19 Period dramas you can’t miss if you loved Gladiator

Brad Pitt,  Gerard Butler, Paul Mescal (Clockwise from Top-left)
Brad Pitt, Gerard Butler, Paul Mescal (Clockwise from Top-left)

Period dramas like Ridley Scott's Gladiator can transport us to different eras and introduce us to tales of love, sacrifice, revenge, and duty towards the country. These movies, with epic battle scenes, grandiose storytelling, and historical depth, captivate us further. Movies like Troy and Braveheart provide us with scenes of epic war and sacrifice that remain unforgettable to date. Here is a list of 19 period dramas that you can't miss if you loved watching Gladiator.

19) The King (2019)

Timothee Chalamet in The King | Image via Netflix
Timothee Chalamet in The King | Image via Netflix

The King is directed by David Michod. Starring Timothee Chalamet as the young King Henry V, tells the tale of Henry V's rise to power. As a young Monarch, Chalamet's Henry V tries to tackle the challenges that come with the throne of England. The period drama is filled with battle scenes and detailed character study making it a must-watch.

18) The Last Of The Mohicans (1992)

Daniel Day-Lewis in The Last Of The Mohicans | Image via Warner Bros Pictures
Daniel Day-Lewis in The Last Of The Mohicans | Image via Warner Bros Pictures

The Last Of The Mohicans is a period drama directed by Michael Mann and based on James Fenimore Cooper's book of the same name. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Nathaniel "Hawkeye" Poe. The movie tells the story of Hawkeye, a white man adopted by the Mohican tribe, and his struggle to protect the daughters of a British colonel. It features epic battle scenes and a poignant love story, providing a full-fledged narrative.

17) Napoleon (2023)

Joaquin Phoenix in Napoleon | Image via Sony Pictures
Joaquin Phoenix in Napoleon | Image via Sony Pictures

This period drama directed by Ridley Scott is based on the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Joaquin Phoenix. The movie delves into the time of Napoleon's rise to power and gives us a glimpse of the political environment of the time in France. Apart from providing gritty battle scenes, the movie also provides some somber moments that Phoenix's character Napoleon shares with his first wife Josephine played by Venessa Kirby.

16) The Last Duel (2021)

Adam Driver in The Last Duel | Image via 20th Century Studios
Adam Driver in The Last Duel | Image via 20th Century Studios

Another period drama directed by Ridley Scott, this film stars big actors like Ben Affleck, Adam Driver, Matt Damon, and Jodie Comer. Based on true events, this film explores themes of honor, justice, and vengeance, set in medieval France, with gripping courtroom drama and duels reminiscent of the epic confrontations in Gladiator.

15) Immortals (2011)

Scene from Immortals | Image via Universal Pictures
Scene from Immortals | Image via Universal Pictures

Directed by Tarsem Singh Dhandwar, this period drama follows the story of a man named Theseus, played by Henry Cavill, who is chosen by Zeus to fight King Hyperion, played by Mickey Rourke, who is on a hunt for a powerful weapon that could destroy all of humanity. With its striking visuals and mythological storyline, this film's portrayal of the battle between gods and men offers a captivating experience for fans of period dramas.

14) The 13th Warrior (1999)

Antonio Bendares in The 13th Warrior | Image via Touchstone Pictures
Antonio Bendares in The 13th Warrior | Image via Touchstone Pictures

This film is directed by John McTiernan and is adapted from the novel Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton. The film follows Ahmed Ibn Fadlan, played by Antonio Bendares, an Arab ambassador, who joins a group of Norse warriors on a mission to defeat a mysterious and deadly enemy. Combining historical and fantastical elements, and featuring intense battle scenes make it a fascinating watch.

13) Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)

Christian Bale in Exodus: Gods And Kings | Image via 20th Century Studios
Christian Bale in Exodus: Gods And Kings | Image via 20th Century Studios

This biblical period drama directed by Ridley Scott this film retells the Biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. With stunning visual effects, dramatic plagues, and intense confrontations between Moses, played by Christian Bale, and Pharaoh Ramses, played by Joel Edgerton, the film captures the monumental struggle for freedom.

12) King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

Charlie Hunnam in King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Charlie Hunnam in King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Guy Rictchie's period drama King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword retells the story of Arthur played by Charlie Hunnam finding out about his lineage and rallying a group of rebels to reclaim his throne from the tyrannical Vortigern, played by Jude Law. The film's themes of destiny, heroism, and the power struggle mirror the grand narrative making it a must-watch period drama.

11) Clash of the Titans (2010)

Liam Neeson in Clash Of The Titans | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Liam Neeson in Clash Of The Titans | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by Louis Leterrier, it is a remake of the 1981 movie and based on Beverly Cross's book of the same name. This film follows Perseus, played by Sam Worthington, a demigod and son of Zeus, on his quest to defeat the monstrous Kraken and save the city of Argos. The movie is rich with Greek mythology, featuring gods, monsters, and heroic quests that create a captivating and adventurous narrative.

10) Spartacus (1960)

Kirk Douglas in Spartacus | Image via Universal Pictures
Kirk Douglas in Spartacus | Image via Universal Pictures

This period drama tells the story of Spartacus, played by Kirk Douglas, formerly a slave and then a gladiator who leads a massive slave revolt against the Roman Republic. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, this classic film is renowned for its powerful performances, grand battle scenes, and themes of freedom and resistance.

9) Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Orlando Bloom in the Kingdom Of Heaven | Image via Rotten Tomatoes
Orlando Bloom in the Kingdom Of Heaven | Image via Rotten Tomatoes

Another flick directed by Ridley Scott, this period drama is set during the Crusades and follows Balian of Ibelin, played by Orlando Bloom, a blacksmith who becomes a knight and defender of Jerusalem. The movie features intense battle scenes, intricate political intrigue, and themes of faith, honor, and redemption.

8) The Northman (2022)

Scene from The Northman | image via Universal Pictures
Scene from The Northman | image via Universal Pictures

The Northman is directed by Robert Eggers the period drama tells the story of Amleth, played by Alexander Skarsgård, a Viking prince on a quest to avenge the murder of his father. The movie features intense battle scenes, stark landscapes, and a dark, brooding atmosphere that captures the brutality and mysticism of the Viking age capturing the attention of historical drama lovers.

7) Braveheart (1995)

Mel Gibson in Braveheart | Image via Paramount Pictures
Mel Gibson in Braveheart | Image via Paramount Pictures

This Academy Award-winning period drama is directed by Mel Gibson who also stars in the movie playing the character of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against English oppression. The movie is renowned for its intense battle scenes and themes of freedom and heroism. Its combination of action, drama, and emotional resonance makes it a fitting addition to the list of must-watch period dramas.

6) The Last Samurai (2003)

Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by Edward Zwick, this period drama is set in 19th-century Japan and follows Nathan Algren played by Tom Cruise, an American soldier who becomes involved in the Samurai uprising against the modernization efforts of the Japanese government. The movie is known for its stunning visuals and intense battle scenes making it a must-watch movie.

5) The Patriot (2000)

Heath Ledger in The Patriot | Image via Columbia Pictures
Heath Ledger in The Patriot | Image via Columbia Pictures

Directed by Roland Emmerich, the period drama is set during the American Revolution and tells the story of Benjamin Martin, played by Mel Gibson, a peaceful farmer who is reluctantly drawn into the conflict after a brutal attack on his family. The movie features dramatic battle scenes, themes of sacrifice and freedom, and a deeply personal narrative of a father fighting to protect his family and homeland.

4) Ben-Hur (1959)

Charlton Heston in Ben-Hur | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Charlton Heston in Ben-Hur | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston, this classic film follows the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince betrayed and enslaved by his Roman friend. The film is still popular for its epic grand scale and compelling narrative, and of course the chariot race scene. It explores the themes of revenge and redemption which make it relevant even today.

3) Gladiator II (2024)

Paul Mescal in Gladiator II | Image via Paramount Pictures
Paul Mescal in Gladiator II | Image via Paramount Pictures

Directed by Ridley Scott, the film explores the aftermath of Maximus's legacy, delving into new characters played by talented and renowned actors like Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Paul Mescal and new political conspiracies within the Roman Empire. With its historical setting, grand battles, and themes of revenge Gladiator II makes for a perfect follow-up for fans of the original.

2) 300 (2006)

Gerard Butler in 300 | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Gerard Butler in 300 | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by Zack Snyder, the film portrays the heroic stand of King Leonidas, played by Gerard Butler, and his 300 Spartans against the massive Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae. The movie is based on Frank Miller's graphic novel and is known for its striking cinematography, slow-motion battle sequences, and larger-than-life characters.

1) Troy (2004)

Brad Pitt in Troy | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Brad Pitt in Troy | Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the film is based on Homer's The Iliad and follows the events of the Trojan War. The story centers around iconic characters like Achilles, played by Brad Pitt, Hector played by Eric Bana, and Helen played by Diane Kruger, and several others and features grand battles, intense duels, and themes of honor and love making it a must-watch for period drama lovers.

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Edited by Zainab Shaikh
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