In this unit I explore some strategies and many reasons for the use of films in an eighth grade United States History class. “History Through Movies: The United States” attempts to put forth several cogent reasons for introducing movies into one’s curriculum. Our students spend a great deal of time watching movies and television, and, even if we do not care for that medium or if we feel that traditional ways are better, it would be a dereliction of our duties as educators to turn a blind eye to such a large part of our students’ lives. Furthermore, only through tackling the challenge head on will we put to rest the stigma of showing movies during class time. We teachers are all too aware that movies have long been used as a crutch by second-rate members of our profession. Well no more! Embrace with me the possibilities of film! Read along as I put six “historical” movies to the test. Find out how you too can shape the curriculum to wring the most out of what Hollywood has to offer. Let us arm today’s students with the critical weaponry needed to cut through movie industry misconceptions to reach the truth. They will thank us for having given them a skill which will be used more than almost any other throughout their lifetime.