Historical Romance Movies
Sometimes when you are in the mood to watch a movie, you don’t always feel like something that takes place in a contemporary setting. At times, you may wish to be transported to a completely different place and time. In films, there are many ways that this can be achieved. If you want a completely new world, that has never existed or could exist in the future, then science fiction, or fantasy films, would be the best way to go.
But sometimes when looking for romantic movies, you may feel like a setting that is somewhat removed from the present, and that sends one back in time. If this is what you are looking for, then a good historical romance could be exactly what you need. These films could be combined with period romance cinema, but we have decided to create a separate page and list just for them.
Many of the works listed below are based upon classic novels, from such famous authors as L. M. Montgomery and Jane Austen.
The Young Victoria
Cast: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Miranda Richardson, and Paul Bettany
Year: 2009
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
Based on the real life romance of the young Queen and Prince Albert, after her rise to the throne, when she was just a teenager.
Emma
Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Toni Collette and Alan Cumming
Year: 1996
Director: Douglas McGrath
Gwyneth Paltrow plays the title heroine in this luxurious adaptation of the beloved and timeless Jane Austen novel.
Wives and Daughters
Cast: Justine Waddell, Keeley Hawes, Francesca Annis and Bill Paterson
Year: 1999
Director: Nicholas Renton
Charming BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s last work, this is the coming-of-age story of lovable Molly Gibson, whose father has decided to remarry.
First Knight
Cast: Julia Ormond, Richard Gere, Sean Connery and Ben Cross
Year: 1995
Director: Jerry Zucker
A retelling of the classic love triangle of forbidden love between King Arthur, Knight Lancelot and the beautiful Guinevere.
The Sound of Music
Cast: Julie Andrews, Eleanor Parker, Christopher Plummer and Peggy Wood
Year: 1965
Director: Robert Wise
Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Austria, this classic romantic musical is not just about a governess helping to raising seven children, but it is also a moving love story.
Vanity Fair
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, James Purefoy, Romola Garai and Gabriel Byrne
Year: 2004
Director: Mira Nair
William Thackeray’s work is brought to life with elaborate and sumptuous detail by director Mira Nair, with Reese Witherspoon playing heroine Becky Sharp.
Memoirs of a Geisha
Cast: Gong Li, Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe and Michelle Yeoh
Year: 2005
Director: Rob Marshall
Set in early 20th century Japan, follow Chiyo as she is transformed from a servant into a stunning Geisha. But because of her position will she have to sacrifice her own true love?
The Mask of Zorro
Cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins and Stuart Wilson
Year: 1998
Director: Martin Campbell
If you are looking for some adventure, action and comedy with your historical romance, then this is a definite must see.
Miss Potter
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Renee Zellweger, Barbara Flynn and Emily Watson
Year: 2006
Director: Chris Noonan
This film, instead of being adapted from the work of a novelist, is actually based on the life and love of the author Beatrix Potter.
Anne of Green Gables
Cast: Megan Follows, Jonathan Crombie, Richard Farnsworth and Colleen Dewhurst
Year: 1985
Director: Kevin Sullivan
No list would be complete without the energetic, endearing and playful Anne Shirley and her love for Gilbert Blythe.
Hopefully one of these historical romances above fits your mood and tastes. If you are still looking then be sure to browse our other postings on some great chick flicks, or other top list of romance movies.