Romantic period films have a unique way of showing how love has persisted through the ages. They are one of the most popular film sub genres of film, and it is almost never a bad time for a romantic period film. Here are 20 of the greatest romantic period films.
Anna Karenina (2012)
When Anna goes to plead with her sister-in-law to take her brother back, she meets Vronsky, whom she eventually enters into an affair with despite still being married to her husband. Wanting her newfound love to prevail, and with some persuasion from Vronsky, she leaves her husband.
The English Patient (1996)
Another Academy Award Best Picture winner, The English Patient, is a hugely successful movie. When an English patient who is burned beyond recognition and has lost his memory comes into the care of a nurse, he begins to recollect and recount some parts of his life.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Christian falls in love with the charismatic cabaret performer Satine at the Moulin Rouge in 19th-century Paris after traveling there to join the Bohemian revolution. Their passionate affair faces obstacles but somehow thrives. I think the performances of Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor are what really make this film special.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Pride and Prejudice, in my opinion, is one of the greatest romantic period films ever. It follows four sisters and their mother, who relentlessly tries to marry them to rich bachelors. When a wealthy bachelor eventually settles near the sisters, the romantic tension that develops between him and the protagonist is captivating.
Titanic (1997)
Titanic is perhaps the most popular romantic period film ever made. Set aboard the Titanic RMS that sank in 1912, this film tells the story of two passengers, Rose and Jack, showing just how powerful love can be. It has made over $2 billion at the box office.
Jane Eyre (2011)
Jane Eyre, after suffering significant abuse in her childhood, finds love with Rochester, the landlord of an estate she works on as a governess. However, this love story is not all roses, as she leaves Rochester after discovering a dark and terrible secret about him.
Emma (2020)
Portrayed by Anya Taylor Joy, Emma Woodhouse, the titular protagonist, is extremely confident in her matchmaking abilities. As you would probably guess, her matchmaking is really not that great and even causes pain for her and some of her friends. However, she ends up finding true love.
Atonement (2007)
When a younger sister sees her older sister making love to the son of their housekeeper, she wrongly assumes he is raping her. The younger sister’s testimony leads to his imprisonment. This film tells a moving story of the younger sister’s search for atonement and love during World War I.
The Age of Innocence (1993)
Set in the 1870s, a gentleman lawyer unwittingly falls in love with his fiancée’s cousin, a countess. Not wanting to be unfaithful to his betrothed, he goes ahead with the marriage and encourages the countess to return to her marriage. As the years pass, their paths continue to cross.
Little Women (2019)
What do you get when you combine a star-studded cast with impeccable directing? An Academy-nominated Best Picture and a truly moving performance. I think Little Women should have won, but I’m not the Academy. Here, the March sisters navigate their transition into womanhood and the responsibilities that come with it.
Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
Gabriel Cloak loses his farm and eventually has to work for Bathsheba, a beautiful woman whom he had previously proposed to but was rejected. Bathsheba is committed to maintaining her independence but has to deal with marriage proposals and attention from three men, Gabriel included.
Wuthering Heights (2011)
A farmer adopts an orphan – Heathcliff, to work on his farm. Heathcliff falls in love with the farmer’s daughter. Luckily, she also falls for him, but once the farmer discovers this, he is punished, and she is married off. He runs away and returns years later to pursue his love.
Ever After (1998)
Reimagining the Cinderella story without the Fairy Godmother’s magic, Ever After tells the tale of Danielle, who is forced to become a servant in her home after her father dies. After encountering Prince Henry multiple times, a masquerade ball, and jeweled slippers, the story ends as you might expect.
Casanova (2005)
Loosely based on the life of legendary Italian lover Giacomo Casanova, Cassanova shows a womanizer who falls in love with a woman that despises him. To spend time with her, he pretends to be someone else. It is a thrilling story of true love finding a way amidst false identities.
The Piano (1993)
After Ada is sold into a marriage with Alisdair by her father, she has to move to New Zealand. She is eventually stranded on a New Zealand beach with her daughter and belongings, most notably a piano. Bent on rejecting Alisdair’s advances, his neighbour tries to woo Ada.
The Painted Veil (2006)
Walter and Kitty get married after a brief encounter. However, as they face married life together, they discover that they are not at all alike. Kitty cheats on Walter. When he discovers this, he threatens to publicly divorce her unless she follows him to treat a cholera outbreak.
La Vie en Rose (2007)
There might be a slight debate as to whether this can be classified as a romantic period film, but I believe it is. A biographical musical drama that shows the life of Edit Piaf, Marion Cotillard’s performance as Edith in this film has been widely applauded.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Set in 18th-century England, Sense and Sensibility is also based on a Jane Austen novel. When three gentlemen come into the lives of three sisters, the different temperaments of the sisters significantly affect the course of their relationships. Although the novel has its criticisms, the film is great.
Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Yuri and Lara first meet on the battlefield when Lara enlists as a nurse to search for her husband. They fall in love, but Yuri remains faithful to his wife. Over the coming years, the circumstances of war will cause their paths to cross frequently.
The Duchess (2008)
The Duchess is based on the life of 18th-century English aristocrat Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. When Georgiana discovers that her husband only married her for childbearing and is having an affair with her friend, she decides to also have an affair.
