Best Historical Movies I Watched for the First Time Last School Year (2023-24)

Hi friends! It’s become a bit of a tradition for me to do a blog post at the beginning of each school year, chronicling my favorite historical movies I watched for the first time over the last school year. (Even though I officially graduated several years ago, I still plan projects around the school year). There were some really good ones last year that I’m excited to share with you! So read on to find a western, one set in the ‘70s, and one in the ‘90’s, plus a show and a documentary. 

Best historical dramas 

Birthright Outlaw 

I greatly enjoy a good western, and a well-made western movie with a Christian message is hard to find. But Birthright Outlaw is just that. Set in Arizona territory in the late 1800s, this movie follows a pastor whose daughter is kidnapped by outlaws, leading him to discover a startling truth about his wife’s past. It’s got outlaws, a sheriff, and plenty of action and suspense, all the things we want in a western! Yet it also has a beautiful message of redemption and how God gives beauty for ashes. Other than a bit of violence, it’s a family-friendly movie. It has great costumes, beautiful scenery and cinematography, and is overall excellently done. This movie is definitely high up on my list of favorites. 

Jesus Revolution 

Set in California in the 1970s, this movie tells the true story of the “Jesus Revolution.” It follows Greg Laurie and several others who were part of the hippie movement but their lives were changed by Jesus. It’s an excellently done movie about being Jesus’ hands and feet to the outcasts and the power of Jesus to change lives. And I loved the beach setting! Other than some drug use (portrayed negatively), it’s also family-friendly.   

Unsung Hero 

I’ve enjoyed listening to Rebecca St. James’ and For King and Country’s music for years, so I was excited to watch this movie about their family’s journey from “down under to center stage.” It’s a sweet, family-friendly movie with great messages of the importance of family and using your gifts and talents for God’s glory. It’s also excellently done, and I enjoyed the fun ‘90s setting and clothing! 

Best documentary 

Patterns of Evidence: Journey to Mt. Sinai Part II 

I’ve enjoyed every documentary in Timothy Mahoney’s Patterns of Evidence series, and Journey to Mount Sinai II was no exception. You need to watch the earlier ones first to get the most out of this one, but it’s a fascinating look at the historical evidence for the mountain of God and its true location. 

Best show

Sue Thomas F.B.Eye 

This show was made and set back in the early 2000s, and while fictionalized, is inspired by the real Sue Thomas, a deaf woman who used her lip reading skills to work for the F.B.I. It has action, mystery, suspense, humor, and Sue’s faith is naturally portrayed. Since it covers the work of the F.B.I., it does deal with some serious issues (like murders, human trafficking, and terrorism). Overall, it’s pretty family-friendly, though a few episodes are more intense. My whole family has loved watching this–we’ve actually rewatched every episode and some multiple times! 

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What about you? What historical movies have you watched recently? Have you seen any of the ones I mentioned and, if so, what did you think of them? Leave a comment below! 

Always remember, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it,” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
All for Him,

Savannah Jane