Must-see historical films in theaters right now

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.

Historical films to watch in cinemas now and coming soon

Now playing in theaters:

The Marie-Claire Affair hits cinemas: our review
Charlotte Gainsbourg and Cécile de France star in L’Affaire Marie-Claire, in theaters. Our take on this courtroom drama that brings back the uncertainty surrounding the Bobigny trial. [Read more]

Coming soon to theaters:

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]

Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette returns to theaters in 4K
Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette returns to cinemas in France on November 25, 2026, twenty years after its release. Watch the trailer for this 4K-restored version starring Kirsten Dunst. [Read more]

Tabloid: Danny Boyle tells the story of Rupert Murdoch and the transformation of The Sun.
Danny Boyle revisits Rupert Murdoch’s takeover of The Sun in Tabloid, starring Guy Pearce, Jack O’Connell and Claire Foy, in cinemas on January 6, 2027. [Read more]

The Arioka Castle: Kiyoshi Kurosawa investigates feudal Japan
Kiyoshi Kurosawa brings together Masahiro Motoki and Masaki Suda in The Castle of Arioka, a historical thriller in which a besieged lord turns to his prisoner to solve crimes. [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]

Dumas – Diable noir: Ladj Ly's biopic about Alexandre Dumas' father
Ladj Ly directs Dumas – Black Devil, a historical film starring Théo Christine, Omar Sy, and Vincent Cassel about General Thomas Alexandre Dumas. Released on October 13, 2027. [Read more]

Which historical film should you watch, depending on your mood?

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.

Other movie guides to check out

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]

Dramas to watch in theaters right now and coming soon
Intimate films, social dramas, family stories, or big-name performances: discover the dramas to watch in cinemas right now and coming soon. [Read more]

Documentaries to see in cinemas right now and coming soon
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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