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Best History Movies

of the 1970s

The 20 highest-rated history movies released between 1970 and 1979, ranked by IMDb score.

1

The Message(1976)

8.1 IMDb

In sixth-century Mecca, Prophet Muhammad receives his first revelation from God as a messenger. Three years later, he's not alone in his quest and publicly declares his prophecy. Muhammad is fought by

2

Barry Lyndon(1975)

8.1 IMDb78% RT89 Meta

An Irish rogue uses his cunning and wit to work his way up the social classes of 18th century England, transforming himself from the humble Redmond Barry into the noble Barry Lyndon.

3

Woodstock(1970)

8.1 IMDb100% RT95 Meta

An intimate look at the Woodstock Music & Art Festival held in Bethel, NY in 1969, from preparation through cleanup, with historic access to insiders, blistering concert footage, and portraits of the

4

Mirror(1975)

7.9 IMDb100% RT82 Meta

A dying man in his forties recalls his childhood, his mother, the war and personal moments that tell of and juxtapose pivotal moments in Soviet history with daily life.

5

Patton(1970)

7.9 IMDb92% RT86 Meta

"Patton" tells the tale of General George S. Patton, famous tank commander of World War II. The film begins with Patton's career in North Africa and progresses through the invasion of Germany and the

6

Aguirre, the Wrath of God(1972)

7.8 IMDb96% RT

A few decades after the destruction of the Inca Empire, a Spanish expedition led by the infamous Aguirre leaves the mountains of Peru and goes down the Amazon River in search of the lost city of El Do

7

Sacco & Vanzetti(1971)

7.8 IMDb70% RT

Boston, 1920. Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti are charged and unfairly tried for murder on the basis of their anarchist political beliefs.

8

The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser(1974)

7.7 IMDb91% RT

The film follows Kaspar Hauser, who lived the first seventeen years of his life chained in a tiny cellar with only a toy horse to occupy his time, devoid of all human contact except for a man who wear

9

The Devils(1971)

7.7 IMDb71% RT49 Meta

Father Urbain Grandier’s unorthodox views of sex and religion make him a polarizing figure in 17th-century France. His outspokenness has amassed a passionate following of nuns and a respected reputati

10

1900(1976)

7.6 IMDb52% RT70 Meta

The epic tale of a class struggle in twentieth century Italy, as seen through the eyes of two childhood friends on opposing sides.

11

Love and Death(1975)

7.6 IMDb100% RT89 Meta

In czarist Russia, a neurotic soldier and his distant cousin formulate a plot to assassinate Napoleon.

12

Tora! Tora! Tora!(1970)

7.5 IMDb57% RT46 Meta

In the summer of 1941, the United States and Japan seem on the brink of war after constant embargos and failed diplomacy come to no end. "Tora! Tora! Tora!", named after the code words used by the lea

13

The Tin Drum(1979)

7.4 IMDb84% RT63 Meta

In 1924, Oskar Matzerath is born in the Free City of Danzig. At age three, he falls down a flight of stairs and stops growing. In 1939, World War II breaks out.

14

Cross of Iron(1977)

7.4 IMDb71% RT64 Meta

It is 1943, and the German army—ravaged and demoralised—is hastily retreating from the Russian front. In the midst of the madness, conflict brews between the aristocratic yet ultimately pusillanimous

15

A Bridge Too Far(1977)

7.4 IMDb59% RT63 Meta

The story of Operation Market Garden—a failed attempt by the allies in the latter stages of WWII to end the war quickly by securing three bridges in Holland allowing access over the Rhine into Germany

16

The Wild Child(1970)

7.4 IMDb100% RT94 Meta

In a French forest circa 1798, a child–who cannot walk, speak, read or write–is found. A doctor becomes interested in the case and patiently attempts to civilise the boy.

17

Waterloo(1970)

7.3 IMDb27% RT

After defeating France and imprisoning Napoleon on Elba, ending two decades of war, Europe is shocked to find Napoleon has escaped and has caused the French Army to defect from the King back to him. T

18

The Garden of the Finzi-Continis(1970)

7.2 IMDb94% RT

In 1930s Italy, a wealthy Jewish family tries to maintain their privileged lifestyle, hosting friends for tennis and parties at their villa. As anti-Semitism intensifies under Fascism, they must ultim

19

The Decameron(1971)

7 IMDb79% RT

A young Sicilian is swindled twice, but ends up rich; a man poses as a deaf-mute in a convent of curious nuns; a woman must hide her lover when her husband comes home early; a scoundrel fools a priest

20

Midway(1976)

6.8 IMDb39% RT48 Meta

This war drama depicts the U.S. and Japanese forces in the naval Battle of Midway, which became a turning point for Americans during World War II.

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