Movies to Use in Your US History Classroom

The movies below can be used to teach, review, or reenforce concepts in US History. There are a lot of historical movies out there, but I have only listed those I think work best in the classroom. As I get time, I will post exactly what clips I use from each movie. Since clips of these movies are not typically available online, most of these links are to the IMDB page. Please note, you MUST make sure that any movie or video clips comply with your school system’s policies. Also, some of these movie clips include some bad language or instances of discrimination that may be disturbing to some students. Always be sure to screen every clip you will show to your class beforehand, so that you can be aware of sensitive topics that need to be discussed.

Master and Commander – sea exploration

Last of the Mohicans – French and Indian war, life on the frontier

  • 15:29-23:00 – ambush on the George Rd.
  • 34:17-43:00 – siege at the fort
  • 1:04:00-1:08:00 – parley
  • Watch online clips here.

The Crucible – Salem Witch Trials

  • 29:20-36:38
  • 42:53-48:36

The Patriot – reasons for and against independence, American Revolution fighting conditions

Glory – Civil War fighting conditions, discrimination

The Conspirator – Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (on Amazon Prime right now 11/20)

  • Full assassination sequence 5:08-16:28
  • Shorter clip 7:31-16:28
  • Clip without vicious stabbing scene 8:56-16:28

Dances with Wolves – Native American culture, buffalo hunt

Far and Away – political machines and bosses, Oklahoma land race

The Lost Battalion – World War I fighting conditions

Legends of the Fall – World War I fighting conditions, Roaring 20s, Prohibition

Pearl Harbor – attack on Pearl Harbor

Schindler’s List – Holocaust

Enemy at the Gates – Battle of Stalingrad, fighting conditions

Saving Private Ryan – D-Day landing

Eyes on the Prize (abbreviated version) – Civil Rights movement

Remember the Titans – Civil Rights movement