Great Period Movies Set in the 19th Century
The 19th century often seems like the distant past, but the classic stories found in 1800s period films prove to be timeless. The top 1800s movies feature passionate love stories, epic war sagas, and intriguing mysteries. This is a list of the best 19th century period movies, including everything from How Green Was My Valley to The Age of Innocence to The Piano.
What films will you find on this list of the best Victorian era movies? Gone with the Wind follows Scarlett O'Hara, a spoiled Southern belle who finds her life upended by the Civil War. The 1939 epic took home eight Academy Awards, including the trophies for Best Picture and Best Director. Wuthering Heights is another great film set in the 1800s. Mia Wasikowska played the title character in the 2011 drama Jane Eyre. Other good movies featured on this list include The Portrait of a Lady and Anna Karenina.
Which film set in the Victorian era is your favorite? Give the best movies a thumbs up and please add any good films that are missing.- 1Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard
- Released: 1939
- Directed by: Victor Fleming
A sweeping, epic romance set against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War, this 19th-century classic follows the tempestuous Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) as she navigates love, loss, and survival. Clark Gable stars as the roguish Rhett Butler, whose relationship with Scarlett stands the test of time.
- 2Keira Knightley, Matthew McFadyen, Brenda Blethyn
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Joe Wright
In this enchanting adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, Keira Knightley shines as the strong-willed and intelligent Elizabeth Bennet, who navigates the pressures of 19th-century society and her turbulent relationship with the brooding Mr. Darcy (Matthew McFadyen).
- 3Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
A mesmerizing and sensual tale of forbidden love, this retelling of the classic 19th-century Gothic horror story stars Gary Oldman as the enigmatic Count Dracula, who pursues his true love, Mina (Winona Ryder), across centuries and continents. Francis Ford Coppola directs this haunting tale, with Anthony Hopkins co-starring as the iconic vampire hunter, Van Helsing.
- 4Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Cary Joji Fukunaga
This atmospheric adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's classic 19th-century novel explores the intense and passionate love between the orphaned governess, Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska), and her enigmatic employer, Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender), while uncovering dark secrets within the walls of Thornfield Hall.
- 5Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef
- Released: 1967
- Directed by: Sergio Leone
Set against the rugged landscapes of the 1800's American Southwest, this iconic spaghetti western follows the intertwining fates of three gunslingers (Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef) as they navigate treachery and violence in search of buried gold. Directed by the legendary Sergio Leone.
- 6Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Sergio Leone
- Released: 1965
- Directed by: Sergio Leone
Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef return in this stylish western, directed by Sergio Leone. Two bounty hunters with different motivations join forces to track down a notorious bandit, leading to a thrilling showdown with deadly consequences.
