A period-piece movie not only reflects on the history of a certain country or society but also emphasizes the issues that way prevalent during that time. Now, some might consider period pieces to be not exactly connective to the present society we live in, but these movies use historical stories to bring out the social issues that still exist. That is why these movies might have a large impact on one.
Update July 8, 2023: With the upcoming release of Oppenheimer, this article has been updated with even more incredible period-piece movies.
What exactly is a good period-piece movie? Interestingly, a good period-piece movie is not just about historical accuracy, it is also about the movie's ability to "transport audiences back to a specific time and place". This includes the storyline, the performances by the actors, the setting, the soundtracks, and everything in between. So, it is definitely no easy task to put together a period piece, as it requires much research. One of the most anticipated movies of 2023 is a period-piece, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, which could be one of the biggest hits of the year. Here are the best period-piece movies of all time.
25 Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Moulin Rouge! Is Baz Luhrmann’s timeless and incredibly stunning bohemian romance set in the late 19th century, during the artist revolution that took the whimsical streets of Montmartre, Paris by a sweep. The musical brings to life the story of Christian, a down-on-his-luck, penniless English writer who travels to the city of Lights and falls for Satine, the flirtatious star of the Moulin Rouge.
From dazzling and lavish costumes to explosive musical numbers that put a novel spin on contemporary pop songs, the film creates a dream-like atmosphere that brings the long-gone period alive. But that’s not all there is to it. Satine and Christian’s love story, despite being doomed from the start, still manages to tug at the heartstrings of the audience.
24 The Imitation Game (2014)
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One emotional rollercoaster of a film, The Imitation Game, is based on the real-life of the mathematician Alan Turing, whose contributions during World War II allowed the Allied powers to deduce German ciphers. Turing is also known as the father of theoretical computer science and was one genius in world history. However, his homosexuality led him to be convicted for "gross indecency", ultimately resulting in him taking his own life.
The film, with Benedict Cumberbatch taking over the role of young Turing, focuses on his role as a cryptanalyst during the war and also his personal life. The combination of Turing's career life and personal life allows the film to tell an important story of world history, which might have been otherwise overlooked by the people.
23 Carol (2015)
Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in their most breathtaking performances ever, Carol is a visually delightful film that transports you to the grand department stores and suburban streets of 1950s New York. Mara’s Therese Belivet is an aspiring photographer and department store worker. When she happens upon an exchange between an elegant woman, Blanchett’s Carol, and her husband while they’re out shopping for Christmas, Therese is, strangely, almost instantly drawn to the woman.
Soon, the two enter into a surprising, unconventional relationship that begins to transform them both in a time when love was only accepted in certain forms. The film showcases 1950s New York in all its fashionable splendor – from Christmas windows and cocktail parties to thriving nights and suburban life – to tell a story of love against all odds.
22 The English Patient (1996)
Capturing the stunning locale of 1940s North Africa, this sweeping epic tells an unusual love story set against the backdrop of World War II. After a badly burned man named Laszlo de Almasy is rescued from the Libyan desert, it is upon Hana, a nurse, to take care of him and heal him as he rests in an Italian monastery. Meanwhile, the two people’s haunting stories unwind, involving a complex web of obsession, betrayal, and revenge.
Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche bring an intense depth to their roles. And as fragments of their tragic pasts collide, a romance emerges. The English Patient portrays the universal human capacity for longing, despair, and hope at a time when all seemed lost.
21 1917 (2019)
This British war film, directed by Sam Mendes, takes us back to the year 1917 as well as the battlefield during World War I. The film focuses on two young British soldiers, Lance Corporal William "Will" Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Corporal Thomas "Tom" Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), as they try to cross the Western Front during a rescue mission. What Sam Mendes has attempted to bring out through 1917 is the depiction of the consequences of war on human life while focusing on the very humane stories of these two characters.
Mendes has drawn inspiration from the stories of his paternal grandfather, Alfred Mendes, who was a World War I veteran. In order to capture the real-time story, the film comes off as if it was taken in a single shot due to the cinematographer's brilliance. The film was nominated for 10 awards at the 92nd Academy Awards and went on to win three.
20 Emma (2020)
With Anya Taylor-Joy taking over the lead role of Emma Woodhouse, the film brings a Regency-era England romantic story. Emma, which is based on Jane Austen's 1815 novel of the same name, centers around a young woman who constantly finds herself entangled in other people's affairs simply due to her inability to avoid interfering. The whole story comes off as a form of self-reflection on the part of the protagonist, who ends up having great character development. However, what makes this particular adaptation of Emma entertaining is Taylor-Joy's performance as well as the setting of the film, which includes costumes and make-up.
19 The King's Speech (2010)
With Colin Firth taking over the role of King George VI, The King's Speech brings out the flaws or the more humane side of the monarch. Inspired by the true story of how King George VI was afflicted by a stammer and how Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian therapist, was treating him to help him overcome it, the film brings out the desperation of the King and how it severely impacted him. The film also goes on to reflect on the infamous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) as well as the declaration of war on Nazi Germany. The King's Speech went on to receive 12 nominations at the 83rd Academy Awards and went on to win four, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
18 Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Unlike many other films which involve William Shakespeare, Shakespeare in Love focuses on the infamous English playwright and poet William Shakespeare himself. With Joseph Fiennes taking over the role of the protagonist, Shakespeare, and Gwyneth Paltrow portraying Viola de Lesseps, the story focuses on the former's relationship with the latter and how it inspired his tragedy, Romeo and Juliet.
Thus, the film follows a very similar plot line to that of Romeo and Juliet, where the two are unable to materialize their love and has to depart. Shakespeare's attempt in immortalizing their love comes in the form of Romeo and Juliet, while the departure itself inspires his other play, Twelfth Night. While the film is a fictional one and lacks historical accuracy, it is definitely inspired by the recorded history of William Shakespeare.
17 Dunkirk (2017)
This visceral and immersive period piece directed by Christopher Nolan yanks you by the arm and drops you right into the harrowing evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. The dialogue may be minimal, but the movie has the kind of technical mastery that is rarely achieved while telling a tale so brutal. The audience gets to experience three interconnected timelines on land, sea, and air during the week-long Dunkirk crisis where the stranded soldiers were trapped on the beach and civilian boat fleets risked everything to save them.
Dunkirk has beautiful cinematography, a pulse-pounding score, jarring performances from Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Jack Lowden, and Nolan's trademark storytelling skill to elevate to recreate history's most heroic hours.
16 Pride & Prejudice (2005)
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Joe Wright’s version of Jane Austen’s classic tale that draws a thin line between love and hate became a fan favorite for many reasons, but one in particular. Yes, we’re talking about that hand flex. Pride & Prejudice perfectly encapsulates the spirit, manners, wit, romance, and the timeless wisdom of 19th-century England.
Centered around the lives of the five Bennet sisters, we are treated to the impeccable acting of Keira Knightley as the independent-minded Elizabeth Bennet, who finds her own opinion of the arrogant and haughty Mr. Darcy slowly evolves as their paths keep on crossing relentlessly and amusingly. In the film, all the historic details, from the elegant ballroom dances and beautiful costumes to the everyday nuances and language of the 19th century, work together to bring Regency-era England to life.
15 Hidden Figures (2016)
Loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's 2016 non-fiction book of the same name, the story focuses on three Black female mathematicians of 1961 America, during which segregation based on race and sex was very much visible. The film acts as a reminder of the racism and sexism that still exists in the United States (as well as other countries) and focuses on the pain it causes the three protagonists.
With Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe taking over the roles of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who were mathematicians in Langley Research Center in Virginia, Hidden Figures show how these three women, regardless of their intelligence and effort, face so much discrimination that it barres them from reaching their maximum potential. From the "colored bathrooms" to the all-white education systems, the film brings out many historical facts and takes the viewers back to a horrible past.
14 Titanic (1997)
Every single person who has watched Titanic might have gone through a tear-jerking journey because that is exactly what Titanic is about. The film takes you back to the story of RMS Titanic, which was "the largest and most luxurious passenger ship of its time", and, thus, unsinkable. However, in April 1915, the ship encountered an iceberg and sank, killing over 1,500 people.
Taking inspiration from this historical tragedy, James Cameron's film focuses on the love story of two passengers on the ship, one from a low-class society and the other from a high-class society. With Kate Winslet taking over the role of Rose and Leonardo DiCaprio portraying Jack, the film focuses on themes of love, loss, trauma, and social hierarchy. Even if the film follows a fictional story, it is easy to identify how real the pain might have been.
13 Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie take over the lead roles of Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I in this particular film, which goes back to the 16th Century. Mary Queen of Scots, as suggested by the title, is mainly about Queen Mary's attempt at taking over the throne of Scotland. We see how the two cousins engage in a battle over the throne, each fearing they will oust each other. However, the film attempts to focus on the bond between the two while exaggerating certain events like their secret meeting, which has never been recorded. Mary Queen of Scots is one film that focuses on a strong Queen who, unfortunately, ended up being executed.
12 The Favourite (2018)
Set in 18th-century England, the film follows the story of Queen Anne during the latter part of her reign. With Olivia Colman taking over the role of Queen Anne, The Favourite unpacks the politics with her court and her personal affairs with Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail Hill (Emma Stone). Of course, like most period pieces, the film adds in a layer of fiction by extending the relationship between Queen Anne and these two women as sexual.
While there is no evidence to suggest such affairs, there are certain truths the film emphasizes on. From the Queen's weakening health to Lady Sarah's influence on her and, of course, the war that takes place amidst such personal affairs, The Favourite is an interesting film that unveils royalty. This particular film was nominated for nine Academy Awards and went on to win one under the Best Actress category.
11 Little Women (2019)
With a star-studded cast, Greta Gerwig's Little Women is undeniably one of the best adaptations of Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel of the same name. The film, like its original source, follows the story of the March sisters as they attempt to navigate their lives in the middle of their family's financial crisis. The film does a brilliant job of emphasizing the individuality of each character.
Gerwig brings a feminist layer to the film as she attempts to comment on gender equality through the characters. Thus, characters like Amy March (Florence Pugh), who tend to get overlooked in the original novel, is given a stronger voice as she goes on to comment on the plight of a woman. The film received six Academy Award nominations. Little Women, regardless of the time the story takes place, is a film that is very much applicable to the current society and one that might leave the viewers with much to think about
10 Atonement (2007)
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Based on Ian McEwan's 2001 novel, Atonement brings out an unfortunate story which takes place in 1935 England. The film follows Robbie (James McAvoy) and Cecilia (Keira Knightley), who develops a relationship as they figure out their secret attraction to each other. However, this affair is destroyed when Cecilia's sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan) accuses Robbie of sexually assaulting Lola, their cousin. This ends up with Robbie being arrested, who ultimately finds himself enlisted in World War II.
As the film progresses, the viewers are shown that the two end up together. However, at the end, a grown-up Briony reveals that the two never ended up meeting again and had unfortunate deaths. The fictional encounter is created by her in her novel as an attempt to reconnect them following their death. Atonement might be an emotionally striking film, but it is a beautiful reminder of love and anger.
9 The Pianist (2002)
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In this film, Adrien Brody does one phenomenal job of portraying the Polish-Jewish pianist, Władysław Szpilman, and his life during and after the German invasion of Poland in 1939. Rather than focusing on one particular year/s, the film focuses on a story that spans more than five years and visually illustrates the trauma and pain Szpilman had to endure as he and his family had to move from different locations and be witness to different horrific events.
Brody perfectly embodies the pain Szpilman might have gone through, making the film yet another painful watch that represents the gruesome and inhumane acts of Nazi Germany. Brody won Best Actor for this particular role at the 75th Academy Awards, while Roman Polanski won Best Director.
8 Raise the Red Lantern (1991)
This is one film that had to undergo China's censorship rules as it was banned in the country for a certain period as the state saw it as "a critique of authoritarian rule" even though Zhang Yimou, the director, denied such intentions. That in itself might suggest how this particular film is a realistic portrayal of oppression and misogyny. Raise the Red Lantern follows the story of a young woman named Songlian (Gong Li) in the 1920s Republican era.
Songlian is reluctantly married to a wealthy man, in turn, becoming his fourth concubine. The film focuses on how her husband abuses his wives and pits them against each other in order to make them fight for his attention. Ultimately, Songlian witnesses some traumatic events which end up making her go insane. It is possible to say that Raise the Red Lantern is one film that is underrated.
7 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Based on Solomon Northup's 1853 slave memoir, Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave brings out the brutal slave history of America. The story focuses on how Northup, who was a free African-American man, was kidnapped and sold into the slave trade. What follows afterward is a revelation of what the slave history might have been like. The film does not back away from illustrating the inhumane conditions and tortures the African-American community had to face. The way in which they were treated as mere products is vividly portrayed in this film. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards and went on to win three, including Best Picture.
6 The Irishman (2019)
A brilliant film by Martin Scorsese, The Irishman brings Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci to portray the historical figures of Frank Sheeran, who was "the Irishman" Jimmy Hoffa, and Russell Bufalino. What follows is a fictionalized story of Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance, a mystery that is yet to be resolved. The movie focuses on themes of corruption and class distinction while giving a glimpse of the crime world. From the performances to the cinematography and the suspense, The Irishman does not fail to deliver a brilliant masterpiece that ensures the viewers are engulfed in the story that unfolds. It is also fascinating to see how the characters are aged and de-aged to fit the shift in the time frames.