10 best historical epic films

Epic films are large-scale productions that echo classical literary epics, focusing on grandiose events and heroic characters, characterized by their ambition and grandeur.

Historical epics, in particular, reconstruct historical or mythical events, often requiring high production costs due to vast sets, lavish or complex costumes, extensive soundtracks, and a large supporting cast, often culminating in monumental battles.

In this article we will highlight some of the best historical epic films. Watch!

Napoleon (2023)

Directed by Ridley Scott, this biopic portrays the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, a French statesman and military leader, one of the greatest historical figures.

The film presents Napoleon’s rise to power, focusing primarily on his relationship with his wife, Empress Josephine.

In the cast we have Joaquin Phoenix in the role of Napoleon, an actor who had already worked with Scott in “Gladiator”, and Vanessa Kirby in the role of Josephine de Beauharnais.

Troy (2004)

The Hollywood adaptation of Homer’s Iliad, “Troy,” is one of the most famous and important epic poems in literature. Directed by German Wolfgang Petersen (“Das Boot”, 1981), the film recreates the legendary Trojan War.

In the plot, the Trojan prince Paris falls in love with Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. When they flee together to Troy, they unleash an epic war that lasts more than a decade. Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, and Hector, brother of Paris and defender of Troy, lead their nations in this intense battle.

The film has a strong cast, with Brad Pitt as Achilles, Eric Bana as Hector, as well as Diane Kruger, Orlando Bloom, Rose Byrne, Sean Bean and Peter O’Toole.

Brave Heart (1995)

Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, “Braveheart” is a historical epic that tells the story of the fight for Scottish independence in the 13th century, led by the knight William Wallace.

The story revolves around William Wallace, a Scottish knight who, after his wife is murdered by the English army, leads a revolt against King Edward I. The film was a great success with critics and audiences, receiving ten Oscar nominations in 1996. won in five categories, including Best Film and Best Director.

The film features a sequence focused on the character of Robert the Bruce, known as “The King of Scotland”, currently available on Amazon Prime Video.

The New World (2005)

Directed by Terrence Malick (“The Tree of Life”), “The New World” is an epic that chronicles the encounter between English colonizers and Native Americans in the 17th century. The production is extremely popular, with particular attention to the photographic work of Emmanuel Lubezki.

Here we follow the love story between the explorer John Smith and the Indian Pocahontas. In 1607, an English fleet arrives in America and encounters difficulty adjusting. So Smith seeks help from the local tribes and meets the native Pocahontas.

The film adapts a famous myth, which is the same one that inspired the Disney animation, “Pocahontas”.

Cleopatra (1963)

Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (“The Wicked One”), “Cleopatra” is a historical epic that chronicles the life of Egypt’s legendary queen, Cleopatra, and her relationship with Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

With its extravagant production, “Cleopatra” ended up costing $31 million, becoming the most expensive film ever made at the time, and nearly bankrupting 20th Century Fox.

The film features iconic performances from Elizabeth Taylor (Cleopatra) and Richard Burton (Antony) and has had mixed reception, from heavy criticism to technical recognition, being a major Hollywood landmark.

In addition to this, Cleopatra has other adaptations, such as the one by the master Cecil B. DeMille produced in 1934, currently available on Looke and NetMovies.

Spartacus (1960)

Epic film directed by the famous Stanley Kubrick, which portrays the story of the Thracian slave Spartacus who leads a slave revolt against the Roman Republic. The film is known for its gripping narrative and impressive battle scenes.

The cast stars Kirk Douglas, with Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton and Peter Ustinov in prominent roles. The film received four Oscars and was a box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film in Universal Studios history until 1970.

Alexander (2004)

Directed by Oliver Stone (“Platoon” and “Born on the Fourth of July”), the film tells the life of Alexander the Great, one of the greatest military leaders in history.

As is common in the genre, the production has a stellar cast, led by Colin Farrell in the lead role, accompanied by Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer, Jared Leto, Rosario Dawson and Anthony Hopkins.

Although “Alexander” has received mixed reviews and generated controversy due to its four different cuts, it is an ambitious production that seeks to capture the grandeur and legacy of one of antiquity’s most fascinating historical figures.

The saga of the gladiator Maximus Decimus Meridius has conquered audiences and critics. Set in Ancient Rome and directed by Ridley Scott (known for “The Crusade”, “Blade Runner” and “Alien”), the film won 6 Oscars, including best film.

In the film we follow the journey of Maximus, a general who becomes a slave and gladiator, and his quest for revenge against the new emperor, Commodus, who usurped the throne and ordered his death.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

This biographical epic chronicles the life of TE Lawrence, a British officer who played a crucial role in the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.

Featuring magnificent landscapes, the film was directed by David Lean, famous Hollywood director, known for other historical epics in his filmography.

The film is extremely critically acclaimed, having won 7 Oscars, including Best Director and Best Film. It is often listed in several trade publications as one of the best films of all time.

Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Based on the novel by Boris Pasternak, it is a romantic epic set during the Russian Revolution, another of its kind directed by David Lean.

The film tells the story of Yuri Zhivago, a doctor and poet dragged into the vortex of historical events that shake Russia. Gradually, he becomes disillusioned with socialism while he is torn between the love of two women.

The film was a huge success upon its release, reaching box office records (adjusted for inflation, the film is the eighth highest grossing of all time). It’s another historical epic that often appears on lists of the best films of all time.

Top Ten Historical Epic Movies appeared first on Olhar Digital.

Source: Olhar Digital

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.