Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
The Mayflower Pilgrims: Behind The Myth
TITLE DETAILS

The Mayflower Pilgrims: Behind The Myth

2016-11-27 · 60 min · Not rated

Drama · Documentary

The voyage of the Mayflower in 1620 has come to define the founding moment of America, celebrated each year at Thanksgiving. A lavish new drama documentary by Ric Burns, based on governor William Bradford's extraordinary eye-witness account, the Mayflower Pilgrims reveals the grim truth behind their voyage across the Atlantic. The Pilgrims story has come to define the founding moment of America and all it stands for. Celebrated each year at Thanksgiving, it is remembered as a pious crusade aimed at founding a Puritan paradise. However their journey from a harsh, often violent part of England to a colony assured of survival less than ten years later is also one of wealth, cruelty, and entrepreneurial genius.

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Ric Burns
Production companies
CTVC
Countries
United Kingdom
Status
Released

Top Cast

Rebecca GethingsRebecca GethingsNarrator - (Voice)
Roger ReesRoger ReesWilliam Bradford (Adult)
Jos BrownWilliam Bradford (Adolescent)
Josh WebbWilliam Bradford (Child)
James ThorneJohn Robinson
Matthew JureWilliam Brewster
Howard LeeHoward LeeRichard Clyfton

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Availability not listed for this country.

Recommendations

Van Gogh: Painted with Words
★ 7.3
Van Gogh: Painted with Words2010Drama · Documentary

A drama-documentary presented by Alan Yentob, with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. Every word spoken by the actors in this film is sourced from the letters that Van Gogh sent to his younger brother Theo, and of those around him. What emerges is a complex portrait of a sophisticated, civilised and yet tormented man.

Ten Minutes Older: The Trumpet
★ 6.8
Ten Minutes Older: The Trumpet2002Drama · Documentary

Ten Minutes Older is a 2002 film project consisting of two compilation feature films entitled The Trumpet and The Cello. The project was conceived by the producer Nicolas McClintock as a reflection on the theme of time at the turn of the Millennium. Fifteen celebrated film-makers were invited to create their own vision of what time means in ten minutes of film.

All That Breathes
★ 6.9
All That Breathes2022Drama · Documentary

Against the darkening backdrop of New Delhi's apocalyptic air and escalating violence, two brothers devote their lives to protecting one casualty of the turbulent times: the bird known as the black kite.

The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story
★ 7.3
The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story2019Documentary

A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.

Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee
★ 6.6
Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee2016Drama · Documentary

The strange story of John McAfee, who went from millionaire software mogul to yogi, Kurtz-like jungle recluse to potential murderer, and most recently a prospective presidential candidate for the American Libertarian Party.

Deliver Us from Evil
★ 7.2
Deliver Us from Evil2006Documentary

Documentary filmmaker Amy Berg investigates the life of 30-year pedophile Father Oliver O'Grady and exposes the corruption inside the Catholic Church that allowed him to abuse countless children. Victims' stories and a disturbing interview with O'Grady offer a view into the troubled mind of the spiritual leader who moved from parish to parish gaining trust ... all the while betraying so many.

David Byrne's American Utopia
★ 7.5
David Byrne's American Utopia2020Documentary

A filmed version of David Byrne's Broadway show, a unifying musical celebration that inspires audiences to connect to each other and to the global community.

Sherman's March
★ 6.3
Sherman's March1986Documentary

Documentarian Ross McElwee originally set out to make a travelogue of sorts tracing General William T. Sherman's infamous scorched-earth march through the Confederacy in the latter stages of the Civil War. Instead, haunted by a recent breakup with a girlfriend, McElwee ends up documenting his progress -- or lack thereof -- in starting a new relationship. His journey then becomes one of self-reflection and self-discovery rather than a historical/sociological exploration.

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)
★ 8.4
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)2026Documentary

Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.

Roger Waters: Us + Them
★ 7.8
Roger Waters: Us + Them2019Documentary

Filmed in Amsterdam on the European leg of his 2017 – 2018 Us + Them tour which saw Waters perform to over two million people worldwide, the film features songs from his legendary Pink Floyd albums (The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Animals, Wish You Were Here) and from his last album, Is This The Life We Really Want?

David Bowie: Five Years
★ 7.5
David Bowie: Five Years2013Documentary

Featuring a wealth of previously unseen archive, this film looks at how Bowie continually evolved: from Ziggy Stardust to the Soul Star of Young Americans, to the ‘Thin White Duke’. It explores his regeneration in Berlin with the critically acclaimed album Heroes, his triumph with Scary Monsters and his global success with Let’s Dance. With interviews with all his closest collaborators, David Bowie - Five Years presents a unique account of why Bowie has become an ‘icon of our times’.

Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God
★ 7.3
Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God2012Documentary

Alex Gibney explores the charged issue of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, following a trail from the first known protest against clerical sexual abuse in the United States and all way to the Vatican.

Chadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King
★ 8.1
Chadwick Boseman: A Tribute for a King2020Documentary

A tribute to Chadwick Boseman, celebrating his life and legacy.

The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
★ 7.5
The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance2019Documentary

Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.

Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream
★ 7.7
Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream2013Documentary

Life Is But a Dream is a HBO documentary about the life of US singer Beyoncé Knowles during the years 2011 and 2012 and on the recording of her fifth album. The film was directed by Beyoncé herself. The film shows Beyoncé from intimate moments of her pregnancy to behind the scenes and rehearsals of the main concerts of that time.

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)
★ 7.8
OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)2022Documentary

Grammy® winner singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her debut album “SOUR,” to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow Olivia along on a cinematic journey exploring the story of “SOUR.”

Tyson
★ 6.8
Tyson2008Drama · Documentary

Director James Toback takes an unflinching, uncompromising look at the life of Mike Tyson--almost solely from the perspective of the man himself. TYSON alternates between the controversial boxer addressing the camera and shots of the champion's fights to create an arresting picture of the man.

The Up in Smoke Tour
★ 7.7
The Up in Smoke Tour2000Documentary

The Up in Smoke Tour is a West Coast hip hop tour in 2000 featuring artists Ice Cube, Eminem, Proof, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, D12, MC Ren, Westside Connection, Mel-Man, Tha Eastsidaz, Doggy's Angels, Devin The Dude, Warren G, TQ, Truth Hurts and Xzibit.

Spider-Man 2: Making the Amazing
★ 6.7
Spider-Man 2: Making the Amazing2004Documentary

A comprehensive 12-part documentary on the making of "Spider-Man 2," covering everything from pre-production to premiere.

Life in a Day
★ 7.2
Life in a Day2011Drama · Documentary

A documentary shot by filmmakers all over the world that serves as a time capsule to show future generations what it was like to be alive on the 24th of July, 2010.

Similar titles

The Pope's Toilet
★ 7.1
The Pope's Toilet2007Drama

In 1998, a small South American village is in a flurry over the Pope's upcoming visit for the business opportunities that it will provide. While most of the residents plan to sell food at the parade, a smuggler family man decides to build a pay toilet.

The Pilgrims
★ 7.7
The Pilgrims2015Documentary

Arguably one of the most fateful and resonant events of the last half millennium, the Pilgrims journey west across the Atlantic in the early 17th century is a seminal, if often misunderstood episode of American and world history. The Pilgrims explores the forces, circumstances, personalities and events that converged to exile the English group in Holland and eventually propel their crossing to the New World; a story universally familiar in broad outline, but almost entirely unfamiliar to a general audience in its rich and compelling historical actuality. Includes the real history of the "first thanksgiving".

Journey Into the Unknown: William Bradford And The Pilgrim Fathers
★ 10.0
Journey Into the Unknown: William Bradford And The Pilgrim Fathers2008Documentary

For many Americans, the journey of the Mayflower symbolizes the birth of their nation. To this day, the Pilgrim Fathers are a glorified symbol of American virtue. In search of autonomy and with the desire to preserve their cultural identity, a group of English Puritans left their Dutch refuge in 1620 to set off for the New World. That voyage is not just a tale of a religious community bravely going their own way; the events of those days would have a major impact on the course of modern history. The rules and regulations of the Mayflower Compact that the Pilgrim Fathers, religious sectarians, abided by, became the secular prototype for the constitution of the United States of America; a social contract that would serve as an example for many other national constitutions during the European age of civil society and thereafter.

The Way
★ 7.1
The Way2010Drama

When his son dies while hiking the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the Pyrenees, Tom flies to France to claim the remains. Looking for insights into his estranged child’s life, he decides to complete the 500-mile mountain trek to Spain. Tom soon joins up with other travelers and realizes they’re all searching for something.

Beato, el Origen del Xacobeo
Not rated
Beato, el Origen del Xacobeo2023Documentary

I'm Off Then
★ 6.2
I'm Off Then2015Drama

Based on the book "Ich bin dann mal weg" by Hape Kerkeling where the author describes his journey on the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage route, and the people he encounters there.

Wonder of the Century
Not rated
Wonder of the Century2019Documentary

The Estrogen Gospel
Not rated
The Estrogen Gospel2024Drama

A young transgender woman takes a hike through the English countryside in an attempt to resolve her spiritual crisis - but an ancient evil strives to ensure that she never completes her journey.

The Pilgrim's Ballad
★ 10.0
The Pilgrim's Ballad2025Drama

A religious man becomes fearful of not being accepted into heaven after a priest discovers his secret

Pilgrim
Not rated
Pilgrim2024Drama

43 Days Never Experienced Before
Not rated
43 Days Never Experienced Before2023Documentary

Monks embark on a life-or-death pilgrimage retracing Buddha's sacred journey across 1,167km of India—can they survive the perilous path to his birthplace and beyond?

Chemins de vie
★ 7.0
Chemins de vie2020Documentary

At nearly 30 years old, Pauline left her stressful life in Paris and started walking with nothing but her backpack, on the path to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Embarking on a four month long journey, she traveled over 2000 kilometers on foot from her native town of Strasbourg, France, meeting pilgrims from across the world along the road and asking them what made them go on this adventure. Whether it was a desire to reconnect with their inner selves, a desire to challenge themselves, or even as a spiritual quest : every path is unique. This documentary discusses a generation of pilgrims and their needs to review their everyday habits, to discover the unknown and experiencing the magic of life.

El Camino
Not rated
El Camino2023Documentary

Pilgrim
★ 5.9
Pilgrim2019

In an attempt to remind her family of their privilege and help them bond, Ms. Anna Barker invites Pilgrim reenactors to stay with them over Thanksgiving. When the “actors” refuse to break character, the Barker family learns that there is such a thing as too much gratitude.

The Pilgrim
★ 6.9
The Pilgrim1923

The Tramp is an escaped convict who is mistaken as a pastor in a small town church.

Abigail & Mary vs. The Puritan Agenda
Not rated
Abigail & Mary vs. The Puritan Agenda

After a misinformed prayer brings Abigail's ancestor from 1650, Mary, to the modern day, the pair must find a way to send the pilgrim back to colonial times before Abigail’s graduation later that day.

Unsettled
Not rated
Unsettled2005

In 158 a group of English settlers landed near present-day North Carolina. These pilgrims expected wealth and prosperity from the untouched land but instead received famine and hyperthermia. Their eventual fate has been unknown until now.

Nick's Thanksgiving Fest
Not rated
Nick's Thanksgiving Fest1989

Two segments (“Thanksgiving Nightmare” and “Thanksgiving Dreams”) and several mini segments explore the traditions, fun, and excitement of the holiday of Thanksgiving.

Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure
★ 6.7
Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure1979

In 1620, the Assembly of the Pilgrims decides to emigrate to the young America because of the persecution they suffer by the English crown. The film tells the adventurous journey of the Pilgrims to an unknown land and future.

Poster unavailable
★ 7.0
Le comte Ory2013

Cecilia Bartoli stars in this ebullient Zurich Opera House production of Rossini’s first French-language comedy opera described by the international press as “pure, unadulterated fun” and reminds us of her comic gifts and her naturalness as a stage actor — as well as her total sympathy with the music of Rossini.

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.