As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, revisit the films that highlight and reflect on the very history that built the nation. From the triumphs of the Revolutionary War to heroic stories of resilience, here is a list of historical fiction movies that recount monumental events across the country’s 250-year history.
“Glory” (1989)
“Glory,” directed by Edward Zwick, is a historical drama that follows the Union Army’s 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, one of the army’s first African American regiments. The film follows the regiment’s formation, their attack on Fort Wagner and the battle against systemic racism for their freedom.
“Gettysburg” (1993)
“Gettysburg,” directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, recounts the three-day conflict between Confederate and Union troops, immersing viewers in the immediate action on the front lines of the war as well as the strategies cultivated behind the scenes.
“Apollo 13” (1995)
Directed by Ron Howard, “Apollo 13” retells the 1970 lunar mission and explosion fueled by rivalry from the Cold War and the Space Race. The movie depicts how real-life astronauts James A. “Jim” Lovell Jr., Fred W. Haise Jr. and John L. “Jack” Swigert Jr. survived freezing temperatures and decreasing oxygen levels aboard the crumpling spacecraft.
“Saving Private Ryan” (1998)
Directed by Stephen Spielberg, “Saving Private Ryan” is a World War II drama that follows Captain John Miller, who leads a group on a search across enemy lines for Private James Francis Ryan during the Normandy landings. The movie details the reality and losses that World War II soldiers braved and celebrates their legacies that continue to live on today.
“The Crossing” (2000)
Robert Harmon’s “The Crossing” is set during one of the most critical days of the Revolutionary War. The movie retells the story of George Washington and the Continental Army’s legendary crossing of the Delaware River and their attack against British forces at Trenton.
“The Patriot” (2000)
“The Patriot,” directed by Roland Emmerich, is a historical drama following Benjamin Martin, a veteran of the French and Indian War, who aims to put the horrors of war in his past to cultivate a peaceful lifestyle. In a turn of events, he is forced into fighting in the American Revolutionary War after his sons are attacked by British forces.
“The Lost Battalion” (2001)
Directed by Russell Mulcahy, “The Lost Battalion” is a war drama that follows the story of the U.S. Army’s 77th Infantry Division during World War I. The film follows Major Charles Whittlesey and all 500 soldiers of the infantry as he and the draftees survive a five-day siege with no rations or communication as they fight against German forces.
“Lincoln” (2012)
Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” is a historical drama that follows President Abraham Lincoln during the final four months of his presidency and life. It focuses on the conclusion of the Civil War and the subsequent battle to pass the Thirteenth Amendment. The movie shows viewers the strategies and political maneuvering used during the process of abolishing slavery in the United States.
