Summary

Before her winner withBarbie , Greta Gerig delivered one of the good movies determine in the 1800s withLittle Women . Her adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott captured viewers ' heart with its full-bodied storytelling and beautiful diversion of the 1800s mount . Though it ’s one of the most highly regard flow dramas of recent twelvemonth , it ’s not the only one of its variety . It is always interesting to see how many unlike genre can operate within this time frame and how they can tell stories that still strike a chord with audiences in modern companionship .

biography today is different from what it was in the nineteenth century , but films like the1994 or 2019 versions ofLittle Womentransport audiences back in clip . The 1800s were prevailing with injustice , subdued accomplishment , and some prominent breakthrough in technology and social jurist . This transition between the colonial epoch and the forward-looking world is part of what progress to the 19th century so bewitching for many . For fan concerned in the epoch , there are several big movies set in the 1800s , and with the streaming service useable , it is easier than ever to go back in time to explore the world during that earned run average .

Screen Rant breaks down the best movies of all time , from former classics to modernistic masterpiece across multiple genres of picture palace .

A collection of characters from the greatest movies of all time including Woody the Cowboy from Toy Story, the Godfather, and Frodo Baggins

25Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Directed By Guy Ritchie

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Guy Ritchie ’s Sherlock Holmes adapts the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with an all - star Hollywood casting . Set in 1890 , Sherlock Holmes take after the eccentric but brilliant detective Sherlock ( Robert Downey Jr. ) and his partner Watson ( Jude Law ) as they resolve various mysteries around Victorian London . team up with former opponent Irene Adler ( Rachel McAdams ) , the detectives find themselves oppose against the villainous Lord Henry Blackwood ( Mark Strong ) as he attempts to profit control of Britain .

A sequel , Sherlock Holmes : A Game of Shadows , come out in 2011 .

As successful as Sherlock ’s history have been in the twenty-first one C , it was welcome to see him back in his original epoch , make out with the engineering science , beliefs , and fellowship of the twenty-four hour period . Downey Jr. ’s chemical science with Jude Law , who plays Dr. Watson , is also a big merchandising point . The movie was a massive success , spawning a sequel two years after . It also earn two Oscar nominations ( Best Original Score and Best Art Direction ) and did very well to depict its era .

Custom image of Lee Van Cleef, Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

24The Great Train Robbery (1978)

Directed By Michael Crichton

It is nice to see a slick andfun heist movie successfully pulled off in an 1800s place setting . It is a intimidating task thatThe Great Train Robberyhandles terrifically to make for a hugely pleasurable and peculiar catamenia criminal offence report broadly speaking based on existent upshot . Sean Connery star as a member of high-pitched society who is secretly a schoolmaster thief .

With a striation of entertaining crook , he contrive to slip a circumstances from a moving train . The movie incorporates many elements of a distinctive heist movie , from gather the squad to putting the plan in place .

23Amistad (1997)

Directed By Steven Spielberg

Amistad is a historic dramatic event directed by Steven Spielberg , depicting the 1839 mutiny aboard the Spanish slave ship La Amistad . Starring Djimon Hounsou , Matthew McConaughey , and Anthony Hopkins , the photographic film come the effectual fight faced by the captured Africans as they fight for their freedom in American courts . Spielberg ’s film moult illumination on complex issues of slavery , justness , and human rights in early 19th - century America .

Steven Spielbergtackled a real - life court typesetter’s case of the 1800sin the movieAmistad . Djimon Hounsou stars as a Isle of Man who leads a rebellion aboard an illegal slave ship . When the ship ends up compass in American waters , a court case is conducted to determine who the enslaved people go to , with a youthful New York attorney ( Matthew McConaughey ) arguing they are gratis men . The movie tackles the inhumanity of the slave trade as well as this little - known instant in history with a stirring drama .

It also features an incredible hurl with Morgan Freeman , Chiwetel Ejiofor , and Anthony Hopkins in an Oscar - put forward role as former U.S. President John Quincy Adams . While critic and historian praised the picture for its historical truth , it did receive criticism for its assumption that this was a turning point in the American view on bondage at the meter , as it was not . That said , it ’s an engrossing photographic film fulfill with strong performance .

How Rachel Zegler’s

22Cold Mountain (2003)

Directed By Anthony Minghella

In the final days of the American Civil War , a hurt soldier embarks on a perilous journeying back to Cold Mountain , North Carolina , to find his girlfriend .

TheCivil War is a frequent subject explored in motion-picture show do in the 1800s , withCold Mountaintaking a sweeping quixotic view of it , inspired by movie likeGone with the Wind . Nicole Kidman and Jude Law star in the tale as fan , Ada and W.P. , snap apart at the irruption of the war . Wounded in battle , W.P. abandons his post and makes the long journey back to Ada as she struggles to uphold her farm .

The epic feel of the moving-picture show and the Romance language at its centre give it a tragical step that highlights the savagery of the times . Cold Mountainwas nominated for six Oscars , include Best Picture , Best Actor for Law , and one winnings for Best corroborate Actress for Renée Zellweger , who played a farmer named Ruby , who get in to help Ada in her time of penury . The moving-picture show also picked up 13 BAFTA nomination , winning two , and it sits at 70 % fresh on Rotten Tomatoes .

Collage image of characters from Yojimbo, Little Women, and Gangs of New York

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21The Lighthouse (2019)

Directed By David Eggers

The Lighthouse is a psychological thriller directed by Robert Eggers . Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson star as Thomas Wake and Ephraim Winslow , two lighthouse keepers who begin to experience strange and supernatural phenomenon after they get ground on a remote island in the 1890s .

Some movies explore grand stories of the 1800s , while some use the era to great effect in smaller - ordered series stories . Such is the slip withThe Lighthouse , athriller limit in previous 1800s New England . The black - and - white movie stars Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe as two beacon doer isolate on a small island . As tension spring up between them , the crease between what is reality and what is delusion begin to blur .

It is an engrossing moving-picture show by Robert Eggers with terrific execution from the two leads and a surprising amount of dark humor . Its stunning cinematography , surrealistic tactile property , and unexpected humor make it one of the best horror film in recent years . Critics praised the moving picture , which is certified saucy at 90 % on Rotten Tomatoes . It earned both an Oscar and BAFTA nomination for its cinematography . The era was a small part of the story , mostly explaining the superstition and fears prevalent in the 1800s .

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Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes adapts the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with an all-star Hollywood cast. Set in 1890, Sherlock Holmes follows the eccentric but brilliant detective Sherlock (Robert Downey Jr.) and his partner Watson (Jude Law) as they solve various mysteries around Victorian London. Teaming up with former adversary Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the detectives find themselves pitted against the villainous Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong) as he attempts to gain control of Britain.

20The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (1966)

Directed By Sergio Leone

The Good , the Bad and the Ugly is a Spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Leone , scored by Ennio Morricone , and starring Clint Eastwood , Lee Van Cleef , and Eli Wallach as three gun for hire who compete for a cache of Confederate gold during the American Civil War . The 1966 film is regarded as one of the greatest Westerns of all time .

It is interesting to look atLittle WomenandThe Good , the Bad , and the Uglyand realize they are both moving picture rig in the 1800s . Far from the life of immature woman in England , this classic Spaghetti Westernlooks at the period of anarchy in the American Westas the Civil War remonstrate on . It follow three fibre ( Blondie , Tuco , and Angel Eyes ) on the same journey to find a eat up treasure .

Regarded as one of the greatest Westerns of all prison term , it is a masterclass in filmmaking by Sergio Leone , with so many iconic moments and a star - make turn of events from Clint Eastwood . This movie was the last part of theDollars Trilogy , with Eastwood play a pas seul of the same character in all three Spaghetti Westerns . It has an almost thoroughgoing 97 % military rank on Rotten Tomatoes and is often listed among the best movies of all time , disregarding of genre .

Headshot Of Mark Strong

The Good , The Bad And The Ugly is one of the most iconic Western of all time , and it ’s filled with some great quotes .

19The Elephant Man (1980)

Directed By David Lynch

The Elephant Man is a 1980 flick aim by David Lynch , chronicling the life-time of Joseph Merrick , known as John Merrick in the moving-picture show . Set in 19th - century London , it follows a Victorian surgeon who discovers the intelligence service and sensitivity behind Merrick ’s knockout deformity .

calculate back at society over a century ago can sometimes make for a compelling tale that holds up for modern audiences . David Lynch’sThe Elephant Manis a tragical straight storey of John Merrick , a disfigured military man living in Victorian London . John Hurt gives a heartbreaking functioning as Merrick , who was used as an drawing card and treated as less than human . The literal Joseph Merricklived from 1862 until 1890 , do this a look at the late geological era of the century .

The Elephant Manwas an award hit upon its release , earn Hurt an Oscar nomination for his performance , along with seven other nominations , including Best Picture and Best Director . The movie also stars Anthony Hopkins as a doctor who seeks to help Merrick and sees the sort spirit the respite of the macrocosm ignores . This is the photographic film that convince the Academy Awards to create an award specifically for physical composition work . On top of that , it’ss one of Lynch ’s most approachable films , with a 92 % invigorated rating on Rotten Tomatoes .

Headshot Of Eddie Marsan In The ‘Back To Black’ premiere

18Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Directed By Joe Wright

While many movies set in the 1800s look back to recount their stories , it is interesting to see a write up that was first written during that era . Jane Austen’sPride & Prejudicewas publish in 1813 as a contemporary romance story about an independent untried woman coerce to find a partner . There have been so many adaptations of Austen ’s iconic novel , butthis 2005 version , directed by Joe Wright , is one of the most acclaimed .

Keira Knightley star in the lead role as Elizabeth Bennet , whileSuccessionfans will revel picture Matthew Macfadyen in a very unlike role as Mr. Darcy . The pic breathes new hullabaloo into the classic story , contribute to four Oscar nominations , including one for Knightley as Best Actress . There were some notable changes made to the story , mostly by making Elizabeth a more main pattern in the film than she was in the novel , a choice praised by critic and consultation .

17The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Directed By John Huston

The Man Who Would Be King is a 1975 moving-picture show orchestrate by John Huston , featuring Sean Connery and Michael Caine . Set in British India , it follows two ex - soldiers who tackle an challenging journey to a remote neighborhood of Afghanistan with the intent of becoming kings . The flick explores theme of dream and hubris against a backdrop of adventure and ethnic clank .

The combined star business leader and talent of Michael Caine and Sean Connery help makeThe Man Who Would Be Kinga masterpiece of an escapade pic . The two actors portray former British soldiers in1880s India who seek out fortune in unknown lands . Christopher Plummer also stars in the picture show as diary keeper Rudyard Kipling , providing a name to the otherwise anonymous storyteller from the original novel .

The movie ’s tremendous exfoliation under the focal point of John Huston give for an exciting ride from beginning to end . But at its center , it is also a fantastic morality tarradiddle about ambition and greed . Connery and Caine make for a great squad of complicated antiheroes , which build to the stunning coda that cement it as a truly great adventure movie with a content . The motion picture pull in four Oscar nominations , include Best Adapted Screenplay .

The Great Train Robbery (1978) - Poster

16Les Misérables (2012)

Directed By Tom Hooper

Les Misérables is the 2012 melodic pic adaptation of Victor Hugo ’s eponymous 1862 novel , retelling the history of prisoner Jean Valjean and his quest for exemption in 19th - century France . It features a star - studded cast consisting of Hugh Jackman , Anne Hathaway , Russell Crowe , Amanda Seyfried , Eddie Redmayne , Helena Bonham Carter , and Sacha Baron Cohen .

Frenchman spends his life in the 1800s evade a brutal legal philosophy enforcement officer after stealing

Les Misérableshas been adapted many times , and each version brings something Modern to the table . The 2012 musical , based on the Broadway hit of the same name and feature a star - stud casting , might be the most accessible to a broader hearing , but the 1935 French movie is the most reliable . Whichever version viewer choose , the core story remains the same : a Frenchman spends his life in the 1800s evading a fell law enforcement ship’s officer after stealing bread . Despite turning his living around , he still ca n’t get out his past .

Headshot Of Sean Connery In The 35th Annual AFI Life Achievement

Themusical adaptation was nominate for Best Picture and Best Actor(Hugh Jackman ) , while Anne Hathaway win for her command underpin role . Of the eight nominations , the film also won for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Sound Mixing . It also picked up nine BAFTA nominations , winning four . Compared at times to the novel and Broadway shows , it was well received and the 1800s scope was well depicted through makeup , costuming , and product design .

Headshot Of Donald Sutherland

Cast Placeholder Image

Amistad - Poster

Amistad is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, depicting the 1839 mutiny aboard the Spanish slave ship La Amistad. Starring Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, and Anthony Hopkins, the film follows the legal battle faced by the captured Africans as they fight for their freedom in American courts. Spielberg’s film sheds light on complex issues of slavery, justice, and human rights in early 19th-century America.

Headshot Of Morgan Freeman In The 63rd International Television Festival - ‘The Gray House’

Headshot Of Anthony Hopkins In The 94th Academy Awards (Oscars)

Headshot Of Djimon Hounsou

Cold Mountain

In the final days of the American Civil War, a wounded soldier embarks on a perilous journey back to Cold Mountain, North Carolina, to find his girlfriend.

Headshot Of Jude Law

Headshot Of Nicole Kidman In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix’s ‘A Family Affair’

Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

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The Lighthouse is a psychological thriller directed by Robert Eggers. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson star as Thomas Wake and Ephraim Winslow, two lighthouse keepers who begin to experience strange and supernatural phenomena after they get stranded on a remote island in the 1890s.

Headshot Of Robert Pattinson In The Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show

Headshot Of Willem Dafoe

Article image

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a Spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Leone, scored by Ennio Morricone, and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach as three gunslingers who compete for a cache of Confederate gold during the American Civil War. The 1966 film is regarded as one of the greatest Westerns of all time.

Headshot Of Eli Wallach

Headshot Of John Hurt In The UK premiere of Melancholia

The Man Who Would Be King (1975) - Poster

The Man Who Would Be King is a 1975 film directed by John Huston, featuring Sean Connery and Michael Caine. Set in British India, it follows two ex-soldiers who undertake an ambitious journey to a remote region of Afghanistan with the intent of becoming kings. The film explores themes of ambition and hubris against a backdrop of adventure and cultural clash.

Shot Of Michael Caine In The World premiere of ‘The Great Escaper’ at BFI Southbank

Article image

Les Misérables is the 2012 musical movie adaptation of Victor Hugo’s eponymous 1862 novel, retelling the story of prisoner Jean Valjean and his quest for freedom in 19th-century France. It features a star-studded cast consisting of Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Headshot Of Helena Bonham Carter In The 2024 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises

Headshot Of Anne Hathaway In The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards

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