The Best Historical Films Of 2022
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1Edward BergerAll Quiet on the Western Front is a harrowing adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's classic novel, a raw and gripping portrayal of the brutal realities of World War I. Directed by Edward Berger, the film gives audiences an immersive look at the experience of young German soldiers thrust into the visceral horrors of trench warfare. Central to the story is Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer), who, alongside his comrades, quickly becomes disillusioned with the romanticized notion of honor in battle. The film goes deep into the psyche of these soldiers, showcasing the loss of innocence and the senseless carnage that characterizes their existence on the front lines. The powerful narrative, striking performances, and intense cinematography come together to form a poignant commentary on the futility and devastation of war.- #48 of 74 onThe Best Oscar-Winning Foreign Language Films
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2Laure de Clermont-TonnerreAfter falling out of love with her husband, Lady Chatterley pursues a torrid affair with the gamekeeper on their estate.
3Simon CurtisDownton Abbey: A New Era transports viewers back to the grandeur of the Crawley family's estate as they face both change and opportunity. The film, a sequel to the series and its first movie adaptation, sees the return of beloved characters played by Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and others. The plot revolves around a film crew that wishes to shoot a movie at the Downton estate, bringing the modern world into their traditional lives. Meanwhile, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) unveils family secrets at a villa in France and prompts an overseas excursion. The themes of legacy, adaptation, and family ties frame the backdrop of the Roaring twenties.
4Anthony FabianIn the heartwarming tale of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, we follow Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who becomes utterly enchanted by a couture Dior dress. Determined to own one herself, Mrs. Harris scrimps, saves, and eventually travels to Paris, defying her station and the snooty elitism of the fashion world. Along her journey, she not only touches the lives of those around her but also rediscovers her own sense of self and zest for life. This charming film celebrates themes of the transformative power of beauty and the breaking down of class barriers.- #17 of 17 on17 Movies About Fashion That Have Us Ready For The Runway
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5John MaddenOperation Mincemeat is a historical war drama set during World War II, based on the true story of a remarkable deception operation by the British to disguise the Allied invasion of Sicily. Two intelligence officers, Ewen Montagu (Colin Firth) and Charles Cholmondeley (Matthew Macfadyen), hatch a plan to plant false information on a corpse dressed as a Royal Marines officer, fooling Nazi Germany into believing the upcoming invasion would occur elsewhere. The film intertwines themes of espionage, sacrifice, and the fog of war. It examines the personal costs of secrecy and the burden of carrying such a consequential ruse.
6Morgan MatthewsA group of children is evacuated to a Yorkshire village during World War II, where they encounter a young soldier who, like them, is far away from home.- 7Harry WootliffIn a sleepy seaside town, benefit claims worker Kate is seduced after a chance grin from an ex-con with dyed blonde hair. Despite pressure from her friends and family to find some stability, she dives headfirst into romance.
8Adam Patterson, Declan LawnConman Robert Freegard poses as an undercover MI5 agent and kidnaps countless victims amidst a high-stakes manhunt, until the woman who fell for him brings him to justice.
9Barry LevinsonThe Survivor is a harrowing historical drama centered on the true story of Harry Haft (Ben Foster), a Jewish boxer who fought to survive in the concentration camps of World War II. After being forced to box for the entertainment of Nazi officers, Haft later seeks redemption and closure by attempting to find his lost love through a high-profile fight against Rocky Marciano. The film grapples with profound themes of survival, guilt, and the search for personal redemption. While The Survivor didn't make a prominent showing on the awards circuit, it remains a potent testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horrors.More The Survivor
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10Agnieszka SmoczynskaThe Silent Twins is the astonishing true story of June and Jennifer Gibbons, twins from the only Black family in a small town in Wales during the 1970s and '80s. The sisters, played by Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance, become notorious for their refusal to communicate with anyone but each other, retreating into a rich, private world of creative imagination and teenage rebellion. Their bond leads to a spree of vandalism that results in their unjust incarceration in a psychiatric hospital. The film emphasizes themes of sisterhood, identity, and the ineffable ties that bind as the twins navigate a world that doesn't understand them.
11Christian SchwochowMunich: The Edge of War, set against the backdrop of impending World War II, delves into a tense, historical drama revolving around the 1938 Munich Agreement negotiations. The story follows a British civil servant (George MacKay) and a German diplomat (Jannis Niewöhner), former friends, who find themselves on opposite sides of a political chess game. Together, they become engaged in a precarious mission to prevent the inevitable conflict. The film also depicts the British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain (Jeremy Irons). It confronts the complex machinations of diplomacy on the precipice of war.- #353 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
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12Harry BradbeerEnola Holmes takes on her first case as a detective, but to unravel the mystery of a missing girl, she'll need some help from friends -- and brother Sherlock.
13Scott CooperThe Pale Blue Eye is a gothic thriller that takes viewers to 1830 at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where a young cadet's murder prompts an investigation. The film centers on a world-weary detective, Augustus Landor (Christian Bale), who is tasked with solving the chilling mystery. He enlists one of the cadets to aid in the investigation, who turns out to be a young Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling). As they travel deeper into the case, they uncover a series of gruesome murders wrapped in a dark web of secrets and occult practices. Directed by Scott Cooper, the film creates a haunting tale that presents themes of obsession, the supernatural, and the macabre - much like the works of Poe himself.More The Pale Blue Eye- #17 of 18 on18 Dark Academia Movies That Deliver A Lesson In Drama
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14J.D. DillardThe inspirational true story of Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in U.S. Navy history, and his enduring friendship with fellow fighter pilot Tom Hudner. Helping to turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War, their heroic sacrifices ultimately make them the Navy's most celebrated wingmen.
15Steven SpielbergThe Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical drama directed by Steven Spielberg that paints an intimate portrait of a young man's coming-of-age journey and his burgeoning love for filmmaking. The film centers around the Spielberg-inspired protagonist, Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), mother (Michelle Williams), and father (Paul Dano); the film also stars Judd Hirsch and Seth Rogen. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, the film examines the dynamics of family life, the bittersweet pains of growing up, and the relentless pursuit of a cinematic dream. The film has garnered critical acclaim, including accolades for its direction, screenplay, and performances.
16Chinonye ChukwuTill is a poignant historical drama. The film brings to light the harrowing true story of Mamie Till-Mobley's (Danielle Deadwyler) pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who was brutally murdered in 1955 after being falsely accused of offending a white woman in Mississippi. Directed by Chinonye Chukwu, the film spotlights themes of racial injustice, the agony of bereavement, and the resolve of a mother's love. It presents the impact of Emmett's death which galvanized the Civil Rights Movement, making it a vital narrative about resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy.
17Martin McDonaghSet against the backdrop of a remote Irish isle during the Civil War, The Banshees of Inisherin unfolds the darkly comedic tale of a sudden rift between two lifelong friends, Pádraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson). When Colm inexplicably decides to end their friendship, Pádraic, aided by his sister Siobhán (Kerry Condon) and troubled young islander Dominic (Barry Keoghan), struggles to salvage the bond, only to spark a series of events that lead to shocking consequences. Directed by Martin McDonagh, this film spotlights the themes of loneliness and existentialism. It reveals the complexity of human relationships, capturing the absurdity and tragedy of severed connections.- #7 of 136 onThe Best Bromance Movies
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18Ben SombogaartBased on the real-life relationship between Anne Frank and Hannah Goslar, from Nazi-occupied Amsterdam to their harrowing reunion in a concentration camp.
19Sebastián LelioA nurse in 19th-century Ireland is hired to investigate the case of a child who has not eaten for four months.
20Carrie CracknellJane Austen's last finished novel is getting a modern adaption starring Dakota Johnson and Cosmo Jarvis. In this romantic Netflix original, expect modern references to wine, “playlists”, and lots and lots of yearning.
In the 2022 adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel Persuasion, Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) contends with the societal pressures and deep regrets of her past choices. Eight years prior, Anne was persuaded to reject a marriage proposal from the dashing but poor Frederick Wentworth. When Wentworth, now a decorated naval officer, re-enters Anne's life, she is forced to confront her long-hidden feelings amidst the eccentricities and vanities of her social circle. The film looks at themes of second chances, enduring love, and the layers of the British class system with a modern sensibility.More Persuasion- #23 of 25 onThe Best Movies Based On Jane Austen Books
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21Baz LuhrmannWe can't help but fall in love with Baz Luhrmann and his glitzy musical biopic of the iconic Elvis Presley. Austin Bulter plays the King of rock 'n' roll from his early days starting out on the carnival circuit to his nights in Las Vegas. The always fabulous Tom Hanks costars as his hustler manager Colonel Tom Parker while some of music's greatest help out with the soundtrack and step in some of the supporting roles, such as Yola and Jack White.
From his rise to fame to his unprecedented superstardom, rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley maintains a complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker, over the course of 20 years. Central to Presley's journey and happiness is one of the most influential people in his life -- Priscilla.More Elvis
22Tom GeorgeIn 1950s London, plans for a movie version of a smash-hit play come to an abrupt halt after a pivotal member of the crew is murdered. When a world-weary inspector and an eager rookie constable take on the case, they find themselves thrown into a puzzling whodunit within the glamorously sordid world of underground theater, investigating the mysterious homicide at their own peril.
23Robert EggersPrince Amleth is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who kidnaps the boy's mother. Two decades later, Amleth is now a Viking who raids Slavic villages. He soon meets a seeress who reminds him of his vow -- save his mother, kill his uncle, avenge his father.More The Northman- Dig Deeper...20 Historical Action-Thriller Movies Like 'The Northman'
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24Peter FlinthExploring Greenland's vast landscape for a lost map, two men must fight to survive. Based on the true story of Denmark's 1909 polar expedition.
25Antoine FuquaPeter, a slave, flees a plantation in Louisiana after he was whipped within an inch of his life. He has to outwit cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on a torturous journey north.
26Lena DunhamCatherine Called Birdy is a medieval comedy-drama that brings to life the diary of Catherine, a spirited 14-year-old girl challenging societal norms in 1290 England. Directed by Lena Dunham and based on the novel by Karen Cushman, the film follows Birdy (Bella Ramsey), as she navigates her coming of age and resists her father's attempts to marry her off to a wealthy suitor. Birdy's rebellious antics against gender roles and expectations color her humorous and touching journey toward self-discovery. Catherine Called Birdy is a tale of youthful defiance and the pursuit of personal freedom.- #21 of 52 onThe Best Movies With A Little Girl Protagonist
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27David O. RussellAmsterdam, a 2022 dark comedic thriller directed by David O. Russell, whisks us back to the 1930s. The plot centers around three friends - a doctor (Christian Bale), a nurse (Margot Robbie), and an attorney (John David Washington) - who become suspects in a murder they stumbled upon. As they work to clear their names, they uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history. With an ensemble cast including Chris Rock, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Robert De Niro, the film explores themes of friendship, conspiracy, and the influence of power. While it crafts a narrative laced with historical intrigue, Amsterdam also highlights the absurdity of truth and the surreal edges of treachery.
28Emma Holly JonesFans of Jane Austen will be most pleased with this period romantic comedy about revenge and love in regency London. Based on the book of the same name with direction from Emma Holly Jones,Freida Pinto plays a vicar's daughter who agrees to trick the most eligible bachelor in Britain after he rejects her best friend.
Mr. Malcolm's List is a Regency-era romantic dramedy that centers around the wealthy and eligible bachelor Mr. Malcolm (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù), who has a list of qualities any potential wife must meet. When he spurns a hopeful suitor, Julia (Zawe Ashton), for failing to meet his criteria, she enlists her friend Selina (Freida Pinto), to enact her revenge. Posing as the perfect match, Selina aims to meet all the items on Mr. Malcolm's list, only to find herself falling for him. The film addresses themes of societal expectations, deception, and genuine affection.
29Oliver HermanusOverwhelmed at work and lonely at home, a civil servant's life takes a heartbreaking turn when a medical diagnosis tells him his time is short. Influenced by a local decadent and a vibrant woman, he continues to search for meaning until a simple revelation gives him a purpose to create a legacy for the next generation.
30Ben ParkerDuring the last days of World War II, Nazi werewolves attack Allied soldiers who are trafficking Hitler's remains out of Germany.
