Many generally applauded historical films take a lot of liberty with history, changing both past events and people’s actions or characters to suit the plot’s purposes. From spinning false romances to excluding important people, many enjoyable historical films aren’t necessarily true to life.
Updated June 7, 2022, by Joseph Heindl: As fascinating as fiction is, facts can be just as exciting. History has seen countless events which could form epic tales in themselves, having all the drama that one could want from any story. Hollywood has definitely picked up on this with the myriad of historical films over the years. Despite the inherent emotion, though, some filmmakers still take liberties with what really happened.
They could so this for the sake of drama, narrative structure, or to simply make it more cinematic. What’s surprising is that this approach works in some cases, producing historical films which are as thrilling as they are intriguing. That said, viewers shouldn’t take them as an alternative to just reading a book.
16 The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Based on a novel by Philippa Gregory, The Other Boleyn Girl tells the story of the complicated love triangle between Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and her sister Mary. While it offers captivating performances and beautiful settings, it treats history very liberally.
For example, it presents Mary Boleyn as Anne’s younger sister, even though Mary was older than Anne. It also suggests that Mary had children with the king, even though that’s never been proved. Finally, it fails to mention that Mary’s romance with the king ended long before he started pursuing Anne.
15 Shakespeare In Love (1998)
The Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love Another historical film based in the Tudor era that doesn’t follow history too closely. The romance between William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps was not a true aspect of his life, but was created for the film.
At one point in the film, the Queen Elizabeth tells Viola’s future husband that Viola is no longer pure and has had a physical relationship with another man. That could have been enough to break the engagement but Viola’s fiancé pushes on and marries her regardless. This is despite the fact that it would mean risking raising children who were not his, which no nobleman of this time period would be willing to do.
14 300 (2006)
It’s somewhat understandable that Zack Snyder’s action piece 300 doesn’t follow history closely, since it’s based on comics. Nevertheless, its basic premise and the title itself are all wrong.
The film follows the battle of 300 Spartan men against a much larger Persian army — except when the actual historical battle took place, there were thousands of warriors, not just 300. They were still outnumbered against their enemies, but not nearly by as much as the film would like the audience to believe.
13 Braveheart (1995)
This is a common target for historical experts, and it certainly has plenty to pick on. Braveheart is now a classic and one of Mel Gibson’s most successful movies. Once again, however, it takes a lot of creative liberties with history. For example, it suggests that the main hero, William Wallace, was raised as a farmer but was a Scottish nobleman in real life. In keeping with these altruistic edits, the film frames Wallace’s motivation as retribution for his wife’s murder. While a noble cause, the actual Wallace must have had different reasons for his rebellion against England; his wife isn’t mentioned at all in any historical records or notes.
The kilts are among the more egregious errors; they’re a few hundred years too early. However, their presence ultimately serves the sensationalized version of the Scottish Highlands portrayed here. That also explains why the order of certain events are different.
Thankfully, Gibson makes up for that romanticism in key areas. He lends a visceral quality to both the large-scale action and close-quarters drama. These work in tandem with a script detailing a predictable-yet-poignant struggle for freedom. Even the most stalwart snobs may bawl their eyes out as a result.
12 Amadeus (1984)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a brilliant composer, and Antonio Salieri was so jealous of him that he wished for his rival’s death. At least, that’s what the successful historical movie Amadeus would like the audience to think. However, there’s no proof that Salieri ever plotted Mozart’s death or was so bitterly jealous.
Speaking of Mozart’s death, Salieri didn’t poison him; rather, Mozart died from the parasitic disease trichinosis. The real-life Salieri also had multiple children, unlike his film counterpart who gave up relationships for his music, resulting in unhappiness.
11 The Private Life Of Henry 8 (1933)
Unlike The Other Boleyn Girl, this comedy movie gives space to several of Henry VIII’s wives, not just Anne Boleyn. What connects these films, on the other hand, is that they both pay very little mind to historical accuracy. For example, Charles Laughton played Henry as a gluttonous man who constantly flirted with ladies.
In real life, Henry VIII had very few publicly known affairs, as he prided himself on his discretion. The film also suggests that the king’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, wanted to divorce him to marry her lover. In real life, Henry was the one who initiated the divorce, and Anne never remarried.
10 The Imitation Game (2014)
After his iconic portrayal of Sherlock in the BBC series that brought Benedict Cumberbatch fame, Cumberbatch shone in this film as the real-life genius, Alan Turing. But while Turing was indeed instrumental in deciphering the Enigma codes during World War Two, he didn’t do it alone as the film suggests.
In fact, a whole team of people worked on cracking the German codes, since they very well knew it could turn the tide of war to their advantage. However, considering the film focuses primarily on Turing, it makes sense why it diminished the accomplishments of others to a certain degree.
9 JFK (1991)
To be fair to director Oliver Stone and everyone who worked on the film, it was difficult, if not impossible, to make the story one hundred percent accurate. After all, it’s still unclear to this day what exactly happened on the day President Kennedy died. The film combines real-life events as well as conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination. However, it does differ in some ways that the public already knew of at the time of the filming.
For example, the film features a scene in which David Ferrie breaks down and confesses. In reality, Ferrie never acted this way. JFK also suggested that Lyndon B. Johnson, Kennedy’s successor, had something to do with the assassination; however, this has never been proven.
8 Apocalypto (2006)
Apocalypto portrays the struggle of a group of people captured by Mayans, who are to be sacrificed. The biggest misconception lies in the somewhat harmful way the film portrays the Mayans. It presents them as a savage and barbaric people, determined to sacrifice the young people they captured.
This is different from their real-life behavior, as Mayans hardly ever made human sacrifices. If they did, it was as a punishment against traitors of noble standing, rather than innocent commoners.
7 Marie Antoinette (2006)
The eye-catching costumes and Kirsten Dunst’s performance were enough to make the film enjoyable. However, it once again doesn’t follow history too closely. For example, it shows Marie Antoinette and her husband quickly becoming lovers.
In reality, it took them approximately seven years. The film also pays very little attention to the politics of this time. As such, it doesn’t explain why so many people dislike the young Marie Antoinette in the film.
6 Dances With Wolves
Here’s another passion project by an actor turned director. Kevin Costner has always had an earnest charm onscreen, and he translates that into a soulful tale about rediscovering the beauty of the American West. That beauty comes across in the stunning landscapes, patient pace, and reverent depiction of the Indians. Their carefully-developed friendship with the hero is easily the most intriguing aspect of the story, thanks in no small part to the time spent on the language and cultural barriers.
Like in Braveheart, though, that artistry occasionally wanders into sensationalism. Some viewers take issue with portraying the Pawnee as one-note villains compared to the noble Sioux. On the other side of the conflict, the film fumbles logistical details surrounding Fort Hays. Though these problems are present, it’s hard to deny the authenticity everywhere else onscreen.
5 King Arthur
Audiences might not associate King Arthur with history, but this piece presents real figures as the basis for the legendary hero. Although it takes cues from recent archaeological theories placing Arthur within ancient Rome, experts have picked it apart even on these grounds. It misrepresents the religious and political landscape of the Roman Empire–such as Bishop Germanus and Pelagianism–for character and thematic reasons. The Romans’ departure from Britain plays a similar role, but it’s several decades late. The same goes for the Saxon invasion of the country. As for the poor Briton natives, they don’t even have the right name, going from “Picts” to “Woads.” No faction is spared from creative liberties here.
That said, the creators weave these elements into an engaging action drama akin to Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. The movie succeeds in that aspiration due to the talent on display. Urban crime director Antoine Fuqua shows surprising confidence with this genre. He gives the dreary sights their operatic weight, and his quick cuts infuse the battle scenes with ample kineticism without becoming overly intrusive. Moreover, he commits wholeheartedly to a script which is somewhat corny yet nevertheless impactful. The incredible cast further elevates the material with their appealing, brotherly chemistry. Despite its inaccuracies, these factors make the film one of the more believable Arthurian adaptations.
4 Troy
The title is short and sweet, letting viewers know exactly what they’re in for. This action film portrays the legendary Trojan War. While the historical basis of this conflict is a little fuzzy, viewers can always measure the film against its source: Homer’s The Iliad. It covers most major events in that tale. The major difference is that the poem has the war unfold over roughly a decade, but the movie’s conflict lasts only a few weeks.
Fortunately, it offsets that issue by the craftsmanship on display. Troy’s scope echoes the biblical epics of old. It sports massive sets, innumerable extras, exhilarating battles, and the dramatic heft–both in front of and behind the camera–to anchor it all. These assets are enough to overlook any shortcomings in the script.
3 The Elizabeth Films
Filmmakers really love adapting the Tudor family drama. The scribe behind 1998’s Elizabeth and 2007’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age is Michael Hirst. With works like The Tudors, Vikings, and Billy the Kid, he’s made a career out of dramatizing history. Thankfully, his skills are on full display here.
The two operatic epics chronicle the rise and reign of Elizabeth I. However, both tales make a fair few changes to her time on the English throne. Hirst shifts some events around and swaps certain historical figures for others. Critics also take issue with the monarch’s reliance on her advisors, but this ultimately helps audiences empathize with her. The Elizabeth films remain a compelling character study showing the growing pains of leadership, the heavy toll it takes, and how a country changes as a result. The filmmakers deserve a third entry to cap things off and show how this reign ends.
2 A Knight’s Tale
Taking place in the Middle Ages, A Knight’s Tale depicts the crowd-pleasing sport of jousting. Those who won these dangerous tournaments were basically the football stars of their time, and that’s how this movie treats them. It doesn’t care how anachronistic it gets in the process.
This is essentially a modern sports comedy-drama set in 14th-century Europe. That approach brings an infectious wit, which is beautifully delivered by the charismatic stars. For the icing on the cake, the movie complements its oddball mashup with a soundtrack of hits. It’s hard not to have fun when hearing the likes of Queen, Bachmann Turner Overdrive, and David Bowie. As weird as it is to mix modern humor with a medieval setting, A Knight’s Tale executes that vision with such confidence that viewers will only want more.
1 The Favourite
Some liken this to an 18th-century Mean Girls, and that’s an apt description in some areas. The Favourite mines ample comedy from Queen Anne’s closest confidants fighting among themselves. They hurl the most immature sleights against each other while maintaining the polite etiquette of court. That contrast almost seems like a parody at points.
On top of the high school pettiness, though, the movie is just plain bizarre. Yorgos Lanthimos’s off-kilter direction is on full-force here. He peppers the film with uncomfortable angles and other random stylings, meaning you never know what the characters will say or do. Because of that, you can’t look away
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