, History (3h 15m) 9.0 on IMDb — 98% on RT.
- All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) Directed by Edward Berger. Starring Felix Kammerer, Albrecht Schuch, Aaron Hilmer. Action, Drama, War (2h 28m) 7.8 on IMDb — 90% on RT.
- Sophie's Choice (1982) Directed by Alan J. Pakula. Starring Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol. Drama, Romance (2h 30m) 7.5 on IMDb — 78% on RT. Sophie's Choice asks the ultimate impossible question: Which of your children would you choose to die?
- Jeff Bogle
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Book published: 2007. Movie released: 2011. Evoking graphic novels, picture books, flip books, and films, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is utterly brilliant.
- My Abandonment by Peter Rock. Book published: 2009. Movie released: 2018. Inspired by a true story and told through the vantage point of its teenage protagonist, My Abandonment is a tale of survival, family, and what it means to have a loving home.
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Book published: 2009. Movie released: 2011. This novel is one of the best historical fiction books ever written, and as far as books made into movies go, both have made an impact on readers and viewers alike.
- The Cider House Rules by John Irving. Book published: 1985. Movie released: 1999. Set in a Maine orphanage, this classic by John Irving is harsh and dark—and essential.
- The Godfather (1972) A book that caused a sensation and the film, considered today as arguably the greatest film ever made, ‘The Godfather’ revolutionized the mob-war genre and took the film industry by a storm.
- A Clockwork Orange (1971) Another movie helmed by the mercurial Stanley Kubrick, this one is an adaptation of the 1962 novel by Anthony Burgess. Not as glorified as its other counterparts in the list, owing to the aesthetic use of crime and delinquent violence, the film still attracted critical acclaim, much of it directed towards Kubrick and Malcolm McDowell.
- To Kill a Mocking Bird (1965) Harper Lee’s 1960 novel of the same name remains my favorite novel even today, having read the book three years ago. The book is one of the most widely read books and a classic in literature.
- Fight Club (1996) This Fincher-helmed movie was adapted from the 1996 novel by Chuck Palahnuick. Starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter and Jared Leto, the film canvasses the journey of Tyler Durden, who suffers from disassociated personality disorder, and his tryst to give the world a new beginning by obliterating all the debt.
Alert your book club — these films like Leave the World Behind, All Quiet on the Western Front, and To All the Boys I've Loved Before are all based on great reads.
In October 2024, Steve McQueen's "Blitz" will tell the stories of a London-based family during World War II. Whether historical movies choose to tell the big-picture story or zoom in on a small part of a major event, these films can make a significant impact on audiences.
