It is easy to misinterpret period romance for historical romance, but there are some significant traits that set these two genres apart. As the name implies, a historical romance movie isn’t just set in a given year and has actors wearing clothing that matches the time frame, but it also usually features a real-life figure or a significant moment in history as the backdrop for the love story playing out onscreen.
There is something epic about a title within this genre because it allows you to look at someone or a certain event in a different light. FromTitanictoMoulin Rouge, the following movies perfectly encapsulate the essence of historical romance. Intense, richly detailed, and maybe even heartbreaking,these historical romances make viewers root for the main pair, revisit historical events, and travel through different decades by just hitting the play button.
10’Shakespeare in Love' (1998)
Directed by John Madden
Joseph Fiennesstars as William Shakespeare before the theater aficionado came up with the romantic tragedyRomeo and Juliet. Broke and facing writer’s block, he finally gets inspired when crossing paths with Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), an aspiring actress who longs for the opportunity to be in a play (something that only men could do at the time). Although Viola disguises herself as a man to audition for Shakespeare’s next production, he is able to see past her act and falls for her.
As their love affair unfolds, viewers can’t help but root for them despite the gender-related obstacles in their way. Although their relationship isn’t factual, the plot allows for there to beparallels between the romance onscreen and the playwright’s work, making for a compelling watch. Although many may argue thatShakespeare in Love’s multiple Oscar winsweren’t deserved compared to other nominees, it doesn’t mean the film itself doesn’t deserve its flowers, especially as a product of historical fiction.
Shakespeare in Love
9’Moulin Rouge' (2001)
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmannis known for his over-the-top productions, with quick edits and vibrant sing-alongs.Moulin Rouge!has the director’s signature style and an epic duo playing the leading couple. Set in 1899 in the epicenter of the Bohemian world,Nicole Kidmanstars as Satine, a courtesan who captivates Christian’s (Ewan McGregor) attention. The latter moves to Paris to become a writer, and his endeavors are put to the test when he and Satine ignite a passionate relationship that is constantly threatened by her boss.
A musical peppered with hits,Moulin Rouge!isa cinematic spectacle that perfectly captures the main Bohemian ideals(truth, beauty, freedom, and love). Kidman and McGregor’s chemistry is notable, and their music numbers together only further their connection onscreen. Seeing them sing “Come What May” onstage instantly brings audiences to tears, not only because of their forbidden love story but also because of the tragedy that happens next.
Moulin Rouge!
8’The Theory of Everything' (2014)
Directed by James Marsh
Different from other historical romances,The Theory of Everythingis equal parts biopic and equal parts love story. It focuses onStephen Hawking’s (Eddie Redmayne) life, and particularly his relationship with his first wife, Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). After meeting at university in the ’60s, the young couple fall in love before he is diagnosed with a fatal illness that will soon prevent him from having control over his body.
Despite the odds, the biopic shows their partnership and how Jane helped him become the bright physicist that he is known to be to this day. Even when his condition worsens, she doesn’t shy away from putting his needs above hers and supporting his career. The gorgeous cinematography and costumes allow viewers to travel back in time and truly get pulled intothis sincere depiction of what it means to be with someone through sickness and in health.Redmayne’s performance is exceptional and deserving of the multiple accolades that he received for his work in the film, includingan Academy Award for Best Actor.
The Theory of Everything
7’If Beale Street Could Talk' (2018)
Directed by Barry Jenkins
If Beale Street Could Talkmight not be based on a real-life pairing (it is actually inspired byJames Baldwin’s novel), but it mirrors the experience of many people in Harlem’s Black community in the ’70s. Set in a period of predominant institutionalized racism, the film is centered on childhood sweethearts Tish (KiKi Layne) and Fony (Stephan James), who are thrilled to build a future together as a married couple. However, their wedding plans get derailed when Fony is imprisoned for a crime that he did not commit.
A tale of hope and unwavering love, this tale fromOscar-winnerBarry Jenkinsshows that even in the face of adversity, soulmates can make it through to the other side. Despite the possibility that he’ll spend the rest of his life behind bars, Tish’s commitment to Fony is touching. As she finds out that she is carrying their baby in her womb, the character becomes even more determined to wait for her one true love to be set free from a sentence he didn’t even deserve to serve.
If Beale Street Could Talk
6’Out of Africa' (1985)
Directed by Sydney Pollack
A rewatchable classic starringMeryl Streep,Out of Africafollows Karen Blixen, a woman who marries out of convenience and starts a coffee plantation in Africa. As her husband constantly goes away on business trips and begins to be unfaithful, she is often left alone at home. Blixen’s loneliness draws her to Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford), a hunter she met while working in the fields, and their friendship eventually leads to a bittersweet romance.
Although the lead pairing isn’t as over-the-top in love as other cinematic couples,their grounded connection is part of the film’s charm.Out of Africaalso tackles a lot of pertinent themes about colonialism and classism in the 1920s through the protagonist’s journey to a foreign land without prior knowledge of her surroundings or the culture. Streep and Redfor’s subtle chemistry contrasts beautifully with the wild and striking African landscapes, resulting in a film that is a true delight for the senses.
Out of Africa
5’Walk the Line' (2005)
Directed by James Mangold
When thinking back at some iconic pairings in the music scene, Johnny Cash and June Carter would definitely come to mind.Walk the Linefollows Johnny Cash’s rise to fameand meets the beautiful and successful June on tour. Despite him having a family at home, Johnny and June slowly develop a bond, and she becomes a support system for him as he battles addiction on the road.
The ’50s music duo played byJoaquin PhoenixandReese Witherspoon, who won an Oscar for her performance, bring out the best in each other artistically. The film also shows how theybecame the best of friends before their relationship developed into something more. Although they go through some rough patches, their partnership and deep emotional connection truly allow viewers to understand why they eventually end up together.
Walk The Line
4’The Imitation Game' (2014)
Directed by Morten Tyldum
AlthoughThe Imitation Gameis more of a historical biopic than a historical romance, it does feature a heartfelt relationship between Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) and two major figures in his life. Set during World War II, the protagonist is in charge of an operation that could decode messages sent by the Germans in an attempt to stop the conflict. As a group of mathematicians joins forces to build a machine that could be the key to cracking a code that seems impossible to decipher, Alan struggles with his sexuality in secret.
Alan’s romantic love for his classmate, Christopher (Jack Bannon), changes the course of his life to the point where he names his machine after him. Meanwhile, his platonic bond with fellow scientist Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley) shows a new kind of love that even has some romantic undertones despite not conforming to traditional notions. Their partnership is touching to see, especially as they work together in the operation anduplift each other during an oppressive social setting.
The Imitation Game
3’Loving' (2016)
Directed by Jeff Nichols
It’s sad to think that interracial relationships were forbidden at a given moment until a film likeLovingreminds us of it. This adaptation, inspired by a real-life couple, centers on Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Mildred Loving (Ruth Negga), who were arrested for tying the knot given that mixed-race marriages were illegal in Virginia back in 1958. After being sentenced to one year in prison, the couple is allowed to get out of jail as long as they leave the state and do not come back for 25 years.
Unfair and unfortunately true, the Lovings had to take their case all the way to the Supreme Court to combat this injustice. Seeing this pairing sticking together despite the backlash and threats from the authorities isan example of resilience and a testament to the power of love. Edgerton and Negga conveyed this story’s historical significance brilliantly through their performances, andthe film’s slow paceallows the audience to get to know them and root for them to finally experience the happiness and peace they so rightfully deserve.
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2’Titanic' (1997)
Directed by James Cameron
There is a reason whyTitanicwas an award-winning hit when it came out and why its legacy lives on. Although Jack’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose’s (Kate Winslet) romance is doomed from the start because audiences know that the ship will wreck,James Cameroncompels them to forget history for the first two hours. His camera allows the unlikely pair to actually enjoy each other’s company before the inevitable tragedy strikes.
From the iconic scene in which Rose utters the line “Jack, I’m flying” to their memorable meet-up at the ship’s main staircase,every moment shared by the couple is compelling and rewarding, largely thanks to DiCaprio and Winslet’s unmatched chemistry. By the time the sinking takes place, the audience is so invested in the romance between the charming vagabond and the reserved socialite that tears can’t help but fall by the time the credits start rolling.Titanicisa pretty perfect romance movie, with two of cinema’s all-time great star-crossed lovers.
1’Casablanca' (1943)
Directed by Michael Curtiz
None of the historical romances that came later would’ve been as purposeful if this classic hadn’t paved the way.Casablancamight’ve come out in 1943, but it still resonates with viewers who are drawn to love stories in historical settings. The film takes place in Morocco during the early stage of World War II in a nightclub where two lovers reunite years after they last saw each other. Despite Rick (Humphrey Bogart) still being in love with Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), she is married to another man, leading the protagonist in a dilemma of whether to protect her husband or reignite their relationship.
Casablancais a timeless love storythat easily ranks amongthe most beautiful romances in film history. Even though its ending is not what viewers would traditionally hope for from an old-school romance, it shows that one of the greatest traits of true love is sacrificing one’s needs for the good of the other.Casablancaalso makes the most out of its historical setting, using tension and high stakes to deepen the protagonists' bond.
