Best 22 History Movies Must-Watch Released in 1961

Fictionalized depiction of the 1947 Judges' Trial, the third of twelve trials of Nazi war criminals conducted by the American occupying forces in Nuremberg, Germany, in which former judges of Nazi Germany were tried for their actions. Explore Judgment at Nuremberg / IMDB / YouTube

A war-hardened general, egged on by his ambitious wife, works to fulfill a prophecy that he would become lord of Spider's Web Castle. More about Throne of Blood / IMDB / YouTube

The fabled Spanish hero Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (a.k.a. El Cid) overcomes a family vendetta and court intrigue to defend Christian Spain against the Moors. Info on El Cid / IMDB / YouTube

The temporary physical life of the Biblical Savior, Jesus Christ. See more about King of Kings / IMDB / YouTube

In 1945, Germany is being overrun, and nobody is left to fight but teenagers. Get info on The Bridge / IMDB / YouTube

As a conscript in war-time Japan's military, a pacifist struggles to maintain his determination to keep his ideals. See more about The Human Condition II: Road to Eternity / IMDB / YouTube

While holidaying in Rhodes, an Athenian war hero becomes involved in two plots to overthrow the tyrannical king: one from Rhodian patriots, and the other from sinister Phoenician agents. See more about The Colossus of Rhodes / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary about the everyday lives of ordinary Parisians, done in the style of cinéma vérité. Info on Chronicle of a Summer / IMDB / YouTube

During World War II, French commandos join forces with a German officer in order to survive the African desert. Look into Taxi for Tobruk / IMDB / YouTube

While King Richard is away at the Crusades, some Nottingham nobles and their Sheriff plot to confiscate estates of fallen Crusaders but Robin Hood and Maid Marian foil their plan. Find out about Sword of Sherwood Forest / IMDB / YouTube

In 13th century Italy, Francis Bernardone, the son of an Assisi merchant, renounces a promising army career in favor of a monastic life and starts his own religious order, sanctioned by the Pope. Learn about Francis of Assisi / IMDB / YouTube

Twin brothers revolt against tyranny in pre-Roman Italy and then come to a parting of the ways as they lead their people toward the founding of a new city. Check out Duel of the Titans / IMDB / YouTube

King Saul of the Israelites is visited in Jerusalem by the Prophet Samuel who foretells him that a war with The Philistines is inevitable and the shepherd David will become king. Get info on David and Goliath / IMDB / YouTube

During the Cold War in the 1960s the U.S.A.F. and NASA tested the experimental rocket-powered aircraft X-15 that set altitude and speed records and reached the edge of outer space. Details on X-15 / IMDB / YouTube

Biopic of Constantine the Great, set between 293-312 AD, from his days as Tribune to his accession as Roman Emperor of Gaul under the tetrarchy system and ending with his battle against the usurper Roman Emperor Maxentius in Rome. Get info on Constantine and the Cross / IMDB / YouTube

During the 1956 Hungarian uprising, an American mercenary is hired to smuggle a Hungarian resistance leader out of Soviet-occupied Budapest. See more about The Secret Ways / IMDB / YouTube

How Italy's historic national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi led a military campaign known as Expedition of the Thousand in 1860 and conquered Sicily and Naples. Explore Garibaldi / IMDB / YouTube

An amateur short film which retells the Hungarian revolution of 1956. Get info on The Forgotten Faces / IMDB / YouTube

During the Mongol invasion of Poland, a conflict between Mongol Emperor Genghis Khan and his oldest son Ogotai ensues when the former aims for peace and the latter itches for war and conquest. Details on The Mongols / IMDB / YouTube

In the 5th century BC, rival kingdoms Rome and Alba entrust their fate to a duel to death between their respective chosen champions, the 3 Orazi brothers for Rome and the 3 Curiazi brothers for Alba. See more about Duel of Champions / IMDB / YouTube

Re-enacted true story of successful assault by Nazis, posing as Poles, on a German border radio station so that Hitler could justify thereby his invasion of Poland. Explore The Gleiwitz Case / IMDB / YouTube

The story of Hadji Murad, a 19th-century Chechen chieftain who led his warriors in a fight against the invading forces of the Russian Czar. Look into The White Warrior / IMDB / YouTube