Top 10 Greatest Romantic Period Films
#10: “Gone with the Wind” (1939)
Top 20 Greatest Romantic Period Films
The ambition of “Gone with the Wind’s” production was matched only by its larger-than-life narrative, which tells the tale of Scarlett O'Hara, a Civil War-era plantation owner who pines for love while being beset on all sides by tragedy. Featuring iconic performances from lead actors Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, whose on-screen chemistry led to both receiving Oscar nominations (only Leigh would win), the film has transcended the medium to become one of history’s most enduring tales of romance found and lost. Nominated for a then record 13 Academy Awards - of which it won 8 - “Gone with the Wind” has been a fixture on “Greatest Films of All-Time” lists for decades and remains one of the most popular romantic period films ever made.
#9: “Dangerous Liaisons” (1988)
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Adapted from an 18th century French novel, “Dangerous Liaisons” features a cast of 90s all-stars in Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Keanu Reeves, and Uma Thurman. The period drama, which delves into the romantic entanglements and political upheaval of pre-revolution France, includes enough plotting, sex, and revenge to satisfy the cinematic appetites of all moviegoers (over the age of 17 that is). Earning seven Academy Award nominations and winning three, the film’s wicked narrative and robust characters make for highly entertaining viewing, guaranteed to steam up your next movie session.
#8: “Far from the Madding Crowd” (2015)
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Adapted from Thomas Hardy’s 1874 novel of the same name, “Far from the Maddening Crowd” is a costume drama of the highest order. Featuring the talents of Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Michael Sheen, the film explores the highs and lows of searching for love and financial security in Victorian England. At the center of it all is Bathsheba Everdene, who finds herself falling for three very different men. Director Thomas Vinterberg has crafted a world of intense passions and swoon-worthy characters one would expect from a period piece of this nature. However, the film still manages to surprise thanks to the addition of a number of steamy scenes not found in the original source material.
#7: “Shakespeare in Love” (1998)
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“Shakespeare in Love” broke the mold at the 71st Academy Awards when it took home seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. You see period rom-coms don’t typically receive recognition from the Academy, especially when facing stiff competition in the Best Picture category from war films (“Saving Private Ryan”, “The Thin Red Line”) Holocaust films (“Life Is Beautiful”) and straightforward historical dramas (“Elizabeth). “Shakespeare in Love” topped them all and in so doing became one of the most instantly recognizable romantic period films of all time. The on-screen chemistry of stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes keeps the film, which is “not constrained by worries about literary or historical accuracy," grounded, and steeped in an abundance of charm.
#6: “Sense and Sensibility” (1995)
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With an eye-catching 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and seven Academy Award nominations to its name (including a win for writer and star Emma Thompson), one could argue that “Sense and Sensibility” eclipsed the popularity of the seminal 1811 novel it’s based on. In true Austinian fashion, passions run hot throughout the film, as the Dashwood sisters attempt to secure a future for themselves through marriage. While “Sense and Sensibility” occasionally veers towards the comedic, it’s first and foremost a period drama; exploring themes of class, gender and relationships in 19th century England. With its whimsical setting, dreamy cast, and flurry of unbridled emotions, it’s easy to see why this film made our list.
#5: “Atonement” (2007)
“Atonement” is set in the years before, during, and after WWII and features a trio of heartbreaking performances from James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, and Saoirse Ronan. The film revolves around two lovers, Robbie and Cecilia, whose passion for one another is equaled only by the jealousy of Cecilia’s younger sister, Briony. Briony’s envy causes her to commit a tragic act of deceit, one with far reaching consequences for all involved. Despite this act of cruelty, the film still manages to instill a sense of hope and desire in viewers, who pine for a happy ending for Robbie and Cecilia. Leigh Paatsch of Australia’s Herald Sun called it a “superb drama”, one that works “devastating wonders upon an unsuspecting audience.”
#4: “Doctor Zhivago” (1965)
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Helmed by director David Lean, whose prowess for delivering cinematic epics of magnanimous proportions is the stuff of Hollywood legend, “Doctor Zhivago” managed to encapsulate the drama and romance of its source material in the way only a truly great film can. A sweeping historical romance, the film is set in Russia and follows Yuri Zhivago, a married doctor who must overcome the hurdles of WWI, the Russian Revolution, and the subsequent Russian Civil War. Through it all he dreams of being with his one true love Lara, a married woman. “Doctor Zhivago” was one of the defining films of the 1960s, taking home five Academy Awards and later coming in at number 7 on AFI’s list of 100 Years... 100 Passions.
#3: “The English Patient” (1996)
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“The English Patient” cracked the top 20 of 1996’s highest grossing films and took home nine Academy Awards, making it one of the rare period romances to achieve massive critical and commercial success. The film tells the story of a badly burned man recounting his life’s story to a nurse at the end of WWII. Through flashbacks it’s revealed that the man, Count László de Almásy, fell in love with a married woman and that the two shared an epic and passionate romance. The film features no shortage of steamy sex scenes and intense action and Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche deliver timeless performances as the aforementioned doomed couple. Roger Ebert called it a “poetic, evocative film” and we’re hard pressed to argue with him!
#2: “Titanic” (1997)
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What can we say about James Cameron’s ground breaking 1997 film that hasn’t already been said? The fictional romance between Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack Dawson and Kate Winslet’s Rose DeWitt Bukater, which would have likely still enthralled viewers had it not taken place aboard the doomed titular vessel, is the stuff of cinematic legend. There are simply too many iconic scenes to choose from; from Rose sitting for Jack in the nude, to the two of them dancing below deck, to that heartbreaking final scene in which Jack sacrifices himself so that Rose can live. The romance at the heart of “Titanic” somehow managed to dwarf the event itself and has gone on to inspire countless young lovers to share a tender embrace on the bows of ships the world over. Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions: “Jane Eyre” (2011) “Persuasion” (1995) “The Age of Innocence” (1993) “Howards End” (1992) “Moulin Rouge!” (2001)
#1: “Pride & Prejudice” (2005)
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A romantic period piece adapted from a Jane Austin novel and starring Keira Knightley? No wonder it took the top spot on our list! “Pride and Prejudice” is easily Austin’s most well-known novel, and features the setting, characters and themes that her work will forever be synonymous with. The film adaptation is no different. Knightley shines as protagonist Elizabeth Bennet, whose search for love weaves her in and out of the life of the stoic yet handsome Mr. Darcy. Nominated for four Academy Awards, “Pride & Prejudice” garnered rave reviews from critics and remains one of the 21st century’s definitive romantic films.