Great Period Movies Set in the 19th Century

Ranker Film

Updated April 12, 2024 65.2K views 79 items

Ranked By

3.9K votes

766 voters

2 reranks

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite period films set in the 1800s and the Victorian era.

Latest additions: Cabrini, The Peasants

Most divisive: The Revenant

Over 700 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Great Period Movies Set in the 19th Century

The 19th century often seems like the distant past, but the classic stories found in 1800s period films prove to be timeless. The top 1800s movies feature passionate love stories, epic war sagas, and intriguing mysteries. This is a list of the best 19th century period movies, including everything from How Green Was My Valley to The Age of Innocence to The Piano.

What films will you find on this list of the best Victorian era movies? Gone with the Wind follows Scarlett O'Hara, a spoiled Southern belle who finds her life upended by the Civil War. The 1939 epic took home eight Academy Awards, including the trophies for Best Picture and Best Director. Wuthering Heights is another great film set in the 1800s. Mia Wasikowska played the title character in the 2011 drama Jane Eyre. Other good movies featured on this list include The Portrait of a Lady and Anna Karenina.

Which film set in the Victorian era is your favorite? Give the best movies a thumbs up and please add any good films that are missing.

1
Gone With The Wind
Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard
287 votes
A sweeping, epic romance set against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War, this 19th-century classic follows the tempestuous Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) as she navigates love, loss, and survival. Clark Gable stars as the roguish Rhett Butler, whose relationship with Scarlett stands the test of time.
More Gone with the Wind
- Dig Deeper...Dark Tales From Behind The Scenes Of 'Gone with the Wind'
- #5 of 27 onThe 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #110 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
2
Pride & Prejudice
Keira Knightley, Matthew McFadyen, Brenda Blethyn
138 votes
In this enchanting adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, Keira Knightley shines as the strong-willed and intelligent Elizabeth Bennet, who navigates the pressures of 19th-century society and her turbulent relationship with the brooding Mr. Darcy (Matthew McFadyen).
More Pride & Prejudice
- #602 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #13 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #60 of 369 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
3
Jane Eyre
Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell
169 votes
This atmospheric adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's classic 19th-century novel explores the intense and passionate love between the orphaned governess, Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska), and her enigmatic employer, Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender), while uncovering dark secrets within the walls of Thornfield Hall.
More Jane Eyre
- #197 of 369 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #3 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #162 of 469 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
4
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins
142 votes
A mesmerizing and sensual tale of forbidden love, this retelling of the classic 19th-century Gothic horror story stars Gary Oldman as the enigmatic Count Dracula, who pursues his true love, Mina (Winona Ryder), across centuries and continents. Francis Ford Coppola directs this haunting tale, with Anthony Hopkins co-starring as the iconic vampire hunter, Van Helsing.
More Bram Stoker's Dracula
- Dig Deeper...16 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’
- And Deeper...The 11 Weirdest Things About Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'
- #351 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
5
Wuthering Heights
Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, David Niven
95 votes
A captivating adaptation of Emily Bronte's timeless 19th-century novel, this turbulent tale of love, obsession, and revenge stars Merle Oberon as the tempestuous Cathy and Laurence Olivier as the brooding Heathcliff, whose doomed romance transcends life and death.
More Wuthering Heights
- #45 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #17 of 75 onThe 75 Best Classic Romance Movies
- #35 of 76 onThe 70 Best Costume Drama Movies
6
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
95 votes
Set against the rugged landscapes of the 1800's American Southwest, this iconic spaghetti western follows the intertwining fates of three gunslingers (Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef) as they navigate treachery and violence in search of buried gold. Directed by the legendary Sergio Leone.
More The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
- #3 of 27 onThe 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #53 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #2 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
7
Phantom Of The Opera
Claude Rains, Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster
114 votes
In this haunting adaptation of Gaston Leroux's 19th-century novel, the disfigured Phantom (Claude Rains) terrorizes the Paris Opera House while falling in love with the beautiful Christine (Susanna Foster), leading to obsession, madness, and tragedy.
More Phantom of the Opera
- #44 of 215 onThe Best Movies by Universal Studios
- #10 of 50 onThe 50 Best Horror Movies Of The '40s, Ranked
- #16 of 39 onThe Best 1940s Monster Movies, Ranked
8
Little Women
Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh
65 votes
An enchanting adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's timeless novel, Little Women brings to life the March sisters' journey of self-discovery, love, and resilience set against the backdrop of the American Civil War era.
More Little Women
- Dig Deeper...Do Jo And Bhaer End Up Together At The End Of ‘Little Women’?
- And Deeper...How Greta Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’ Handled Important Moments Compared To The 1994 Film And The Novel
- #184 of 369 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
9
Dances with Wolves
Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene
57 votes
Set during the 1800's American frontier, Kevin Costner directs and stars in this sweeping epic, portraying a Union Army lieutenant who befriends a tribe of Lakota Sioux and becomes embroiled in the struggle for their land and way of life.
More Dances with Wolves
- #27 of 50 onThe Biggest Movies Of The '90s, Ranked
- #6 of 27 onThe 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #51 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
10
Sherlock Holmes
Robert Downey, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
68 votes
In this thrilling 19th-century detective adventure, the brilliant but eccentric Sherlock Holmes and his trusted confidant, Dr. Watson, must unravel a sinister conspiracy threatening the very heart of England.
More Sherlock Holmes
- #228 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #135 of 228 onThe 200+ Best Film Scores Of All Time
- #44 of 138 onThe Best Rainy Day Movies, Ranked

11
Mrs. Brown
Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Antony Sher
142 votes
A poignant 1800s drama, Mrs. Brown delves into the complex relationship between Queen Victoria and her loyal servant, John Brown, as they navigate the intricacies of grief, friendship, and the heavy weight of the British monarchy.
More Mrs Brown
- #61 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #61 of 76 onThe Best Serious Movies Starring Comedians
- #8 of 25 onGreat Movies About Real Female Rulers
12
Les Miserables
Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Hugh Jackman
43 votes
A stirring adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel, Les Misérables presents a heart-wrenching tale of love, redemption, and revolution set against the turbulent backdrop of 19th-century France.
More Les Miserables
- #674 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #11 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #95 of 126 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
13
Gettysburg
Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Stephen Lang
32 votes
An epic retelling of the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, this sweeping 19th-century war film captures the tension, strategy, and raw courage of the soldiers who fought in one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history.
More Gettysburg
- #1 of 27 onThe 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #25 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #52 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
14
For a Few Dollars More
Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Sergio Leone
44 votes
Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef return in this stylish western, directed by Sergio Leone. Two bounty hunters with different motivations join forces to track down a notorious bandit, leading to a thrilling showdown with deadly consequences.
More For a Few Dollars More
- #24 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #448 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #26 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
15
The Young Victoria
Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany
34 votes
An exquisite portrayal of the early years of Queen Victoria's reign, The Young Victoria is a sumptuous period drama that delves into the tumultuous romance between Victoria and Prince Albert. With standout performances by Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend, the film offers a vivid glimpse into the 19th-century British monarchy and the challenges faced by a young queen finding her footing amidst the intrigues of her time.
16
Jane Eyre
William Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Joan Plowright
33 votes
An orphaned young girl, Jane Eyre (Anna Paquin), suffers humiliation and abuse at the hands of her aunt (Fiona Shaw) and is subsequently banished to a strict boarding school for several years. Upon her release, the adult Jane (Charlotte Gainsbourg) becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, caring for the child of Mr. Rochester (William Hurt) and his ailing wife (Maria Schneider). Jane and the enigmatic Rochester begin an intense relationship overshadowed by doubt and madness.
17
Emma.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy
73 votes
This spirited adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel offers a fresh take on the 19th-century tale of Emma Woodhouse, a charming and privileged young woman who delightfully meddles in the romantic lives of her friends and neighbors.
More Emma.
- #310 of 369 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #14 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #97 of 114 onThe Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time
18
How Green Was My Valley
Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O'Hara, Roddy McDowall
66 votes
Set in a 19th-century Welsh mining village, How Green Was My Valley is a poignant and evocative family drama that reflects the struggles, joys, and heartbreaks of a close-knit community grappling with change.
More How Green Was My Valley
- #71 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
- #186 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #43 of 91 onThe 90 Best Black And White Movies
19
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Robert Downey, Jude Law, Noomi Rapace
49 votes
In this electrifying sequel, the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson face off against their most cunning adversary, Professor Moriarty, in a deadly game of wits and intrigue set in the late 1800s.
More Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
- #366 of 772 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #183 of 185 onMovies With The Best Soundtracks
- #16 of 50 onThe 40+ Best Adventure Movies Rated PG-13
20
The Age Of Innocence
Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder
73 votes
Martin Scorsese's exquisite adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel transports audiences to the opulent and rigidly structured world of 19th-century New York high society. Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Newland Archer, a young lawyer torn between duty and passion as he becomes entangled in a love triangle with his fiancée, portrayed by Winona Ryder, and her scandalous cousin, played by Michelle Pfeiffer.
More The Age of Innocence
- #270 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #56 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #261 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars

21
The Duel
Liam Hemsworth, Emory Cohen, Woody Harrelson
17 votes
Starring Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, and Alice Braga Set against the backdrop of the late 19th-century Texas frontier, The Duel is a tense and atmospheric western thriller that explores the rivalry between a Texas Ranger and a charismatic preacher with a dark secret. With a captivating performance by Woody Harrelson, this tautly paced film delves into themes of vengeance, morality, and the complexities of human nature.
22
A Fistful of Dollars
Clint Eastwood, Gian Maria Volonté, Aldo Sambrell
36 votes
Set against the captivating backdrop of the 19th-century American frontier, A Fistful of Dollars is an outstanding western film that showcases the directorial prowess of Sergio Leone. Clint Eastwood's iconic portrayal of the enigmatic and cunning gunslinger, the "Man with No Name," takes center stage in this gripping tale of power, greed, and revenge.
More A Fistful of Dollars
- #14 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #20 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #12 of 167 onThe Greatest '60s Movies, Ranked
23
The Lighthouse
Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Valeriia Karaman
45 votes
A masterful exploration of psychological turmoil set in the late 19th century, The Lighthouse follows two isolated lighthouse keepers as they struggle to maintain their sanity amidst the harsh conditions and creeping paranoia of their remote island outpost.
More The Lighthouse
- #154 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #86 of 91 onThe 90 Best Black And White Movies
- #115 of 167 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
24
Amistad
Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey
38 votes
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Amistad recounts the true story of a 19th-century slave ship mutiny and the subsequent legal battle that captivated a nation. This gripping historical drama delves into the struggle for justice and the fight against slavery, as the enslaved Africans aboard the Amistad face seemingly insurmountable odds in their quest for freedom.
More Amistad
- #269 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #271 of 279 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- #98 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
25
Django Unchained
Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio
53 votes
Quentin Tarantino's audacious and unapologetically violent western, set in the Antebellum South of the 19th century, follows the eponymous Django, a freed slave portrayed by Jamie Foxx. In a quest for retribution and to rescue his enslaved wife, Django joins forces with a German bounty hunter, played by Christoph Waltz, as they confront the ruthless plantation owner, embodied by Leonardo DiCaprio.
More Django Unchained
- #98 of 288 onThe 250+ Best Western Movies Of All Time
- #598 of 702 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #129 of 190 onThe Best Movies For Men
26
12 Years a Slave
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch
43 votes
In this harrowing, critically acclaimed adaptation of Solomon Northup's memoir, 12 Years a Slave offers an unflinching look at the brutal realities of slavery in 19th-century America. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a riveting performance as a free man kidnapped and sold into slavery, navigating the horrors of plantation life and the cruelties of his captors.
More 12 Years a Slave
- Dig Deeper...Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- #32 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
- #17 of 126 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
27
Far from the Madding Crowd
Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen
27 votes
A headstrong Victorian beauty (Carey Mulligan) has her choice of three different suitors: a sheep farmer (Matthias Schoenaerts), a dashing soldier (Tom Sturridge) and a prosperous, older bachelor (Michael Sheen).
28
Anna Karenina
Keira Knightley, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jude Law
103 votes
A visually stunning adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel, Anna Karenina tells the tragic story of a doomed love affair in 19th-century Russian high society. Keira Knightley shines as the titular heroine, navigating a world of passion, betrayal, and social expectations. This lavish and evocative film masterfully captures the emotional turmoil of its characters, set against the backdrop of a bygone era.
More Anna Karenina
- #35 of 80 onThe Best Period Romance Movies
- #175 of 229 onThe Best Movies For Women
- #12 of 15 on15 Times Actors Reunited And Lightning Struck Twice
29
Lincoln
Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn
35 votes
Steven Spielberg's Lincoln follows the eponymous president, played masterfully by Daniel Day-Lewis, in his relentless pursuit to end slavery. As the Civil War reaches its climax, Lincoln battles opposition from all sides to secure passage of the 13th Amendment.
More Lincoln
- #128 of 264 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #41 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #11 of 59 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
30
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman
57 votes
Set in the dark and atmospheric London of the 1800s, Tim Burton's macabre adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical tells the chilling tale of Sweeney Todd, played by Johnny Depp. As the vengeful barber seeking retribution for his wrongful imprisonment, Todd partners with the sinister Mrs. Lovett, portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter, in a grisly plot of murder and deception.
More Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
- #76 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- #244 of 396 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #34 of 114 onThe Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time

Little Women