Period reconstructions, epic battles, the destinies of kings and anonymous figures: historical films take us back to the great moments of the past. Whether they evoke ancient Rome, the French Revolution, World War II, or contemporary political figures, these films combine spectacle and memory. This guide lists historical feature films to see in theaters and upcoming releases in the genre.
Light and Shadows: Jean Dujardin Stars in a Historical Drama
On March 18, 2026, in theaters, Xavier Giannoli presents Les Rayons et les ombres, a historical drama starring Jean Dujardin that explores the lives of Jean and Corinne Luchaire during World War II. [Read more]
The Lady's Island: a historical drama starring Salomé Dewaels
In 1542, Marguerite de la Rocque is left stranded on an island after her voyage to Canada. Micha Wald directs a historical drama featuring Salomé Dewaels, set to hit theaters on March 25, 2026. [Read more]
David: A biblical animated film perfect for family viewing
David, a biographical animated film that explores themes of family and heroism, tells the story of the shepherd’s unlikely confrontation with Goliath. Set to hit theaters on March 18, 2026, here are the details, plot summary, and background. [Read more]
What’s Left of Us: Cherien Dabis’ Palestinian-Inspired Portrait
What Remains of Us, a historical drama directed by Cherien Dabis starring Saleh Bakri and Adam Bakri, traces the story of three generations of a Palestinian family from 1948 to the present day. [Read more]
Orphan: László Nemes explores post-1956 Hungary
Orphan, a historical drama by László Nemes starring Bojtorján Barabás and Grégory Gadebois, follows a teenage boy whose world is turned upside down when a man claiming to be his father enters his life. [Read more]
Movies & series
The Battle of Gaulle: Antonin Baudry's two movies unveil their images
Historical diptych by Antonin Baudry dedicated to Charles de Gaulle. Two films starring Simon Abkarian set to hit theaters on June 10 and July 3, 2026. [Read more]
Gisèle – In the Name of All: The Bobigny Trial Comes to the Big Screen
A dramatic biopic by Lauriane Escaffre and Yvo Muller featuring Charlotte Gainsbourg, Gisèle – In the Name of All recounts the Bobigny trial. Coming to theaters on November 4, 2026. [Read more]
Kaamelott - Part 2: the direct sequel to Astier's film
Alexandre Astier concludes his Kaamelott diptych – Second Part with Part 2, in theaters November 11, 2026. More than a hundred characters come together in an epic adventure. [Read more]
Les Misérables: Fred Cavayé brings Victor Hugo’s classic to the big screen
Les Misérables, a gripping adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel directed by Fred Cavayé and starring Vincent Lindon, Tahar Rahim, and Camille Cottin, hits theaters on December 9, 2026. [Read more]
Because historical cinema allows us to relive the past with intensity: grandiose sets, sumptuous costumes, and immersive reconstructions. These films offer both a visual spectacle and a reflection on our own era, recounting the great human upheavals throughout time.
This guide presents a selection of historical films already showing or coming soon, automatically updated according to new cinema releases. You will find:
A feature film based on a real event, a past era, or a real-life character. The genre covers both epic sagas and intimate stories inspired by historical events.
Yes. The sections above are updated as soon as a new article tagged "historical film" is published on Sortir à Paris.
See also: Biopics to see at the cinema • Dramas to see at the cinema • Documentaries to discover at the cinema
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