Craving a historical film at the movies? Here you’ll find the historical titles currently playing in theaters and the hotly anticipated upcoming releases: epoch-spanning sagas, war narratives, political destinies, reconstructions, historical figures, or stories inspired by real events.
This selection helps you quickly decide which historical film to see in theatres, whether you’re after a sweeping period epic, a movie based on a real event, a spectacular panorama, a historical drama, or a more intimate work to discover on the big screen.
The Heroes of the Louvre: our review of the historical drama starring Kad Merad
The Heroes of the Louvre, by Élie Chouraqui, hits cinemas on September 9, 2026. Our take on this intense historical drama starring Kad Merad, weaving together family heroism, heritage and memory. [Read more]
Justin the Just: Alban Ivanov, a peasant in revolt during World War I
Alban Ivanov and Birane Ba confront the absurdities of World War I in Justin the Just, in cinemas September 23, 2026. [Read more]
Pressure: Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser take on D-Day
Pressure, Anthony Maras's historical thriller starring Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser and Kerry Condon, hits theaters on September 9, 2026. The film looks back at the weather decision that preceded the Allied landing in Normandy. [Read more]
My Samurai Family: An animated film that bridges Brazil and Japan
My Samurai Family, Célia Catunda's animated feature adapted from the novel Nihonjin, hits theaters on September 16, 2026. Watch the trailer. [Read more]
Our Salvation: Swann Arlaud stars in the Cannes-winning historical film
Our Salvation, Emmanuel Marre's Cannes 2026 screenplay prize winner featuring Swann Arlaud, hits cinemas in France on September 30, 2026. [Read more]
Les Misérables: Vincent Lindon and Tahar Rahim star in the teaser
Vincent Lindon stars as Jean Valjean opposite Tahar Rahim in Fred Cavayé's Les Misérables, due in cinemas on October 14, 2026. [Read more]
Peking Opera Blues: Tsui Hark's film arrives in theaters in a restored 4K version
Peking Opera Blues by Tsui Hark, starring Brigitte Lin, Cherie Chung, and Sally Yeh, makes its French cinema debut on October 21, 2026, in a restored 4K version. [Read more]
The Battle of Gaulle – Part 2: I Write Your Name lands on VOD
The Battle of Gaulle: I Write Your Name, the second installment in Antonin Baudry's diptych starring Simon Abkarian, will arrive on VOD on October 29, 2026. [Read more]
The Marie-Claire Case: the Bobigny trial brought to the screen starring Charlotte Gainsbourg.
The Marie-Claire Case, with Charlotte Gainsbourg portraying Gisèle Halimi, unveils its trailer ahead of its theatrical release on November 4, 2026. [Read more]
The Braves (Coward): Lukas Dhont reimagines war.
The Braves (Coward), a historical drama from Lukas Dhont starring Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne, hits theaters on November 18, 2026. [Read more]
Kaamelott – Second Act, Part 2: the next chapter of Arthur's adventures postponed to 2027
Kaamelott – Second Act, Part 2 has been postponed to March 10, 2027. Alexandre Astier continues the story begun in Part 1 without missing a beat. [Read more]
For a grand, screen-stealing outing, choose period epics, war narratives, or ambitious reconstructions. Historical dramas tend to center on characters, human dilemmas, or social upheaval. Some historical films also tilt toward the biopic, the documentary, or the French-film tradition, depending on the subject matter.
To narrow down your options, also check out our selections dedicated to biopics, dramas, and documentaries worth seeing in theaters.
Biopics to see in theaters now and coming soon
Artists, athletes, historic figures or extraordinary life stories: discover the biopics now playing in cinemas and what's coming next. [Read more]
Intimate films, social dramas, family stories, or big-name performances: discover the dramas to watch in cinemas right now and coming soon. [Read more]
Portraits, investigations, historical narratives, society or music: discover the documentaries to watch in theaters right now and their upcoming releases. [Read more]
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Biopics to see in theaters now and coming soon
Dramas to watch in theaters right now and coming soon
Documentaries to see in cinemas right now and coming soon
