80 Historical Period Drama Films

Set in 19th century China, the film explores the enduring friendship of two girls. They create a secret code to navigate the strict societal expectations placed upon women.

In 1890, Marie challenges tradition by becoming the first woman to work as a glassblower in the small German town of Lauscha. Her glass ornaments unexpectedly find popularity in America, opening up a new market for her craft.

This is the story of Abraham Lincoln's challenging last months as President. As the country grapples with civil war and a nation shifting towards change, Lincoln works to bring an end to the conflict, reunite the nation, and abolish slavery.…

During a riot in Belfast, a young British soldier becomes separated from his unit and must fight to find his way back to safety.

Poland, 1945. Mathilde, a young French doctor with the Red Cross, travels to aid war survivors. She's asked for help at a convent where several nuns are hiding, pregnant and struggling with their faith. Mathilde becomes their last chance.

The film explores the complicated relationship between Antonio Salieri, a disciplined composer known for his precise work, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a wildly talented artist who lived a carefree life. As Mozart's fame grows, Salieri becomes increasingly jealous of the…

Following a difficult childhood, Jane Eyre becomes a governess. She finds contentment at Thornfield Hall, where she encounters Mr. Rochester, the estate's reserved and intense owner. Jane and Mr. Rochester develop a close friendship, and Jane falls in love with…

Dido Elizabeth Bell, born out of wedlock to a Royal Navy admiral and of mixed race, becomes a key figure in the movement to end slavery in England.

In Stalinist-era Soviet Russia, a former MGB agent, now in disgrace, is assigned to investigate a string of child murders. The investigation gradually reveals links to the highest levels of the Communist Party.

This drama tells the story of New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison and his determined effort to find the truth about President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The film unfolds during a time of political tension and national grief, depicting Garrison's…

This film tells the story of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham factory. It focuses on the female workers who went on strike to protest unequal treatment based on their gender.

This is the true story of William Wilberforce and his determined fight to abolish the British slave trade. He faces strong opposition, but his clergyman encourages him to persevere.

Set in Roman Egypt, this historical drama explores the connection between philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria and Davus, her slave. Davus finds himself conflicted as he grapples with his feelings for Hypatia and the potential for freedom offered by the growing…

In pre-World War II northern Australia, an English aristocrat inherits a vast ranch and must team up with a local stockman to defend it from a planned seizure. Together, they drive 2,000 cattle across harsh terrain when they are caught…

Henry, an American news correspondent, and Teresa, a censor for the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War, find their lives intertwined.

A survivor of the infamous "Death Railway" during World War II embarks on a quest to locate those who inflicted unimaginable torture upon him. Based on a true story.

As the Berlin Wall falls, Alex Kerner's mother awakens from a coma. A staunch communist, she must now be shielded from the news of the wall's collapse to prevent a potentially fatal heart attack.

This is a look at the life of the controversial Black activist and key figure in the fight for Black liberation. Facing a low point during his imprisonment in the 1950s, he embraced the Black Muslim faith and rose to…

In 1937, during the Japanese occupation of China, young British journalist George Hogg teams up with a brave Australian nurse to rescue a group of orphaned children.

During the religious wars of 16th-century France, Marie de Mézières, a beautiful young noblewoman, is deeply in love with Henri de Guise. However, she is betrothed to the Prince of Montpensier. The story unfolds within the backdrop of the French…

This historical adventure follows Aramis, Athos, and Porthos as they reunite with D'Artagnan. The formidable swordsmen haven't fought together in a while, but King Louis XIV's oppressive rule forces them to come back together. Driven by his hunger for power,…

At the 1972 Munich Olympics, eleven Israeli athletes are captured and killed by the Palestinian terrorist organization Black September. In response, the Israeli government assembles a team of Mossad agents to hunt down and eliminate those who carried out the…

This is the story of Kristina, the gifted and flamboyant queen of Sweden, who ascended to the throne at just six years old. She champions modernizing Sweden, but faces opposition from conservative factions who disapprove of her evolving personal life.

The story centers on the complex relationships of the 19th-century writer Friedrich Schiller, caught between two sisters. One sister is his wife, while the other is tasked with writing his biography. This creates a tangled love triangle between them.

Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" follows Redmond Barry, an adventurous young Irishman who uses his intelligence to rise from poverty to nobility in 18th century England. He carefully constructs a new identity, shedding his Irish background to become the respected Lord…

Following the upheaval in Iran, an Iranian family seeks refuge in France. This is their story, navigating a tumultuous journey marked by political change, revolution, imprisonment, violence, and tragedy. Yet, amidst it all, it’s surprisingly funny.

Fanny Price is sent to live with her wealthy relatives, the Bertrams, and finds herself largely unwelcome, except by her cousin Edmund. Her life becomes more complicated with the arrival of the charming Mary and Henry Crawford.

In Victorian England, the strong-willed Bathsheba Everdene finds herself pursued by three very different men: Gabriel Oak, a diligent young sheep farmer; Frank Troy, a charming but impulsive Sergeant; and William Boldwood, a wealthy and established bachelor.

Lizzie Borden Took An Ax chronicles the scandal and lasting mystery of Lizzie Borden, who stood trial in 1892 for the axe murders of her parents. The trial captivated the nation, generating widespread sensationalized stories and headlines in newspapers and…

Set in early 1800s England, the determined and calculating orphan Rebecca Sharp climbs the social ladder, rising from a governess to a prominent figure in British high society.

During World War II in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, a Jewish singer goes undercover at the local Gestapo headquarters, working with the Dutch resistance.

Gilda Bessé lives in Paris with Guy Malyon, an Irish schoolteacher, and Mia, a refugee from Spain. As war looms, Gilda continues her pleasure-seeking life and develops her career as a photographer. However, Guy and Mia feel compelled to fight…

In 1910, Elizabeth Thatcher, a refined teacher, is hesitant to leave her familiar life in the city. However, accepting a teaching role in a remote frontier town leads her to discover a new sense of purpose and romance with an…

In Fermanagh, Ireland, during a summer night in 1890, a restless young woman from a wealthy Anglo-Irish family persuades her father's servant to take advantage of her.

In 1972, two journalists begin an investigation that reveals the Watergate scandal amidst a turbulent political climate. They persistently uncover a network of wrongdoing by President Nixon's administration, exposing the truth behind a series of abuses. Their reporting sparks widespread…

Anne Elliot lives with her wealthy but snobbish family as they face financial ruin. Anne is a woman with forward-thinking ideas. Her life changes when Frederick Wentworth, a man she previously rejected, returns. Anne must decide whether to remain focused…

In 19th-century Hawaii, Princess Ka'iulani, raised in England, is committed to protecting her people from powerful American businessmen. Sent to England as a child by her father, she returns to Hawaii as a political force, fighting to keep her throne…

"The War Within: Shanghai's Unyielding Spirit" tells the story of Jamie Graham, an English teenager struggling to survive during the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. Forced into prison camps and separated from his parents, Jamie finds an unexpected ally in a…

This film chronicles Nelson Mandela's life, starting with his childhood in a rural village and following him to his inauguration as South Africa's first democratically elected president.

Teenage Victoria, the sole heir to the English throne, finds herself navigating complex family politics. Her mother pressures her to sign a document granting regency powers, while her Belgian uncle plots a marriage between Victoria and Prince Albert, a union…

In late 19th century Ireland, Albert Nobbs faces hardship as a woman is expected to be dependent. To find work as a butler in Dublin's finest hotel, Albert disguises herself as a man. While there, she meets a charming painter…

This is a lush story of secrets, love, and deceit, unfolding during a pivotal period in European history. Two stunning sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, are caught in a rivalry for the affection of King Henry VIII, a man known…

Nicholas Nickleby, a young man hoping for a better future, fights to protect his family and friends from the cruel and greedy actions of his uncle.

Fanny Price, a lively young woman, is sent to live with her wealthy cousins on their large estate to learn how to behave in high society. Surrounded by luxury, Fanny’s quick wit and cheerful personality start to change the way…

Set in the 1950s, the story follows young Eilis Lacey as she faces a difficult decision between two men and the contrasting worlds of Ireland and New York.

Facing financial hardship, young Jane Austen is expected by her parents to marry Lady Gresham's wealthy nephew. However, Jane realizes this marriage would stifle her spirit and artistic identity. She develops a connection with Tom Lefroy, an engaging but impoverished…

Set in Victorian London, this drama tells the story of a man with severe disfigurement who is rescued from a life as a sideshow attraction by a kind surgeon. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, the film reveals…

This semi-biographical film tells the story of Yip Man, the martial arts grandmaster who popularized Wing Chun. Set in Foshan during the 1930s and 1940s, amidst the Second Sino-Japanese War, the film follows Ip Man's life. Directed by Wilson Yip…

A woman embarks on a search for her son, who was separated from her as a child when she was compelled to enter a convent.

A ruthless gang, headed by a corrupt property tycoon, aims to seize control of the city. Master Ip is compelled to fight back against their power grab.

This historical drama follows Queen Elizabeth I as she comes into power, showing her growth from a young ruler dealing with political schemes to a confident leader. The film highlights the constant pressure from her advisors to marry for political…

As Queen Elizabeth faces threats from treacherous family members and a Spanish invasion, she and her perceptive advisor must work together to protect her kingdom.

Approaching her fortieth birthday, Jane Austen remains unmarried. When her niece Fanny asks for her help in choosing a suitable husband for the young woman, the aging spinster begins to reflect on her own life and the reasons behind her…

Lady Susan Vernon, a charming but manipulative woman, goes to live with her in-laws to avoid gossip about her past and to arrange marriages for herself and her daughter. Her plans are disrupted by two attractive young men: the handsome…

Set in colonial French Indochina from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, the film follows Éliane Devries and her adopted daughter Camille. The growing Vietnamese nationalist movement creates a tense backdrop for their lives. Éliane, a French plantation owner,…

The film explores the complex emotional relationship between painter Dora Carrington and writer Lytton Strachey. Despite Strachey's known homosexuality, he is drawn to Dora's enigmatic personality, leading to a deep and lasting friendship with romantic feelings. As Dora develops feelings…

A young woman's fascination with dramatic Gothic stories causes confusion and misinterpretations in her romantic relationships.

In 1942, Friedrich Weimer's boxing talent earns him a place at a National Political Academy, a school designed to groom future Nazi leaders. Against his father’s wishes, Friedrich enrolls. During his time there, he experiences bullying, brutality, and the strict…

During the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, Desmond T. Doss, an American Army medic, refuses to take a life on religious grounds. He becomes the first conscientious objector in U.S. History to be awarded the Congressional Medal of…

In the early 1960s, Irish Commandant Pat Quinlan commands his troops in a tense standoff against French and Belgian mercenaries in the Congo.

After Algeria gained independence in 1962, poet and radio host Jean Sénac remained in his homeland. A decade later, the authorities monitored the outspoken artist, whose poems resonated with a wide audience and whose radio show was popular with young…

The Monuments Men is a true story about a remarkable mission during World War II. A team of unlikely heroes – museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians – risked everything to save priceless works of art from Nazi…

Against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth I's reign and the Essex Rebellion, the story explores the theory that Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare's plays.

An arranged marriage takes Ada and her independent daughter to the remote landscapes of 19th-century New Zealand. There, Ada clashes with her dominant husband while also finding herself drawn to a strong, outdoorsy frontiersman, sparking a dangerous attraction.

Following injury in Africa during World War II, Nazi Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg returns to Germany and joins the Resistance. He participates in a risky plot to establish a new government and assassinate Adolf Hitler. As the plan progresses, von…

Anna Tsuchiya stars as an oiran, a highly respected geisha in the pleasure district of Yoshiwara during the Edo period. She must skillfully maneuver through the complex social dynamics of the brothel while desperately trying to maintain her relationship with…

A young queen develops feelings for her royal physician, and together they ignite a revolution that fundamentally alters their country.

In the early 1900s, a young woman growing up on a Scottish farm navigates the complexities of adulthood.

In Imperial Russia, Anna Karenin travels to Moscow to see her brother. There, she encounters the captivating cavalry officer Vronsky and is instantly drawn to him. However, pursuing a relationship of this nature poses a severe threat to a woman's…

The King's Speech is the story of Prince Albert, who becomes King George VI, father to Queen Elizabeth II. When his brother steps down, Albert ('Bertie') unexpectedly inherits the throne. Struggling with a severe stutter and deemed unready to rule,…

For nearly 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover shaped American law enforcement, inspiring both fear and respect. Yet, hidden from public view were secrets that threatened to shatter his reputation, end his career, and destroy his life.

During Japanese occupation of Korea, three freedom fighters are tasked with assassinating a brutal military leader and his key accomplice. However, their mission unravels due to betrayals, retaliatory attacks, and a surprising truth from one of the assassins' history.

This historical drama chronicles the remarkable life of Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China. From a privileged upbringing in the Forbidden City, his life takes a dramatic turn. Abdication, hardship, exploitation by the Japanese, and eventual anonymity as a…

This is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering African-American pilots who served in a combat squadron during World War II.

This is the story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, an 18th-century aristocrat who faced public scorn for her lavish lifestyle and involvement in politics.

In 19th-century England, Emma Woodhouse enjoys a privileged life and takes it upon herself to guide the romantic lives of others. Confident in her matchmaking abilities, she overlooks her own lack of romantic experience. Witty and charming, Emma is convinced…

This is a story of love and life within the English aristocracy during the Georgian period. Mr. Bennet, a gentleman in Hertfordshire, lives with his domineering wife and five daughters. However, if he were to die, their home would pass…