Summary
Periodromancemoviesare some of the most astounding pieces of cinema, andmany are universally understandable, no matter what time period they are set in.Period romances make up a large chunk ofthe best movies of all time, and while they are often remembered for their beautiful visual styling and powerful cast performances, the element of romance is what makes them so popular. Generally,the best period piece moviestypically include some form of relationship storyline, although this isn’t an exclusive rule.
No matter when a film is set, there is always the potential for a love story. A lot of these frequently take place in the Regency era or during one of the World Wars, and while these are very successful, several others use a varied range of settings and chunks of history. TV shows have recently taken over the period romance, too, and titles likeBridgertonhave become raging successes,drawing audiences in with tales of passion in the face of adversity.However, it’s the movies that truly define the genre.
The 15 Best Period Romance TV Shows Ever Made
The period romance genre is full of some of the greatest TV shows in general, but the best within the niche are masterworks of story & visual beauty.
Brokeback Mountainis an iconic period title and a groundbreaking piece ofLGBTQ+ representation in movies.Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal both offer brilliant performances as the two cowboys,and the emergence of their love story during a trip together is groundbreaking. As the decades pass and the two try to move on from one another, marry women, and carry on with their lives, it’s hard not to be heartbroken for them. The complexity of their relationship in a Western backdrop is beautifully unique, andBrokeback Mountainwill forever be a timeless classic.
The Oscar-winningTitaniccombines a true story and fictionto create a legendary tale of class divide and romance.Many are jealous of Jack and Rose’s blossoming love, but the film’s devastating end simply makes their relationship even more precious.
Titanic’s incredible special effects are also worth mentioning, and James Cameron’s skills are absolutely spectacular throughout. The contrast between the working class and the wealthy is an important theme inTitanic, butJack and Rose’s whirlwind romance, which is free of judgment or expectations, is the true motivator of the film.
It’s not unusual for period romance films to focus on a love triangle, butPearl Harborstunningly tackles the topic. Thewar drama movieis set during the titular event, but despite being surrounded by death and destruction, the complicated relationship between best friends and first lieutenants Rafe and Danny and nurse Evelyn takes center stage.Even thoughPearl Harborisn’t the most historically accurate, it is praised for its beautiful visual effects and enthralling story about balancing feelings and duty,set during one of World War II’s worst attacks.
The Notebookis the ultimate example ofenemies-to-lovers in movies.Noah and Allie’s turbulent relationship in the lead-up to World War II is extremely profound,especially considering that audiences already know what their future will look like.
The Notebookcontinues to be one of the best movies ever.
The Notebookspans several decades as Noah and Allie grow older, andNoah recounts their story to the residents of their nursing home.Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, as the younger versions of the characters in this cult classic, are absolutely astounding throughout and are the main reason whyThe Notebookcontinues to be one of the best movies ever.
The Notebook Setting & Timeline Explained: Where & When The Romance Movie Takes Place
The Notebook is a classic romance movie and uses flashbacks to tell of Allie and Noah’s tumultuous journey, setting the main story in the past.
A Room with a Viewis one ofHelena Bonham Carter’s best movies, and her breakthrough role as Lucy Honeychurch is an excellent example of her varied talents as an actress.Lucy’s difficulty in choosing between her fiancéin England and the handsome new vacationer she meets is a compelling narrative,but the picturesque cinematography throughoutA Room with a Viewmakes it even more romantic.A Room with a Viewalso has an especially strong cast outside of Carter, including titans of the film industry like Maggie Smith and Daniel Day-Lewis.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonlooks at the passion between warriors Li and Yu in Qing Dynasty China.Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonis much more than a romance film, however, and it also has a focus on martial arts and swordsmanship.
Li and Yu’s romance isn’t all positive, though, but the conflict they face after losing the 400-year-old Green Destiny sword raises the stakes for them hugely.The movie is the recipient of an astonishing three Academy Award wins, which is no surprise, considering its action-packed sequences and profound and delicate scenes between the main characters.
10 Great Martial Arts Movies Like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a staple martial arts film with similar fight sequences found in other films using wire-fu techniques.
Eight-time Oscar winnerMy Fair Ladystars one ofthe greatest classic Hollywood actorsever, Audrey Hepburn, as Eliza Doolittle. The highly successful Broadway adaptation focuses on Eliza’s transformation into a member of high society, thanks to the assistance of Professor Henry Higgins.Eliza and Henry don’t click immediately; if anything, they clash at first,but that’s why their love story is so realistic. While their romance is important,My Fair Ladyis one ofthe best musical movies of all timebecause of Alan Jay Lerner’s legendary soundtrack and well-planned song and dance numbers.
There have been severaladaptations ofLittle Women, but Greta Gerwig’s 2019 version is the best. The film jumps across a non-linear narrative to show the lives of four sisters in the aftermath of the Civil War, and while romance isn’t the primary focus, it’s a big factor.Laurie and Amy’s interactions are often awkward, but they’re easy to invest in.One of the best scenesis Amy’s desperate monologue about her place in society, which doesn’t seem to be very romantic initially, but it highlights how she wants Laurie to love her for her, not because of Jo’s rejection.
Greta Gerwig also directedLady Bird(2017) andBarbie(2023)
Carolis a period romance film that differs from many other titles because of its focus on a relationship between two women. Set in the 1950s,Carolfollows department store worker Therese and her affair with the titular character.
Carol and Therese’s feelings are controversial because of the film’s era and the fact that they’re homosexual,which makes the consequences of their actions even more risky, and that’s even before Carol’s custody battle is taken into account. Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Carol is particularly notable, especially as it has resulted in one of her four Oscar nominations for Best Actress.
Carol Ending Explained
Carol follows the ups and downs of the love affair between Carol Aird and Therese Belivet, but the 2015 movie’s ending leaves room for interpretation.
Anthony Minghella’sThe English Patientis about Ralph Fiennes’ Laszlo Almásy and his struggle to remember his identity after his plane is shot down during World War II.The power of flashbacks is a crucial element inThe English Patient,and as the enigmatic man starts to remember and share the intricate details of a long-forgotten love affair to his nurse, Hana, a sweet bond between the pair begins to form.The English Patientis the first film ever to win an Oscar for Best Editing, which makes sense, considering how powerful the story is.
