Best Historical Movies (Renaissance and Exploration Age)

So now moving on to one of my favorite eras, is that of the Renaissance and Exploration age of the 1400-1600s. Unlike the previous dark ages that doesn't offer too much film content, the Renaissance era has loads of great films and television series. Consider the many historical events of the time such as the discovery of the New World, the Tudor Dynasty, the conquest of Constantinople, and the corrupt Italian families such as the Medici and the Borgia. All these events make for very dramatic storytelling and there are several film epics that really divulge into the content. Also fair warning I will be including several TV series that I believe are quintessential epics for any historical enthusiast such as myself.

Renaissance Era

• 1429-1431 AD
• Joan of Arc

• Released in 1999
• Historical Setting: Kingdom of France
• Running Time: 3 hour mini-series
• Director: Christian Duguay
• Pertains to the historical heroine Joan of Arc and her courageous service for the French army during the Hundred Years War
• It's one of several top quality TV series that I will be including in this post. It's no question that I prefer a good film over a television series, however the benefit of a TV series is the added content and character development. I have only caught bits and pieces of this one however it is critically acclaimed and arguably the best production pertaining to the life of Joan of Arc. She is not only a great French hero yet also an iconic hero of the Catholic Church, having been guided by the voice of God. This epic war marked the onset of centuries of religious wars pertaining to Catholicism and Protestantism and Joan of Arc was one of the war's iconic heroes. This main star actress Leelee Sobieski appeared to have arrived in the 1990s with this portrayal however her career never took off after that. Also of note the epic star Peter O'Toole gave an acclaimed performance as the Bishop Pierre Cauchon.
• 1464 AD 
• The White Queen

• Released in 2013
• Historical Setting: Kingdom of England
• Running Time: 10 episodes
• Pertains to the War of the Roses and the three women who are manipulating their way into power
• I have yet to see this historical series yet have heard it is critically acclaimed and I have had it on my watch list for some time now. It stars the stunning Rebecca Ferguson as the title role of Elizabeth Woodville the wife of King Edward IV. The story pertains to an ascension dispute between the House of Tudor, the House of Lancaster, and the House of York. The culmination of this dispute ended with the fall of the Lancaster and York dynasties and the rise of the Tudor dynasty. This also marked a turning point for English history away from the Dark Ages and on to a Renaissance that was sweeping across Europe. 
• 1492-1503
• The Borgias

• Released in 2011
• Historical Setting: Papal States, Italy, Vatican City, Rome
• Running Time: 29 episodes
• Pertains to the papacy of Rodrigo Borgia and the corruption of the time
• This is one of my favorite historical television series and I actually just recently finished it a third time thru. It pertains to the life of Rodrigo Borgia played brilliantly by the cunning Jeremy Irons. Everything about this show is top quality from the acting, the costume design, and the intriguing settings of Renaissance Italy. I learned so much from watching this show and it inspired me just as many other epic historical films have. This is a historical topic like many others that was best covered thru a drawn out series of episodes. I don't think an epic movie could account for all the intriguing elements and events of this historical family.  
• 1502
• Apocalypto

• Released in 2006
• Historical Setting: Mayan Civilization
• Running Time: 138 minutes
• Director: Mel Gibson
• Pertains to a hero's adventure during the decline of the Mayan Civilization 
• Yet another masterful epic produced by Mel Gibson, this one takes us away from Europe for a change and gives a unique view on Mexican history. The setting is that of the Mayan Civilization at the turn of the 15th century where the New World has now been discovered. A heroic warrior has been captured and must escape to save his wife and child. The film demonstrates suspenseful action in the jungles of Yucatan and a grand-scale depiction of a Mayan city. It is the portrayal of the Mayan city with it's thousands of citizens and it's monumental pyramids that make this film an epic in my book.  
• 1514-1547
• The Tudors
• Released in 2007
  
• Historical Setting: Kingdom of England
• Running Time: 38 episodes
• Creator: Michael Hirst
• Pertains to the reign of Henry VIII and his infamous 6 wives
• Alongside The Borgia, this is one of my favorite historical television series. It is one of several successful historical productions by Michael Hirst known for creating The Vikings, Elizabeth, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age. The show provides a rather steamy account of Henry VIII's reign pertaining to his many relations as well as his historical endeavors. Everything about this show is done so in a very grand scale, especially the costumes and the historical setting of Renaissance England. While there are many film productions regarding the intriguing story of Henry VIII (including one I enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl) none quite cover this topic as well as this television series did. It was critically acclaimed and I especially found the portrayal of Anne Boleyn by Natalie Dormer to be very enticing. 
• 1554- 1563
• Elizabeth

• Released in 1998
• Historical Setting: Kingdom of England
• Running Time: 123 minutes
• Director: Shekhar Kapur
• Pertaining to the early reign of Queen Elizabeth of England
• Here is another historical film in the likes of Becket or The Lion in the Winter that pertains more to courtroom drama than any major military drama. Queen Elizabeth is often regarded as one of the greatest English queens of all time and ushered in a glorious age of Renaissance known as the Elizabethan Age. There are many films and shows pertaining to her story, and alongside Judi Dench's portrayal in Shakespeare in Love this particular film seems to win the prize. The strong performance by Cate Blanchett demonstrates the queen's unique independence and leadership. This film went on to garnish multiple Academy Award nominations including in the epic categories of best picture, makeup, costume, music, cinematography, and art direction.
• 1557-1587
• Reign
• Released in 2013
  
• Historical Setting: Kingdom of England, Kingdom of Scotland
• Running Time: 78 episodes
• Creator: Laurie McCarthy
• Pertains to the life of Mary, Queen of Scots and her conflict with Queen Elizabeth
• This historical television series is no doubt catered to the romantic elements of the royal court however still provides very insightful material. I consider this show among the epics because of the sheer amount of content offered. This television series offers 78 episodes (averaging at 40 minutes a piece) of quality costumes and historical setting. The story revolves around the tumultuous life of Mary, Queen of Scots, her many lovers, and her conflict with Queen Elizabeth of England. The show no doubt accentuates Mary's court life over her political/military affairs but it is done so with great appeal. The lead actress Adelaide Kane and her maidens are very easy on the eye. The show is not quite to the dramatic quality of The Tudors or The Borgia, however I feel it is a bit underrated and definitely worthy of some praise. 
• 1585-1590 AD
• Elizabeth: The Golden Age

• Released in 2007
• Historical Setting: Kingdom of England
• Running Time: 114 minutes
• Director: Shekhar Kapur 
• Pertains to the later life of Queen Elizabeth of England particularly the Spanish Armada of the Anglo-Spanish Wars
• This sequel to the 1998 film Elizabeth provided much more military conflict and a grand scale demonstration of the Spanish Armada. The story demonstrates the onset of the Anglo-Spanish War in 1585, led by King Philip II of Spain who wishes to cure England of their protestant problem. He builds one of the greatest navies the world had ever seen and in 1588 sends 130 ships to invade England. The English, heavily outnumbered are able to take advantage of a storm and use their fire ships to defeat the Spanish fleet. This is often regarded as the most significant military victory during Queen Elizabeth's reign. The film does an impressive job with this sea battle, as well as with the costumes, and the historical setting of England.
• 1607
• The New World
• Released in 2005
  
• Historical Setting: Colony of Virginia, Kingdom of England
• Running Time: 150 minutes
• Director: Terrence Malick
• Pertains to the foundation of the colony of Virginia and the romantic affair between settler John Smith and the native american Pocahontas
• This is another favorite of mine one of several great films from the artistic mastermind of Terrence Malick. It provides a much more historical account of the relationship between John Smith and Pocahontas that is depicted in the 1995 Walt Disney animation. The two work together to establish English and Native diplomacy however there is still much indifference between the civilizations. Pocahaontas later marries a different English captain and spends the rest of her days in the Kingdom of England. This film provides a very detailed portrayal of the Powhatan Native Americans with various battle engagements against the English settlers. The film is also very artistic with an incredible classical score and filming techniques from Malick. It is among my favorite historical films concerning Native Americans (along with Apocalypto and Dances with Wolves). 
• 1660-1670
• Versailles

• Released in 2015
• Historical Setting: Kingdom of France
• Running Time: 30 episodes
• Creator: Simon Mirren
• Pertains to the Reign of King Louis XIV and the construction of the palace of Versailles
• Yet another very well done television series pertaining to a historical setting. No movie or television show quite captured my interest regarding the French monarchy than this series did. It depicts the lavish lifestyle of King Louis XIV one of the longest reigning monarchs in all of history. Known as the "Sun King" he ushered in a glorious period for the French monarchy and his palace of Versailles was the utmost representation of this excessive power. This show, produced by French television demonstrates elaborate settings, costumes, make-up, acting, and a great musical soundtrack. It's quality is top notch on par with The Tudors and The Borgia, and I feel it was underrated and concluded far too soon.