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Schindler's List (1993): Spielberg's Black-and-White Holocaust Epic

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 10:01 GMT by Entertainment Weekly

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A Cinematic Journey Through History: Entertainment Weekly’s Guide to the Best Historical Movies

Entertainment Weekly’s roundup of the “Best Historical Movies” offers more than just a wish list of blockbusters; it’s a curated tour of the past as seen through the lens of cinema. The article opens with a reflection on why movies that tackle real events or figures are so compelling—because they bring the past to life, giving audiences a visceral, emotional connection to moments that shaped the world. With this premise in mind, the piece sets out to highlight the films that not only succeeded on the box‑office or at the awards circuit, but also managed to balance factual fidelity with cinematic storytelling.

The Criteria

The writers explain that the list is built around several key pillars:

1. Historical Authenticity – The film should strive to capture the essence of the era, from costume design to dialogue, even when some creative liberties are taken.
2. Narrative Drive – Even a documentary‑style film can falter if its pacing is flat; the picks here all maintain a narrative arc that keeps viewers engaged.
3. Impact – Whether the film sparked conversation, reshaped public understanding of an event, or simply left a lasting emotional imprint, it earned a spot.
4. Legacy – Movies that have stood the test of time and continue to influence filmmakers are celebrated.

With those criteria laid out, the article dives into the selection, organized loosely by period and theme, offering brief synopses and contextual nuggets that link back to further reading and reviews.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

No conversation about historical cinema is complete without Steven Spielberg’s harrowing depiction of the Holocaust. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved more than a thousand Jews by employing them in his factories. Entertainment Weekly emphasizes the film’s stark black‑and‑white aesthetic and the raw emotional weight carried by its protagonist. The article links to the original novel, Schindler’s Ark, and to an in‑depth analysis of its reception at the 1994 Academy Awards.

2. The King’s Speech (2010)

The story of King George VI’s struggle with a severe stammer is both intimate and grand. The film showcases the king’s private relationship with speech therapist Lionel Logue and his eventual delivery of a wartime address that galvanized the nation. The piece highlights the film’s blend of period detail and character study, and offers a link to a feature on the production design that recreated 1930s Buckingham Palace.

3. Lincoln (2012)

Steven Spielberg’s biopic of Abraham Lincoln takes a close look at the president’s last year in office, focusing on the passage of the 13th Amendment. The article points out how the film dramatizes the political maneuvering of the era while grounding it in primary documents. A supplementary link explores the historical debate surrounding the amendment’s ratification timeline.

4. The Imitation Game (2014)

Alan Turing’s triumph over Nazi Germany’s Enigma machine is a story of intellect, secrecy, and tragedy. The film examines Turing’s brilliance and his subsequent persecution under British law. Entertainment Weekly connects the piece to an investigative piece on the posthumous pardon issued in 2013.

5. 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, this film follows a free Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre‑Civil War South. The article underscores the stark depiction of plantation life and the film’s Oscar sweep for Best Picture. Readers are linked to an essay on the historical accuracy of the film’s representation of the era.

6. Gladiator (2000)

Ridley Scott’s epic follows a Roman general who becomes a gladiator after betrayal by the emperor’s son. Though the film takes liberties, its visceral combat scenes and sweeping landscapes bring ancient Rome to life. The article offers a link to a comparative study of Roman historical sources and their cinematic interpretations.

7. Braveheart (1995)

Mel Gibson’s rousing tale of William Wallace’s rebellion against English rule is known for its larger‑than‑life battles. The article notes the film’s historical liberties—such as the anachronistic portrayal of Scottish clans—and links to a review that evaluates its cultural impact.

8. The Last Emperor (1987)

Andrew Davis’ meticulously crafted biopic chronicles the life of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China. The piece discusses the film’s collaboration with the former royal family and the use of actual palace locations, and links to a documentary on Chinese dynastic transitions.

9. The Last King of Scotland (2006)

This film dives into the reign of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin through the eyes of a fictional British doctor. Entertainment Weekly highlights the psychological depth of the characters and links to an analysis of its controversial portrayal of the Amin era.

10. The Pianist (2002)

Roman Polanski’s autobiographical film follows Władysław Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist who survived the Warsaw Ghetto. The article links to an interview with Polanski where he discusses his own Holocaust memories.

11. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Based on the life of mathematician John Nash, this biopic covers both his academic breakthroughs and mental illness. The article links to a discussion of Nash’s real research contributions.

12. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Set during the French and Indian War, this film blends action with the cultural tensions between European settlers and Native Americans. The article points to a scholarly article on the representation of Native American cultures in Hollywood.

Why These Films Matter

Entertainment Weekly closes with a thoughtful meditation on the role of historical movies as both entertainment and education. By combining meticulous research with compelling storytelling, these films allow viewers to step into pivotal moments—whether it's the grim corridors of Auschwitz, the smoky rooms of wartime London, or the marble halls of ancient Rome. Each film in the list not only tells a story but also invites audiences to examine how history is remembered, interpreted, and, at times, reshaped for the screen.

In a time when the past is often contested and re‑examined, this roundup serves as a reminder that cinema can be a powerful medium for reflection. Whether you’re a history buff, a film aficionado, or simply looking for a gripping narrative, the “Best Historical Movies” list is a starting point that ensures the past stays vividly alive on the big screen.