Netflix is only days away from losing a lot of great films, but Braveheart is the one underrated movie you need to catch before it leaves in March 2026.
It may seem like a misnomer to call an Oscar-winning film “underrated,” but it was snubbed in some of the most important categories.
Director and star Mel Gibson poured his heart and soul into this historical epic, which still looks great over three decades after its release.
But if you need more convincing, Watch With Us is sharing the three reasons you need to watch Braveheart on Netflix before the end of February.
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Mel Gibson Gives One of His Best Performances
Mel Gibson in Braveheart. 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved. Courtesy: Everett Collection. (image upgraded to 11.6″ x 17.1″)
Gibson earned two Oscars for Braveheart: Best Director and Best Picture. However, the Academy Awards snubbed Gibson in the Best Actor category, making it one of the few Best Picture winners without any acting nominations at all. Regardless, this film features Gibson at his peak. His version of William Wallace may be exaggerated, but he’s a compelling figure, and it’s almost impossible to take your eyes off him in this film.
It’s not as if Gibson’s other cinematic characters lacked charisma, but Wallace comes off as a man anyone could follow into battle. He’s heartfelt, occasionally profane and even funny at times. There’s also a clear sense of purpose in Wallace that his other allies lack. Wallace is willing to give his life for Scottish independence, even in the face of impossible odds and soul-crushing betrayals that may doom the revolution.
The Historical Action Is Incredible
The story of Braveheart is based on the First War of Scottish Independence in the 13th century. Many of those events have passed into legend, but Braveheart breathed new life into them with its thrilling action scenes. The film doesn’t dip into fantasy like The Lord of the Rings films, and the combat between armies is brutal in every way possible.
Gibson reportedly had to tone down the action to avoid an NC-17 rating, but the impact of these battles is still intense in the theatrically released R-rated cut. Other historical epics are even bloodier than Braveheart, but this is a film where the action isn’t just a dazzling set of visuals — it’s an important part of the main character’s quest.
‘Braveheart’ Is Still Inspiring Decades After Its Release
In 2008, an article in The Guardian said, “regardless of whether you read English or Scottish historians on the matter, Braveheart still serves up a great big steaming haggis of lies.” It’s true that Braveheart is far from historically accurate, but that salty response from The Guardian tends to come from the British. The film doesn’t have any honorable English characters, and it portrays that side of the conflict as irredeemable tyrants.
But in terms of a standalone movie, few films have ever been more rousing than this one. There’s something universal about the outrage of William Wallace and his desire for freedom at all costs. If you want real history, turn on the History channel — if you can find a show that doesn’t have aliens shoehorned into it. If you want a film that will stay with you long after you’re done watching it, Braveheart is the movie you need to catch on Netflix before the beginning of March.
Braveheart is streaming on Netflix through February 28.