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Top 10 Historical Dramas

By Noelle Buffam · March 8, 2012

Movies have long been an outlet for escaping every day life. While our individual  "every day" routine may seem mundane and repetitive, many great films are based in the reality: historical dramas.

This genre of film examines a specific time in history or group of people. Many Historical films aim to portray true events and people. These films tend to focus on the more glorified societies, people, and happenings in history.

However, most of these films are only loosely based on historical facts… which is not to discount them. Many historical dramas that take artistic liberties with people and happenings are some of the most successful movies of all time. Films like Braveheart and Gladiator are classic movie favorites for many people, myself included.

Still, other historical dramas aim to align with history in a more accurate way. Every so often, a film will come along that combines historical accuracy with great storytelling. The product? A passionately delivered account of history.

Below are 10 Great Historical Dramas. Attempting to stay true to history, these stories of love, loss, and heroism have seared a spot in the minds of audiences throughout film history. Enticing, thrilling and often heartbreaking, these films prove that the most dramatic stories in life are the ones that are real.

10. Spartacus (1960)

Based off the novel of the same name by Howard Fast, Spartacus is one of the most well known historical dramas of all time. The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, tells the story of the rebellious slave named Spartacus (Kirk Douglas). Set in 73 BCE, Spartacus leads a revolt against Lentulus Batiatus (Peter Ustinov) and eventually takes on the mighty Roman Empire. Little is known about the famous leader of the slaves. And while many historical accounts are contradictory in nature, all agree that he was a brave gladiator and accomplished military leader… which is just what the film portrays. While the film received mixed reviews upon release, Spartacus has gained stature and become one of the most renowned historical dramas of all time.  

9. Das Boot (1981)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the story of Das Boot is taken from the experiences of photographer Lothar-Guenther Buchheim (played by Herbert Gronemeyer in the film). Buchheim documented his time at war, from which the film is adapted. Das Boot is a fictional account of the happenings and crewmembers on board the U-96 during World War II. The film shows the individual in the struggle to do what is best for his "comrades and his country". More so, it is a candid look at both the thrill of the chase, and the sometimes monotony of wartime. Not only is the film hailed for its insight into submarine warfare and realistic depictions of war in general, but it is considered one of the greatest German-made films of all time. Petersen has been quoted as saying that one of his goals in makingDas Boot was to take the audience "on a journey to the edge of the mind" to show "what war is all about.” Mission accomplished.

8. Dr. Zhivago (1965)

Banned in the Soviet Union until 1994, the film is directed by David Lean and based off of the book of the same name by Boris Pasternack. While the film is most famous for the love story between Zhivago (Omar Sharif) and Lara (Julie Christie), it is also a poignant tale set amidst the heart of the Bolshevik Revolution. In the film, Dr. Zhivago is a Russian doctor and poet. Although he is married, he falls in love with Lara (Julie Christie), the wife of a political activist. Not only is Dr. Zhivago a beautiful love story, but it is a glimpse into the amount of determination and strength needed to establish a new political order. Nominated for ten Academy Awards, this historical drama took home five, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

7. Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Hotel Rwanda tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina (played by Don Cheadle). As a hotel manager in Rwanda, Rusesabagina housed over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the struggle with the Hutu militia. Directed by Terry George, the film brought awareness of the mass killings into the spotlight. In fact, the world was so affected by the story of Hotel Rwanda that President George W. Bush awarded the real-life Rusesabagina the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Writing for The New York Times, Stephen Holden commented that the film was a “political thriller based on fact that hammers every button on the emotional console." As an independent film, Hotel Rwanda had an initial limited release in theaters. However, the film has grown in popularity and was nominated for many awards, including Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Screenplay.

6. Glory (1989)

Based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the film is told through the eyes of Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Brodrick), a Colonel during the Civil War. It’s a great film that looks into the most decisive time in American history. Glory portrays the first formal unit of the United States Army made up entirely of African American men. In this historical drama, the men of the unit are denied virtually every amenity that their white counterparts receive. It is a great juxtaposition, considering the backdrop of the Civil War- a war fought on the grounds that “every man is equal.” Not only is Glory a stellar war film, but it’s also a story of human ingenuity and strength. Widely recognized as one of the best Civil War films ever made, Glory interweaves personal stories and historical accuracies in a way that creates a beautiful film.

5. Battle of Algiers (1966)

Upon its release in 1966, Gillo Pontecorvo’s Battle of Algiers was considered one of the most gruesome films ever to be made. The historical drama is based on the occurrences during the Algerian War (1954-1962) against French colonial occupation in North Africa. Refusing to “romanticize” the battle, Pontecorvo depicted both the atrocities committed by the French and the terrorist strikes of the National Liberation Front. Since its debut, the film produced much controversy; France even banned it for five years. Many claim that the guerrilla warfare tactics depicted in the film were adopted by the Black Panthers and the Provisional Irish Republican Army. The New York Times reported in 2003 that the Pentagon held screenings of Battle of Algiers in order to discuss the challenges of terrorist tactics faced in Iraq. Influential and still cutting-edge, Battle of Algiers is a true piece of cinematic history.

4. Gandhi (1982)

Based on the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, this historical drama takes a look at the famous leader's nonviolent movement against British colonial rule in India. Set during the first half of the 20th century, Gandhi remains one of the best biopics ever made. Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley as the title character, Gandhi won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture. Capturing the spirit and life of one of the most revolutionary figures in history was no easy task. In fact, the filmmakers opened the movie with the statement, “No man's life can be encompassed in one telling… What can be done is to be faithful in spirit to the record and to try to find one's way to the heart of the man…" The dedication of whole crew could be felt in the execution of the film. Newsweek stated that the film "deals with a subject of great importance… with a mixture of high intelligence and immediate emotional impact." Further more, "Ben Kingsley… gives what is possibly the most astonishing biographical performance in screen history." The combination of superb acting and the dedicated faithfulness to the peaceful leader makes Gandhi one of the most influential historical dramas of all time.

3. Schindler’s List (1993)

Not wanting to diminish the gravity of the subject matter, Steven Spielberg waited 10 years to make Schindler’s List. When he finally felt he was ready to take on the project about the Holocaust, the product turned out to be phenomenal. Yes, there are few movies that have touched the hearts of audiences like Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. This historical drama is about Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson). Schindler was a German Businessman who saved the lives of more than one thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. The film was (and still is) the most expensive black and white film ever made, and it paid off. The film earned over $321 million worldwide, but Spielberg made it known that he could not accept money for his work. Instead, the filmmaker donated it to Jewish charities and endowments. However, more than money and awards (the film won seven Oscars), Schindler’s List is remembered for the portrayal of one man’s courage and integrity in the face of evil.

2. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

It is one of the most famous films of all time: Lawrence of Arabia. Directed by David Lean, the film tells the story of T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole), a British Army Officer best known for his role during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman-Turkish rule of 1916-1918. Most of the film's characters are real or based off of real characters. The events depicted in the film are largely based on historical fact (taken from Lawrence's own writing). However, the film is known for "romanticizing" of the famous leader. Still, Lawrence of Arabia stands as one of the most influential films ever to be made. In fact the film is thought to be a masterpiece of "world cinema", influencing the like of George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Written by Robert Rodat and directed by Steven Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan is a historical drama set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II. Famous for its intense first 27 minutes, which depicts the assault of Omaha Beach, Saving Private Ryan follows U.S. Army Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and seven other men as they search for Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon). The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of war, which is gritty and graphic. Specifically, Saving Private Ryan has been hailed for its depiction of World War II combat. Filming the battle scenes, Spielberg refused to have a storyboard. This allowed the director to let “the action inspire me as to where to put the camera.” The extras in the film totaled more than 1,500, many of whom were members of the Irish Reserve Defence Forces. More so, more than 20 actual amputees were used to portray U.S. soldiers maimed by the battle. It is clear that Spielberg did everything in his power to provide a realistic depiction of war, and it worked. Over the years, WWII veterans have stated on record that it is the single most accurate depiction of war on film. A powerful film, Saving Private Ryan stands as one of the best historical dramas of all time.