The past few months I have emerged myself into a major historical phase perhaps due to my recent binge of the Assassin Creed video games. Along with the gaming and the historical studies I do, I also enjoy the movies pertaining to the era, especially historical epics. In an effort to broaden my historical collection, I've recently bought various DVDs from the Half Priced Book Store and on Amazon. I bought classic films such Ben-Hur, Spartacus, The Ten Commandments, Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia, and a collection of Audrey Hepburn films (which I realize is not a historical epic, but she was the queen of the classic movie age). This recent movie phase has inspired me to compile a historical timeline of epic films, not by the date they were released but by their setting in history.
Historical Epics have always been among my favorite movie genre, perhaps ever since I first saw the Ten Commandments as a kid. I have strong memories of watching various epics throughout my childhood years such as Braveheart, Titanic, and Saving Private Ryan to name a few. However it was watching the film Gladiator, in my early teenage years, that forever heightened my appreciation for the artistry of films. To this day Gladiator remains my all time favorite movie and is a testament to my appreciation of the historical epic.I love everything about the historical epic, from it's setting, the costumes, the music, the action, and the drama. I suppose these films give me a unique ability to imagine what life might have been like in those days of old.
Also let me emphasize what I consider an epic historical movie. An epic movie by it's broadest sense is a film that is grand in scale, usually over 3 hours, and to be even more concise has a very large budget. This grandiose scale covers every aspect of film-making; from superstar acting, top quality directing, elaborate settings, cutting edge special effects, artistic cinematography, and an iconic musical score. An epic is not just some dramatic story of romance, yet rather demonstrates an immense conflict (often involving war). When I think of an epic I usually envision a wide-shot of thousands of extras (often in a desert) or perhaps engaged in a massive battle. This genre of films no doubt reached it's heyday in the 1950s-1960s however are still occasionally released today.
This is the list of films I consider iconic historical epics, also films that are critically acclaimed. I'm going to begin with the Ancient Classical Age and will later post films set in the Medieval age, Renaissance age, and the Modern age.
Historical Epics have always been among my favorite movie genre, perhaps ever since I first saw the Ten Commandments as a kid. I have strong memories of watching various epics throughout my childhood years such as Braveheart, Titanic, and Saving Private Ryan to name a few. However it was watching the film Gladiator, in my early teenage years, that forever heightened my appreciation for the artistry of films. To this day Gladiator remains my all time favorite movie and is a testament to my appreciation of the historical epic.I love everything about the historical epic, from it's setting, the costumes, the music, the action, and the drama. I suppose these films give me a unique ability to imagine what life might have been like in those days of old.
Also let me emphasize what I consider an epic historical movie. An epic movie by it's broadest sense is a film that is grand in scale, usually over 3 hours, and to be even more concise has a very large budget. This grandiose scale covers every aspect of film-making; from superstar acting, top quality directing, elaborate settings, cutting edge special effects, artistic cinematography, and an iconic musical score. An epic is not just some dramatic story of romance, yet rather demonstrates an immense conflict (often involving war). When I think of an epic I usually envision a wide-shot of thousands of extras (often in a desert) or perhaps engaged in a massive battle. This genre of films no doubt reached it's heyday in the 1950s-1960s however are still occasionally released today.
This is the list of films I consider iconic historical epics, also films that are critically acclaimed. I'm going to begin with the Ancient Classical Age and will later post films set in the Medieval age, Renaissance age, and the Modern age.
Ancient History
- 1300 BC
- The Ten Commandments
- Released in 1956
- Historical Setting: Ancient Egypt under Ramses the Great
- Running Time: 220 minutes
- Director: Cecil B. DeMille
- Pertains to the Biblical stories of Exodus where Moses leads the Jews out of Egypt
- This is one of my all time favorite historical films and I always enjoy to watch it around Lenten season. The fact that is an older movie makes it feel all the more surreal to me. There can surely be debate that this is more of a religious drama than a historical drama, however one cannot deny the historical setting of Ancient Egypt under the great Ramses II. This movie is an all out epic with powerful scenes pertaining to the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the Israelite journey across the desert in search of the promise land.
- 1180 BC
- Troy
- Released in 2004
- Historical Setting: Ancient Greece and the mythological city of Troy (modern day Turkey)
- Running Time: 163 minutes
- Director: Wolfgang Petersen
- Pertains to Homer's Iliad story of the mythological and heroic conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans
- While this one can hardly be considered a historical film, there is certainly a historical setting to consider in the movie. The completion of Homer's Iliad is often dated at 750 BC and it is quite likely that his "Trojan War" was a reference to a previous battle concerning Ancient Greece and the land across the Aegean Sea known as Troy. In a broader historical sense it is likely that this conflict relates to the late Bronze Age collapse of the Hittite Empire based in the region of Anatolia. The exact conflict he is referring to cannot be proved and in this case I am recognizing the historical writing rather than an actual historical event. Also this particular film draws back on the mythological components of Homer's famous work and rather then a fantasy film it presents a very realistic (and very epic) military siege. It is a total celebration of the classic "sword-and-sandal" film with all out drama, action, romance, and war.
- 1118-1078 BC
- Samson and Delilah
- Released in 1949
- Historical Setting: Ancient Israel
- Running Time: 134 minutes
- Director: Cecil B. DeMille
- Pertaining to the biblical story of Samson and Delilah
- This is a classic epic film I have not yet seen however have often heard it regarded as one of several of Cecil B. DeMille's epic masterpieces. It is yet again another biblical story from the Old Testament, and similar to the Ten Commandments it provides a grand-scale historical setting of ancient Israel. While the romantic story between Samson and Delilah could be disputed, the setting in this film still provides a historical account of ancient Israel's dealings with the Philistines and their transition from an age of judges to an age of kings. This film pulls from the biblical Book of Judges yet also from the history of Israel.
Classical History
- 480 BC
- 300
- Released in 2006
- Historical Setting: Ancient Greece, Sparta
- Running Time: 116 minutes
- Director: Zach Snyder
- Pertaining to the historic Battle of Thermopylae by which King Leonidas led a small army of Spartans against the Persian invasion of Xerxes
- This was a very unique film that emphasized the action and special effects of the famous 300 battle. The movie takes major liberties with the battle and adds a mythological element to Xerxes' army. However it still demonstrates the lifestyle of the ancient Spartan warriors, who were fierce fighters and would never surrender. The film no doubt over indulges in the blood and gore of the battle yet also has some very artistic moments. I really enjoyed it for it's action quality, the special effects, yet also it's historical setting.
- 356-323 BC
- Alexander
- Released in 2004
- Historical Setting: Ancient Greece, Macedonia, the Persian Empire, ancient India
- Running Time: 175 minutes
- Director: Oliver Stone
- Pertaining to the rise of Alexander the Great and his military conquest to the east
- I really enjoyed this epic historical film and never could understand why it did not receive more critical acclaim. I suppose the biggest criticism was the overly-dramatic performance of Colin Farrel in the lead role which I can somewhat understand. However the filming and the magnitude of the battles were quite awe-inspiring as well as the soundtrack. This film provides one of the best portrayals of the Persian Empire and the wondrous city of Babylon. It also demonstrated Alexander's ambitious goals to conquer the world not only for his own personal glory but for the greater good of human civilization. What amazed me most about this portrayal of Alexander is how he would lead his men into battle, rather than command from the back lines.
- 218-202 BC
- Cabiria
- Released in 1914
- Historical Setting: Ancient Carthage, Sicicly
- Running Time: 148 minutes
- Director: Giovanni Pastrone
- Pertaining to the Second Punic Wars between the Roman Republic and Carthage
- This Italian silent film is often considered as the first epic film ever made and would go on to inspire many other notable epic directors such as DW Griffith, Cecil B. DeMille, and Martin Scorsese. The premise of the films is about an abducted girl named Cabiria in the backdrop of various historical events such as the Second Punic Wars and the military campaigns of Hannibal and Scipio. This film paved the way for elaborate set designs and grand scale scenes that became the essential quality for an epic movie.
- 73-71 BC
- Spartacus
- Released in 1960
- Running Time: 184 minutes
- Historical Setting: The Roman Republic
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Pertaining to the Third Servile War by which the Thracian gladiator Spartacus led a slave revolt against the Roman Republic
- This is one of many old classic sword-and-sandal films pertaining to the Roman Empire. It's title character is well portrayed by Kirk Douglas who is able to excel as a gladiator and later leads an uprising. The slave revolt takes shape in the southern region of Italy near Naples where Spartacus is able to gather more numbers. The film demonstrates the monumental size of Spartacus' movement thru an epic battle at the end. It also demonstrates the cruel practice of the Roman Republic to crucify those who opposed the state. I thought this film had a lot in common with Ridley Scott's Gladiator.
- 48-30 BC
- Cleopatra
- Released in 1963
- Historical Setting: Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Alexandria, Rome
- Running Time: 248 minutes
- Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
- Pertaining to the love affair between Cleopatra and Julius Caesar as well as her affair with Marc Anthony that led to the Final War of the Roman Republic
- I first watched this historical epic about 10 years ago and instantly fell in love with the iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor. Her portrayal of Cleopatra in this film is sublime, the sheer essence of a goddess queen. She demonstrates cunning seduction and is able to manipulate her way to power. In seducing both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, Cleopatra is able to oust her brother and become Queen of Egypt. However this reign is short lived with the assassination of Julius Caesar and the transformation of the Roman Republic into a Roman Empire at the hands of Octavian Caesar. This movie is a classic epic, before the day of special effects. It demonstrates some grand scale scenes; such as Cleopatra's entry into Rome and the Battle of Actium.
- 44 BC
- Julius Caesar
- Released in 1953
- Historical Setting: The Roman Republic
- Running Time: 121 minutes
- Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
- Pertaining to the assassination of Julius Caesar by the Roman Senate on the Ides of March
- I have not seen this one yet however have come to understand that it is a critically acclaimed film. It depicts the Shakespearean play pertaining to Caesar's assassination. The iconic Marlon Brando stars in the title role, and the film went on to get 5 Academy nominations including a win for best art direction. I would presume this film does not demonstrate much military conflicts, yet rather a heavy dose of poetic dialogue. Come to think of it there has yet to be a proper historical epic regarding the military conquests of the great Julius Caesar. Hopefully one will be released some day.
- 1-33 AD
- The Greatest Story Ever Told
- Released in 1965
- Historical Setting: The Roman Republic and the Province of Judea
- Running Time: 260 minutes
- Director: George Stevens
- Pertaining to the life and death of Jesus Christ
- This is an epic biblical/historical film I have heard of for some time yet have still not seen. It essentially chronicles the life of Jesus Christ beginning with his nativity, his ministry, his crucifixion, and his ascension. The movie is most renown for his all star ensemble cast as well as it's very long running time of 260 minutes, among the longest in Hollywood history. The film was receive with somewhat mixed criticism however still garnished 5 Academy Awards. For it's sheer size this film most definitely falls among the most iconic of the historical epics.
- 26-33 AD
- Ben-Hur
- Released in 1959
- Historical Setting: The Roman Republic and the Province of Judea
- Running Time: 212 minutes
- Director: William Wyler
- Pertaining to a Jewish family in the midst of the Roman Empire and the ministry of Jesus Christ
- I first saw this epic about 10 years ago and just recently bought it to add to my collection. Perhaps it's greatest claim to fame is for setting the record at 11 Academy Awards which it now shares with Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. The film is the epitome of a classic sword-and-sandal historical epic with massive scenes. The great actor Charlton Heston returns for another epic film in the lead role as Judah Ben Hur. He is imprisoned by the Roman Empire and must row for their battle ships until he later becomes a charioteer for them. In a massive chariot race he is able to defeat his arch-enemy and later discovers his family is infected with leprosy. At this point Ben-Hur seeks out Jesus Christ in hopes that he can heal his family however Jesus has been sentenced to death. At the crucifixion of Christ, Ben Hur offers Jesus a drink of water and this act miraculously heals his mother and sister from leprosy. This film demonstrates some incredible grand scale scenes such as the slaves rowing in the galleys, the incredible chariot race, and the passion of Christ. It is a religious and a historical movie epic.
- 32-38 AD
- The Robe
- Released in 1953
- Historical Setting: The Roman Empire, city of Jerusalem
- Running Time: 135 minutes
- Director: Henry Koster
- Pertaining to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
- This is a film I have not yet seen but have heard it falls in this historical/biblical epic category. The film was nominated for 5 academy awards and stars the great Richard Burton (who was also in Cleopatra). The premise is about the commanding Roman officer who oversees the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The story, the acting, the setting, and the costumes make this movie a very significant historical epic.
- 33 AD
- The Passion of the Christ
- Released in 2004
- Historical Setting: The Roman Empire, city of Jerusalem
- Running Time: 127 minutes
- Director: Mel Gibson
- Pertaining to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
- This is without question my favorite of the many films pertaining to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Yet again this is one of several films that infuses the biblical genre with the historical genre. Sure there can be scholarly debate about the life of Jesus Christ pertaining to his miracles and the resurrection. However there can be no question about the authenticity of his ministry and his crucifixion, with many historical accounts from non-Christian sources. This film accentuates the personal struggle of the messiah however does so in the backdrop of the Roman province of Judea. The scale of this film is very epic in my opinion and for that reason was nominated for 5 Oscars and became one of the highest grossing films of it's time.
- 64-68 AD
- Quo Vadis
- Released in 1951
- Historical Setting: The Roman Empire
- Running Time: 171 minutes
- Director: Mervyn LeRoy
- Pertaining to the reign of Nero and the persecution of Christians
- This is another epic Roman film that I have not seen yet am familiar with the title and the story. The film was among the many classic sword-and-sandal films released in the 1950s and this one was nominated for an impressive 8 academy awards. The story pertains to a Roman commander who falls for a Christian prisoner and begins to question the irrational behavior of Emperor Nero. Some key historical events include the burning of Rome, which Nero blames on the Christians. Also there is reference to the trial of St. Peter, who is famously crucified upside down. This movie is among the essential historical epics, especially regarding the Roman Empire.
- 180-192 AD
- Gladiator
- Released in 2000
- Historical Setting: The Roman Empire
- Running Time: 155 minutes
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Pertaining to the death of Marcus Aurelius and the reign of Commodus
- This is my all time favorite movie and perhaps the defining example of why I love historical epics. This movie has it all from the story, the acting, the soundtrack, and especially an epic setting. The film essentially provides a story within history where the fictional general-turned-slave Maximus must defy the historical wicked emperor Commodus. The film is no doubt a homage to the sword-n-sandal films of the 1950s-1960s and has familiar elements from the movie Spartacus. Yet this movie also incorporates modern day special effects with stunning visuals of ancient Rome. The opening battle scene against the Barbarians and the various gladiatorial events in the iconic Colosseum are truly the stuff of an epic historical film.
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