Historical drama films have always been a popular genre among moviegoers. These films transport the audience to different eras and give them a glimpse into the lives of people who lived in those times. Over the last decade, there have been several historical drama films that have captivated audiences with their gripping stories, beautiful cinematography, and outstanding performances.

In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 historical drama films of the last decade. These films have been selected based on their critical and commercial success, as well as their impact on the genre. From epic war dramas to intimate character studies, this list has something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff or simply enjoy a good story, these films are sure to entertain and inspire you. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of historical drama films and discover some of the best movies of the last decade.

Our Criteria for Selection

When selecting the top 10 historical drama films of the last decade, the team considered a variety of factors. The following criteria were used to determine the final list:

Historical Accuracy

One of the most important factors in selecting the top historical drama films is the level of historical accuracy portrayed in the film. The team looked for films that accurately depicted the time period, setting, and historical events that were being portrayed. While some creative license is often taken in the interest of storytelling, the team prioritized films that stayed true to the facts as much as possible.

Critical Acclaim

Another important factor in selecting the top historical drama films was critical acclaim. The team looked for films that were highly praised by critics and audiences alike. This included films that received awards and nominations from prestigious organizations such as the Academy Awards and Golden Globes.

Acting Performances

The team also considered the quality of the acting performances in each film. A strong cast can make all the difference in bringing a historical drama to life, and the team looked for films that featured standout performances from their actors.

Production Value

Finally, the team considered the overall production value of each film. This included factors such as cinematography, set design, and costume design. The team looked for films that were visually stunning and showed a high level of attention to detail in their production.

By considering these factors, the team was able to select the top 10 historical drama films of the last decade.

Top 10 Historical Drama Films of the Last Decade

Lincoln (2012)

Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” is a biographical drama film that tells the story of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, during the final months of his life. The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln and Sally Field as his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and screenplay, earning 12 Academy Award nominations and winning two.

The King’s Speech (2010)

“The King’s Speech” is a historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper, based on the true story of King George VI, who struggles with a stammer. The film stars Colin Firth as King George VI and Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

“12 Years a Slave” is a biographical period drama film directed by Steve McQueen and based on the 1853 memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film received critical acclaim and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

The Imitation Game (2014)

“The Imitation Game” is a historical drama film directed by Morten Tyldum and based on the true story of mathematician Alan Turing, who helped crack the Enigma code during World War II. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing and Keira Knightley as Joan Clarke. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning one.

Dunkirk (2017)

“Dunkirk” is a war film written and directed by Christopher Nolan, focusing on the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II. The film stars Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Jack Lowden as young soldiers, and Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, and Tom Hardy in supporting roles. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and sound design, winning three Academy Awards.

The Revenant (2015)

“The Revenant” is a survival drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, based on the true story of frontiersman Hugh Glass, who seeks revenge against those who left him for dead after a bear attack. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Glass and Tom Hardy as John Fitzgerald. The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and cinematography, winning three Academy Awards.

Selma (2014)

“Selma” is a historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay, based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. The film stars David Oyelowo as King, Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King, and Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon B. Johnson. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards, winning one.

First Man (2018)

“First Man” is a biographical drama film directed by Damien Chazelle, based on the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong and the events leading up to the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Armstrong and Claire Foy as his wife, Janet Shearon. The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and cinematography, winning one Academy Award.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

“The Theory of Everything” is a biographical romantic drama film directed by James Marsh, based on the memoir “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen” by Jane Wilde Hawking. The film stars Eddie Redmayne as theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and Felicity Jones as his wife, Jane. The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and screenplay, winning one Academy Award.

Hidden Figures (2016)

“Hidden Figures” is a biographical drama film directed by Theodore Melfi, based on the true story of three African American women who worked at NASA during the Space Race. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe as the three women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, respectively. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for three Academy Awards.

These ten historical drama films of the last decade have captivated audiences with their compelling stories, outstanding performances, and exceptional direction.

The Impact of These Films

Over the last decade, historical drama films have had a significant impact on the film industry and society as a whole. These films have not only entertained audiences but also educated them about important events in history, sparking conversations and debates about the past and its impact on the present.

One of the most notable impacts of historical drama films is their ability to shed light on lesser-known events and figures in history. For example, “Hidden Figures” (2016) tells the story of three African-American women who played a crucial role in NASA’s space program during the 1960s. This film brought attention to the contributions of these women, who had been largely overlooked in history books.

Historical drama films have also been praised for their attention to detail and accuracy. They often feature meticulous research and production design to recreate historical settings and costumes, providing audiences with a glimpse into the past. “12 Years a Slave” (2013), for instance, was praised for its accurate portrayal of slavery in the United States, and its impact on individuals and families.

Moreover, historical drama films have been instrumental in sparking conversations about contemporary issues. They often draw parallels between past events and current social and political issues, encouraging viewers to reflect on how history shapes the present. For example, “Spotlight” (2015) highlighted the importance of investigative journalism in holding powerful institutions accountable, while “The Post” (2017) explored the role of the press in exposing government corruption.

In conclusion, historical drama films have had a profound impact on the film industry and society as a whole. They have educated audiences about important events and figures in history, while also sparking conversations about contemporary issues. As such, they are an important genre that will continue to shape the way we think about the past and the present.

Conclusion

In conclusion, historical drama films have always been a favorite among movie enthusiasts. The last decade has seen some of the best historical drama films ever made, and this list has covered the top 10. From the epic World War II drama “Dunkirk” to the critically acclaimed “The Imitation Game,” these films have captivated audiences with their engaging storylines and exceptional performances.

Each film on this list has something unique to offer, whether it’s the stunning cinematography of “1917” or the emotional depth of “The King’s Speech.” These films transport viewers to different eras and provide a glimpse into the lives of people who have shaped history.

While these films are based on true events, it’s important to remember that they are still works of fiction and should be viewed as such. However, they do provide an opportunity to learn about history and gain a deeper understanding of the events that have shaped our world.

Overall, historical drama films continue to be a popular genre, and the last decade has seen some of the best films ever made. Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy a good story, these films are definitely worth checking out.