56 Period Drama Films: The Tudor Era

In medieval France, Richard Courtois, a young lawyer seeking a peaceful life, becomes involved in a complicated world of romance and politics when he moves to the countryside. His new life changes when he's asked by the mysterious gypsy Samira…

In 16th-century southern France, the peaceful life of newlyweds Martin Guerre and Bertrande de Rols in the village of Artigat is shattered when Martin disappears after being accused of theft. Years later, a man claiming to be Martin returns. The…

This period drama centers on the passionate relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and a man driven by ambition to become King of England. The story unfolds in the opulent world of Tudor England, exploring their complicated romance and the power…

In 18th-century Venice, Veronica, a beautiful but poor woman, desires the affection of Marco Venier, an aristocrat. Her mother, Paola, encourages Veronica to become a courtesan – a sought-after companion for wealthy and powerful men – to gain financial security…

The small, independent duchy of Ferrara sits between Rome, controlled by Casare Borgia, and Venice. Borgia intends to conquer Venice by taking control of Ferrara. He stages the murder of his sister's husband to frame Alfonso D'Este, the ruler of…

This historical drama follows William Shakespeare as he's pressured to finish his new play, "Romeo and Ethel, The Pirate's Daughter," before it's ready. While racing against time, he meets a noblewoman named Viola, and their romance becomes the heart of…

In 16th-century Ukraine, Cossack warriors fight to protect their homeland from the Polish army's advance.

In 17th century England, Lord Whitman relentlessly hunts for witches, casting a shadow over nearby villages. Driven by fear and prejudice, his pursuit inflicts hardship on innocent people. But one victim uses occult powers to exact revenge, cursing Whitman's family.…

Abel Gance directs this 1935 classic, a sweeping tale of the Borgia family. It focuses on Lucrezia Borgia, her brother Cesare, and their father, Pope Alexander VI – rulers of one of history's most ruthless and ambitious crime dynasties.

In the early 1500s, Martin Luther, a German monk with strong ideals, becomes increasingly troubled by the church's focus on wealth. He initiates a conversation that sparks the Protestant Reformation.

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…

King Henry, determined to divorce Queen Katherine and marry Anne Boleyn, clashes with the Catholic Church. Cardinal Wolsey, the King's influential Lord Chancellor, tries to persuade the Pope to grant Henry's wish, but the royal court becomes filled with political…

Venice, 1596. Bassanio asks his friend Antonio, a wealthy merchant, for a large loan to court Portia, a very rich heiress. Antonio has his money tied up in overseas investments, so they seek a loan from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender.

This historical drama follows young Tom Canty, who unexpectedly finds himself in an adventure because he looks just like Prince Edward. When the boys switch clothes as a joke, they get separated. This chance meeting dramatically changes both their lives.…

This charming adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy centers on a young woman who falls for a count in 16th century Italy. To be near him, she disguises herself as a man and joins his company. Her plan takes a turn…

"The Other Boleyn Girl" tells the story of Lady Mary Boleyn, a fictionalized portrayal of a woman who becomes King Henry VIII's mistress, initially overshadowed by her sister Anne. After being dismissed from the court, Mary marries a commoner. However,…

In this adaptation of Shakespeare's classic, the villainous Iago cultivates a false friendship with Othello. His aim is to manipulate Othello for personal gain.

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.

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…

"Mihai Viteazul" is a historical epic about Prince Mihai Pătrașcu's efforts to unite Eastern Europe in the 16th century, ultimately leading to the formation of modern Romania. The film follows his reign from 1593 to 1601, depicting major battles, political…

Following her mother's death by execution, young Bess grows up to become England's most celebrated queen: the intelligent and resourceful Queen Elizabeth I. Jean Simmons stars as Bess in this sweeping film, depicting the challenging and perilous years of her…

This is a dramatized biography of William Tyndale, the 16th-century reformer who dedicated his life to translating the Bible into English. His controversial work brought him into conflict with the Catholic Church, Sir Thomas More, and King Henry VIII.

Amidst European political chaos, a battle-hardened soldier named Ettore travels with his men, looking for fights to earn money. They arrive at a Spanish castle under attack by the French army. Ettore studies the situation, considering which side has a…

This is the story of Juana I, Queen of Spain, whose life was marked by tragedy. She was deeply and desperately in love with her husband, Philip the Handsome, Archduke of Austria, but their marriage was plagued by his infidelity.

In 17th century Spain, Diego Alatriste, a courageous soldier serving in the King's army in Flanders, experiences a turning point when his close friend Balboa is gravely wounded. With his dying breath, Balboa asks Diego to care for his son…

Set in 1588 during Queen Elizabeth I's reign, this historical drama follows the decisive defeat of the Spanish Armada. England and Spain are at war, fueled by English raids on Spanish ships carrying treasure from the New World. The film…

In 1547, Fernando de Gama, a young Portuguese adventurer seeking both revenge for his father's murder and fortune, journeys to the East. A devastating storm sinks his ship in the Indian Ocean, leaving him the sole survivor. Washed ashore on…

To secure funding for his ambitious expedition to the New World, Sir Walter Raleigh navigates treacherous political schemes within the royal court, ultimately gaining the Queen's support.

This comedic update of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' follows a group who try to set up the stubborn Benedick and Beatrice. Their witty arguments make it seem impossible, but as a wedding nears, love proves complicated. Don John's schemes…

"The Queen's Heart," an early German film depicting Mary Queen of Scots' turbulent life and death, emphasizes her emotional experiences. The film incorporates songs, primarily sung by the queen herself.

Early in his reign, Tsar Ivan IV of Russia struggles to unite his divided country, facing betrayal from within. As the nobility and those closest to him scheme against him, the young ruler must navigate a complex web of conspiracies…

This is a story of a ruthless family that produced Pope Alexander VI, the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Prince," his ambitious son Cesare Borgia, and the legendary Lucrezia Borgia, known for her cunning.

This drama depicts the consequences of the 1520s Spanish conquest of Mexico, viewed through the eyes of the Aztec people. It examines the resulting shifts in their society, beliefs, and minds, exploring how this historical colonization shaped the Americas and…

This adaptation of "The Prince and the Pauper" tells the story of Edward Tudor, the Prince, and Thomas Canty, a young boy who bears a striking resemblance to him. When Tom flees his abusive father and finds himself in the…

This historical drama follows Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as he ruthlessly climbs the ladder of power in 15th-century England. He forms a disturbing alliance with Mord, a club-footed executioner, and together they systematically eliminate rivals to Richard's ambition. Each killing…

During the Italian Renaissance, this film explores the complicated relationship between Pope Julius II and Michelangelo, a renowned artist. The powerful Pope commissions Michelangelo to sculpt forty statues for his tomb, but then asks him to paint a mural in…

Following the collapse of the Inca Empire, a bold Spanish expedition journeys into the Amazon to find the legendary city of El Dorado. Captain Aguirre leads the men on a dangerous trek through unexplored territory, driven by the hope of…

Driven by an unwavering determination, Christopher Columbus plans a new sea route to the Indies, choosing a westward path instead of the usual eastward one. After facing disappointment from Portugal, he secures support from the Spanish royal court, gaining approval…

The film follows Mary Tudor and her difficult journey to finding love. King Henry VIII arranges for her to marry the King of France for political gain. She attempts to escape to America with the man she loves, but is…

In Shakespearean England, a young poet named Orlando makes a surprising deal with Queen Elizabeth I. She offers him a wealthy estate if he completes a challenging task. The film explores courtly politics and poetic skill as Orlando navigates the…

In August 1572, the Kingdom of France is on the brink of religious war. Princess Marguerite de Valois, a devout Catholic and sister to the king, marries King Henry III of Navarre, a Huguenot. This political union is meant to…

Mary Tudor was a princess, destined to inherit the throne, but her fairytale childhood transformed into a lifelong ordeal. When her father, Henry VIII, divorced her mother and married Anne Boleyn, Mary was cast aside and perceived as a danger…

"1492: Conquest of Paradise" recounts Christopher Columbus's voyage of discovery to the 'New World' and its profound impact on the native peoples. This historical drama, featuring impressive visuals, vividly illustrates the exploration, discovery, and resulting cultural conflicts of the time.…

In 16th century Italy, Petruchio, a hot-headed landowner from Verona, travels to Padua seeking wealth and a wife. Meanwhile, Baptista, a wealthy merchant in Padua, announces that his youngest daughter, Bianca, must wait to marry until his headstrong eldest daughter,…

In 16th-century Europe, a warrior haunted by his violent past seeks redemption by abandoning bloodshed. However, his path to atonement is disrupted when he must fight to rescue a young Puritan woman from a dark and powerful force. He discovers…

Geoffrey Thorpe is a charismatic pirate working for Queen Elizabeth I, raiding Spanish vessels. He captures Dona Maria, a beautiful Spanish royal, and they fall in love.

In 1458, five years after Constantinople fell to the Turks, eighteen cardinals gather to choose a new pope. Eighteen-year-old Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia discovers a perilous power struggle.

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…

Phyllida Lloyd's film adaptation of Benjamin Britten's opera, originally composed for the Queen's coronation in 1953, is now considered a major work by the composer. Paul Daniel conducts the English Northern Sinfonia, featuring a cast inspired by powerful performances from…

This historical drama explores the difficult relationship between King Henry VIII and his advisor, Sir Thomas More. More, a devout Catholic and family man, is forced to choose between loyalty to the crown and his faith when he's required to…

After King Henry VIII dies, England faces instability as his young son, Edward, is dying. To ensure the country stays Protestant, the shrewd John Dudley arranges a marriage between his son, Guildford, and Lady Jane Grey. Dudley plans to put…

In 1587 Ireland, Hugh O'Donnell becomes the new prince of Donegal and aims to unite the country for war against England. However, he is kidnapped and imprisoned by the Viceroy of Ireland, who demands a ransom for his release –…

Danielle, a lively young woman, is forced into servitude after her father's death. Her cruel stepmother, Rodmilla, makes Danielle do all the housework and pushes her eldest daughter to marry a prince. But everything changes when Danielle meets Prince Henry,…

The second film in Sergei Eisenstein's epic trilogy follows Ivan the Terrible as he struggles to solidify his power in 16th-century Russia. The Czar faces growing resistance from the Russian boyars, powerful nobles who see him as a danger to…

"Teppan" is a touching Japanese television drama that aired on NHK from 2010 to 2011 as their 83rd Asadora series. The story follows Miori Takimoto, a rising actress who plays a young woman raised in Onomichi by adoptive parents. After…

This historical drama explores the political intrigue of Tudor England as Henry VIII strives to divorce Katharine of Aragon and secure his place in history. Katharine faces betrayal with dignity, her strength contrasting with the allure of Anne Boleyn, who…