The Best Historical Dramas Ever Made Ranked

Few film genres have built a legacy as strong as the historical epic. Since the 1960’s, the genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s gladiators, political leaders or star-crossed lovers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies in a genre that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I was taught about the Holocaust by a professor that possessed knowledge about genocide damage. Several years ago, I was taught about genocides by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in ghettos. He would take pride in teaching students about a gruesome genocide in which his people died. My teacher believed that movies were an inferior art that couldn’t capture a genocide which tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured a genocide in which terror would persist as powerfully as “Schindler’s List”. Ever since its release in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest historical film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Spielberg used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a mass genocide that caused despair. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for making movies about historical events putting lives in danger, and “Schindler’s List” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. One of the most common techniques that Spielberg uses in his movies is symbolism. Throughout “Schindler’s List”, the girl in the red coat symbolizes hope amidst the gruesome genocide. For instance, the scene in which Schindler reacts with horror seeing the girl in the red coat being slaughtered causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” my favourite historical film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the Holocaust targeted towards an intellectual audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a gruesome mass genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies about important historical events which have always left audiences satisfied.

2. Titanic

The Titanic is a tragic event in history that shaped my brother’s identity. Ever since its sad sinking in 1912, the Titanic is a disaster that has interested my brother. At an early age, I bonded with a brother that had great knowledge about a shipwreck causing damage. He would always seek to educate my family about a tragic shipwreck that caused lives to deteriorate. In 1997, James Cameron honoured the tragic shipwreck in his iconic film “Titanic”.  With the greatest film of his career, Cameron used innovative cinematic techniques to recreate a historical shipwreck disaster that caused despair. Cameron has always had an aptitude for staging spectacle in his movies, and “Titanic” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker.  Cameron used stunning production-design to recreate the tragic shipwreck. For instance, the scene in which Jack and Rose face tension being torn apart from each other as the ship begins sinking is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. The film is anchored by a pair of amazing performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, capturing doomed lovers facing despair. Ultimately, what makes “Titanic” a historical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a universal message about disasters which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years following the tragic sinking of the Titanic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies leaving a legacy that’s iconic.

3. The Pianist

Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my family faced bombings in Saudi Arabia causing damage. Truth be told, I was five years old. Through my parent’s drive to survive, I made it out of the bomb blast without a scratch alive. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured individuals with strong drive to survive disasters that are missed as powerfully as “The Pianist”. Released in 2002, Roman Polanski’s movie captured hardships that a Jewish pianist in WWII went through. Drawing from his personal experiences as a Jew that survived the Holocaust, Polanski created a powerful historical drama about the genocide.  Polanski has always excelled at using point-of-view shots in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Pianist”. For instance, the scene in which Szpilman breaks down in tears after he is separated from his parents is one of the the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Adrien Brody, who embodies a downtrodden pianist that survived catastrophe. Ultimately, what makes “The Pianist” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about survival which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after Wladyslaw Szpilman survived ghettos in WWII, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made timeless films which audiences value.

4. Gandhi

Gandhi is a great historical figure that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved a leader with courage. I remember my grandfather would always praise a political leader that changed India forever. I recall with nostalgia that my grandfather spoke fondly about a political leader in India. He believed Gandhi deserved to be celebrated for feats he achieved. In 1982, Richard Attenborough honoured the iconic political figure that changed history in his movie “Gandhi”. Attenborough uses captivating montages capturing an Indian politician that changed the course of history. For instance, the scene in which Gandhi delivers an inspirational speech towards a crowd of spectators during a political rally taking place in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Ben Kingsley, who embodied the iconic Indian politician that changed history. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a historical masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian history to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An incredible tribute towards an iconic political leader that changed India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.

5. 12 Years a Slave

Slavery is a sensitive subject that shaped my friend’s identity. Several years ago, I formed bonds with a friend that took great interest in slavery. I remember my friend grew up to treasure slavery as an important subject matter. He sought to educate people in my school about a time in history he came to celebrate. Few films I’ve seen have captured grave slavery in American history as powerfully as “12 Years a Slave”‘. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery in American history. McQueen bravely tackled the subject of slavery through stunning visuals capturing atrocities. For instance, the scene in which Solomon is forced by Epps to whip Patsy in public causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the historical genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who embodies a real-life slave that survived atrocities centuries ago. Ultimately, what makes “12 Years a Slave” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about freedom which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of slavery that caused African-American people to deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies which audiences appreciate.

6. Oppenheimer

When it comes to iconic inventors that changed the world forever, it’s worth discussing Oppenheimer. A physicist with lasting legacy, Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb causing catastrophe. Oppenheimer’s bomb invention made him a controversial figure in history. In 2023, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic inventor in his Oscar-winning movie “Oppenheimer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Oppenheimer” stand out is its complex storytelling. Nolan deviates from the traditional three act structure of biopics telling the story in a unique non-linear style. Assisted by Cillian Murphy who is extraordinary in the lead role, Nolan honoured Oppenheimer’s legacy. 90 years after Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb that was tragic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre building a legacy which is iconic.

7. Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is a powerful president that gave America greater direction. A president with larger-than-life personality, Lincoln guided the country during slavery. With bold presence, wisdom and charisma, Lincoln guided America. In 2012, Steven Spielberg honoured the legendary president in his movie “Lincoln”. Unlike most movies in the historical genre, what makes “Lincoln” stand out is its strong attention to detail. Spielberg used gorgeous production to recreate the era when Lincoln guided the nation. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, who embodied the American president. Centuries after Abraham Lincoln become a powerful American president guiding his nation, its a breathtaking reminder of a genre that produced memorable movies which deserve celebration.

8. Inglorious Basterds

One of the criticisms levelled against the historical genre is its predictability. The genre has often followed a safe formula recreating events from a past era. This has left little room for surprises. In a genre that has become inglorious, it’s worth praising “Inglorious Basterds”. Released in 2009, Quentin Tarantino’s movie offered a humorous take on the Holocaust. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inglorious Basterds” stand out is its bravery. Tarantino takes a risky approach of reimagining serious historical events with comedy but it pays off tremendously. Assisted by Christoph Waltz who is spectacular, Tarantino captured genocide disaster. A glorious depiction of a mass genocide with consequences which were dangerous, it’s a grand reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences consider precious.

9. Darkest Hour

Winston Churchill is a commemorated prime minister that guided Britain. During WWII, Churchill became a prime minister that citizens of Britain would value. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic political leader facing his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Darkest Hour” stand out is its makeup. Wright uses captivating makeup to recreate a president that guided his country in ways that are inspiring. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Wright honoured Winston Churchill’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable films about the lives of larger-than-life historical figures which audiences treasure.

10. The Dig

Few movies ever made about a historic dig are as beloved as “The Dig”. Released in 2021, Simon Stone’s movie captured a historic archaeological dig. Stone used set-design to recreate a historic dig that’s well-known. Assisted by Carey Mulligan who is outstanding in the lead role, Stone honoured an important event in the history of archaeology. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of an archaeological dig that isn’t historically accurate has tarnished its legacy. It falls short of the greatest historical movies. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Basil Brown’s love for archaeology, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies educating audiences about events in history which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.