The Most Influential Historical Dramas

Gone with the Wind, released in 1939, is considered a masterpiece of American cinema and is often ranked among the greatest films ever made.

The Tudors, which aired from 2007 to 2010, is a historical drama series that focuses on the reign of King Henry VIII of England.

Argo, directed by Ben Affleck, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2012. The film is based on the true story of the CIA's rescue of six American diplomats from Iran during the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis.

Downton Abbey, which aired from 2010 to 2015, is a historical drama series that follows the lives of the wealthy Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century.

300, released in 2006, is a historical action film that tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartan warriors fought against the Persian army.

Rome, which aired from 2005 to 2007, is a historical drama series that follows the lives of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Mark Antony during the fall of the Roman Republic.

Titanic, directed by James Cameron, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1997. The film is a romantic disaster film that tells the story of the sinking of the RMS Titanic.

The Tudors, which aired from 2007 to 2010, is a historical drama series that follows the political and personal lives of the Tudor court during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Gandhi, released in 1982, is a biographical drama film that tells the story of the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement.

The French Revolution, which aired from 2012 to 2013, is a historical drama series that follows the lives of the people of Paris during the French Revolution.

American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2000. The film is a satirical black comedy that explores the lives of a dysfunctional suburban family.

The Tudors, which aired from 2007 to 2010, is a historical drama series that follows the political and personal lives of the Tudor court during the reign of King Henry VIII of England.

Selma, released in 2014, is a historical drama film that tells the story of the Selma to Montgomery marches, a key moment in the American civil rights movement.

The Crown, which aired from 2016 to 2022, is a historical drama series that follows the political and personal lives of the British monarchy during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Ben-Hur, directed by William Wyler, won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1960. The film is an epic historical drama that tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is enslaved by the Romans.