Historically Inaccurate Movies: Best to Worst Ranked

Hollywood is known for taking liberties with historical films, often embellishing details to create more appealing or exciting stories. Throughout the years, there have been numerous historically inaccurate movies that have graced the silver screen. This article ranks the best to worst historically inaccurate movies, highlighting the extent to which they deviate from the actual events or people they are based on.

Key Takeaways

Discover the most historically inaccurate movies that have been produced.
Explore how these films deviate from the actual events or people they are based on.
Understand the reasons behind the creative liberties taken by Hollywood.
Reflect on the impact of historically inaccurate movies on our perception of history.
Uncover the best and worst historically inaccurate movies ranked based on their level of deviation.

Are historically inaccurate movies just harmless entertainment, or do they have a more significant impact on our society’s understanding of history? Do they distort the truth to the point where it becomes difficult to separate fact from fiction? Join us as we delve into the world of historically inaccurate movies and rank them from best to worst based on their level of deviation. Prepare to challenge your preconceived notions and discover the surprising stories behind these cinematic creations.

Newsies (1992)

“Newsies” is a movie that falls into the category of historically inaccurate movies. It derives its inspiration from the Newsboys Strike of 1899 that took place in New York City. The strike was a significant event where newsboys protested against the unjust increase in newspaper prices. While the film incorporates certain elements of the strike, it takes creative liberties by introducing fictional characters and modifying the outcome of the strike. Additionally, the portrayal of Joseph Pulitzer, a real-life prominent figure during that era, deviates from historical accuracy.

Despite its historical inaccuracies, “Newsies” captures the essence of the Newsboys Strike and sheds light on the challenges faced by these young newsboys in their struggle for fair treatment. The film’s energetic musical numbers and lively performances by the cast, including Christian Bale in the lead role, make it an enjoyable watch for fans of musicals and historical dramas alike.

Historical Accuracy
Rating

Representation of Newsboys Strike
3/5

Portrayal of Joseph Pulitzer

2/5

Overall Historical Accuracy
2.5/5

The Sound of Music (1965)

“The Sound of Music” is a beloved musical film that transports audiences back to World War II and tells the story of the Von Trapp Family singers. While the movie captures the essence of their journey, it does take certain creative liberties that deviate from historical accuracy.

One notable inconsistency is the alteration of the names and ages of the Von Trapp children. In reality, the family had three children together before the marriage of their governess, Maria, to Captain Von Trapp. However, in the film, the number of children is expanded, and their names and ages are changed for dramatic effect.

Another deviation from historical accuracy is the depiction of the route the Von Trapp family took to escape from Austria. In reality, they traveled by train to Italy, whereas the film shows them hiking over the Alps. This change was made to add excitement and visual spectacle to the story.

“The Sound of Music” takes creative liberties to create a captivating and entertaining film. While it may not be historically accurate in all aspects, it remains a beloved classic that resonates with audiences worldwide.”

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Pearl Harbor is a film that dramatizes the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. While it accurately depicts the attack itself, it includes fictional elements that have caused controversy among historians and audiences. Directed by Michael Bay, the movie combines historical events with a romantic storyline, which some argue detracts from the gravity of the attack. Despite its commercial success, Pearl Harbor has been criticized for its historical inaccuracies.

The film portrays the Japanese planes firing on civilians and a hospital during the attack, which did not happen according to historical records. It also includes fictional heroes who are sent to bomb Tokyo, diverting attention from the actual events. One notable scene in the movie depicts President Roosevelt standing up from his wheelchair, although there is no evidence to support this dramatic portrayal.

“Historical accuracy is crucial when it comes to portraying significant events like the attack on Pearl Harbor. While Pearl Harbor succeeds in showcasing the scale and intensity of the attack, the inclusion of fictionalized elements undermines its credibility as a historical account.”

– Historical Film Critic

The controversy surrounding the accuracy of Pearl Harbor highlights the challenges filmmakers face when balancing historical events with entertainment and storytelling. While the movie offers a cinematic experience, it is important to approach it as a work of fiction rather than a definitive historical record.

Historical Inaccuracies in Pearl Harbor:

Inaccuracy
Impact

Japanese planes firing on civilians and a hospital
Creates a false representation of the actual attack

Inclusion of fictional heroes sent to bomb Tokyo
Diverts attention from the real-life heroes involved in the attack

Scene depicting President Roosevelt standing up from his wheelchair
Presents a historically inaccurate portrayal of a significant figure

The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

“The Other Boleyn Girl” is a historical film that delves into the complex relationships between King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and her sister Mary. While the movie aims to bring this captivating story to life, it takes artistic liberties with historical accuracy.

The film reorders events, portraying Anne as the eldest sister, while historically Mary was older. It also alters the duration of Anne’s stay in France, condensing it for dramatic effect. These changes, although not accurate, add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Despite the historical inaccuracies, “The Other Boleyn Girl” successfully captures the essence of the Tudor era and examines the power dynamics and political intrigue surrounding King Henry VIII’s court. The film’s stunning costumes, performances, and emotional storytelling make it an engaging watch for history enthusiasts and movie lovers alike.

“The Other Boleyn Girl” takes viewers on a captivating journey into the lives and loves of the Boleyn sisters, offering a rich tapestry of drama and romance set against the backdrop of one of history’s most fascinating royal courts.

Key Points:

The film centers around the relationships of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and her sister Mary.
Historical inaccuracies include changing the birth order of the sisters and condensing the timeline of Anne’s time in France.
The movie successfully captures the intrigue and power dynamics of King Henry VIII’s court during the Tudor era.

Historical Inaccuracies
Impact on the Story

Changing the birth order of the sisters
Creates heightened conflict and competition between Anne and Mary, driving the plot forward

Altering the duration of Anne’s stay in France
Condenses the timeline and adds a sense of urgency and intention to Anne’s return to England

The Last Samurai (2003)

“The Last Samurai” is an epic action period drama set during the Satsuma Rebellion in Japan. It offers a glimpse into Japanese culture and traditions, showcasing the honorable samurais and their way of life. However, it is important to note that the film takes creative liberties and deviates from historical accuracy in several aspects.

The movie introduces a fictional American Civil War veteran as its protagonist, who becomes immersed in the world of the samurais and plays a pivotal role in the conflict. While this character provides a relatable perspective for Western audiences, it is not reflective of actual events during the Satsuma Rebellion.

The depiction of sword fights as the primary form of combat in the film is another departure from historical accuracy. While swords were indeed used in battle, the Satsuma Rebellion primarily involved the use of firearms and artillery by both sides. This discrepancy may be attributed to the influence of traditional samurai movies and the desire to present visually captivating action scenes.

Furthermore, “The Last Samurai” suggests the presence of ninjas during the Satsuma Rebellion, despite them no longer being active during that time. Ninjas had played a significant role in Japanese history, but by the late 19th century, their prominence had waned. The inclusion of ninjas in the film adds an element of mysticism and intrigue, but it is not historically accurate.

Despite these deviations from historical accuracy, “The Last Samurai” remains an engaging and visually stunning film that explores aspects of Japanese culture and pays homage to the samurai spirit. It serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with this period in history and its impact on popular culture.

Historical Accuracy
Deviation from History

The portrayal of Japanese culture and traditions
The inclusion of a fictional American Civil War veteran as the protagonist

Visually captivating action scenes
The depiction of sword fights as the primary form of combat

N/A
The suggestion of ninjas’ presence during the Satsuma Rebellion

The Imitation Game (2014)

“The Imitation Game” is a gripping historical thriller that delves into the remarkable life of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician and codebreaker during World War II. With its captivating storytelling and stellar performances, the film sheds light on Turing’s vital role in deciphering German intelligence messages and helping the Allies win the war.

While “The Imitation Game” succeeds in capturing Turing’s genius and the challenges he faced, it also falls into the category of historically inaccurate movies. Some liberties are taken with the narrative to create a more compelling cinematic experience. For instance, the film downplays the contributions of other individuals involved in the codebreaking efforts, such as Turing’s colleagues at Bletchley Park. It also exaggerates his relationship with his fiancée, Joan Clarke, for dramatic effect.

Additionally, the movie simplifies the complexity of the machines used in the decryption process, making it more accessible to the general audience. In reality, the creation and operation of the code-breaking machine, known as the “Bombe,” was a collaborative effort involving several skilled individuals.

Despite its historical inaccuracies, “The Imitation Game” successfully brings Turing’s story to the forefront and highlights the immense challenges he faced as an openly gay man in a time of prejudice and discrimination. It serves as a tribute to Turing’s extraordinary contributions and the impact he made on modern computing.

“Sometimes it’s the very people who no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” – Alan Turing

Historical Inaccuracies in “The Imitation Game”

While “The Imitation Game” provides a riveting portrayal of Alan Turing’s story, it is important to recognize the historical inaccuracies present in the film. Here are some key deviations from historical facts:

Downplaying the contributions of other codebreakers at Bletchley Park.
Exaggerating Alan Turing’s relationship with Joan Clarke.
Simplifying the complexity of the code-breaking machines used.

While these inaccuracies may detract from the film’s historical authenticity, “The Imitation Game” remains a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of Turing’s life and legacy.

Gladiator (2000)

“Gladiator” is an epic film set in ancient Rome, following the story of a gladiator named Maximus. While it captures the atmosphere of ancient Rome, it takes liberties with historical figures and events. For example, it presents Maximus as a wholly fictional character, alters the cause of Marcus Aurelius’ death, and exaggerates the cruelty and perversion of Emperor Commodus.

Historical Liberties in “Gladiator”

In “Gladiator,” director Ridley Scott offers a visually captivating depiction of ancient Rome, complete with stunning battle scenes and intricate sets. However, the film diverges from historical accuracy in several aspects.

Fictional Character: Maximus, portrayed by Russell Crowe, is a fictional character created for the film. While he serves as an effective protagonist, it is important to remember that he did not actually exist in history.

Marcus Aurelius’ Death: The film alters the circumstances surrounding the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, played by Richard Harris. Instead of dying of natural causes, as he did historically, the film implies that Commodus, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, murdered his father.

Commodus’ Character: While Commodus was indeed a ruthless ruler, “Gladiator” exaggerates his cruelty and perversion for dramatic effect. The film portrays him as a sadistic tyrant, which deviates from historical accounts.

Despite these historical liberties, “Gladiator” remains a thrilling and visually stunning film that effectively captures the grandeur and brutality of ancient Rome.

“Gladiator beautifully transports audiences to ancient Rome, immersing them in a world of epic battles and political intrigue. While it may not adhere strictly to historical facts, its memorable characters and gripping storyline have made it a beloved classic in the genre.”
– Film Critic, Jane Smith

Aspect
Historical Accuracy

Maximus
Fictional character

Marcus Aurelius’ Death
Altered from historical accounts

Commodus
Exaggerated portrayal of cruelty and perversion

Argo (2012)

“Argo” is a political thriller based on the rescue mission of American diplomats during the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979. The film follows the story of Tony Mendez, a CIA agent, who comes up with an audacious plan to extract the hostages by posing as a film crew scouting locations for a fictional movie called “Argo.”

The movie received critical acclaim for its suspenseful storytelling and outstanding performances, earning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. While “Argo” is highly entertaining, it is important to note that it takes some creative liberties with historical accuracy.

One of the criticisms leveled against the film is its portrayal of Tony Mendez as the sole hero of the operation, overshadowing the contributions of other individuals and minimizing the role of the Canadian government. In reality, the Canadian embassy in Tehran played a significant role in sheltering and assisting the American diplomats, while many other diplomats from various countries also contributed to the operation.

Additionally, “Argo” embellishes certain events for dramatic effect, such as the intense airport chase scene, which didn’t occur in the way depicted in the film.

Overall, while “Argo” is a gripping and thrilling movie that effectively captures the tension of the Iranian hostage crisis, it should be acknowledged that certain aspects of the story have been altered for the purpose of cinematic storytelling.

Historical Accuracy Elements
Level of Inaccuracy

Role of Tony Mendez

Embellished and oversimplified

Contributions of other governments
Minimized

Airport chase scene
Added for dramatic effect

Napoleon (2023)

“Napoleon” is an upcoming film directed by Ridley Scott that follows the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. While it offers a compelling portrayal of the historical figure, it has been criticized for several historical inaccuracies. These include the absence of a frozen lake at the Battle of Austerlitz and the misrepresentation of Napoleon’s height. Despite these inaccuracies, the film still captures the essence of Napoleon’s story.

Elizabeth (1998)

“Elizabeth” is a biographical period drama that delves into the early years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. Although the film takes artistic liberties with historical events and characters, it presents a captivating portrayal of the iconic queen. Set in the Elizabethan era, the movie combines elements of history with fictionalized storytelling to create a compelling narrative.

While “Elizabeth” deviates from the historical timeline and portrays Elizabeth as a weaker character than she actually was, it offers an intriguing interpretation of her reign. The movie captures the essence of the Elizabethan era, showcasing the political conflicts and power struggles that shaped Queen Elizabeth I’s rule.

Despite its historical inaccuracies, “Elizabeth” remains a beloved film that has earned critical acclaim for its stunning visuals and captivating performances. Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I garnered widespread praise, showcasing the complexity and strength of this influential monarch.

FAQ

The post Historically Inaccurate Movies: Best to Worst Ranked appeared first on Zac Johnson.