10 Movies About the French Revolution you Need to Watch!
As a person who loves history, I usually find myself obsessed with one specific period of time, and in need of consuming everything related to that period.
In one of these moments, I ended up consuming pretty much everything related to the French Revolution, so if, for some reason, you are finding yourself in the same situation, I’ve got your back.
My hours of couch allowed me to write this post, so here it is my top 10 best movies about the French Revolution.
…and please, if you know more movies related to it, let me know their names in the comments so I can watch them!
1. Les Misérables (2012)
“Les Misérables” (2012) is an adaptation of the acclaimed stage musical, which itself is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name.
Set in 19th-century France, the film follows Jean Valjean, a former convict, as he seeks redemption while being pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert.
Their fates intertwine with those of other characters like Fantine, a struggling factory worker, and her daughter Cosette, whom Valjean adopts.
As Cosette grows, she falls in love with Marius, a young revolutionary.
Against the backdrop of social unrest and the June Rebellion of 1832, the characters grapple with themes of love, sacrifice, and justice.
2. Danton (1983)
The movie is a historical drama set during the French Revolution, focusing on the rivalry between two key figures: Georges Danton and Maximilien Robespierre.
As France grapples with revolutionary fervor and political turmoil, Danton, a charismatic and pragmatic leader, emerges as a voice of moderation and compromise.
However, his approach clashes with the uncompromising ideology of Robespierre, who seeks to purge France of perceived enemies through the Reign of Terror.
3. La Révolution française (1989)
This is actually a two-part French historical drama directed by Robert Enrico and Richard T. Heffron.
The film provides a comprehensive portrayal of the French Revolution, spanning from the calling of the Estates-General in 1789 to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The first part, titled “La Révolution française: Les Années Lumière” (The French Revolution: Years of Hope), depicts the events leading up to the storming of the Bastille and the establishment of the National Assembly.
It follows key figures such as Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Maximilien Robespierre, and Georges Danton as they navigate the political upheaval and social unrest of the time.
The second part, “La Révolution française: Les Années Terribles” (The French Revolution: Years of Terror), focuses on the Reign of Terror and the rise of radical factions within the revolution.
It explores the escalating violence, internal divisions, and ultimate downfall of figures like Robespierre.
4. La Marseillaise (1938)
The film depicts the events leading up to the French Revolution, particularly focusing on the journey of the National Guard from Marseille to Paris and their pivotal role in the revolution.
As tensions escalate between the common people and the monarchy, a group of volunteers from Marseille sets out on a journey to join the revolutionaries in Paris.
Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, but their determination and sense of purpose drive them forward.
The film highlights the enthusiasm and idealism of the volunteers as they fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity.
It also explores the broader social and political context of the time, shedding light on the grievances of the French people and the catalysts for the revolution.
5. Marie Antoinette (1938)
This historical drama follows the life of Marie Antoinette, the Austrian princess who becomes the Queen of France during the turbulent years leading up to the French Revolution.
Beginning with Marie Antoinette’s arrival in France to marry the future King Louis XVI, the film portrays her initial struggles to adapt to court life and gain acceptance from the French people.
Over time, Marie Antoinette becomes entangled in the political intrigues and lavish lifestyle of the Versailles court, earning both admiration and scorn from the public.
6. The Lady and the Duke (2001)
The movie is based on the memoirs of Grace Elliott, an Englishwoman who lived in France during the French Revolution.
Set in 18th-century Paris, the film follows the story of Grace Elliott and her complex relationship with the revolution and its key figures.
Grace, a staunch royalist, finds herself torn between her loyalty to the exiled King Louis XVI and her friendship with Philippe, the Duke of Orleans, who supports the revolution.
As the revolution unfolds, Grace becomes embroiled in political intrigue and danger, navigating the shifting allegiances and uncertainties of the time.
7. Reign of Terror (1949)
“Reign of Terror” (1949), also known as “The Black Book,” is a film noir directed by Anthony Mann, set during the French Revolution.
The story follows Charles D’Aubigny, a French nobleman who infiltrates the ranks of the Revolutionaries to avenge the death of his friend at the hands of the Jacobins.
As D’Aubigny delves deeper into the world of espionage and political intrigue, he discovers a plot by Robespierre and his followers to consolidate their power through fear and violence.
The film is characterized by its dark and atmospheric cinematography, tense pacing, and suspenseful plot twists.
8. A Tale of Two Cities (1935)
The movie is based on the 1859 novel of the same name by Charles Dickens.
Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the film tells the story of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who renounces his title and moves to England, and Sydney Carton, a dissolute English lawyer.
As the revolution unfolds in France, Darnay becomes embroiled in the turmoil and is eventually arrested and imprisoned by the revolutionaries.
Meanwhile, Carton, who bears a striking resemblance to Darnay, finds himself drawn to Darnay’s wife, Lucie Manette, and becomes determined to save Darnay from his impending fate.
As the story unfolds, themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption come to the forefront as Carton devises a daring plan to switch places with Darnay and face the guillotine in his stead.
Through Carton’s selfless act of heroism, the film explores the power of redemption and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
9. The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934)
This classic British adventure film is based on the 1905 novel of the same name by Baroness Emmuska Orczy.
Set during the French Revolution, the film follows the daring exploits of Sir Percy Blakeney, a British aristocrat who leads a secret double life as the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel.
As the revolutionaries in France carry out their reign of terror, the Scarlet Pimpernel and his band of loyal followers, known as the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, embark on daring rescue missions to save French nobles from the guillotine.
Using his cunning disguises and quick wit, the Scarlet Pimpernel outsmarts the agents of the French Republic and becomes a hero to the oppressed aristocrats.
However, his secret identity is threatened when the French revolutionary agent Chauvelin becomes determined to uncover the true identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel and bring him to justice.
As the stakes escalate and danger looms, Sir Percy must navigate a treacherous web of intrigue to protect his identity and continue his noble mission.
