The Best Historical Movies on Criterion Channel
Updated October 20, 2026
Not sure you will like one? Get your own score for any film, before you watch it: score five you have seen, then sign up free.
Loading movies...
Historical films start with an advantage: the story really happened. The hard part is making the past feel alive instead of embalmed, and audiences notice the difference fast.
The Criterion Channel streams classics, world cinema and independent films. These are its historical movies that audiences rated highest.
Every film on this list earned its ranking from real viewers, from sweeping period dramas to true stories told close up.
Every movie on this list is ranked by ThumbScore — the percentage of everyday people who liked the film. No critic gatekeeping, no algorithmic manipulation. Just real audience verdicts.
Also explore
Historical on NetflixHistorical on Prime VideoHistorical on HBO MaxHistorical on HuluHistorical on TubiHistorical on Roku ChannelHistorical on Pluto TVHistorical on YouTubeHistorical on Fandango at HomeHistorical on HooplaHistorical on KanopyHistorical on PlexHistorical on FawesomeHistorical on Xumo PlayHistorical on AMC+Historical on MGM+Historical on StarzAction on Criterion ChannelComedy on Criterion ChannelHorror on Criterion ChannelDrama on Criterion ChannelRomance on Criterion ChannelSci-Fi on Criterion ChannelMystery on Criterion ChannelCrime on Criterion ChannelFantasy on Criterion ChannelAdventure on Criterion ChannelThriller on Criterion ChannelWar on Criterion Channel