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. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed relationships with a psychology professor that was interested in mental disorders which were cruel. I remember my teacher was fascinated with mental disorders placing lives in grave danger. He always sought to educate students in class about a grim illness causing people to deteriorate. Fascinated with disorders that affected the mind, my teacher was always determined to leave a lasting legacy behind. Few biopics I have ever seen have captured the impact of illness on the mind of a genius as powerfully as “A Beautiful Mind”. Ever since its release in 2001, Ron Howard’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest biopic ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Howard used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the life of a mathematician that faced despair. Howard uses stunning unreliable narration to capture the mind of a genius. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a tense breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Russell Crowe, capturing a genius that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” my favourite biopic of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most commemorated movies demonstrating disorders, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about a mathematician with a beautiful mind whose mental health declined, its a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about larger-than-life historical figures leaving a formidable legacy behind.
2. 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. 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.
3. The Pianist
The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that has fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I was taught about the Holocaust by a professor with immense knowledge. Several years ago, I was taught about the genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a ghetto. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture genocides that tore lives apart. As someone treasuring a teacher that was fascinated with Holocaust figures he loved to list, I adored “The Pianist”. Released in 2002, Roman Polanski’s breathtaking biopic captured the life of a Jewish pianist that survived WWII. With the most personal film of his career, Polanski drew from his personal experiences to celebrate a pianist that overcame warfare. 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 biopic genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Pianist” a great biopic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about survival which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a brave Jewish pianist miraculously managed to survive frightening ghettos in WWII, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate making movies audiences value.
4. Raging Bull
Rage has impacted my personality. At an early age, I developed habits of bursting into temper tantrums throwing fits of rage. I remember my parents complained about how I had short temper. In elementary school, I would often beat up kids in ways which were cruel. It isn’t until I grew older that I learned to control my temper putting end to violent behaviour. As someone impacted by consequences of rage that was stressful, I loved “Raging Bull”. Released in 1980, Martin Scorsese’s mesmerizing biopic celebrated the legacy of a legendary boxer in American history. Scorsese has always excelled at using silence in his movies to build tension, and “Raging Bull” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jake LaMotta faces silence before being beaten up in the ring causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robert De Niro, capturing a real-life commemorated boxer facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Raging Bull” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message about rage that would resonate with everyone. A remarkable portrait of a real-life boxer with rage, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage making timeless movies with a meaningful message.
7. Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer is a legendary historical figure that changed the world forever. 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 with consequences that were tragic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has built a legacy which is iconic.
8. The King’s Speech
King George V is a legendary figure of the royal family that sought speech therapy. A troubled leader, George V suffered from severe speech impediments affecting his ability to guide the country. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic political leader with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The King’s Speech” stand out is its depiction of speech impediments. Hooper uses captivating montages capturing a royal figure seeking help from a therapist to overcome speech disabilities that are frightening. Assisted by Colin Firth who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured the king’s legacy. As strong as King George V’s desire to overcome his speech disability, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies audiences love commonly dearly.
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 commonly treasure.
10. Argo
The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. I’ve always believed that movies have rarely depicted the country accurately. As someone that grew up in the Middle East several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s movie captured the Iranian hostage crisis in the 1970’s. Affleck showcased strong control as a filmmaker capturing history of Iran. Although “Argo” can’t live up to the greatest historical films ever made, it captures the lasting appeal of the genre. Nearly 40 years after a CIA Agent sought to rescue civilians held hostage in Iran with commitment, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced poignant movies which I will forever treasure for shaping my lifelong love of entertainment.
The Film Buff 