List of historical drama films and series set in Near Eastern and Western civilization

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The historical drama or period drama is a film genre in which stories are based upon historical events and famous people. Some historical dramas are docudramas, which attempt an accurate portrayal of a historical event or biography, to the degree that the available historical research will allow. Other historical dramas are fictionalized tales that are based on an actual person and their deeds, such as Braveheart, which is loosely based on the 13th-century knight William Wallace's fight for Scotland's independence.

Due to the sheer volume of films included in this genre and in the interest of continuity, this list is primarily focused on films pertaining to the history of Near Eastern and Western civilization.

For films pertaining to the history of East Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia, please refer also to the list of Asian historical drama films.

Films set in Prehistoric Era

Films set in Ancient Era (3000–500 BC)

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See also: List of films based on Greco-Roman mythology, List of films set in ancient Rome, and List of films based on the Bible
Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
The Bible: In the Beginning... 1966 5500 B.C or before-2000 B.C(according the septuagint bible) Film based on the Bible, starting with the Book of Genesis and ending with Abraham.
Noah 2014 between 3300 B.C or 3200 B.C or before (according the septuagint bible) American epic biblical drama film inspired by the Genesis flood narrative and Noah's Ark in the Book of Genesis.
La Donna dei Faraoni 1961 3100 BC Set shortly after the unification of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt by the First Dynasty of Egypt.
Land of the Pharaohs 1956 2589–2566 BC Based on the reign of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), a member of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt.
Il Sepolcro dei re 1960 2589–2566 BC Based on the reign of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), a member of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt.
Sudan 1945 2558–2532 BC Set during the reign of the pharaoh Khafra (Chephren), a member of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt.
Sodom and Gomorrah 1962 2100 BC A epic film which is loosely based on the tale of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah in the Book of Genesis.
Abraham 1994 2100–2000 BC A television film based on the life of the patriarch Abraham.
The Bible 2013 2100 BC – 67 AD Television miniseries based on the Bible, starting with Abraham.
Mohenjo Daro 2016 2016 BC Filmset in 2016 BC, in the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro. The historical city was one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation, and one of the world's earliest major cities.
Jacob 1994 2000 BC (according to the Hebrew calendar) A German/Italian/American television film based on the novel Giacobbe by Francesco Maria Nappi. The novel is in turn based on the depiction of the patriarch Jacob in the Book of Genesis.
Slave of Dreams 1995 1901–1850 BC Set in Ancient Egypt and based on the story of Joseph, a Vizier depicted in the Book of Genesis. The era of the film's setting corresponds to the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt.
Joseph 1995 1901–1850 BC Set in Ancient Egypt and based on the story of Joseph, a Vizier depicted in the Book of Genesis. The era of the film's setting corresponds to the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt.
The Red Tent (miniseries) 2014 1700-1750 BC Set in The Holy Land during the time of the Old Testament patriarchs of the Book of Genesis. Dinah, the only daughter of Leah and Jacob, chronicles her story from youth through adulthood.
Atlantis: End of a World, Birth of a Legend 2011 1600 BC Docudrama which depicts a re-enactment of the events surrounding the Minoan eruption, a major catastrophic volcanic eruption in the island of Thera (modern Santorini). The historical eruption devastated the island, and communities and agricultural areas on nearby islands and Crete. The event is thought to be connected to a decline and eventual downfall for the Minoan civilization, an incident believed to have inspired the legend of Atlantis.
Nefertiti, Regina del Nilo 1961 1370–1330 BC Set in Ancient Egypt; loosely based on the life of Nefertiti, Great Royal Wife of the Pharaoh Akhenaten. Nefertiti and her husband were members of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, and were ruling figures of the Amarna Period.
The Egyptian 1954 1350 BC Based on the novel The Egyptian by Mika Waltari, who adapted the Story of Sinuhe. The film mentions the pharaoh Akhenaten, the Hittite Empire, and iron technology.
Tut 2015 1332–1323 BC The three-part miniseries is based on the life of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, a member of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt.
The Ten Commandments 1956 1290–1213 BC Set in Ancient Egypt, during the reign of Ramesses II, a member of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. The film is based on the founding narrative of the Exodus, as depicted in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Exodus: Gods and Kings 2014 1290–1213 BC Set in Ancient Egypt, during the reign of Ramesses II, a member of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. The film is based on the founding narrative of the Exodus, as depicted in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
The Prince of Egypt 1998 1290–1213 BC Set in Ancient Egypt, during the reign of Ramesses II, a member of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. The film is based on the founding narrative of the Exodus, as depicted in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Helen of Troy 1956 1250 BC Set in western Anatolia during the Trojan War, largery based on the epic poems Iliad and Odyssey by Homer.
Troy 2004 1250 BC Set in western Anatolia during the Trojan War, loosely based on the epic poem Iliad by Homer.
Iphigenia 1977 1200 BC Set in the port town of Aulis, Greece immediately before the Greek expeditionary force set sails to attack Troy. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, king Agamemnon of Mycenae offers his daughter Iphigenia as a human sacrifice to the goddess Artemis. The film is based on the theatrical play Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides.
The Fury of Achilles 1962 1200 BC Set in western Anatolia in the 9th year of the Trojan War, based on the epic poem Iliad by Homer. King Agamemnon of Mycenae has lost his slave concubine Chryseis, and demands Briseis as a replacement concubine. Briseis is the slave concubine of Achilles, the leader of the Myrmidons, and Achilles feels insulted due to having to give her up to his superior. In retaliation, Achilles refuses to fight or lead his troops alongside the other Greek forces. The Trojans temporarily start gaining an advantage in the ongoing war.
The Trojan Horse 1961 1200 BC Set in western Anatolia in the 10th and final year of the Trojan War.
The Trojan Women 1971 1200 BC Set in the immediate aftermath of the Trojan War, based on the theatrical play The Trojan Women by Euripides. The city of Troy has been sacked and the victors of the war are taking decisions on the fates of surviving captives. The film focuses on the fates of female captives Hecuba, Andromache, Cassandra, and Helen of Sparta. Meanwhile, Astyanax, the underage heir to the Trojan throne and relative of all four women, is scheduled for execution.
The Avenger 1962 early 12th century BC Aeneas struggles to establish a new home-land in the Italian Peninsula for his fellow survivors of the Trojan War. The film is based on the epic poem Aeneid by Virgil, which depicts Aeneas and his Trojan colonists as ancestor of the Romans.
Electra 1962 early 12th century BC Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War in Mycenae, based on the theatrical play Electra by Euripides and the traditional accounts of conflicts within the family of the Atreidai. Agamemnon, King of Mycenae returned victorious from the Trojan War, but was assassinated by his own wife Clytemnestra and by his first cousin Aegisthus (who served as Clytemnestra's lover and a rival claimant to the throne). Years, later Electra (the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra) seeks revenge for her father's murder, by plotting the assassinations of both her mother and her stepfather.
Ulysses 1954 early 12th century BC Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, based on the epic poem Odyssey by Homer. It depicts the ten-year struggle of war veteran Odysseus to return home to the island of Ithaca following the war.
The Odyssey 1997 early 12th century BC Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, based on the epic poem Odyssey by Homer. It depicts the ten-year struggle of war veteran Odysseus to return home to the island of Ithaca following the war.
Samson and Delilah 1949 1118–1078 BC A romantic biblical drama film which depicts the story of Samson, a strongman whose secret lies in his uncut hair, and his love for Delilah, the woman who seduces him. Samson and Delilah are characters in the Book of Judges, where Samson is depicted as the last of the Biblical judges in its narrative, and Delilah as a woman of Nahal Sorek who was bribed by the lords of the Philistines to learn his secrets.
Pharaoh 1966 1069 BC Set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of a fictitious king "Ramses XIII" (there were only 11 kings by that name). The film is based on the novel Pharaoh by Bolesław Prus, and depicts the final years of the historical Twentieth Dynasty of Egypt. Ramses XIII rises to the throne when still in his 20s, following the deaths of his father, and the incapacitating illnesses and (one suicide) of a number of older brothers. Egypt is in decline due to a combination of internal and external threats, and Ramses is pushing for necessary reforms but his efforts are resisted by the powerful, bureaucratic priesthood. Ramses dies young, before accomplishing his goals. His political rival "Herhor" (the historical Herihor) succeeds him on the throne and attempts some of the same reforms, but still fails to rescue Egypt from its decline.
King David 1985 1040–970 BC Set in the Southern Levant, it depicts the life and reign of David, Kings of Israel. Based on the Books of Samuel. David is the supposed founder of the House of David (Davidic line).
A Story of David 1960 1040–970 BC Set in the Southern Levant, it depicts the complex relationship between Saul, Kings of Israel and his son-in-law and eventual successor David. Based on the Books of Samuel, where Saul is depicted as the founder of the Kingdom of Israel.
David and Goliath 1960 1040–970 BC Set in the Southern Levant, focused on the conflict between rival kings Saul and Asrod, and their representatives in champion warfare: David and Goliath of Gath. Based on the Books of Samuel, which depict Achish as a king of Gath who was in conflict with Saul and recruited David to serve in his army.
David and Bathsheba 1951 1040–970 BC Set in the Southern Levant, during the reign of David, Kings of Israel. David is married to Michal, daughter of his predecessor Saul. David has an extramarital affair with Bathsheba, wife of the soldier Uriah the Hittite. Uriah is one of David's Mighty Warriors (a group of soldiers personally loyal to David), but David arranges for Uriah to be killed in battle and then claims Bathsheba as his new wife. Based on the Books of Samuel.
Solomon and Sheba 1959 1011–931 BC Set in the Southern Levant, during the reign of Solomon, Kings of Israel. Solomon forms a political alliance with the Queen of Sheba, becomes a lover of his new ally, and introduces pagan rituals in his kingdom. His exiled half-brother Adonijah offers his military services to Ancient Egypt and leads an Egyptian army in an invasion of Kingdom of Israel. The events of the film are loosely based on narratives from the Books of Kings and the Books of Chronicles. The Books of Kings depict Adonijah and Solomon as sons of David and rival claimants to the throne of Israel, but do not feature Adonijah as loyal to Egypt. Instead, Solomon himself is traditionally depicted as an ally of Egypt and as husband of a Pharaoh's daughter.
Sins of Jezebel 1953 874–853 BC Set in the Southern Levant, during the reign of Ahab, Kings of Israel. The film depicts the reign of the Omrides, based on Books of Kings and the Books of Chronicles. Jezebel, Ahab's queen comsort, is depicted as having an extramarital affair with the military commander Jehu. This contradicts the traditional narrative, where Jezebel never has extramarital affairs and where she is assassinated by Jehu during the coup d'état which elevated him to the throne.
I Am Semiramis 1962 810 BC Set in the Neo-Assyrian Empire, during the reign of semi-legendary queen Semiramis. The legends are in part based on the historical Shammuramat, queen consort of Shamshi-Adad V and regent for her son Adad-nirari III.
King Lear (many adaptations) 1905– 800 BC Celtic Britain
Romolo e Remo 1961 753 BC Based on the story of Romulus and Remus, and the founding of the city of Rome and the Roman Kingdom.
The First King: Birth of an Empire 2019 753 BC Set in the 8th century BC, it is about the shepherd brothers Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome.
Romulus and the Sabines 1961 750 BC Based on the Rape of the Sabine Women, an origin myth for the Roman Kingdom. Shortly after the founding of the kingdom and the start of the reign of Romulus, Rome still lacks a female population and its residents can not reproduce. Romulus organizes bride kidnappings from neighboring people, primarily targeting the Sabines. This leads to a war between the Roman and Sabines, and the eventual assimilation of the Sabines by the Romans.
Duel of Champions 1961 650 BC Based on the Roman legend of the Horatii, set in the reign of Tullus Hostilius. The Roman Kingdom is at war with the city of Alba Longa and the outcome will by decided by champion warfare. Rome sends three brothers from gens Horatia and Alba Longa sends three brothers from gens Curiatia (gens). Publius Horatius emerges as the sole survivor of the combat, and Alba Longa is annexed by the Roman Kingdom.
War Gods of Babylon 1962 627 BC Set in the Neo-Assyrian Empire; focusing largely on Sardanapalus (probably the Greek name for Ashurbanipal, but anachronistically including Zoroaster (11th–10th century BC) and Hammurabi (1792–1750 BC).
Queen of Babylon 1954 600 BC Set in the Neo-Babylonian Empire, depicts Semiramis as a Babylonian queen.
Gautama Buddha 2007 563–483 BC Depicting the life of the Gautama Buddha. Siddhārtha Gautama is a member of the Ikshvaku dynasty, and seeks a solution to human misery and a path for salvation. He redefines the concept of the Dharma (cosmic law and order).
The Beast of Babylon Against the Son of Hercules 1963 539 BC A fictionalized account of the downfall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and its conquest by the Achaemenid Empire under the Cyrus the Great. The cruel Balthazar (Belshazzar) has usurped the Babylonian throne and rules through state terrorism. He systematically offers young women as human sacrifice to his gods. Nippur, a descendant of former king Sargon II, fails to stop the usurper on his own. His life is saved by Zairus (Cyrus the Great) and he agrees to help the Persian king in his campaign to conquer Babylon. The historical Belshazzar was a son of king Nabonidus and served as a regent in his father's absence, but never became a king in his own right. During Cyrus' conquest, Nabonidus was captured and his life apparently spared, but Belshazzar may have died during the fall of the city.[1]
Hero of Rome 1964 509 BC The story combines the Roman legends of Gaius Mucius Scaevola and the expulsion of king Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. In the film, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus has already been deposed, and the Roman Kingdom has been replaced by a Roman Republic. Lars Porsena, King of Clusium wages war against the Republic in an attempt to restore his ally Tarquinius to the throne. The Roman Senate offers the military leadership to Gaius Mucius Scaevola, a recently released prisoner of war whose right hand is permanently disabled. Scaevola trains himself to fight with his left hand, and leads his troops to victory against Lars Porsena.
Coriolanus: Hero without a Country 1964 493 BC The Roman legend of Gaius Marcius Coriolanus. Coriolanus is a Roman general who distinguishes himself in a war between the Roman Republic and the Volsci. When the aristocratic Coriolanus proposes political reforms which will severely reduce the rights of the plebs, most of the Romans turn against him and he is exiled. The vengeful Coriolanus offers his military services to the Volsci, and leads an invasion army against Rome. Coriolanus refuses requests for a peaceful resolution by his former countrymen, but changes his mind when the Romans senf his own mother and his wife as their representatives.

Films set in Classical Era (500 BC–600 AD)

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
La battaglia di Maratona 1959 490 BC Greece: Battle of Marathon
Ester e il re 1960 486–482 BC the biblical story of Esther
One Night with the King 2006 486–482 BC the biblical story of Esther set in the Achaemenid Empire
The 300 Spartans 1961 480 BC Greece: Battle of Thermopylae
300 2007 480 BC Greece: Battle of Thermopylae
300: Rise of an Empire 2014 480 BC Greece: Battle of Salamis
Il tiranno di Siracusa 1961 400 BC Syracuse, Sicily
Brenno il nemico di Roma 1963 387 BC the Gallic sack of Rome
Hercules 2014 358 BC An American action fantasy adventure film based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars which present a realistic and more human version of Hercules.
Alexander the Great 1956 356–323 BC Ancient kingdom of Macedonia and Persia
Alexander 2004 356–323 BC Ancient kingdom of Macedonia and Persia
The Cleopatras 1983 305–30 BC Egypt – The entire Ptolemaic dynasty
Asoka 2001 304–232 BC Ancient India, during early years of the rule of Maurya emperor Asoka
Il Colosso di Rodi 1961 280 BC
Revak the Rebel 1960 218 BC Iberian Peninsula immediately before the Second Punic War
Cabiria 1914 (silent) 218–202 BC during the Second Punic War
Hannibal 1959 218–202 BC during the Second Punic War
Hannibal – Rome's Worst Nightmare 2006 218–202 BC during the Second Punic War
Siege of Syracuse 1960 214–212 BC the Roman Siege of Syracuse during the Second Punic War
Scipio Africanus: The Defeat of Hannibal 1937 202 BC Battle of Zama which ended the Second Punic War
Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire 2006 2nd century BC – 410 From Tiberius Gracchus to the Sack of Rome (410). BBC Docu-drama.
The Centurion 1961 146 BC Battle of Corinth between Rome and the Achaean League
Empire 2005 1st century BC Rome
Julius Caesar 2002 100–44 BC a bio-pic of Julius Caesar, not the Shakespeare play about his death and the aftermath
Burebista 1980 82–44 BC The reign of King Burebista of Dacia(modern day Romania)
Spartaco 1953 73–71 BC the Third Servile War in Rome
Spartacus 1960 73–71 BC the Third Servile War in Rome
Spartacus 2004 73–71 BC the Third Servile War in Rome
Spartacus 2010–2013 73–71 BC the Third Servile War in Rome
Druids 2001 58–51 BC the struggle between Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix in the Gallic Wars
Rome 2005–2007 52–30 BC from the end of the Gallic Wars to the death of Mark Antony and the beginning of the Principate
Imperium: Augustus 2003 49 BC – 14 AD Rome – the life of Augustus, the first emperor
A Queen for Caesar 1962 48 BC Egypt leading up to the arrival of Julius Caesar
Cleopatra 1934 48–30 BC Egypt and Rome – follows her relationships first with Julius Caesar and then with Mark Antony
Cleopatra 1963 48–30 BC Egypt and Rome – follows her relationships first with Julius Caesar and then with Mark Antony
Cleopatra 1999 48–30 BC Egypt and Rome – follows her relationships first with Julius Caesar and then with Mark Antony
Julius Caesar 1953 44–42 BC Shakespeare's play about the death and aftermath of this famous dictator
Julius Caesar 1970 44–42 BC Shakespeare's play about the death and aftermath of this famous dictator
The Caesars 1967 27 BC – 68 AD Rome – the Julio-Claudian dynasty
I, Claudius 1976 12 BC – 54 AD Rome – the reigns and family life of the Julio-Claudians
The Nativity Story 2006 4 BC Judea – The Biblical account of the nativity of Jesus, following the story of Mary and Joseph until the birth of Jesus occurs.
Jesus of Nazareth 1977 4 BC to 30–33 AD Judea – the life of Jesus Christ
Massacre in the Black Forest 1967 9 AD Germany – The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, where the Cherusci ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions.
Ben-Hur 1959 26–30 AD Based on the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace
Ben-Hur 2016 26–30 AD Based on the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace
The Last Temptation of Christ 1988 27–30 AD Judea – the life of Jesus Christ
The Passion of the Christ 2004 33 AD Judea – The final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life
Risen 2016 33 AD Judea – Immediately after Jesus' crucifixion
Barrabas 1961 33–64 Rome – ending reign of Tiberius, the reign of Nero
The Robe 1953 30–36 Rome – ending reign of Tiberius, the beginning of Caligula
Imperium: Saint Peter 2005 33–67 Saint Peter
A.D. The Bible Continues 2015 33–41 Beginning with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, and continues with the first ten chapters of the Book of Acts.
The Inquiry 2006 37 Roman province of Judea shortly after the death of Jesus
Caligula 1979 37–41 Rome – the reign of the third emperor
Demetrius and the Gladiators 1954 41 Ancient Rome – the end Caligula reign
Messalina 1951 41–48 Rome – about the reign of Messalina and Claudius
Messalina 1960 41–48 Rome – about the reign of Messalina and Claudius
Nero 2004 41–68 Rome – spanning the reigns of Claudius and Nero
Britannia 2018–2019 43 Set in AD 43, the series follows the Roman conquest of Britain
St. Thomas 1975 52–72 Rome – low budget Indian film on the missionary work of Thomas the Apostle in India.
Quo Vadis 1951 54–68 Rome during the reign of Nero
Quo Vadis 2001 54–68 Rome during the reign of Nero
Boudica 2003 60 Britain – a rebellion shortly after the area had been conquered by Rome
Pompeii 2014 62–79 Pompeii in the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius
The Sign of the Cross 1932 64 Persecution of the Christians immediately after the Great Fire of Rome
Masada 1981 72–73 Roman province of Judea during the First Jewish–Roman War
Dacii 1967 86–87 Dacia (modern Romania) – Domitian's Dacian War
The Apocalypse 2002 90–96 Rome – Ephesus
Revolt of the Praetorians 1964 96 Rome – the assassination of Domitian
The Column 1968 105–106 the Roman Emperor Trajan conquering Dacia
Centurion 2010 117 Roman Britain – the supposed fate of the Ninth Legion
The Eagle 2011 140 Roman Britain – a young Roman man attempts to find out what happened to his father and the Ninth Legion
The Fall of the Roman Empire 1964 180–192 Rome during the reign of Commodus
Gladiator 2000 180–192 Rome during the reign of Commodus
The Magnificent Gladiator 1964 260–268 Rome during the reign of Gallienus
Sheba and the Gladiator 1959 260–273 Rome and the Palmyrene Empire during the reigns of Aurelian and Zenobia
Sebastiane 1976 288 Rome Low-budget homo-erotic film about Saint Sebastian
Constantine and the Cross 1962 306–312 Rome's first Christian emperor from the death of Constantius Chlorus to the Battle of the Milvian Bridge
Katherine of Alexandria 2012 307 Roman province of Egypt shortly before the legalization of Christianity
Fabiola 1949 312 Rome early in the reign of Constantine I
Mayura 1975 354–365 Kannada film set in Kadamba Dynasty, during the reign of Raja Mayurasharma
Augustine: The Decline of the Roman Empire 2010 354–430 Roman province of Africa – focusing on the life of Augustine of Hippo, and including the Vandal conquest of Carthage
Agora 2009 360–415 Life and death of scientist/philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria and the destruction of the Library.
St. Patrick: The Irish Legend 2000 387–493 Ireland and Roman Britain during the life of Saint Patrick
Roar 1997 400 Ireland – Celtic warriors attempt to repel a fictitious Roman invasion
King Arthur 2004 early 5th century the Roman withdrawal from Britain and the Battle of Mount Badon
Hagbard and Signe 1967 5th century Scandinavia during the Germanic Heroic Age
Arthur of the Britons 1972–1973 5th century Britain after the Roman withdrawal
Sign of the Pagan 1954 406–453 Rome – the Huns conquests and the downfall of the Roman Empire
Attila 1954 406–453 Rome – the Hunnic leader up to his retreat from the Po river
Attila 2001 406–453 Rome – the life and death of the famous Hunnic leader
Revenge of the Barbarians 1960 410 the Visigothic sack of Rome
Die Nibelungen 1924 450 about the Germanic hero Siegfried, his murder, and his widow's vengeance
Die Nibelungen 1967 450 about the Germanic hero Siegfried, his murder, and his widow's vengeance
Ring of the Nibelungs 2004 450 about the Germanic hero Siegfried
The Last Legion 2007 476–490 connecting (in heavily fictionalized fashion) the deposition of the last Roman emperor Romulus Augustus by Odoacer with the Battle of Mount Badon
The Mists of Avalon 2001 late 5th – early 6th centuries heavily fictionalized story of King Arthur
Lovespell 1981 6th century Britain and Ireland – adaptation of the Brythonic legend of Tristan and Iseult
Fire and Sword 1982 6th century Britain and Ireland – adaptation of the Brythonic legend of Tristan and Iseult
Tristan + Isolde 2006 6th century Britain and Ireland – adaptation of the Brythonic legend of Tristan and Iseult
Grendel Grendel Grendel 1981 6th century animated film based on the 1971 novel Grendel, retelling the Anglo-Saxon poem from the monster's perspective
Beowulf & Grendel 2005 6th century Denmark in the Germanic Heroic Age – loose adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf
Grendel 2007 6th century Denmark in the Germanic Heroic Age – very loose adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf
Beowulf 2007 6th century Denmark in the Germanic Heroic Age – loose adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf
Hamlet 1964 6th century Denmark in the Germanic Heroic Age – this is a Russian adaptation of the Shakespeare play based on the Danish legend of Amleth
Prince of Jutland 1994 6th century Denmark in the Germanic Heroic Age – legend of Amleth from the Danish Gesta Danorum
Teodora 1919 500–548 Byzantine empress Theodora
Theodora, Slave Empress 1954 500–548 Byzantine empress Theodora
The Last Roman 1968/1969 526–553 the Ostrogoths' struggle against the Byzantine emperor Justinian I and his generals Belisarius and Narses – adaption of a novel by Felix Dahn
Sword of the Conqueror 1961 567–572 Alboin and the Lombard invasion of Italy
Goliath and the Barbarians 1959 568 the Lombard invasion of Italy
The Message 1976 570–632 Arabian Peninsula – the life of Muhammad
The Messenger of God 2015 570–632 Arabian Peninsula – the life of Muhammad
Omar 2012 595–644 the life of Omar ibn Al-Khattab, one of the companions of Muhammad

Films set in Medieval Era (600–1500)

Early Middle Ages (7th to 10th centuries)

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See also: List of films based on Arthurian legend
Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
681 AD: The Glory of Khan 1981 632–681 epic about the fall of Old Great Bulgaria and the creation of modern-day Bulgaria; focuses on Kanasubigi Asparuh's life
Outlander 2008 709 Loosely based on the 9th-century epic poem Beowulf, adapted to a science-fiction backstory involving a spaceship crashing in Iron Age Norway
Charlemagne, le prince à cheval 1993 768–800 Charlemagne's reign up to his coronation as emperor in 800
Roland the Mighty 1956 778 Roland, a knight of Charlemagne's court who was killed at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass
Vikings 2013– 793–865 Series inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known legendary Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of England and France.
An Ancient Tale: When the Sun Was a God 2003 800 Poland – the death of Popiel and the rise of Piast the Wheelwright
Attack of the Normans 1962 early 9th century set in England during the Viking Age ("Normans" in the title being used in its original continental sense, meaning "Vikings")
Útlaginn 1981 9th century Iceland – adaptation of the saga of Gisli Sursson
Pope Joan 1972 9th–11th century Fictitious medieval legend of a woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to the status of Pope in the Middle Ages.
Pope Joan 2009 814–855 Fictitious medieval legend of a woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to the status of Pope in the Middle Ages.
The Vikings 1958 860s highly fictionalized account of the death of Ragnar Lodbrok and the subsequent invasion of Northumbria by two of his sons
The Last Kingdom 2015– 866–late 9th century Viking Age
Alfred the Great 1969 870–899 England – Alfred the Great, king of Wessex repels the army of Guthrum and begins the unification of England
A Viking Saga 2008 870s Russia – the Rus prince Oleg of Novgorod defeats Askold and Dir
The Conquest 1996 896 Magyar settlement in Hungary
When the Raven Flies 1984 897 Iceland in the Viking Age
Pathfinder 1987 900 Norway – based on a Sami legend
In the Shadow of the Raven 1988 900 Iceland in the Viking Age
White Viking 1991 900 Iceland in the Viking Age
The 13th Warrior 1999 922 blends elements of the historical account of the travels of Ahmad ibn Fadlan (AD 922), the legend of Beowulf (6th century), and the Kurosawa film Seven Samurai
The Castilian 1963 930–970 Ferdinand Gonzalez: an early hero of the Spanish Reconquista
The Viking 2016 970–1016 Kievan Rus' – Vladimir I of Kiev
Gniazdo 1974 972 about Mieszko I of Poland
The Ceremony of Innocence 1970 978–1016 a fictionalized version of the reign of Æthelred the Unready
Prince Vladimir 2006 980–1015 Kievan Rus' – Vladimir I of Kiev
The Long Ships 1964 late 10th century
The Viking Sagas 1995 late 10th, early 11th centuries Iceland – borrows elements from several Icelandic sagas, most notably Laxdœla saga and Njáls saga
The Viking 1928 1000 Leif Ericson and the expedition to North America
Valhalla Rising 2009 1000 Scandinavia and North America in 1000 AD
Severed Ways 2009 1007 North America – two Scandinavians left behind in North America after the settlements made by Leif Ericson were abandoned

Films set in 11th century

Title Release date Time period Setting Notes
El Cid 1961 1040–1099 Spain / Kingdom of Castile Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, an 11th-century Spanish warrior known as El Cid
Macbeth 1971 1050s Scotland Scottish king Mac Bethad mac Findlaích
Macbeth 2015 1050s Scotland Scottish king Mac Bethad mac Findlaích
Lady Godiva of Coventry 1955 1050s England an English noble woman who allegedly rode naked through the streets of Coventry in protest of unfair taxation
1066 The Battle for Middle Earth 2009 1066 England During the Norman conquest
The War Lord 1965 1066–1100 England A knight in the service of a duke goes to a coastal village where an earlier attempt to build a defensive castle has failed.
The Mighty Crusaders 1958 1096–1099 Levant First Crusade
Rytsarskiy roman 2000 1096–1099 Byzantine Empire First Crusade
The Crusaders 2001 1096–1099 Italy and the Levant First Crusade
The Physician 2013 1100 England/Middle East A adventure film based on the novel of the same name by Noah Gordon.

Films set in 12th century

Title Release date Time period Setting Notes
Stealing Heaven 1988 1120 France Peter Abelard and Héloïse
The Pillars of the Earth 2010 1120–1170 England during the civil wars between King Stephen and his cousin Maud
Didgori: Land of Sacrificed Knights 2009 1121 Kingdom of Georgia Battle of Didgori, in which Georgia's king David IV defeated the Seljuks
Destiny 1997 1126–1198 Spain about Averroes, the 12th-century philosopher from Muslim-controlled Andalusia in Spain whose commentaries would become a staple for subsequent generations of students of Aristotle in Europe
The Devil's Crown 1978 1154–1216 England During the reigns of Henry II, Richard I and John
Becket 1964 1155–1170 England archbishop Thomas Becket, once a close personal friend of Henry II
Barbarossa 2009 1176 Northern Italy Battle of Legnano
Arn – The Knight Templar 2007 1179–1187 Kingdom of Jerusalem a Swedish knight is sent to Jerusalem as penance while his lover languishes in a convent
Brother Sun, Sister Moon 1972 1181–1226 Italy Francis of Assisi
Francesco 1989 1181–1226 Italy Francis of Assisi
Francis of Assisi 1961 1182–1226 Italy Francis of Assisi
The Lion in Winter 1968 1183 England Henry II is in power as his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine plots with their sons
The Lion in Winter 2003 1183 England Henry II is in power as his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine plots with their sons
Kingdom of Heaven 2005 1183–1190 Kingdom of Jerusalem events which led to the Third Crusade (the Battle of Hattin and the Siege of Jerusalem)
Soldier of God 2005 1187 Kingdom of Jerusalem a Templar who has survived the Battle of Hattin
Saladin 1963 1187–1192 Levant events leading up to and including the Third Crusade
Arn – The Kingdom at Road's End 2008 1187–1205 The Levant and Sweden following the Battle of Hattin, the knight returns home to Sweden and participates in the civil wars
Richard the Lion-Hearted 1923 1190 Levant based on Sir Walter Scott's The Talisman and set in the Third Crusade
The Adventures of Robin Hood 1938 1190s England During the life of Richard the Lionheart after his release from captivity in 1194
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves 1991 1190s England During the life of Richard the Lionheart after his release from captivity in 1194
King Richard and the Crusaders 1954 1191 Levant While leading the Third Crusade, King Richard Lionheart battles treachery in his own camp as well as the Saracens and their charismatic leader Saladin.
Ivanhoe 1997 1192 England adaptation of the novel by Sir Walter Scott about the English knight who returns from the Third Crusade to find that his name has been falsely slandered
Mongol 2007 1192–1227 Mongolia A film about the early life of Temüjin, who later came to be known as Genghis Khan
The Conqueror 1956 1192–1227 Mongolia A film about the life of Temüjin, who later came to be known as Genghis Khan
Robin Hood 2010 1199 England from the death of Richard the Lionheart until the early reign of King John
Robin and Marian 1976 1199–1201 England from the death of Richard the Lionheart until the early reign of King John

Films set in 13th century

Title Release date Time period Setting Notes
Valley of the Bees 1968 13th century Kingdom of Bohemia
Gates to Paradise 1968 1212 France the ill-fated Children's Crusade
Ironclad 2011 1215 England the siege of Rochester Castle
Eye of the Eagle 1997 1218 Denmark
Ironclad: Battle for Blood 2014 1221 England A survivor of the Great Siege of Rochester Castle fights to save his clan from Celtic raiders. A sequel to the 2011 film, Ironclad.
Alexander Nevsky 1938 1241 North-eastern Europe Prince Alexander Nevsky and the Battle of the Ice
The Black Rose 1950 mid-to-late 13th century China the fictional exploits of a young Englishman who travells to China, falls in love along the way, and manages to return with a formula for gunpowder
Diriliş: Ertuğrul 2014 early-to-late 13th century Anatolia 13th century Turkish warrior Ertuğrul agrees to fight the enemies of Seljuk Sultan Ala ad-Din Kay Qubadh I in exchange for land when a good deed endangers his clan. It centers around the life of Ertuğrul, the father of Osman I, who was the founder of the Ottoman Empire
The Adventures of Marco Polo 1960 1254–1325 China the Italian explorer who traveled to the court of Kublai Khan
Marco Polo 1982 1254–1325 China the Italian explorer who traveled to the court of Kublai Khan
Marco Polo 2014 1254–1325 China the Italian explorer who traveled to the court of Kublai Khan
Herkus Mantas 1972 1260–1273 Prussia the Great Prussian Uprising against the Teutonic Knights during the Northern Crusades
Knights of the Quest 2001 1271 Europe French knights journey to Greece to retrieve the Shroud of Turin
Les Rois maudits 1972 1285–1328 France the later Capetian dynasty and the arrest of the order of the Knights Templar and the seizure of their wealth by the French crown in 1307
Les Rois maudits 2005 1285–1328 France the later Capetian dynasty and the arrest of the order of the Knights Templar and the seizure of their wealth by the French crown in 1307
Braveheart 1995 1296–1305 Great Britain William Wallace, a Scotsman who fought for Scotland's independence in the 1290s
The Virgin Spring 1960 late 13th century Sweden adaptation of the 13th century Swedish ballad, Töres döttrar i Wänge

Films set in 14th century

Title Release date Time period Setting Notes
Kristin Lavransdatter 1995 early-to-mid-14th century Norway
Knightfall 2017–2019 1291–1307 France recounts the success, fall, persecution, and suppression of the Knights Templar
Kings of the Sun 1963 1300s Mexico On the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the Native American tribe of chief Black Eagle clashes with the Mayan tribe of King Balam
Padmaavat 2018 1303 India based on the epic poem Padmavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, Sultan Alauddin Khilji hears of Rani Padmavati's beauty and attacks on Mewar to claim her
Outlaw King 2018 1304–1307 Scotland Robert the Bruce rebels against Edward I's rule over Scotland, thus becoming an "outlaw", depicts the Battle of Loudoun Hill
The Bruce 1996 1305–1314 Scotland Robert the Bruce, who took over the rebellion against Edward "Longshanks" following the death of William Wallace in 1305
Tower of Lust 1955 1314 France Margaret of Burgundy, Queen of France
Cathedral of the Sea 2018 1320–1370 Spain – Barcelona The action takes place in 14th century Barcelona at the height of the city's trade and military power in the Mediterranean, during the construction of Santa Maria del Mar serving as background to the story.
Anchoress 1993 1325 France An anchorite
Journey to Mecca 2009 1325 Middle-East A dramatised documentary film charting the first real-life journey made by the Islamic scholar Ibn Battuta from his native Morocco to Mecca for the Hajj
John Wycliffe: The Morning Star 1984 1325–1384 England the life and teachings of John Wycliffe, the 14th-century English theologian who is often seen as a fore-runner of the Protestant Reformation
The Name of the Rose 1986 1327 Italy set in an Italian monastery
The Name of the Rose 2019 1327 Italy Miniseries set in an Italian monastery. A dispute over the evangelical counsel of poverty between representatives of the Franciscan Order and the Avignon papacy
World Without End 2012 1327-1361 England A sequel to the 2010 miniseries The Pillars of the Earth, set in England during the 1300s
Kazimierz Wielki 1976 1333–1370 Poland Casimir III the Great of Poland
The Decameron 1971 1348 Italy
Black Death 2010 1348 England During the initial outbreak of the plague
The Seventh Seal 1957 1351 Sweden During the initial outbreak of the plague
Du Guesclin 1948 1354–1380 France Bertrand du Guesclin, a Constable of France in the Hundred Years' War
A Knight's Tale 2001 1356 England loose adaptation of The Knight's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer, this tale is partially inspired by the exploits of William Marshall, but set in the 1350s (with mention made to Edward, the Black Prince and the Battle of Poitiers (1356))
A Walk with Love and Death 1969 1358 France near Paris and Meaux Angelica Huston in the turmoil of the Jacquerie
The Dark Avenger 1955 1359 England Edward, the Black Prince
Andrei Rublev 1966 1360–1430 Russia about the life of Andrei Rublev, who was considered to be the greatest medieval Russian painter of icons and frescoes
The Reckoning 2003 1380 England
Mircea 1989 1386–1418 Wallachia Mircea the Elder, who repelled the Ottoman Empire during his reign
Boj na Kosovu 1989 1389 Serbia, Montenegro a battle between Medieval Serbia and the Ottoman Empire
Banović Strahinja 1983 1389 Serbia a battle between Medieval Serbia and the Ottoman Empire
The Canterbury Tales 1972 late 14th century England

Films set in 15th century

Title Release date Time period Setting Notes
Tirante el Blanco 2006 15th century France and Constantinople adaptation of the 1490 romance, Tirant lo Blanc, about a French knight in the service of the Byzantine emperor in campaigns against the Ottoman Turks
The Hollow Crown 2012–2016 1398–1485 England series of films based on Shakespeare's plays depicting the lives of Richard II of England, Henry IV of England, Henry V of England, Henry VI of England, and Richard III of England
12 Paces Without a Head 2009 1401 Baltic Sea medieval German folk-hero Klaus Störtebeker, a pirate captain in the Baltic Sea who was said to have walked 12 paces after being decapitated by officials of the Hanseatic League
The King 2019 1403–1420 England and northern France Henry V of England
Krzyzacy 1960 1406–1410 Central Europe the Battle of Grunwald
Medici 2016–2019 1409–1492 Italy The series follows the Medici family, bankers of the Pope, during Renaissance Florence.
Henry V 1944 1413–1422 England and northern France Henry V of England's wars in France
Henry V 1989 1413–1422 England and northern France Henry V of England's wars in France
The Whore 2010 1414–1415 Germany
Joan of Arc 1948 1429–1431 France Joan of Arc, the French heroine of the Hundred Years' War
Saint Joan 1957 1429–1431 France Joan of Arc, the French heroine of the Hundred Years' War
Joan of Arc 1999 1429–1431 France Joan of Arc, the French heroine of the Hundred Years' War
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc 1999 1429–1431 France Joan of Arc, the French heroine of the Hundred Years' War
Joan the Maiden, Part 1: The Battles, Part 2: The Prisons 1994 1429–1431 France Joan of Arc, the French heroine of the Hundred Years' War
The Passion of Joan of Arc 1928 1431 England The trial and execution of Joan of Arc
The Silence of Joan 2011 1431 France Joan of Arc, the French heroine of the Hundred Years' War
Vlad Tepes 1979 1439–1476 Wallachia about prince Vlad the Impaler of Wallachia, who fought to repel the invading Muslim Ottoman Empire throughout his reign
Dark Prince: The True Story of Dracula 2000 1439–1476 Wallachia about prince Vlad the Impaler of Wallachia, who fought to repel the invading Muslim Ottoman Empire throughout his reign
Rise of Empires: Ottoman 2020 1444–1453 Constantinople the Fall of Constantinople to Mehmed the Conqueror, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, ending the Byzantine Empire
The Hour of the Pig 1993 1452 France a public defender in a remote, rural province finds himself expected to defend a pig in a murder trial
Richard III 1955 1452–1485 Richard III of England
The Life of Leonardo da Vinci 1971 1452–1519 Italy, France The life of the Italian Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519).
The Conquest of Constantinople 1951 1453 Constantinople the Fall of Constantinople to Mehmed the Conqueror, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, ending the Byzantine Empire
Fetih 1453 2012 1453 Constantinople the Fall of Constantinople to Mehmed the Conqueror, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, ending the Byzantine Empire
Black Arrow 1985 1455–1485 adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel about the Lancastrian hero in the Wars of the Roses
The Conclave 2006 1458 depicting this tense, politically charged Papal election
Isabel 2012–2014 1460–1504 Spain Biography about the Queen of Castile, Isabella the Catholic.
Tower of London 1939 1462–1483 during the reign of Edward IV of England
The White Queen 2013 1464 the House of York and the House of Lancaster, are in violent conflict over the throne[2]
Da Vinci's Demons 2013–2015 1475–1490 Italy Historical fantasy drama series that presents a fictional account of Leonardo da Vinci's early life
Maximilian and Marie De Bourgogne 2017 1477–1507 Austria Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor and Mary of Burgundy
Tower of London 1962 1483–1485 during the reign of Richard III of England
The Shadow of the Tower 1972 1485–1509 during the reign of Henry VII of England
The White Princess 2017 1485 England Elizabeth of York's marriage to Henry VII, as well as his early reign
Princes in the Tower 2005 1490s the trial of Perkin Warbeck, who claimed to be prince Richard, rightful heir to the throne before his untimely death in the Tower as a child
Christopher Columbus 1985 1492 the discovery and conquest of the New World by Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus: The Discovery 1992 1492 the discovery and conquest of the New World by Christopher Columbus
1492: Conquest of Paradise 1992 1492–1506 the discovery and conquest of the New World by Christopher Columbus
The Borgias 1981 1492–1503 the family life and papacy of Rodrigo Borgia, widely considered to be the epitome of papal corruption of the era
Los Borgia 2006 1492–1503 the family life and papacy of Rodrigo Borgia, widely considered to be the epitome of papal corruption of the era
Borgia 2011 1492–1503 the family life and papacy of Rodrigo Borgia, widely considered to be the epitome of papal corruption of the era
The Borgias 2011 1492–1503 the family life and papacy of Rodrigo Borgia, widely considered to be the epitome of papal corruption of the era
Muhteşem Yüzyıl 2011–2014 1494–1566 Based on the life of Ottoman Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent

Renaissance Era (1500–1700)

Films set in 16th century

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
The Spanish Princess (TV series) 2019 1501-1509 Catherine of Aragon
Wara Wara 1930 16th century romance set at the time of the Spanish conquest of Bolivia
Apocalypto 2006 1502 Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, the declining period of the Maya civilization
La corona partida 2016 1504–1516 After the death of Queen Isabella I of Castile, both Ferdinand II of Aragon and Felipe el Hermoso fight to succeed him.
Luther 2003 1505–1530 Martin Luther
The Agony and the Ecstasy 1965 1508–1512 the painting of the Sistine Chapel
Henry VIII and His Six Wives 1972 1509–1547 Henry VIII of England
The Private Life of Henry VIII 1933 1509–1547 Henry VIII of England
Monarch 2000 1509–1547 Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII 2003 1509–1547 Henry VIII of England
The Tudors 2007–2010 1509–1547 Henry VIII of England
Judgement 1970 1514 Rebellion of György Dózsa, Hungary
Carlos, rey emperador 2015–2016 1516–1558 The series tells the story of Charles I or Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, one of the most powerful men Europe has met
The Other Conquest 1998 1521 Mexico, depicting the secret adherence to traditional religious beliefs of the converted Aztec survivors
The Headsman 2005 1525 an executioner in Tyrol (part of the Holy Roman Empire)
A Man for All Seasons 1966 1525–1535 Thomas More
Anne of the Thousand Days 1969 1525–1536 Anne Boleyn, Queen Consort of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I
The Other Boleyn Girl 2008 1525–1536 Anne and Mary Boleyn
Wolf Hall 2015 1529–1536 the court of Henry VIII of England through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell
Ivan the Terrible 1944, 1958 1530–1584 Two-part film about Ivan IV of Russia
Ivan Groznyy 2009 1530–1584 19-episodes TV Series about Ivan IV of Russia
Tsar 2009 1530–1584 Film about Ivan IV of Russia
The Royal Hunt of the Sun 1969 1532 Francisco Pizarro's capture of Atahualpa, Sapa Inca.
Young Bess 1953 1535–1558 From the death of Anne Boleyn to the coronation of Elizabeth I of England
Jodhaa Akbar 2008 1542–1605 The love story of Mughal emperor Akbar the Great and Rajput princess "Jodhaa" i.e. Empress Mariam uz-Zamani
Gunpowder, Treason & Plot 2004 1542–1605 The reigns of Mary, Queen of Scots and her son James I of England
The Return of Martin Guerre 1982 1548–1588 The case of Martin Guerre in France – a true case of identity theft.
Stars of Eger 1968 1552 During the Ottoman–Hungarian wars, after the Ottomans have taken Buda, the Hungarian Capital (in 1541), the siege of Eger (1552).
Lady Jane 1986 1553 About Lady Jane Grey, Queen Regnant of the Kingdom of England for nine days.
Elizabeth 1998 1554–1563 The early reign of Elizabeth I of England
Mughal-e-Azam 1960 1556–1605 The Story of Akbar the Great, Mughal emperor and his son Jahangir. Jahangir's relationship with slave girl Anarkali is featured.
Reign (TV series) 2013-2017 1557–1587 78-episode TV series about Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth R 1971 1558–1603 The reign of Elizabeth I of England
The Virgin Queen 2005 1558–1603 The reign of Elizabeth I of England
Aguirre, the Wrath of God 1972 1560 Lope de Aguirre's ill-fated expedition down the Amazon in search of El Dorado.
Mary, Queen of Scots 1971 1560–1587 Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary of Scotland 1936 1561–1587 Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary, Queen of Scots 2018 1561–1587 Mary, Queen of Scots
Dangerous Beauty 1998 1562–1583 The film is about Veronica Franco, a courtesan in 16th-century Venice who becomes a hero to her city, but later becomes the target of an inquisition by the Church for witchcraft.[3]
El Greco 2007 1567–1600 Greek biographical film about the life of the Greek painter of the Spanish Renaissance, Doménikos Theotokópoulos, known as El Greco
La Reine Margot 1954 1572 France during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. The massacre was part of the French Wars of Religion.
La Reine Margot 1994 1572 France during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. The massacre was part of the French Wars of Religion.
The Princess of Montpensier 2010 1572 France during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. The massacre was part of the French Wars of Religion.
Beatrice Cenci 1909 1577–1599 About the life events of Beatrice Cenci
Beatrice Cenci 1926 1577–1599 About the life events of Beatrice Cenci
Beatrice Cenci 1941 1577–1599 About the life events of Beatrice Cenci
Beatrice Cenci 1956 1577–1599 About the life events of Beatrice Cenci
Beatrice Cenci 1969 1599 It depicts real life events of Francesco and Beatrice Cenci
Elizabeth I 2005 1578–1603 The last 25 years of the reign of Elizabeth I of England
Ermak 1996 1580–1690 Yermak Timofeyevich and the Russian conquest of Siberia.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age 2007 1585–1590 The reign of Elizabeth I of England and the Spanish Armada.
The Seven Samurai 1954 1586 It follows the story of a village of farmers that hire seven ronin (masterless samurai) to combat bandits who will return after the harvest to steal their crops.
The Testament of Aga Koppanyi 1967 1586 Hungarian adventure film based on the eponymous novel by István Fekete. It talks about the adventourous life of the Hungarian soldiers in the Ottoman Hungary, during the Ottoman–Hungarian wars.
Fire Over England 1937 1588 The Spanish Armada during the Anglo-Spanish War.
Mihai Viteazul 1970 1593–1601 Michael the Brave, prince of Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania
The Merchant of Venice 2004 1596 Set in the Republic of Venice. The film focuses on the Venetian Ghetto.
Nova Zembla 2011 1596–1597 About the last journey of Willem Barentsz and Jacob van Heemskerk, when they and their crew attempted sail to the Indies via Northeast Passage over Russia. They were stranded on the island of Nova Zembla.
Ran 1985 late 16th century As an adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear, the film stars as Hidetora Ichimonji, an aging Sengoku-era warlord who decides to abdicate as ruler in favor of his three sons.
Kagemusha 1980 Late 16th century It is set in the Sengoku period of Japanese history and tells the story of a lower-class criminal who is taught to impersonate a dying daimyō to dissuade opposing lords from attacking the newly vulnerable clan. The daimyō is based on Takeda Shingen, and the film ends with the climactic 1575 Battle of Nagashino.
The Floating Castle 2012 Late 16th century Set in feudal Japan, the film is based on the Siege of Oshi and depicts the struggle of Oshi's villagers in defending their fortress against Toyotomi Hideyoshi's campaign against the Hojo clan.

Films set in 17th century

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Shōgun 1980 1600 The miniseries is loosely based on the adventures of English navigator William Adams, who journeyed to Japan in 1600 and rose to high rank in the service of the shōgun.
Gunpowder 2017 1603–1605 English Catholic Robert Catesby and the Gunpowder Plot
The New World 2005 1607–1608 The colonization of Jamestown, Virginia
1612 2007 1612 The Tsardom of Russia during the Time of Troubles
All Is True 2018 1613–1616 later years in the life of William Shakespeare
The Last Valley 1970 1618–1648 Set in the Kingdom of Germany, Holy Roman Empire during the Thirty Years' War.
Jamestown 2017–2019 1619–1622 The colonization of Jamestown, Virginia
Molière 1978 1622–1673 The French playwright Molière
Day of Wrath 1943 1624 Loosely based on the case of alleged witch Anne Pedersdotter, and using a fictitious witchcraft trial as a metaphor for the then-current Nazi persecution of Jews.
The Three Musketeers Several adaptations (1903–2014) 1625–1673 Based on the novels (The Three Musketeers and its sequels) by Alexandre Dumas. The protagonists are loosely based on historical figures Charles de Batz-Castelmore d'Artagnan, Armand d'Athos, Isaac de Porthau, and Henri d'Aramitz.
Cardinal Richelieu 1935 1626–1642 The life of the great 17th-century French statesman Cardinal Richelieu and his dealings with Louis XIII of France
Silence 2016 1630s–1638 Jesuit priests from Portugal attempt to spread Catholic Christianity in Edo-era Japan
Queen Christina 1933 1632–1654 Christina, Queen of Sweden
Le Roi danse 2000 1632–1687 Jean-Baptiste Lully, an Italian immigrant to France and noted composer of Baroque music.
Black Robe 1991 1634 Jesuit missionary among the Hurons.
The Devils 1971 1634 The life and trial of Urbain Grandier, who was convicted of witchcraft and burned. He was blamed for the Loudun possessions.
The Devil's Whore 2008 1638–1660 The English Civil War and the reign of Oliver Cromwell
Witchfinder General 1968 1640s Set during the English Civil War. A fictionalized depiction of Matthew Hopkins, a witch-hunter.
Admiral 2015 1640s–1650s The life of Michiel de Ruyter and the Dutch civil war
A Field in England 2013 1640s During the English Civil War
Barbara 1997 1640 Set in Faroe Islands. About a love triangle between the pastor for the parish of Vágar, his unfaithful wife, and her foppish lover.
Cromwell 1970 1640–1653 The English Civil War and the dissolution of the Rump Parliament
Alatriste 2006 1643 Life of a Spanish soldier (Capitaine Alatriste) until the Battle of Rocroi. Based on the novel by Arturo Perez-Reverte
Molière 2007 1645 The French playwright Molière
The Libertine 2004 1647–1680 Life of the poet John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester
With Fire and Sword 1999 1648–1654 The Khmelnytsky Uprising in Ukraine against the control of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It led to the period of the Commonwealth known as the Deluge.
To Kill a King 2003 1648–1658 The reign of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector.
Charles II: The Power and The Passion 2003 1649–1685 The reign of Charles II of England
The First Churchills 1969 1650–1722 A BBC serial about the life of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and his wife, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough
The Deluge 1974 1655–1660 The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth during the Second Northern War
The Man in the Iron Mask 1977 1660–1667 Loosely based on the existence of the Man in the Iron Mask. Set in France in the reign of Louis XIV
Versailles 2015 1660's Fictionalized drama about the reign of King Louis XIV and the building of Versailles
Cutthroat Island 1995 1668 A female pirate and her companion race against their rivals to find a hidden island that contains a fabulous treasure.
Colonel Wolodyjowski 1968 1668 The Ottoman invasion of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, part of the Polish–Ottoman Wars.
Time of Violence 1988 1668 Bulgarian Christian region is selected by the Ottoman rulers to serve as an example of conversion to Islam
Vatel 2000 1671 France during the life of master chef François Vatel
The Prince of Homburg 1997 1675 Adaptation of the Heinrich von Kleist play fictionalizing the deeds of Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg in the Battle of Fehrbellin against Sweden. The Battle was part of the Scanian War.
Witchhammer 1970 1678–1696 Northern Moravia witch trials
The Red Violin 1998 1681 One section of the film is set in 1681 in Cremona
Peter the Great 1984 1682–1725 The reign of Peter I of Russia
The Cantor of St Thomas's 1984 1685–1750 German composer Johann Sebastian Bach
The Crucible 1996 1692–1693 Dramatization of the Salem witch trials that took place in Province of Massachusetts Bay
The Draughtsman's Contract 1982 1694 Set during the reign of William III and Mary II in England.
Robinson Crusoe 1997 1694-early 18th century Robinson Crusoe flees Britain on a ship after killing his friend over love for the same woman. A fierce ocean storm wrecks his ship and leaves him stranded by himself on an uncharted island where he must fight for survival.
Tous les matins du monde 1991 late 17th century French composer Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe.

Films set in Industrial Era (1700–1900)

Films set in the 18th century

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
The Favourite 2018 1708 A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.
Rákóczi hadnagya 1954 1708 Adventure movie in Hungary during Rákóczi's War of Independence (1703–11).
The Sovereign's Servant 2007 1709 The Battle of Poltava during the Great Northern War.
Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue 1953 1713 Scottish folk hero Robert Roy MacGregor
Rob Roy 1995 1713 Scottish folk hero Robert Roy MacGregor
Black Sails 2014–2017 1715–1726 Set roughly two decades before the events of Treasure Island and during the Golden Age of Piracy
Blackbeard 2006 1718 the infamous pirate Edward Teach
Maria Theresia 2017 1723–1741 Depicts the life of the young Maria Theresa
King of the Wind 1990 1727 Depicts the life of the Godolphin Arabian, an Arabian colt in 18th-century Kingdom of Great Britain during the reign of George II of Great Britain.
The Great King 1942 1740-1786 It depicts the life of Frederick the Great
Maria Theresa 1951 1740–1780 Depicts the life of Maria Theresa
George Washington 1984 1743–1783 George Washington's life up to the American Revolutionary War.
The Scarlet Empress 1934 1744–1762 Catherine II of Russia
The Rise of Catherine the Great 1934 1744–1762 Catherine II of Russia
Young Catherine 1991 1744 Catherine II of Russia
Catherine the Great 1995 1744–1762 Catherine II of Russia
Ekaterina 2014–2019 1744–1782 Catherine II of Russia
The Master of Ballantrae 1953 1745–1746 Jacobite Rising of 1745
Culloden 1964 1745–1746 Jacobite Rising of 1745
The Master of Ballantrae 1984 1745–1746 Jacobite Rising of 1745
Chasing the Deer 1994 1745–1746 Jacobite Rising of 1745
Mein Name ist Bach 2003 1747 Depicts Johann Sebastian Bach's visit to Frederick the Great in Potsdam, Prussia, when The Musical Offering was composed.
Horseman 2003 1747 Set in the borders between the regions of Bosnia and Dalmatia, the crossroads of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice. It deals with issues relating to the region's native Croats as they struggle to live between two empires and two faiths: Catholicism and Islam. Also covers the possibility of a love affair between a Christian soldier and a Muslim noblewoman.
The Amazing Grace 2006 1748 Tells the story of John Newton's transformation from slave trader to Anglican priest; story is set in Calabar, Nigeria.
Plunkett & Macleane 1999 1748 Loosely based on The Gentlemen Highwaymen William Plunkett and Captain James MacLaine. They were highwaymen noted for their restrained and courteous behavior towards their victims.
Treasure Island 1934 1750 Adaptation of the famous pirate story by Robert Louis Stevenson
Treasure Island 1950 1750 Adaptation of the famous pirate story by Robert Louis Stevenson
Treasure Island 1972 1750 Adaptation of the famous pirate story by Robert Louis Stevenson
Treasure Island 1990 1750 Adaptation of the famous pirate story by Robert Louis Stevenson
Casanova 2005 1753–1757 Giacomo Casanova
A Tale of Two Cities 1911 1755–1792 England and France prior and during the French Revolution.
A Tale of Two Cities 1935 1755–1792 England and France prior and during the French Revolution.
A Tale of Two Cities 1958 1755–1792 England and France prior and during the French Revolution.
A Tale of Two Cities 1980 1755–1792 England and France prior and during the French Revolution.
Amadeus 1984 1756–1791 Austria composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Barry Lyndon 1975 1756–1789 The Seven Years' War, etc.
The Last of the Mohicans 1936 1757 French and Indian War
The Last of the Mohicans 1992 1757 French and Indian War
Northwest Passage 1940 1757 French and Indian War and the ranger campaign of Robert Rogers
Clive of India 1935 1757 Robert Clive, Commander-in-Chief, India and the Battle of Plassey. The Battle was part of the Carnatic Wars.
The Mission 1986 1760–1763 Jesuit missionaries in South America
Belle 2013 1761–1804 The true history of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed–race daughter of British Naval officer John Lindsay and an African woman. She was taken to England by her father to be raised by his uncle, William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, as an aristocratic Lady, as befits her blood line. This forces Lord Mansfield, the Lord Chief Justice, to confront his own views on race, society and the antiquated laws of the time.
Mozart's Sister 2010 1763 The early life of Maria Anna Mozart, older sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Unconquered 1947 1763 Pontiac's War focusing on the Siege of Fort Pitt.
Brotherhood of the Wolf 2001 1764–1767 Based on a real-life series of killings that took place in France in the 18th century and on the famous legend of the Beast of Gévaudan
Catherine the Great 2019 1764–1796 Catherine II of Russia
Sons of Liberty 2015 1765–1776 A story about the Founding Fathers of the United States and the American Revolution.
A Royal Affair 2012 1766–1783 Set at the court of the mentally ill King Christian VII of Denmark, and focuses on the romance between his wife, Caroline Matilda of Great Britain, and the royal physician Johann Friedrich Struensee.
The Duchess 2008 1770s–1790s The life of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire
John Adams 2008 1770–1826 The story about the American Founding Father John Adams from the Boston Massacre in 1770 to his death in 1826.[4]
Marie Antoinette 1938 1774–1792 Marie Antoinette, Queen consort of France
Marie Antoinette Queen of France 1956 1774–1792 Marie Antoinette, Queen consort of France
Marie Antoinette 2006 1774–1792 Marie Antoinette, Queen consort of France
Drums Along the Mohawk 1939 1776 Settlers during the American Revolution. They suffer British, Loyalist, and Indian attacks on their farm.
1776 1972 1776 A musical retelling of the American Revolution's political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence.
The Crossing 2000 1776 George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River and the Battle of Trenton
Revolution 1985 1776–1777 Fictionalized story of the American Revolution in New York
The Patriot 2000 1776–1781 Based on the life of Francis Marion, an officer of the Continental Army officer during the American Revolutionary War.
Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor 2003 1776–1782 Depicting Benedict Arnold, both an early hero of the American Revolution and a notorious defector.
Turn: Washington's Spies 2014–2017 1776–1814 American Revolutionary War
The Queen's Necklace 1946 1780s Based on the Affair of the Diamond Necklace. Jeanne of Valois-Saint-Rémy, a descendant of the House of Valois and courtesan takes revenge by scamming Marie Antoinette, Cardinal de Rohan, and others. The scandal kindling the flames of the French Revolution.
The Affair of the Necklace 2001 1780s Based on the Affair of the Diamond Necklace. Jeanne of Valois-Saint-Rémy, a descendant of the House of Valois and courtesan takes revenge by scamming Marie Antoinette, Cardinal de Rohan, and others. The scandal kindling the flames of the French Revolution.
Ridicule 1996 1783–1794 On the brink of the French Revolution. A minor baron and engineer from Lyon tries to gain audience with King Louis XVI of France in order to fund drainage of the mosquito-infested swamps bringing sickness and death to his region.
Botany Bay 1953 1787 Fictional story about the First Fleet sailing to Botany Bay, New South Wales
The Madness of King George 1994 1788 The deteriorating mental health of George III of the United Kingdom, King of Great Britain and Ireland
George Washington II: The Forging of a Nation 1986 1788–1797 George Washington's life during his time as President of the United States.
Mutiny on the Bounty 1935 1789 the Mutiny on the Bounty
Mutiny on the Bounty 1962 1789 the Mutiny on the Bounty
The Bounty 1984 1789 The Mutiny on the Bounty
Farewell, My Queen 2012 1789 Marie Antoinette, Queen consort of France
The French Revolution 1989 1789–1794 French Revolution
The Scarlet Pimpernel 1934 1792 French Revolution
The Scarlet Pimpernel 1982 1792 French Revolution
Charlotte Corday 2008 1793 Trial and execution of Charlotte Corday after her murder of Jean-Paul Marat. Marat was a Jacobin journalist and politician.
Danton 1983 1794 Conflict between Georges Danton and Maximilien Robespierre during the French Revolution.
Beau Brummell 1954 1795 Beau Brummell, a 19th-century arbiter of fashion in England who popularized the man's suit and necktie
Sangolli Rayanna 2012 1798–1831 Film is about Sangolli Rayanna, a prominent freedom fighter from Karnataka, who fought the British East India Company until he was captured and executed in 1831.
Sleepy Hollow 1999 1799 Set in the years after the American Revolution, when a Headless Horseman haunted a little town, Sleepy Hollow, New York.
The Remains of Nothing 2004 1799 Eleonora Fonseca Pimentel
Désirée 1954 1799–1815 The love story between Désirée Clary and Napoleon I
Napoléon 1927 1799–1815 Napoléon I of France

Films set in the 19th century

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Pride and Prejudice 1940 early 19th century adaptation of Jane Austen's 1813 novel set during the Regency era in Great Britain
Pride and Prejudice 1980 early 19th century adaptation of Jane Austen's 1813 novel set during the Regency era in Great Britain
Pride and Prejudice 1995 early 19th century adaptation of Jane Austen's 1813 novel set during the Regency era in Great Britain
Pride and Prejudice 2005 early 19th century adaptation of Jane Austen's 1813 novel set during the Regency era in Great Britain
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World 2003 1803–1805 During the Napoleonic Wars
Vanity Fair 2004 1803–1814 The Napoleonic era
War and Peace 1956 1803–1815 The Russian Empire during the Napoleonic era
Eroica 2003 1804 first performance of Beethoven's third symphony
The Duellists 1977 1804–1814 The Napoleonic Wars
Tripoli 1950 1805 Battle of Derne
War & Peace 2016 1805–1812 The Russian Empire during the Napoleonic era
Conquest 1937 1806–1816 The love story between Marie Walewska and Napoleon I
Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. 1951 1807 The Napoleonic Wars
The Pride and the Passion 1957 1807–1814 The Napoleonic Wars, the Peninsular War in Spain
Lady Caroline Lamb 1972 1810–1828 Lady Caroline Lamb, the British aristocrat, novelist and Lord Byron's lover
Napoleon and Me 2006 1814 Principality of Elba during the Napoleonic Wars
Waterloo 1970 1815 Battle of Waterloo during the Napoleonic Wars.
Les Misérables 1934 1815–1832 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy)
Les Misérables 1935 1815–1832 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy)
Les Misérables 1995 1815–1832 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy)
Les Misérables 1998 1815–1832 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy)
Les Misérables 2012 1815–1832 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy)
Les Misérables 2018 1815–1832 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy)
The Count of Monte Cristo 1934 1815–1838 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy)
The Count of Monte Cristo 1975 1815–1838 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy)
The Count of Monte Cristo 2002 1815–1831 France after Napoleon I (Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy); Unlike the first two films, this version states 1814 at the start. Dantes' plan happens over a three-year period, having been imprisoned for thirteen years, as is stated during the film. The ending is set shortly after Albert's sixteenth birthday, having been born in 1815.
Bright Star 2009 1818–1821 The last three years of poet John Keats' life
Peterloo 2018 1819 based on the Peterloo Massacre of 1819
In the Heart of the Sea 2015 1820–1850 the story of the whaleship Essex which inspired the writing of Moby-Dick
El Santo de la Espada 1970 1821–1822 José de San Martín and the Spanish American wars of independence
Bouboulina 1959 1821–1829 Laskarina Bouboulina, heroine of the Greek War of Independence
The Revenant 2015 1823 Frontiersman Hugh Glass fights for survival in unorganized territory after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.
Copying Beethoven 2006 1824 final years of Ludwig van Beethoven
The Deceivers 1988 1825 British officer in India investigates the Thugee cult
Immortal Beloved 1994 1827 aftermath of the death of Beethoven
The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser 1974 1828–1833 The story of foundling Kaspar Hauser in the German Confederation.
Bleak House 2005 1830s based on Charles Dickens' 1852-1853 novel
The Horseman on the Roof 1995 1832 Second cholera pandemic in July Monarchy France
The Alamo 1960 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution.
The Alamo 2004 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution.
The Young Victoria 2009 1837–1840s Early reign of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and her marriage to Albert, Prince Consort
Victoria 2016–2019 1837–1850s Life of Queen Victoria
Amistad 1997 1839–1841 Mutiny aboard La Amistad, a ship containing slaves from Africa. The ship had left Havana and was bound for Camagüey, both ports being in Spanish Cuba. The film follows the ship's entry into United States custody and the subsequent trial. The case was resolved by the trial United States v. The Amistad.
How the West Was Won 1962 1839–1889 United States expansion into and settlement of the West.
The Emigrants 1971 1840s The Swedish immigrants in Minnesota
Song of Love 1947 1840–1856 The marriage of Robert and Clara Schumann and their close friendship with Johannes Brahms. All three were notable composers.
12 Years a Slave 2013 1841–1853 The story of free African American Solomon Northup after he was abducted and sold into slavery. Based on the autobiography of the same name
Edward the Seventh 1975 1841–1910 The life of Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Gangs of New York 2002 1846–1863 New York City prior and during the American Civil War. The events occur in the crime- infested neighborhood of Five Points, Manhattan. The film opens in 1846 with a conflict between a Nativist gang and the Dead Rabbits. The action then moves forward to the 1860s with the Nativists still active and involved with William M. Tweed, "boss" of Tammany Hall. The action culminates in the New York City draft riots of 1863.
80 Hussars 1978 1848 Hungarian movie about the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Freedom in Hungary. Under the leadership of Farkas Paál a small Hussar troup escapes from Poland to Hungary to join the Independence war against the Habsburgs. Their adventurous journey is full of thousands of dangers.
The Rising Sea 1953 1848-49 Epic Hungarian movie in Communist style about the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Freedom in Hungary, and about the great Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi. Known with the title: Föltámadott a tenger
Men and Banners 1965 1848-49 Epic Hungarian movie about the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Freedom in Hungary. Known with the title A kőszívű ember fiai (film)
Flowers of Reverie 1984 1849 Hungarian movie which talks about the time after the defeat of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and the Surrender at Világos
Dead or Alive 1980 1851 Hungarian movie which talks about the failed assassination by Gáspár Noszlopy on Franz Joseph I of Austria
Eureka Stockade 1949 1854 Peter Lalor and the Eureka Rebellion, a gold miners' rebellion at the Eureka Stockade (Ballarat, Australia).
Mountains of the Moon 1990 1854–1864 Journey of Richard Francis Burton and John Hanning Speke in their expedition to Central Africa and the rivalry that followed
The Charge of the Light Brigade 1968 1854 The disaster of the Crimean War known as the Charge of the Light Brigade. It took place within the Battle of Balaclava.
Sissi 1955 1854 It is the first installment in the trilogy of films about Empress Elisabeth of Austria, nicknamed Sissi.
Sissi – The Young Empress 1956 1855–1856 Sissi adapts to life as Empress of Austria.
Quanto è bello lu murire acciso 1976 1857 Failed rising organized by Carlo Pisacane in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
Ride with the Devil 1999 1861–1864 depicts the activities of pro-Confederate Bushwhackers, guerrilla fighters, in Missouri during the American Civil War
Cold Mountain 2003 1861–1864 A couple in North Carolina is separated during the American Civil War and try to find each other again.
Gone with the Wind 1939 1861–1877 Georgia during the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era.
Mrs Brown 1997 1861–1883 The relationship between Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and her personal servant John Brown.
Gods and Generals 2003 1861–1863 The American Civil War from the outset of the war to the Battle of Chancellorsville
Glory 1989 1862–1863 The American Civil War from the Battle of Antietam to the Second Battle of Fort Wagner
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly 1966 1862 Two bounty hunters in an uneasy alliance against a third attempt to find a stash of hidden Confederate gold in New Mexico in the middle of the chaos of the American Civil War
Gettysburg 1993 1863 The Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War
Wyatt Earp 1994 1863–1884 Events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
Dances with Wolves 1990 1864–1870 Fictional story set during the American Civil War and its aftermath in the American West, interaction with the Lakota Sioux
Lincoln 2012 Early 1865 Events chronicling the last few months of the life of President of the United States Abraham Lincoln.
The Conspirator 2011 April 1865 Based on the events of the aftermath of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Hell on Wheels 2011–2016 1865–1867 based on the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Tommy's Honour 2016 1866–1876 The complex and bittersweet relationship between the pioneering and legendary Scottish golfing champions Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris.
Riel 1979 1869–1885 The activities of Louis Riel, a Métis in both the Red River Rebellion of Manitoba and the North-West Rebellion in the District of Saskatchewan.
The Lone Ranger 2013 1869 The Lone Ranger and his sidekick Tonto bring justice to the wild west.
Lonesome Dove 1989 1870s the closing years of the Old West
Daniel Deronda 2002 1870s based on George Eliot's 1876 novel
Citizen Kane 1941 1871–1940 Chronicles the life of fictional yellow journalist Charles Foster Kane.
Young Winston 1972 1874–1902 The biography Winston Churchill before he became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II.
Quigley Down Under 1990 1874 A Sharpshooter from Wyoming is hired by an Australian rancher paying a very high price. But when Quigley arrives Down Under, all is not as it seems.
Centennial Summer 1946 1876 Set in Philadelphia at the time of the Centennial Exposition
Wild Bill 1995 1876 The last days of legendary lawman Wild Bill Hickok
The Last Samurai 2003 1876–1877 Events in the wake of the Meiji Restoration in the Empire of Japan, 1876–1877
Ned Kelly 1970 1878-1880 British-Australian biographical film of 19th-century Australian bushranger Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly 2003 1878-1879 Biographical film of Ned Kelly based on the historical novel Our Sunshine
Zulu Dawn 1979 1879 The Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War
Zulu 1964 1879 The Battle of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War
Thousand Pieces of Gold 1991 1880s Chinese immigrant woman in the American Old West.
Thariode: The Lost City TBA 1880s Based on the 2019 documentary film “Thariode” by Nirmal Baby Varghese. History of gold mining in Thariode, one of the most ancient cities of Malabar region, British India on 19th century.
The Miracle Worker 1962 1880–1887 The early childhood of Helen Keller, her infancy contraction of blindness and deafness and Anne Sullivan's arrival
Tombstone 1993 1881–1884 Events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 2007 1881–1892 The end of Jesse James' career as a criminal and the man who eventually kills him, Robert Ford in 1882
The Four Feathers 1939 1882–1888 During the British Army's Nile Expedition
The Four Feathers 2002 1882–1888 During the British Army's Nile Expedition
Khartoum 1966 1884 Charles George Gordon defense of the Sudanese city of Khartoum from the forces of the army of Muhammad Ahmad during the Siege of Khartoum. Muhammad Ahmad had proclaimed himself to be the Mahdi.
Geronimo: An American Legend 1993 1886 Events leading up to the capture of Geronimo, a prominent Apache leader during the Apache Wars.
Princess Kaiulani 2009 1887–1898 based on the life of Princess Kaʻiulani of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi
Mayerling 1968 1888–1889 Based on the Mayerling Incident, a series of events leading to the apparent murder–suicide of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria and his lover Baroness Mary Vetsera.
At Eternity's Gate 2018 1888–1890 the final years of painter Vincent van Gogh's life
The Illusionist 2006 1889 tells the story of a magician in turn-of-the-century Vienna
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee 2007 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre
Woman Walks Ahead 2017 1890 the story of Catherine Weldon, a portrait painter who travels from New York to Dakota to paint a portrait of Sitting Bull
The Prestige 2006 1890s rival stage magicians in Victorian London
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 1969 1890s–1908 Covers the activities of Butch Cassidy and Harry Longabaugh, prominent members of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch. The Wild Bunch was a loosely organized outlaw gang from Wyoming.
Heaven's Gate 1980 1892 Covers the Johnson County War
Hostiles 2017 1892 A U.S. Cavalry officer who must escort a Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their home in Montana
Gandhi 1982 1893–1947 Biopic about the life and activism of Mahatma Gandhi.
Mao Zedong 2013 1893–1949 Television series about Mao Zedong, from his childhood to the foundation of the People's Republic of China
El Presidente 2012 1896–1964 Philippine Revolution and the final years and death of President of the Philippines Emilio Aguinaldo
Rough Riders 1997 1898 Depicts The Battle of San Juan Hill, part of the Spanish–American War
Heneral Luna 2015 1898–1899 The Second Phase of the Philippine Revolution and the heroism of General Antonio Luna
Trotsky 2017 1898–1918 Biographical television miniseries about Leon Trotsky

Films set in the Modern Era (1900–1949)

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See also: List of World War I films, List of films about the Romanovs, and List of World War II films
Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
The Knick 2014 1900 Doctors, Nurses, and others work at The Knickerbocker hospital
55 Days at Peking 1963 1900 Depicts the Battle of Peking during the Boxer Rebellion.
Breaker Morant 1980 1901 An Australian Lieutenant, Harry "Breaker" Morant, who ordered the summary execution of several prisoners during the Second Boer War
Nicholas and Alexandra 1971 1904–1918 Covers the last 14 years of the life and reign of Nicholas II of Russia, last Emperor of Russia. Includes the events of World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Russian Civil War and the shooting of the Romanov family.
A Dangerous Method 2011 1904–1912 Covers personal and professional relationships between Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud and Sabina Spielrein
Rosa Luxemburg 1986 1904–1919 Biography Of Marxist And Anti-War Activist Rosa Luxemburg and her assassination in 1919.
The Battleship Potemkin 1925 1905 The Russian battleship Potemkin uprising, part of the Revolution of 1905 in the Russian Empire.
The Real Glory 1939 1906 Moro Rebellion
The Passion of Marie 2012 1910 Biopic about Marie, the wife of Danish painter Peder Severin Krøyer
Tolkien 2019 1890s–1930s Biopic about the life of J. R. R. Tolkien
Iron Jawed Angels 2004 1913–1920 American women's suffrage movement during the 1910s
Titanic 1943 1912 the Titanic disaster
Titanic 1953 1912 the Titanic disaster
A Night to Remember 1958 1912 the Titanic disaster
Titanic 1997 1912 the Titanic disaster
Reds 1981 1912–1920 Russian Revolution
Doctor Zhivago 1965 1912–1923 World War I, the Russian Revolution and the Russian Civil War
Gallipoli 1981 1914–1915 Gallipoli Campaign of World War I
Flyboys 2006 1914–1917 Focusing on the Lafayette Escadrille, a unit of American volunteer combat pilots in service for the Allies of World War I.
Admiral 2008 1914–1917, 1964 Covers the last three years of the naval career of Alexander Kolchak, a Vice-Admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy and leader of the anti-communist White Movement during the Russian Civil War. The film also depicts the love triangle between the Admiral, his wife, and the poet Anna Timiryova.
All Quiet On The Western Front 1930 1914–1918 Western Front of World War I
All Quiet On The Western Front 1979 1914–1918 Western Front of World War I
A Very Long Engagement 2004 1914–1920s Western Front of World War I
The Aviator 2004 1914–1947 Biopic about Howard Hughes, an aviation pioneer, director, and successful film producer.
La Masseria Delle Allodole 2007 1915 Set during World War I in the Ottoman Empire, depicting the Armenian Genocide.
Ararat 2002 1915 Based on the Defense of Van in 1915, an Armenian insurgence in the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian Genocide.
The Promise 2017 1915 The Armenian Genocide
Shimon Haber 2008 1915–1919 Development and usage of Chemical weapons in World War I
Sinking of the Lusitania: Terror at Sea 2007 1915 The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania
Lawrence of Arabia 1962 1916–1918 T. E. Lawrence and the Arab Revolt in the Ottoman Empire.
Michael Collins 1996 1916–1922 Later life of Irish resistance leader Michael Collins and his participation in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.
1917 2019 1917 European theatre of World War I
The Lighthorsemen 1987 1917 Battle of Beersheba in the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I.
Stalin 1992 1917–1953 Brutal Career and Corruption of Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin
The Wind Rises 2013 1918–1945 The life of Jiro Horikoshi
The Lost Battalion 1919 1918 Covers the fate of the Lost Battalion, units of the 77th Infantry Division. The units under the command of Major Charles White Whittlesey penetrated deep into the Forest of Argonne in France during World War I. They were trapped and surrounded by the German Army.
The Lost Battalion 2001 1918 Covers the fate of the Lost Battalion, units of the 77th Infantry Division. The units under the command of Major Charles White Whittlesey penetrated deep into the Forest of Argonne in France during World War I. They were trapped and surrounded by the German Army.
1918 1985 1918 Written by Horton Foote, depicts life in Texas and the devastating effect of the great flu epidemic of 1918.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley 2006 1919–1923 The Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War
Chariots of Fire 1981 1919–1924 British runners face prejudice and compete in the 1924 Summer Olympics. The runners are Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams. Liddell was a Scottish man and Abrahams was A British Jew.
Evita 1996 1919–1952 Biopic of Eva Perón, First Lady of Argentina.
J. Edgar 2011 1919–1972 Life and career of J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1935 to 1972.
Anastasia 1956 1920s Based upon theories on the survival of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia and the activities of Anna Anderson. Anderson was the most famous of the Romanov impostors.
Legionnaire 1998 1920–1926 Rif War
Boardwalk Empire 2010–2014 January 1920 – October 1931 Crime and power in Atlantic City during the Prohibition Era
Jinnah 1998 1920–1947 Depicts the role of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the independence of Pakistan.
The First of the Few 1942 1922–1936 Aerospace engineer R.J. Mitchell designs the Spitfire despite his failing health.
The King's Speech 2010 1924–1939 The quest of George VI, King of the United Kingdom to overcome his stammer.
Togo 2019 1925 the story of Togo, a lead dog during the 1925 serum run to Nome
The Ogre 1996 1925–1945 The account of a simple Frenchman caught up in the events of World War II. He involuntarily serves in the French Army, spends time as a prisoner of war in East Prussia, and gets hired to take care of the animals in the local estate of Hermann Göring. When fired, the Frenchman finds a new job at nearby Kaltenborn Castle, a Nazi Germany military academy for boys. He gets tasked with recruiting children to serve the cause. Continuing service while Nazi Germany deteriorates and East Prussia faces a Soviet invasion.
Phar Lap 1983 1928-1932 Biography about the New Zealand-born Australian racehorse Phar Lap
Lion of the Desert 1981 1929–1931 About the struggle of Libyan rebels under Omar Mukhtar against the Italian Royal Army in the years leading up to World War II.
Mildred Pierce 2011 1930s based on the 1941 novel, set during the Great Depression
Rabbit-Proof Fence 2002 1931 Australia's Stolen Generations
The Legend of Bagger Vance 2000 1931 Set in Savannah, Georgia during the Great Depression; loosely based on the Bhagavad Gita. The story starts by setting a background. A noteworthy golf player went off to fight in World War I. He returned a decorated veteran but traumatized by the deaths of his unit in battle. He then sunk into a life of habitual alcohol intoxication. In 1931, there is to be an exhibition match between famous golfers Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. The veteran is asked to participate and compete against them. A mysterious man volunteers to be his caddie, helping the veteran to come to grips with his personal demons and play golf again.
Road to Perdition 2002 winter 1931 A film set in Illinois during the Great Depression, and featuring Prohibition Era-organized crime figures. The protagonist is a mob enforcer for an Irish mob boss. The son of the boss wants to kill him, however, and manages to kill his wife and one of his sons. The protagonist and his remaining son escape to Chicago, attempting to find new work under Al Capone and his Chicago Outfit. Underboss Frank Nitti rejects the offers of the protagonist to join them. Nitti also contacts the Irish mob boss and they agree to have the protagonist killed. Starting an escalating conflict.
Bonnie and Clyde 1967 1931–1934 About the exploits of Bonnie and Clyde, American outlaws and robbers during the Great Depression.
Frances 1982 1931–1958 Life of actress Frances Farmer
Last Man Standing 1996 1932 During Prohibition in the United States, gun-wielding mercenary John Smith, arrives at the small town Jericho, Texas, close to the Mexico–United States border. He plays on both sides in a gang war between the Irish Mob and the American Mafia, while scheming to eliminate both gangs. The film is a loose remake of Yojimbo (1961), which was set in Japan during the Tokugawa shogunate. The original film was a loose adaptation of the novels Red Harvest (1929) and The Glass Key (1931) by Dashiell Hammett.
Public Enemies 2009 1933–1934 Set during the Great Depression, it chronicles the final years of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger.
The National Anthem 1999 1934–1935 Set in Shanghai during the Japanese occupation of Manchuria and the resulting conflict.
Murder on the Orient Express 2017 1934 murder mystery set aboard the Orient Express train traveling from Istanbul to London
A Pearl in the Forest 2008 1934–1938 Set during the Great Purge initiated by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union. The film focuses on the spillover effects of the Purge on the Mongolian People's Republic, a satellite state of the Soviet Union.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 1984 1935 Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones travels to India, and is asked to find a mystical stone. He then stumbles upon a secret cult committing enslavement and human sacrifices in the catacombs of an ancient palace.
Atonement 2007 1935–1940 A romantic suspense war film. Opening in the interwar period of the United Kingdom, during the late 1930s, and continuing to the early days of World War II. The film opens in 1935 with the interactions between the girls of the wealthy Tallis family and their cousin Lola on one side, and a lower class-man by the name of Robbie Turner on the other. When Lola gets raped, Robbie gets blamed for the act, arrested, and imprisoned. Four years later, Robbie is released on condition of serving in the British Army as part of the British Expeditionary Force on the areas of the French Third Republic.
Olga 2004 1935–1942 The relationship between German-Brazilian communist militant Olga Benário and Luís Carlos Prestes, one of the main leaders of the opposition against Brazilian dictatorship of Getúlio Vargas.
Unbroken 2014 1936–1998 The life of Louis Zamperini.
Race 2016 1936 The life of Jesse Owens wons four gold medals during Athletics.
Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981 1936 Archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before Adolf Hitler's Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.
The Hindenburg 1975 1937 The Hindenburg disaster at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? 2000 1937 set in 1937 rural Mississippi during the Great Depression. Its story is a modern satire loosely based on Homer's epic poem The Odyssey that incorporates mythology from the American South
Seabiscuit 2003 1937 Race horse Seabiscuit
John Rabe 2009 1937 The Nanking Massacre during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
The Flowers of War 2011 1937 The Nanking Massacre during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 1989 1938 After his father Professor Henry Jones, Sr. goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against Adolf Hitler's Nazis again to stop them obtaining its powers.
The Good Shepherd 2006 1938–1961 Rise of Central Intelligence Agency's counterintelligence, leading up to the Bay of Pigs Invasion
Voyage of the Damned 1976 1939 Based on the events of the MS St. Louis
Schindler's List 1993 1939–1945 German industrialist Oskar Schindler's efforts to keep Jewish people from being interred in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
The Last Bastion 1984 1939–1945 Australia during World War II
Hacksaw Ridge 2016 1939–1945 World War II experiences of Desmond Doss
The Pianist 2002 1939–1945 World War II experiences of Polish-Jewish pianist/composer and Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman
Max Manus: Man of War 2008 1939–1945 Norway during World War II and Winter war
Battle of Britain 1969 1940 The Battle of Britain
April 9th 2015 1940 April 9, German invasion of Denmark. A group of Danish bicycle infantry is sent as a vanguard to slow down the German advance until reinforcements can arrive.
Kongens nei 2016 1940 The film focuses on King Haakon VII and the Norwegian Royal family in the days before and immediately after the German invasion of Norway in April 1940.
Hurricane 2018 1940 The Battle of Britain
Malèna 2000 1940–1944 Italy during World War II
Darkest Hour 2017 1940 May–June, 1940. Winston Churchill's early days as Prime Minister, as Hitler closes in on Britain during World War II.
Dunkirk 2017 1940 The Dunkirk evacuation of World War II
Life Is Beautiful 1997 early 1940s a Jewish-Italian man and his son during their internment in a Nazi concentration camp
The Way Back 2010 1941 Escape from a Siberian Gulag
Sink the Bismarck! 1960 May 1941 Depicts German battleship Bismarck and its last battle.
Defiance 2008 August 1941 Story of three Jewish brothers of the Bielski partisans who saved and recruited Jews during the Nazi occupation of Belarus.
Das Boot 1981 October 1941 Battle of the Atlantic
Tora! Tora! Tora! 1970 December 7, 1941 The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor 2001 December 1941 – April 1942 The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent American retaliation in the Doolittle Raid.
Hong Kong 1941 1984 December 1941 The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, and the story of local resistance against Japanese forces.
The Gallant Hours 1960 1942 U.S. Navy admiral William Halsey in the crucial early weeks of his command of American forces in the Guadalcanal campaign of World War II.
U-571 2000 1942 Battle of the Atlantic
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas 2008 1942 Set during the Holocaust
Allied 2016 1942 a Canadian intelligence officer and a French Resistance fighter pose as a married couple during a mission in Casablanca
The Bridge on the River Kwai 1957 1942–1943 Construction of the Burma Railway by forced labour, mainly British prisoners of war, during the Burma Campaign of World War II.
Midway 1976 June 1942 The Battle of Midway
Midway 2019 June 1942 The Battle of Midway
Kododa 2006 August 1942 Australia's 39th Battalion during the early days of the Kokoda Track campaign
Band of Brothers 2001 August 1942 – May 1945 Miniseries portraying the soldiers in Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, from training in boot camp to action in the European Theatre of World War II.
The Pacific 2010 August 1942 – August 1945 Miniseries portraying the Pacific Theater of World War II
Stalingrad 1993 August 1942 – February 1943 The Battle of Stalingrad from a German perspective.
The Thin Red Line 1998 August 1942 – February 1943 The Guadalcanal Campaign
Enemy at the Gates 2001 winter 1942–1943 The activities of Soviet sniper Vasily Zaytsev in the Battle of Stalingrad
Patton 1970 1943–1945 The exploits of United States Army General George S. Patton during World War II
Sophie Scholl – The Final Days 2005 February 1943 The ultimate days of Sophie Scholl, a White Rose revolutionary. She actively opposing Nazi Germany until her execution and death.
Cross of Iron 1977 spring 1943 Eastern Front
Hvidsten Gruppen 2012 1943 the story about the Danish resistance movement Hvidsten Gruppen.
The Dam Busters 1955 May 1943 Development of the Upkeep bouncing bomb and its use in Operation Chastise
Memphis Belle 1990 May 1943 About the 25th and last mission of the Memphis Belle, an American Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber flying over Nazi Germany as part Strategic bombing operations.
Eye of the Needle 1981 1944 a German spy in England who discovers vital information about the upcoming D-Day invasion
Black Book 2006 1944 a Dutch-Jewish singer becomes a spy for the resistance in German-occupied Netherlands
Flame & Citron 2008 1944 the story of two Danish resistance movement fighters nicknamed Flame and Citron, during the Nazi occupation of Denmark
Red Tails 2012 1944 Tuskegee Airmen during World War II
The Longest Day 1962 June 6, 1944 The Normandy landings, the first stage of the Invasion of Normandy
Saving Private Ryan 1998 June 1944 The Normandy landings and their aftermath
Windtalkers 2002 June–July 1944 Focuses on Navajo code talkers during the Battle of Saipan
Valkyrie 2008 July 1944 Set in Nazi Germany during World War II. It depicts the 20 July plot in 1944 by German army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler and to use the Operation Valkyrie national emergency plan to take control of the country.
A Bridge Too Far 1977 September 1944 Operation Market Garden
Kanal 1956 September 1944 Warsaw Uprising
When Trumpets Fade 1998 September 1944 The Battle of Hürtgen Forest
Saints and Soldiers 2003 December 1944 – January 1945 The Malmedy massacre and its aftermath during the Battle of the Bulge.
Battle of the Bulge 1965 December 1944 – January 1945 The Battle of the Bulge. Based on the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. It was launched through the densely forested Ardennes region of Wallonia in eastern Belgium, northeast France, and Luxembourg, towards the end of the war in Europe.
The Founding of a Republic 2009 1945–1949 Inspired by true events, The Founding of a Republic weaves a rousing tale of Mao Zedong, who fought against Chiang Kai-shek and the Kuomintang. Mao Zedong led his people in battle during the Chinese Civil War, in order to establish a new People's Republic of China.
The Great Raid 2005 January 1945 Liberation of the Cabanatuan Prison Camp on the island of Luzon, Philippines. The camp was set up during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.
Flags of Our Fathers 2006 February–March 1945 the Battle of Iwo Jima from an American perspective.
Letters from Iwo Jima 2006 February–March 1945 The Battle of Iwo Jima from a Japanese perspective.
Grave of the Fireflies 1988 March–September 1945 Japanese sibling struggle to survive toward the end of World War II during the firebombing of Kobe and its aftermath.
Fury 2014 April 1945 2nd Armored Division Tank crewmen during the Western Allied invasion of Germany
Downfall 2004 April–May 1945 Depicting the final ten days of Adolf Hitler's reign over Nazi Germany and their immediate aftermath. Events take place during the Battle of Berlin.
The Godfather 1972 1945–1955 Vito Corleone, the aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty, transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son Michael Corleone. The film is set primarily in New York City, and is based on the novel The Godfather by Mario Puzo. The novel and film fictionalize actual people and events connected to the Five Families. Vito Corleone himself was a composite of real-life organized crime bosses Frank Costello and Carlo Gambino.[5]
Ashes and Diamonds 1958 May 1945 Polish Home Army soldiers assigned to assassinate a Communist commissar
USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage 2016 July 1945 The sinking of the USS Indianapolis.
The Good German 2006 July–August 1945 During the Potsdam Conference
Nuremberg 2000 November 1945 – Octobeeer 1946 The first of the Nuremberg trials
Judgment at Nuremberg 1961 1947 The Judges' Trial
The Black Dahlia 2006 1947 The murder of Elizabeth Short and subsequent investigation.
Exodus 1960 1947–1948 Foundation of Israel
Cast a Giant Shadow 1966 1948 United States Army colonel Mickey Marcus's involvement in the Israeli War of Independence

Films set in Atomic Era (1950–1999)

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See also: Category:Cold War films and Vietnam War in film
Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom 2013 1925–1995 Nelson Mandela
Walk the Line 2005 1944–1968 Johnny Cash
The Crown 2016 1947–present Follows the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century.
The Shawshank Redemption 1994 1947–1987 takes place in a state penitentiary set in mid-century New England
A Beautiful Mind 2001 1947–1994 based on the life of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics
American Hot Wax 1978 1950 Disc jockey Alan Freed's involvement in the emergence of rock and roll
71: Into the Fire 2010 1950 The story of student-soldiers trying to protect a middle school during the early days of the Korean War
Taegukgi 2004 1950–1953 A drama about the fate of brothers forced to fight in the Korean War
Sayonara 1957 1950–1953 the story of an American Air Force pilot during the Korean War who falls in love with a famous Japanese dancer
Rocketman 2019 1950s–1982 Elton John
The Finest Hours 2016 1952 The SS Pendleton Coast Guard rescue mission attempt
The Motorcycle Diaries 2004 1952–1967 The life of Che Guevara
The Kennedys 2011 1952–1968 The triumphs and tragedies of the Kennedy family
The Front Line 2011 1953 A drama centered on the Korean War's final battle which will determine the border between North Korea and South Korea
The Death of Stalin 2017 1953 The events that transpired after the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953
Good Night, and Good Luck 2005 1953 The conflict between veteran radio and television journalist Edward R. Murrow and U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy relating to the anti-Communist Senator's actions with the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
Elvis 1979 1953–1972 The story follows the life and career of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley
The People vs. Larry Flynt 1996 1953–1988 Biopic about Larry Flynt, publisher of Hustler magazine
The Quiet American 2002 1954 The film covers early American covert involvement in Vietnam during the last days of the First Indochina War. It set the stage for the subsequent Vietnam War.
The Founder 2016 1954 The story of Ray Kroc, a salesman who turned the innovative fast food eatery of

Richard and Maurice McDonald, McDonald's, into one of the biggest restaurant businesses in the world. Th film depicts Kroc using a combination of ambition, persistence, and ruthlessness.
Shutter Island 2010 1954 In Massachusetts, U.S. Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels investigates the disappearance of murderer Rachel Solando, who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane. The film is set in Boston Harbor, and is based on the novel Shutter Island (2003) by Dennis Lehane. The hospital is loosely based on the Chronic Disease Hospital of Long Island.
The Battle of Algiers 1966 1954–1960 During the Algerian War
Forrest Gump 1994 1954–1981 The remarkable life story of a kind and brave Alabama man with an IQ of 75.
Lumumba 2000 1955–1961 Path of the first Prime Minister of the Republic of the Congo Patrice Lumumba and his killing. The Republic itself was the former Belgian Congo following its independence.
Che 2008 1955–1967 The life and death of Che Guevara
Goodfellas 1990 1955–1980 Biopic about mobster Henry Hill. Hill was an associate of the

Lucchese crime family, who later became an informant of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Blow 2001 1955–1994 Biopic about drug trafficker George Jung
Nasser 56 1996 1956 The Suez Crisis from the Egyptian point of view
Children of Glory 2006 1956 Hungarian Revolution of 1956
Great Balls of Fire! 1989 1956–1958 The early career of Rock and roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis
Quiz Show 1994 1956–1958 Twenty-One Quiz show scandals
My Week with Marilyn 2011 1956 The film focuses on the week during the shooting of the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl. Marilyn Monroe was escorted around London by Colin Clark, after her husband Arthur Miller had returned to the United States.
Motherless Brooklyn 2019 1957 A private investigator struggling with Tourette syndrome works to solve the mystery of his mentor's demise during the 1950s in New York City
Bridge of Spies 2015 1957–1961 During the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet-captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers.
Loving 2016 1958-1967 Based on the lives of Mildred and Richard Loving and the events surrounding the landmark court case of Loving v. Virginia.
In Cold Blood 1967 1959 Based on Truman Capote's nonfiction book of the same name about the murdered Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas.
Black and White 2002 1959 Biographical film about the Max Stuart case where an Indigenous Australia man was found guilty of murder and the legal fight to have his death sentence commuted.
Hollywoodland 2006 1959 a private detective investigates the circumstances surrounding the death of actor George Reeves
Scandal 1989 1959–1963 Christine Keeler, Stephen Ward and the Profumo affair
Heaven & Earth 1993 1960–1980 Vietnam War
The Odd Angry Shot 1979 1960s Experiences of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War.
The German Doctor 2013 1960 The life of Josef Mengele in Argentina. He was a former Nazi wanted for War crimes. He was a target for Nazi hunters.
Gagarin: First in Space 2013 1960–1961 The Vostok 1 mission, making the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin the first human to cross into outer space. It was the first human spaceflight.
City of God 2002 1960–1980 The growth of organized crime in Cidade de Deus, Rio de Janeiro.
Hidden Figures 2016 1961 The black female mathematicians who worked at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race
K-19: The Widowmaker 2002 1961, 1989 Soviet submarine K-19 nuclear disaster
Saving Mr. Banks 2013 1961–1964 Events surrounding the development of the film Mary Poppins
JFK 1991 1961–1966 The assassination of President of the United States John F. Kennedy and subsequent investigation
First Man 2018 1961–1969 About the life of Neil Armstrong and the decade leading up to the Apollo 11 lunar mission
Thirteen Days 2000 1962 The Cuban Missile Crisis
Green Book 2018 1962 a tour of the Deep South by African American classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley and Italian American bouncer Frank "Tony Lip" Vallelonga who served as Shirley's driver and bodyguard
Z 1969 1963 The assassination of Grigoris Lambrakis
A Perfect World 1993 1963 A kidnapped boy strikes up a friendship with his captor: an escaped convict on the run from the law, while the search is headed up by an honorable Texas Ranger.
The Help 2011 1963 Race relations in the Deep South during the Civil Rights Movement
All the Way 2016 1963–1965 Lyndon Baines Johnson becomes the President of the United States in the chaotic aftermath of the Assassination of John F. Kennedy. He spends his first year in office fighting to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
LBJ 2016 1963–1969 The story of President of the United States Lyndon Baines Johnson from his young days in West Texas to the White House.
Catch Me If You Can 2002 1963–1974 The life of Frank Abagnale, a con artist and famous check forger.
Ghosts of Mississippi 1996 1963–1990 Events surrounding the murder of NAACP field secretary Medgar Evers during the civil rights movement in Mississippi
1965 2014 1963–1966 Singapore in Malaysia, 1964 race riots in Singapore (Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation) and National Day of 1965
Mississippi Burning 1988 1964 The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation investigation into the murders of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner
The Doors 1991 1964–1971 Biopic about the 1960s–1970s rock band of the same name which emphasizes the life of its lead singer, Jim Morrison
Selma 2014 1965 Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama during the civil rights movement
The Year of Living Dangerously 1982 1965 Set in Indonesia during the overthrow of President Sukarno
We Were Soldiers 2002 1965 The Battle of Ia Drang in the Vietnam War
An American Crime 2007 1965 The film tells the story of the torture and murder of Sylvia Likens by Indianapolis housewife Gertrude Baniszewski.
Born on the Fourth of July 1989 1965–1968 Ron Kovic's experiences in the Vietnam War
Coming Home 2014 1966–1976 Cultural Revolution in China.
W. 2008 1966–2003 The life and presidency of President of the United States George W. Bush
Platoon 1985 1967–1968 Vietnam War
Half of a Yellow Sun 2013 1967–1970 the Nigerian Civil War
Detroit 2017 1967 The 12th Street Riot in Detroit, Michigan
Bobby 2006 1968 The assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy
Full Metal Jacket 1987 1968 Battle of Huế in the Vietnam War
Coming Home 1978 1968 Vietnam War
The Damned United 2009 1968–1975 Brian Clough as manager of Derby County and Leeds United
American Gangster 2007 1968–1976 Frank Lucas and his heroin drug trade.
The Deer Hunter 1978 1968–1975 Vietnam War
Hamburger Hill 1987 1969 Battle of Hamburger Hill in the Vietnam War
Apocalypse Now 1979 1969 Vietnam War
Chappaquiddick 2017 1969 Chronicles the untold story of Ted Kennedy and the Chappaquiddick Incident during July, 1969.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2019 1969 follows an actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry in Los Angeles, set during the time of the Manson murders
Nixon 1995 1969–1974 The political life of President of the United States Richard M. Nixon
Zodiac 2007 1969–1975 the Zodiac murders in Northern California
Secretariat 2010 1970–1973 Race horse Secretariat.
Dekada '70
(The 70s)		 2002 1970 Based on the novel of the same name by Lualhati Bautista. The setting is the period of martial law in the Philippines, under the control of President Ferdinand Marcos.
Elvis & Nixon 2016 1970 The untold true story behind the meeting between Elvis Presley, the King of rock and roll, and President Richard Nixon.
Apollo 13 1995 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission
Bohemian Rhapsody 2018 1970–1985 Follows the band Queen from their formation all the way to the Live Aid concert.
Milk 2008 1970–1978 Gay rights activist Harvey Milk
Remember the Titans 2000 1971 Follows a desegregated high school's football team in 1970s Alexandria, Virginia
The Last King of Scotland 2006 1971–1976 President of Uganda Idi Amin
Pirates of Silicon Valley 1999 1971–1997 Follows the growth of the personal computer industry through the lives of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs
The Post 2017 1971–1972 Journalists from The Washington Post and The New York Times who published the Pentagon Papers, regarding the United States' covert political and military involvement during the Vietnam War.
Bloody Sunday 2002 1972 Bloody Sunday shootings in Northern Ireland
All the President's Men 1976 1972 The Nixon-era Watergate scandal
Alive 1993 1972 Crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571
Cry Freedom 1987 1972–1978 Steve Biko and Donald Woods in the apartheid era of South Africa
Munich 2005 1972–1979 Mossad efforts to avenge the Munich massacre, the murder of Israeli athletes during the 1972 Summer Olympics
All the Money in the World 2017 1973 The kidnapping of John Paul Getty III in July 1973.
Missing 1982 1973 The 1973 Chilean coup d'état and the murder of Charles Horman
Vinyl 2016 1973 The musical industry in 1973.
The Killing Fields 1984 1973–1979 The Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge regime
Balibo 2009 1975 the Indonesian invasion of East Timor and the Balibo Five
The Amityville Horror 2005 1975 A year after the murders of the DeFeo family in Amity, New York, another family moves into the house where the murders took place. Soon, it becomes clear that the house is haunted. The film was based on the novel The Amityville Horror (1977) by Jay Anson. The novel was inspired by real-life reports of a haunted house in Amity, and by the house's connection to six murders performed by former resident Ronald DeFeo Jr. in 1974.
Raid on Entebbe 1977 1976 The July 1976 rescue of passengers from a hijacked plane
Dazed and Confused 1993 1976 Based on Richard Linklater's life experiences.
Invincible 2006 1976–1978 story of Vince Papale, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 to 1978
Frost/Nixon 2008 1977 the Frost-Nixon interviews
Summer of Sam 1999 1977 The Son of Sam murders in New York City
Romero 1989 1977–1980 The assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero at the height of the Salvadorian Civil War
Boogie Nights 1997 1977–1984 Golden Age of Porn: The rise and fall of fictional pornographic film actor Dirk Diggler
Gracie 2007 1978 Six years after the introduction of Title IX
American Hustle 2013 1978 Abscam operation
Detroit Rock City 1999 1978 Four teenagers embark on a roadtrip from Columbus, Ohio to Detroit, Michigan to attend a concert by KISS, their favourite band. The film is named after the song Detroit Rock City (1976) and depicts a concert within Cobo Center.
54 1998 1979 The last year of Studio 54 in New York City.
The Godfather: Part III 1990 1979 Aging Mafia Don Michael Corleone seeks to avow for his sins, while taking his nephew Vincent Mancini under his wing. The film is loosely based on the sudden death of Pope John Paul I (1978), whose entire term lasted 33 days, and the Banco Ambrosiano scandal (1981–1982).
Argo 2012 1979–1980 A portrayal of the CIA's role in the Canadian Caper.
The 9th Company 2005 1979–1989 Young Soviet Army recruits are stuck in the bloody War in Afghanistan, that was started by politicians.
House of Saddam 2008 1979–2006 A mini-series that explores the inner workings of President of Iraq Saddam Hussein's family and his relationship with his closest advisers.
The Iron Lady 2011 1979–1990 An elderly Margaret Thatcher talks to the imagined presence of her recently deceased husband Denis Thatcher, as she struggles to come to terms with his death. Scenes from her past life, from girlhood to her terms as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, intervene.
Walesa: Man of Hope 2013 1980–1989 Portrayal of Polish labor leader Lech Walesa and the Solidarity movement.
Oranges and Sunshine 2010 1980s Based on the book Empty Cradles by Margaret Humphreys about her investigations in British Home Children.
Miracle 2004 1980 The United States men's national ice hockey team's gold medal victory at the 1980 Winter Olympics
No Country For Old Men 2007 1980 While hunting in West Texas, Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon several dead men and dogs, and a suitcase full of cash. This makes him the target for psychotic hitman Anton Chigurh, who hunts him down to retrieve the stolen money. The film is based on the novel No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy, and dramatizes the illegal drug trade across the Mexico–United States border. The character Llewelyn Moss is depicted as a veteran of the Vietnam War.
The Reagans 2003 1980–1989 Legacy and career of Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy Reagan.
Charlie Wilson's War 2007 1980–1989 CIA's covert involvement in the Soviet–Afghan War
Goodbye Bafana 2007 1980–1990 Nelson Mandela's imprisonment
Barry 2016 1981–2009 A look into the early life of President of the United States Barack Obama.
Scarface 1983 1980–1983 Ruthless Cuban criminal Tony Montana arrives in Miami, Florida as part of the Mariel boatlift (1980) and builds a drug empire. The film was a remake of Scarface (1932), and dramatizes the war on drugs and the illegal drug trade.
Catch a Fire 2006 1980–1994 Set during the early 1980s concerning the plight of the ANC's military wing in the apartheid-era of South Africa
The Falklands Play 2002 1980–1982 Diplomacy leading up to and during the Falklands War
Wonderland 2003 1981 Wonderland murders
Joker 2019 1981 In Gotham City, mentally-troubled comedian Arthur Fleck is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his alter-ego: "The Joker".
Hunger 2008 1981 1981 Irish hunger strike (Part of the Cold War and The Troubles)
The Americans 2013–2018 1981–1987 spy thriller series detailing the lives of KGB agents posing as Americans during the Cold War
An Ungentlemanly Act 1992 1982 The first days of the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands
Tumbledown 1988 1982 Falklands War (Part of the Cold War and The Troubles)
Heartbreak Ridge 1986 1983 United States invasion of Grenada: A hard-nosed, hard-living Marine gunnery sergeant clashes with his superiors and his ex-wife, as he takes command of a spoiled recon platoon with a bad attitude.
Stranger Things 2016– 1983–1985 science fiction horror series set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana
The Hunt for Red October 1990 1984 Soviet submarine during the late Cold War era
Steve Jobs 2015 1984–1998 Covers fourteen years of Steve Jobs' computing career
The Lives of Others 2006 1984–1993 In East Berlin, a Stasi agent is assigned to wire-tap a playwright and his lover, who are suspected to be disloyal to the GDR. However, the agent finds himself increasingly absorbed by their lives.
Paid in Full 2002 1985 During the Crack epidemic of the 1980s
Climber's High 2008 1985 Historical drama about Japan Airlines Flight 123
Shizumanu Taiyō 2009 1985 Historical drama about Japan Airlines Flight 123
Chernobyl 2019 1986-1987 Mini-series depicting the Chernobyl disaster.
Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie 2016 1986–2016 A satirical rendition of Donald Trump's 1987 best selling business book, The Art of the Deal.
Foxcatcher 2014 1986–1996 Wrestling coach John Eleuthère du Pont and Wrestlers Mark Schultz and Dave Schultz and the events of Foxcatcher farm in the lead up to, and following, the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Straight Outta Compton 2015 1986–1996 The story behind hip hop group, N.W.A
Endgame 2009 1987–1990 final days of apartheid in South Africa
Narcos 2015 1989 Pablo Escobar rules the Medellín Cartel.
Atomic Blonde 2017 1989 Spy thriller set in the days before, during and after the Fall of the Wall
Good Bye, Lenin! 2003 1989-1990 Fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification
Jarhead 2005 1989–1991 Gulf War
Three Kings 1999 1991 1991 uprisings in Iraq against Saddam Hussein and aftermath of the Gulf War and the Dissolution of the Soviet Union
The Perfect Storm 2000 1991 1991 Perfect Storm
Invictus 2009 1991–1995 Post-apartheid South Africa and the 1995 Rugby World Cup
Welcome to Sarajevo 1997 1992 Bosnian War
No Man's Land 2001 1992 Bosnian War
As If I Am Not There 2010 1992 Bosnian War
In the Land of Blood and Honey 2011 1992 Bosnian War
Snowtown 2011 1992–1999 Snowtown murders
Black Hawk Down 2001 1993 The Battle of Mogadishu, Somali Civil War
The Fighter 2010 1993 About boxer Micky Ward and his family
Hotel Rwanda 2004 1994 Assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryamira and Rwandan genocide
Shooting Dogs 2005 1994 Rwandan genocide
Sometimes in April 2005 1994 Rwandan genocide
Shake Hands with the Devil 2007 1994 Rwandan genocide
The Special Relationship 2010 1994–2001 The United Kingdom–United States Special Relationship between Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair and President of the United States Bill Clinton
Savior 1998 1995 During the Bosnian War in former Yugoslavia
Pain & Gain 2013 1995 Based on the criminal activities of the short-lived Sun Gym gang (1994–1995) of Miami Lakes, Florida, which consisted mostly of bodybuilders. In the film, a trio of bodybuilders in Florida get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong.
Behind Enemy Lines 2001 1995 the Mrkonjić Grad incident during the Bosnian War in former Yugoslavia
The Queen 2006 1997 A fictional account of the immediate events following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales
Open Water 2003 1998 Tom and Eileen Lonergan
American Sniper 2014 1998–2011 Based on the 2012 memoir of former US Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle
Blood Diamond 2006 1999 During the Sierra Leone Civil War
The Rookie 2002 1999–2000 The story of Jim Morris, an American baseball player who reached the major leagues at the age of 35

Films set in Information Era (after 2000)

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Spotlight 2015 2001 The Boston Globe's investigative story on the Sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic archdiocese of Boston and the September 11 attacks
World Trade Center 2006 2001 September 11 attacks
United 93 2006 2001 September 11 attacks
Zero Dark Thirty 2012 2001–2012 The finding and assassination of Osama Bin Laden
The Social Network 2010 2003–2007 The founding of the social networking service-website Facebook
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War and Morrison Y. and the Olympic Documentary 2019 2004–17 Based on a manga, documentary about from the successful 2004 Summer Olympics to the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The Impossible 2012 2004 The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, from the viewpoint of a tourist family in Thailand
The Hurt Locker 2008 2004 the Iraq War, just before the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
Lone Survivor 2013 2005 Based on the 2007 non-fiction book of the same name about Operation Red Wings by Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson
The Big Short 2015 2005–2008 Based on the 2010 book of the same name, about numerous financial experts who predict and proceed to take advantage of the 2008 financial meltdown
The Fifth Estate 2013 2007–2010 About Julian Assange and the foundation of his news-leaking site WikiLeaks
Too Big to Fail 2011 2008 The 2008 financial meltdown
Million Dollar Arm 2014 2008 the story of Indian baseball pitchers Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel
Sully 2016 2009 the story of Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and the aftermath of US Airways Flight 1549
Captain Phillips 2013 2009 Kidnapping of merchant mariner Richard Phillips by Somalian pirates
Deepwater Horizon 2016 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi 2016 2012 2012 Benghazi attack: During an attack on a U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya, a security team struggles to make sense out of the chaos.
Uncut Gems 2019 2012 Kevin Garnett's performance in the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals
Patriots Day 2016 2013 The Boston Marathon Bombing.
Ser du månen, Daniel 2019 2013–2014 The story of the kidnapping of Danish photographer Daniel Rye by the terrorist militant group ISIS in Syria.
Operation Red Sea 2018 2015 The People's Liberation Army Navy entered the Yemeni Civil War and the International military intervention against ISIL.

See also


References

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Sources

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External links

  • History on Film—A historian looks at how Hollywood has presented historical events in the films.
  • Fraser, George McDonald, The Hollywood History of the World, from One Million Years B.C. to 'Apocalypse Now', London: M. Joseph, 1988; "First U.S. ed.", New York: Beech Tree Books, cop. 1988. Both eds. collate thus: xix, 268 p., amply ill. (b&w photos). ISBN 0-7181-2997-0 (U.K. ed.), 0-688-07520-7 (U.S. ed.)
  • The Period-Drama Timeline—listing costume dramas according to the year in which they are set.
  • Enchanted Serenity of Period Films—A fansite dedicated to period films.
  • Period Movies and Dramas—listings of period films and costume dramas according to various criteria (century, subject, alphabetical, directors, and actors).
  • Recycled Movie Costumes—Site dedicated to documenting costumes used in more than one film
  • Frock Flicks—Blog and podcast about costumes in historical costume movies and TV shows.
  • Period Movies Box—Blog with information on latest period movies, exciting facts and honest reviews.
  1. ↑ Albertz 2003, p. 69-70.
  2. ↑ The White Queen
  3. ↑ Dangerous Beauty
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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