People all over the globe have always been fascinated by the choices of who came before them. In fact, history and the past is rife with drama and storytelling that keeps people coming back for more.
It's no wonder that historical movies have always been a popular genre. The historical genre in movies and TV takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring the people, places, and events that have shaped our world.
In this article, we will explore the historical genre in movies and TV by examining its evolution over the years and the impact it has had on our culture.
Let's take a look at the past
'12 Years a Slave'Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Historical Genre Definition
The historical genre refers to a type of storytelling that is set in a specific period of time in the past, typically focusing on real people, events, and places. This genre encompasses a wide range of media, including movies, TV shows, novels, and plays, among others.
The Goal of Historical Films and TV Shows
The goal of the historical genre is to provide a glimpse into the past, bringing historical figures and events to life for modern audiences.
'The Green Knight'Credit: A24
What Are Some Tropes of the Historical Genre?
Like any genre, there's always a list of tropes that we've come to expect from these kinds of movies and TV shows.
- The Epic Battle Scene: Whether it's the Battle of Thermopylae in 300 or the storming of the Normandy beaches inSaving Private Ryan, historical dramas often feature large-scale battle scenes that depict the heroism and sacrifice of soldiers in times of war.
- The Royal Court: Many historical dramas are set in royal or aristocratic circles, offering a glimpse into the intrigues and power struggles of the ruling elite. From Game of Thrones to The Crown, these shows often feature lavish costumes and sets that bring the past to life.
- The Plucky Underdog: Whether it's a lone soldier fighting against overwhelming odds or a group of rebels taking on an oppressive regime, the historical genre often features stories of ordinary people rising up against injustice and tyranny.
- The Timeless Love Story: From Romeo+Juliet to Titanic, historical dramas often feature romantic storylines that transcend time and place. These stories offer a window into the social norms and expectations of the past and often explore themes of class, race, and gender.
- The Biopic: Many historical dramas are based on the lives of real people, offering a glimpse into the personal and political struggles of historical figures. From Lincoln to The Theory of Everything, these films and TV shows often feature actors who undergo dramatic transformations to portray real-life characters.
- The Time Traveler: Whether it's a character who travels through time or a modern-day perspective on historical events, the historical genre often explores the contrast between the past and present. Shows like Outlander and Timeless use time travel as a device to explore historical events and people.
'The Crown'Credit: Netflix
Why Does The Historical Genre Matter?
There's so much we can learn from the past, and film and TV is a democrat medium in which we can teach those lessons.
You can take characters who achieved great things and this genre allows you to tackle big lessons that don't feel too on the nose.
'Titanic'Credit: Paramount Pictures
The Historical Genre Examples in Movies
- Schindler's List (1993) - This film tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. It is considered one of the greatest historical dramas of all time, and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
- Titanic (1997) - This epic romance set aboard the ill-fated Titanic is one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Although the central love story is fictional, the film accurately depicts the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, and offers a glimpse into the social hierarchies of the era.
- Gladiator (2000) - Set in ancient Rome, this film follows the story of Maximus, a general who becomes a gladiator and seeks revenge against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and helped revive interest in historical epics.
- Lincoln (2012) - Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day-Lewis as President Abraham Lincoln, this film depicts the political maneuvering behind the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. The film was praised for its historical accuracy and won two Academy Awards.
- The King's Speech (2010) - This biographical drama tells the story of King George VI of Britain, who struggles with a stutter as he prepares to give a crucial radio address during World War II. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and helped revive interest in historical dramas set in the early 20th century.
These films are just a few examples of the many historical dramas that have captivated audiences and helped shape the genre over the years.
'Gladiator'Credit: Universal Pictures
The Historical Genre Examples in TV
- Game of Thrones (2011-2019): Although set in a fictional world, this epic fantasy series draws heavily on historical events and themes, including medieval Europe and the War of the Roses. The show won numerous awards and became a cultural phenomenon during its eight-season run.
- The Crown (2016-present): This acclaimed Netflix series follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, exploring the political and personal challenges she faced during her long reign. The show has been praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, and has won numerous awards.
- Mad Men(2007-2015): Although not strictly a historical drama, this series set in the advertising world of the 1960s offers a vivid portrait of the social and cultural changes of the era. The show won numerous awards, including four consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series.
- Vikings (2013-2020): This action-packed series follows the adventures of legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok and his family, and offers a vivid portrayal of Viking culture and history. The show was praised for its attention to historical detail and won a loyal fanbase during its six-season run.
- Chernobyl (2019): This HBO miniseries dramatizes the events surrounding the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, offering a sobering portrait of the human cost of the worst nuclear accident in history. The show won critical acclaim and numerous awards, including ten Primetime Emmy Awards.
'Chernobyl'Credit: Warner Bros. Television Distribution
Summing Up the Historical Genre
Whether you are a casual viewer or a dedicated fan, we hope this exploration of the historical genre in movies and TV has deepened your appreciation for this rich and complex area of storytelling.
From ancient civilizations to modern conflicts, the historical genre offers something for everyone, inviting us to explore the past and discover new insights about ourselves and our world.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
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