Step into an enchanting realm of historical cinema as we unveil a carefully curated collection of the most captivating films of 2023. Brace yourself for an exhilarating experience as these movies have garnered praise from both critics and audiences alike. Prepare to be mesmerized by their high Rotten Tomatoes scores, indicating their potential to become contenders for prestigious accolades such as the Oscars. From awe-inspiring biopics that breathe life into iconic figures, to thrilling reenactments of pivotal historical events, this list is a treasure trove of cinematic brilliance that will transport you to bygone eras for an unforgettable journey through time.
Indulge your love for history and cinema with Jesus Revolution, a film set in the vibrant 1970s that traces the transformative odyssey of a wandering teenager amidst a backdrop of cultural upheaval. Allow yourself to be captivated by The Old Way, an exploration of redemption and the unbreakable bonds of family set against the rugged and untamed landscapes of the Old West. Immerse yourself in the imagined life of the renowned author Emily Brontë in Emily, as she embarks on a voyage of self-discovery, weaving together her own extraordinary tale to create the timeless masterpiece Wuthering Heights.
These films, along with a plenitude of others on this list, offer not only gripping narratives but also intriguing glimpses into the past. Every frame has been meticulously crafted with an unwavering attention to detail, mesmerizing cinematography, and visionary artistic direction, promising to transport you through time itself. So, grab your favorite snack and prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey with this selection of new and forthcoming 2023 historical films, each vying for a place in the revered annals of cinematic history.
Latest additions: The Peasants, A Haunting in Venice, Golda.
1. The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan
In a fresh take on Dumas’ timeless novel, we meet a spirited young Gascon named D’Artagnan. Unfortunately, a daring rescue attempt goes horribly wrong, and he is left for dead. But this is just the beginning of his adventure. In the heart of Paris, he sets off on a relentless quest to uncover the truth about his attackers. Little does he know that this quest will lead him straight into a crucial war that could determine the fate of France.
Along the way, D’Artagnan finds himself guided by the legendary King’s Musketeers, who help him navigate the dangerous waters of Parisian politics. But he also becomes entangled in the devious schemes of Cardinal Richelieu and Milady de Winter, two powerful figures who will stop at nothing to achieve their own agendas.
Amidst all the danger and intrigue, D’Artagnan forms a deep connection with Constance, the Queen’s confidante. Their bond grows as they face the treacherous challenges that lie ahead.
In this thrilling reimagining of a classic tale, D’Artagnan’s journey is filled with excitement, danger, and unexpected alliances. Can he uncover the truth and help save France’s destiny? Join him as he fights for justice and love in the heart of Paris.
Actors: François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, Pio Marmaï, Eva Green
Released: 2023
Directed by: Martin Bourboulon
2. The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die
After King Edward died, Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his crew set out on a huge adventure across a broken kingdom, with the goal of bringing England together after years of being divided. In the midst of power struggles and invasions, they navigate a crazy 10th-century world to ensure the kingdom’s future. Loyalty, battles, and the desire for the throne are all mixed up in this story. Along the way, they face challenges that really push them and show what life was like in those wild times.
Actors: Alexander Dreymon, Mark Rowley, Arnas Fedaravicius, Rod Hallett, Harry Gilby
Released: 2023
Directed by: Edward Bazalgette
3. The Old Way
Set against the backdrop of Colorado’s unforgiving terrain, this story takes us back to the rugged landscape of the Old West. Here, we meet an aging gunslinger who is about to face the haunting repercussions of his past actions.
Things take a dramatic turn when the vengeful son of a man he once killed shows up, seeking retribution. Now, the gunslinger and his daughter are forced to confront the looming shadows of their history and the consequences that come with it.
With tension mounting, a gripping tale of revenge, redemption, and the complexities of family ties begins to unfold. This is a story that explores the depths of human emotions and the power of forgiveness, all set in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Actors: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Clint Howard, Abraham Benrubi, Nick Searcy
Released: 2023
Directed by: Brett Donowho
4. Emily
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Emily Brontë, the acclaimed author, as she embarks on a quest of self-discovery and creates the timeless masterpiece, Wuthering Heights. This engrossing story delves into the complex relationships that influenced her journey, from her close bond with her sisters Charlotte and Anne, to her intense and forbidden love for Weightman. Taking place in the 19th century, amidst a society riddled with limitations, the film beautifully captures Emily’s relentless pursuit of personal identity and artistic freedom.
Actors: Emma Mackey, Fionn Whitehead, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Alexandra Dowling, Amelia Gething
Released: 2022
Directed by: Frances O’Connor
5. Jesus Revolution
In the 1970s, there was this teenager named Greg Laurie who was kind of lost and didn’t really know what he wanted in life. But then something happened that changed everything. He met this super cool guy named Lonnie Frisbee, who was like a hippie street preacher. And let me tell you, Lonnie had this way of captivating people with his charm and charisma.
So, Greg starts hanging out with Lonnie and gets introduced to this local pastor named Chuck Smith. And guess what? Chuck has a pretty big impact on Greg’s life too. He helps breathe new life into a struggling church, and it’s like a spark that sets off an unexpected revival.
This whole story is about Greg’s journey to find meaning and purpose in a time when Southern California was going through some major changes. It’s a tale that captures the transformation happening during a time of cultural upheaval.
Actors: Joel Courtney, Jonathan Roumie, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Anna Grace Barlow, Kelsey Grammer
Released: 2023
Directed by: Jon Erwin, Brent McCorkle
6. Tetris
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Tetris takes us on a captivating journey with Henk Rogers, an American video game salesman. One day, he stumbles upon the iconic game Tetris and becomes determined to share it with the world. Little does he know that this mission will lead him into a treacherous world of deception and corruption behind the Iron Curtain. Get ready for a gripping tale filled with espionage, greed, and manipulation as we uncover the intriguing saga behind this global phenomenon.
Actors: Taron Egerton, Nikita Efremov, Sof’ya Lebedeva, Anthony Boyle, Ben Miles
Released: 2023
Directed by: Jon S. Baird
7. Sisu
In the vast Lapland wilderness, there’s this guy named Aatami Korpi who’s on a crazy mission to find gold. But here’s the kicker: things take a dangerous turn when he accidentally runs into a Nazi patrol. Yep, you heard that right. Now, picture this intense chase scene through a landscape torn apart by war. It’s like an action movie, but with a twist – Aatami is desperate for riches.
As the story unfolds, tensions rise and people start forming alliances. You know, when things get tough, you find out who your friends really are. And let me tell you, these folks have some serious guts. They’re facing off against a backdrop of destruction and hidden danger, and it’s a battle of wills like you’ve never seen before.
So, get ready for a heart-pounding adventure where survival, greed, and courage clash in the most epic way possible. This isn’t your ordinary treasure hunt – it’s a wild ride through a war-torn landscape where every move counts. Hold on tight, because this is gonna be one hell of a journey.
Actors: Jorma Tommila, Aksel Hennie, Jack Doolan, Mimosa Willamo, Onni Tommila
Released: 2022
Directed by: Jalmari Helander
8. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
An eleven-year-old girl is going through a big change as her family moves from New York City to New Jersey. She’s facing the usual struggles of making new friends and dealing with the confusing world of adolescence. Throughout this emotional rollercoaster, she learns some important lessons and starts discovering who she truly is. This heartfelt film is all about growing up and those pivotal moments that shape our journey to adulthood. It’s relatable and captures the essence of coming-of-age in a way that will touch your heart.
Actors: Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Elle Graham, Ben Safdie, Kathy Bates
Released: 2023
Directed by: Kelly Fremon Craig
9. Kompromat
In this gripping thriller, we meet Mathieu, a member of the French institute in Irkutsk. Little does he know that his life is about to take a dark and twisted turn. Things quickly spiral out of control when he becomes entangled in a web spun by the Russian authorities. Accused of a horrifying crime against his own daughter, Mathieu finds himself trapped in a nightmarish situation.
But there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Mathieu soon discovers that he is a victim of a sinister manipulation called Kompromat. Determined to clear his name and expose the truth, he teams up with the FSB, Russia’s security agency. Together, they embark on a desperate journey, determined to unravel the carefully orchestrated case against him.
This thrilling tale takes us on a suspenseful ride as Mathieu fights to escape the clutches of false accusations and the haunting grip of isolation. Will he be able to prove his innocence before it’s too late? Join Mathieu as he uncovers the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface and races against time to reclaim his life.
Actors: Gilles Lellouche, Joanna Kulig, Mikhail Gorevoy, Aleksey Gorbunov, Elisa Lasowski
Released: 2022
Directed by: Jérôme Salle
10. On Sacred Ground
In 2016, some real-life events took place that set the stage for the story of On Sacred Ground. This film delves into the heated controversy surrounding the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. It focuses specifically on the land of the Lakota Sioux Tribe within the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. Through an intimate lens, the documentary follows the journeys of two individuals, Daniel and Elliot, who find themselves on opposite sides of the battle. Daniel, a journalist and war veteran from Afghanistan, and Elliot, an executive in an oil company, become entangled in the conflict that unfolded during the pipeline’s development. As their stories unfold, the film sheds light on the clash between corporate interests and indigenous rights within a complex socio-political landscape. It’s a gripping drama that explores the tensions that arise when these two forces collide.
Actors: David Arquette, William Mapother, Amy Smart, Kerry Knuppe, Frances Fisher
Released: 2023
Directed by: Joshua Tickell, Rebecca Harrell Tickell
11. BlackBerry
In this fascinating historical drama with a touch of satire, we meet two unexpected allies: a visionary innovator and a cutthroat businessman. Together, they embark on a grand mission to revolutionize the world with their groundbreaking invention – the very first smartphone. Picture this: we’re transported to Silicon Valley in the 1990s, where this film unfolds. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride as we witness their journey unfold – from the skyrocketing success of their creation to its inevitable, disastrous downfall. Brace yourself for a captivating glimpse into the complexities of triumphs and failures in the fast-paced world of tech.
Actors: Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson, Rich Sommer, Michael Ironside
Released: 2023
Directed by: Matt Johnson