Timeless epic movies you must watch at least once
- Jimena Gonzalez
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
If you are a fan of the epic films, filmmakers tend to go above and beyond to impress viewers with things never seen before, therefore creating lasting memories for years to come.
When it comes to an epic movie, spectacle, scale and length are taken into consideration. Typically, it is based on real events and/or real people and a considerable amount of money is put into production for the purpose of impressing audiences.
Gladiator (2000)
Total run time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
In this epic historical drama movie directed by Ridley Scott, Maximus (portrayed by Russell Crowe), a former Roman general, seeks to exact vengeance against the corrupt Emperor Commodus (portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix), who orchestrated the murders of Maximus' family and Emperor Marcus Aurelius. After being reduced to slavery by Commodus, Maximus becomes a gladiator and fights to the death while rising through the ranks in the arena.
Watch the trailer here.
Spartacus (1960)
Total run time: 3 hours, 17 minutes
In this epic historical drama movie directed by Stanley Kubrick, the Thracian slave Spartacus (portrayed by Kirk Douglas) is sold to slave trader Batiatus (portrayed by Peter Ustinov) and suffers through brutal gladiator training for several weeks. Amid the training, he forms a relationship with a serving woman, Varinia (portrayed by Jean Simmons), whom he eventually marries. Eventually, Spartacus leads the other slaves in rebellion against the decadent Roman Republic. Meanwhile, Crassus (portrayed by Laurence Olivier) seeks to gain power by putting a stop to the uprising.
Watch the trailer here.
Titanic (1997)
Total run time: 3 hours, 14 minutes
In this romantic drama movie, an 84-year-old recounts her life as a young woman named Rose DeWitt Bukater (portrayed by Kate Winslet) in the ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic, including falling in love with Jack Dawson (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio) and her forced engagement to Caledon Hockley (portrayed by Billy Zane). The whole story goes from boarding until the sinking of Titanic.
Watch the trailer here.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Total run time: 3 hours, 47 minutes
In this epic biographical film directed by David Lean, it tells the story of T.E. Lawrence (portrayed by Peter O'Toole), a British lieutenant who is sent to Arabia locate Prince Faisal (portrayed by Alec Guinness) to act as liaison between the British and the Arabs in their fight against the Turks. Themes in the movie include the struggle with Lawrence's identity and his divided allegiance between Britain and his newfound allies in the Arabian desert tribes.
Watch the trailer here.
Schindler's List (1993)
Total run time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
In this epic historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, German businessman Oskar Schindler (portrayed by Liam Neeson) slowly grows concerned about the safety of the Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis. He later arranges to protect his Jewish workers, realizing that in so doing, he is saving innocent lives.
Watch the trailer here.
Gandhi (1982)
Total run time: 3 hours, 11 minutes
In this epic biographical film directed by Richard Attenborough, Mohandas Gandhi begins a nationwide campaign on nonviolent resistance against the British rule in India. Initially dismissed by British officials, Gandhi's cause gradually becomes internationally renowned. Important moments of Gandhi's life are highlighted throughout the film.
Watch the trailer here.
Cleopatra (1963)
Total run time: 4 hours, 11 minutes
In this epic historical drama movie directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Cleopatra VII (portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor) experiences tragedy and triumph while attempting to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome. It covers the 18 turbulent years leading to the foundation of the Roman Empire, from Cleopatra's first meeting with Julius Caesar to her death in defeat with Marc Antony. The movie also involves a love triangle between Cleopatra, Caesar (portrayed by Rex Harrison) and Antony (portrayed by Richard Burton).
Watch the trailer here.
The Ten Commandments (1956)
Total run time: 3 hours, 40 minutes
In this epic religious drama movie directed by Cecil B. DeMille, the life of Moses (portrayed by Charlton Heston) is dramatized. An adopted Egyptian prince, he learns of his true heritage as a Hebrew and later discovers God's expectations of him. Moses embarks on a personal quest to reclaim his destiny, as well as free his people from captivity and lead them across the Red Sea.
Watch the trailer here.
Ben-Hur (1959)
Total run time: 3 hours, 32 minutes (does not include overture, intermission and entr'acte)
In this epic religious movie directed by William Wyler, Judah Ben-Hur (also portrayed by Charlton Heston) is betrayed and sentenced to years of slavery by a Roman friend, Messala (portrayed by Stephen Boyd). He later returns to compete with Messala in a chariot race, considered to be one of the most famous scenes in cinema history.
Watch the trailer here.
Gone With the Wind (1939)
Total run time: 3 hours, 58 minutes (with overture, intermission, entr'acte and exit music)
In this epic romance movie directed by Victor Fleming, Southern belle Scarlett O'Hara (portrayed by Vivien Leigh) pursues Ashley Wilkes (portrayed by Leslie Howard), who is married to his cousin, Melanie Hamilton (portrayed by Olivia de Havilland). As the American Civil War devastates the Southern United States, Scarlett discovers the strength within herself to protect her family. She subsequently marries Rhett Butler (portrayed by Clark Gable), the man she truly loves.
Watch the trailer here.
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