The best historical epic movies highlight a genre that has been a cornerstone of cinema since its early days. When thinking of the ideal movie experience, it’s hard not to imagine the sweeping epics that thrill audiences and tell grand stories. While there are many movies based on true stories, this particular genre captures the scale of moments in history.
Historical epics are not quite as popular as they were in Hollywood’s Golden Age, with the big-budget period stories being seen as more risky now. However, filmmakers like Ridley Scott have helped keep these kinds of movies alive, with some of the more modern historical epics ranking alongside the classics as highlights of the genre.
10
Kingdom Of Heaven (2005)
Along with other flops like Oliver Stone’s Alexander, Kingdom of Heaven was initially seen as a misfire that suggested the time of the historical epics had passed. However, in the years since, it has undergone a reappraisal, finally being appreciated as one of the great modern examples of the genre.
Ridley Scott’s grand movie takes audiences into the Crusades, following a young warrior (Orlando Bloom) who travels to Jerusalem and becomes the defender of the city. Alongside Bloom’s solid lead performance, Kingdom of Heaven features a strong supporting cast of Edward Norton, Eva Green, and Liam Neeson.
Part of the reason for the movie’s improved reputation comes down to the far superior director’s cut of Kingdom of Heaven. It delivers a complex and intriguing drama amid this huge story with some outstanding battle sequences.
9
The Last Emperor (1987)
It is rare for a historical epic to also be a strong character study, but The Last Emperor manages to achieve this to great effect. From Bernardo Bertolucci, the movie tells the story of Pu Yi, who was the last emperor of China. Starting with his enthronement as a small child, the movie follows him over the decades.
As the first Western movie to be granted permission to film in Beijing’s Forbidden City, the epic feel cannot be overstated. It is filled with gorgeous production design and sets, all of which sell the scale of this position and its overwhelming nature.
That is part of the amazement of the movie, in that The Last Emperor is able to be a big and awe-inspiring movie, but also feel quite intimate in how it examines this one man. It makes for a profound and exhilarating experience.
8
The Last Duel (2021)
Once again, Ridley Scott manages to keep the historical epic alive in the 21st century, only to deliver a movie that is sadly underrated by the public. The Last Duel is also another strong collaboration between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who co-wrote the movie alongside Nicole Holofcener, making for a strong production team.
The Last Duel tells the true story of a duel between two French knights, played by Damon and Adam Driver, that comes from an accusation that one of the men assaulted the other man’s wife, played by Jodie Comer. The movie is told through the three main characters’ own perspectives, with the details changing with each new version.
It is a risky approach to such a story, but sharply written and thought-provoking in its execution. Scott also maintains a level of intensity that carries the movie through the repeated narrative, all leading towards the brutal and terrific final fight.
7
Braveheart (1995)
Braveheart is an example of how a historical epic doesn’t necessarily have to be historically accurate in order to be great. Mel Gibson took on this passion project as both an actor and director. He stars as William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads his mistreated people in a rebellion against the tyrannical rule of England.
The movie romanticizes Wallace as a hero and his motivations for fighting, which historians call purely fictional. However, none of that takes away from the fact that it is a hugely entertaining adventure, driven by one of Mel Gibson’s greatest performances.
Gibson proved himself to be a talented filmmaker, even winning an Oscar for his work behind the camera. In particular, the battle scenes are impressive set pieces that deliver brutal violence while also capturing the chaos of war.
6
Gladiator (2000)
Ridley Scott came to the genre for the first time in 2000, helping to reignite interest in the historical epic. In the process, Gladiator also won the Oscar for Best Picture and established Russell Crowe as a movie star with a sword-and-sandals movie that is as entertaining 25 years later.
The movie uses some historical details to tell its own original story of revenge. Crowe stars as Maximus, a Roman general who is betrayed by the new emperor (Joaquin Phoenix) and sold into slavery as a gladiator. As he wins the approval of the crowd, he proves he can still be a threat to even the most powerful man in Rome.
From the opening battle sequence, Gladiator has a sense of thrills and adventure that rivals any blockbuster. It is not a movie that gives an accurate glimpse of Ancient Rome, but the simple story of a man seeking justice against those who wronged him is enough to deliver a perfect epic.
5
Spartacus (1960)
Long before Ridley Scott’s hit from 2000, there was another historical epic focusing on a gladiator who challenged those in power. Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus stars Kirk Douglas as the titular gladiator, a noble warrior who inspires those fighting alongside him and leads a rebellion against the Roman Republic.
As can be expected with Kubrick, Spartacus is a visually stunning epic with an ambition that stands out even in this genre. The battle sequences are incredible works of filmmaking brilliance, with the practical nature of the set pieces still thrilling all these years later.
However, Spartacus has remained so beloved for so long because of the storytelling at its core. It is a story of courage and oppression that can feel timely no matter when you watch it. The iconic “I am Spartacus” scene exemplifies how the movie is impressive beyond its grandeur.
4
Ben-Hur (1959)
Ben-Hur is a quintessential Hollywood epic, inspiring so many movies that followed that they could also deliver these ambitious and massive stories. Charlton Heston also cemented himself as the kind of actor who is perfect for this genre, giving a commanding performance that matches the movie’s scope.
Similar to Spartacus and Gladiator, it is a story of revenge within this sweeping period setting. Heston stars in Ben-Hur as a prince who is betrayed by his Roman friend and begins building his resources to strike back. The fact that these kinds of stories still resonate with audiences after so long speaks to the effectiveness of the characters.
Ben-Hur is best remembered for its amazing chariot-racing sequence, which still stands as one of the greatest action sequences of all time. The artistry and boldness of that scene permeates throughout the entire movie. While the movie’s runtime is daunting, it is one of the great 3+ hour movies that doesn’t offer a dull moment.
3
The Last Of The Mohicans (1992)
Director Michael Mann is known for his great modern crime movies. However, he proved he is just as effective stepping into a period setting and delivering a thrilling adventure. The Last of the Mohicans is also one of the rare historical epics that takes place in America, yet manages to capture the sweeping nature of those older period epics.
Daniel Day-Lewis stars in the movie as Hawkeye, the adopted son of the remaining Native Mohican warriors. During the Indian Wars, Hawkeye and his family are hired to protect a British colonel and his daughters from the vengeful tribes of the area.
The mixture of romance and adventure makes for an emotionally charged epic, unlike most of the action movies being produced in the early 1990s. Mann stages from terrific battle scenes, including the intense final fight. The movie is also elevated by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman, securing its epic feel.
2
Seven Samurai (1954)
Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai is one of the most influential action movies of all time, still being used as a framework for the genre today. It is also a movie that proves a historical epic transcends cultural boundaries and the excitement it delivers is universal to all audiences.
The movie has the brilliantly straight-forward premise, following a band of warriors who help protect a defenseless village from bandits. However, it is a story that sets the stage for a big, action-packed, and emotionally intense journey that matches any historical epic.
Kurosawa is one of the best filmmakers at delivering beautiful and mesmerizing shots while never losing sight of the human story he is telling. The relationships between the warriors and the villagers, the humor that unfolds, and the tragic character deaths all contribute to an emotionally rich story with great action.
1
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
From Steven Spielberg to Christopher Nolan, there are few historical epics that have influenced future filmmakers as much as David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia. It is the pinnacle of the genre, elevating the scale of the set pieces and filmmaking grandeur that could be achieved in this genre while also delivering a more complex story.
Peter O’Toole gives a career-defining performance as T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who united the complicated and waring Arab tribes to fight together against the Turks in World War I. He is a layered character filled with bravery and intelligence, as well as contradictions that make him fascinating to watch.
From the train ambush to the large-scale desert landscapes, the look of the movie seems to define the word “epic”. While they do not make movies like Lawrence of Arabia anymore, it certainly helped to shape many classic movies that followed and is seen as a level of adventure filmmaking that directors strive to match.
