Period Dramas-The Romans 509 BC-476 AD
This is a list of movies or/and mini series set in the 509 BC-476 AD .
The history of the Romans is divided into 3 periods: Ancient Roman 753 BC – 509 BC , Roman republic 509 BC – 27 BC and the Roman Empire 27 BC – AD 1453. However the list main focus is the period of Republic (ruled by autocratic government), the reign of the Roman Empire, (coined during the rise of Emporor Augustus)and the Fall of the Roman Empire.
Please note: Biblical themes are not listed. This is to ensure the list is focused on the Romans period. Since there is a large number of Italian made productions, I have limited the number listed; as not many, outside Italy, would of seen them.
For those who are serious about Period Dramas and deem a movie/mini series worthy to be listed, add your comments.
The history of the Romans is divided into 3 periods: Ancient Roman 753 BC – 509 BC , Roman republic 509 BC – 27 BC and the Roman Empire 27 BC – AD 1453. However the list main focus is the period of Republic (ruled by autocratic government), the reign of the Roman Empire, (coined during the rise of Emporor Augustus)and the Fall of the Roman Empire.
Please note: Biblical themes are not listed. This is to ensure the list is focused on the Romans period. Since there is a large number of Italian made productions, I have limited the number listed; as not many, outside Italy, would of seen them.
For those who are serious about Period Dramas and deem a movie/mini series worthy to be listed, add your comments.
List activity
58K views
• 10 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
86 titles
- StarsDerek JacobiJohn HurtSiân PhillipsThe personal and governmental affairs of the Julio-Claudian dynasty at the beginning of the Roman Empire, as recalled by one of its rulers.A MUST have in any Period Drama collection. Buy it, steal it, whatever it takes, I recommend this superb BBC masterpiece for anyone to watch! Forget Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" (2000), this mini series make it look like a baby trying to walk and the villian Commodus a mere AMATUER!!! I, Claudius has it all:intrigue, madness, greed, seduction, murder, incest, vengence, hatred, lust, evil, scheming, malice and the list goes on. This is human nature in its purest form of sadism. Forget about history books, this is way better. One of the best, if not THE BEST, Roman drama series of it's time starring Derek Jacobi (one of my favourite British actors) and a perfect cast of talented English actors.
***WARNING*** This was made in the 70's and does not have the budget of contemporary productions. Keep an open mind when watching this mini-series and judge for yourself
I rarely give a 10/10...this is a 15/10 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsRussell CroweJoaquin PhoenixConnie NielsenA former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.Thankfully a decent gladiator/roman movie to suit contemporary audiences. Besides the odd goofs (i.e. first part of movie, after opening battle scene, Maximus spends some quiet time with his horse, very visably you notice a pair of blue jeans, probably a crew member, backway), not a bad movie. Loved Joaquin Phoenix character, but wished he was more of a bastard.
- StarsSantiago CabreraVincent ReganEmily BluntEpic four-hour series about the rise of Octavius who succeeds Julius Caesar and tangles with Marc Anthony for control of the Roman empire and finally went on to become the emperor Augustus.
- StarsGoran VisnjicAlan BatesAngus MacfadyenAfter he is bought by the owner of a Roman gladiator school and trained as a gladiator, a slave leads a rebellion of slaves and gladiators into revolt against Rome.Having seen both versions of Spartacus, the 1960 version with Kirk Douglas and the 2004 mini series, it was quiet difficult to chose which one to use. The script writer's historical imprefections aside, Kirk Douglas immortalized this character, although Sparactus was romaticized by Hollywood machine at the time. While Goran Visnjic version, was more truer to historical events, I felt something was lacking; and no fault of the actors, who tried to make this production feasiable.
- DirectorJoseph L. MankiewiczRouben MamoulianStarsElizabeth TaylorRichard BurtonRex HarrisonQueen Cleopatra VII of Egypt experiences both triumph and tragedy as she attempts to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome.I've seen both versions of Cleopatra. The mini series 1999 and the movie version 1963; I've yet to see the 1934 with Claudette Colbert. To this date no-one I've seen has ever challenged Elizabeth Taylor as the perfect casting of the Queen of the Nile. Parts of it were inaccurate to history, but who cares? Great movie anyway you look at it. Very expensive and almost sent 20th Century Fox bankrupt to this date many critics regard it as a Flop.
- CreatorBruno HellerWilliam J. MacDonaldJohn MiliusStarsKevin McKiddRay StevensonPolly WalkerA down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans set in the last days of the Roman Republic.Yes, it's a TV series, but I argue there isn't many decent production to date that is set in the Roman times. I really like this series and as such have placed it in this list
- DirectorNeil MarshallStarsMichael FassbenderDominic WestOlga KurylenkoA splinter group of Roman soldiers fight for their lives behind enemy lines after their legion is devastated in a guerrilla attack.Set: during the Reign of Hadrian
This was a surprise. I thought I was seeing part Gladiator/part Braveheart. But this movie is based on the legendary 9th legend marched into Pict territory, in Britain, and was never heard of again...it gets weirder...its a true event that actually happened. Plenty of blood and gore, fighting and a vengeful mute girl. The standout for me, was the cinematography...breathtaking - StarsJeremy SistoRichard HarrisChristopher WalkenTwenty-year-old Julius Caeser flees Rome for his life during the reign of Sulla, but through skill and ambition rises four decades later to become Rome's supreme dictator.Also see
Julius Ceasar (1984) - StarsMichelle NewellGraham CrowdenHelen SparksThe lives of a series of queens belonging to the Ptolemaic Dynasty of ancient Egypt, culminating in its final active ruler Cleopatra VII.
- DirectorPaul MarcusStarsHans MathesonLaura MoranteRike SchmidA six-episode mini-series covering five centuries of the Roman Empire.For those who are interested in history, don't watch his TV Movie. It is a poor attempt to make veiwers more sympathic to Nero. For thoses who are just interested in less strenuous veiwing, this is for you. Its a depliction of Nero's life when he was young, to emporer and eventurally to his death. ***SPOILER*** the way Nero took his own life, by the lake, was a bit far fetched. And the girl he loved and lost years ago, just "happened" to see him bleeding by the waterside"
- StarsKlaus Maria BrandauerFrederic ForrestCristina RainesDrama about love and intrigues in ancient Rome during the times of Nero.Set:during the Reign of Nero
- DirectorRoger YoungStarsPeter O'TooleCharlotte RamplingVittoria BelvedereCaesar Augustus tells of how he became the emperor to his reluctant daughter, Julia following the death of her husband Agrippa.An interesting bio epic on the life of Octavius who eventaully changed the course of History, and later became Caesar Augustus. Peter O'Toole brilliantly plays the dying emporer who recalls his past.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyAnthony MannStarsRobert TaylorDeborah KerrLeo GennAfter fierce Roman commander Marcus Vinicius becomes infatuated with beautiful Christian hostage Lygia, he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.Set:during the Reign of Nero
Why is there another Quo Vadis listed? The reason is you need to really see the two Quo Vadis in order to see which one you prefer. The 1951 version with Robert Taylor or the Polish mini series 1985. I confess, I rather liked this version, but each to there own. - DirectorWilliam WylerStarsCharlton HestonJack HawkinsStephen BoydAfter a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.Fabulous cast, about two friends who suddenly became enemies. Visually it's sublime, acting is superb and the sets are magnificent. Top notch drama that only Hollywood can produce
***SPOILER***the end was a too Disney like, where the Leper mother and sister disease was suddenly cured, by the blood of Christ, which "happens" to flow from his wounded body on the cross, to a stream to where the Ben Hur's mother, sister & wife to be "happen" to seek shelter from the storm. - DirectorTinto BrassStarsMalcolm McDowellPeter O'TooleHelen MirrenA dramatization of the ascent to Caesar and subsequent reign of Caligula, one of the most notorious leaders of ancient Rome. We see his ambition, his scheming, his perversion and decadence, his brutality and his lunacy.also see:
Caligola (1996 TV movie)
Caligola (1975 TV movie)
Caligola (1966 TV movie)
***PLEASE NOTE-THIS IS NEARLY PORNOGRAPHIC***If you can get past that, you might find a passable story. Having stated this, surprisingly there are a number of well known actors/actress in this production. - StarsFreddie JonesAndré MorellCaroline BlakistonAfter years of civil war following the assassination of Julius Caesar, his adopted son Octavian manages to unite the various factions and assume control of the Roman Empire. Taking the name Augustus, he presides over an unparalleled period of growth and prosperity, but when he dies, the Empire is thrown into confusion by the corrupt and violent reigns of Tiberius and the insane Caligula.I have looked everywhere for this one...sadly the DVD is not in my region code.
Each Episode deals with a Caesar:
1. "Augustus"
2. "Germanicus"
3. "Tiberius"
4. "Sejanus"
5. "Caligula"
6. "Claudius" - StarsPauline LynchSteven BerkoffAndrew PleavinIn 400 AD, the Roman Empire is the greatest power in the world. But to the east a fierce people arose: the Huns. They believe in a prophecy about a great king who will unite the tribes and challenge Rome for control of the world.
- DirectorEdward BazalgetteStarsAlexander SiddigEmilio DoorgasinghBashar RahalIt is 200 years before the birth of Christ and Rome is the new superpower of the ancient world. She believes she is invincible - but one man is destined to change that. He is a man bound by oath to avenge the wrongs inflicted on his home and, in pursuit of revenge, he will stop at nothing. Hannibal explores the man behind the myth, revealing what drove the 26-year-old to mastermind one of the most audacious military moves in history. With 40,000 soldiers and 37 elephants, he marched 1,500 miles to challenge his enemies on their own soil. It was an act so daring that few people believed it possible. Hannibal combines drama, the latest historical research and state-of-the-art CGI to bring this spectacular story to life.pity there isn't a image. Still does deplict the will of Hannibal for his people to be free of Rome. This man came within an inch of Rome, having conquered the Alps. Nice acting, fine scenery.
- StarsLeif AndersSam MercurioKarl OtterThe historical drama details the Roman military campaigns against the barbarians. It shows how continuous wars depleted resources, a key factor in the fall of the Empire.
- DirectorCarmine GalloneStarsAnnibale NinchiCamillo PilottoFosco GiachettiA story of the Second Punic Wars, beginning with Scipio's futile pleas to the Roman Senate to build an army to battle Hannibal, that climaxes with the battle of Zama.
- CreatorSteven S. DeKnightStarsAndy WhitfieldLucy LawlessManu BennettThe life of Spartacus, the gladiator who lead a rebellion against the Romans. From his time as an ally of the Romans, to his betrayal and becoming a gladiator, to the rebellion he leads and its ultimate outcome.TV series, but deserves to be mentioned.
- DirectorJacques DorfmannStarsChristopher LambertKlaus Maria BrandauerMax von SydowAn entire nation's destiny lies in the hands of one man.
- DirectorGiulio BaseStarsDaniele LiottiDolph LundgrenMónica CruzIn 35 A.D., a Roman tribune is sent to Palestine to investigate the death and possible resurrection of a certain Jesus from Nasareth.
- DirectorSergiu NicolaescuStarsPierre BriceMarie-José NatGeorges MarchalThe Dacian kingdom lies at the eastern border of the Roman Empire.Only the river Danube separates the two mortal enemies.The Dacian king Decebalus knows that soon the vastly superior Roman legions will cross the river and attack Dacia.
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsChanning TatumJamie BellDonald SutherlandIn Roman-ruled Britain, a young Roman soldier endeavors to honor his father's memory by finding his lost legion's golden emblem.waiting to see this one.