If you’re a fan of historical drama films like Reds, you’re in for a treat. Reds is a captivating blend of history, romance, and political intrigue, and many other films capture similar themes and emotions. Below, you’ll find a list of 19 movies that echo the essence of Reds.
1. Doctor Zhivago
Doctor Zhivago is a sweeping epic set during the Russian Revolution, focusing on the life of a physician-poet who is torn between his love for two women. Starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie, this film beautifully captures the turmoil and passion of the era.
2. The Last Emperor
This film tells the story of Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, from his ascension to the throne as a child to his eventual imprisonment and political rehabilitation. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the movie stars John Lone and Joan Chen.
3. Gandhi
Starring Ben Kingsley in an Oscar-winning performance, Gandhi chronicles the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement against British rule. The film is a profound exploration of political activism and personal sacrifice.
4. Atonement
Based on Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novel, Atonement tells the story of lovers separated by a lie during World War II. Starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, the film delves into themes of love, guilt, and redemption.
5. The English Patient
This romantic war drama follows a critically burned man and the nurse who cares for him during World War II. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, the film deals with themes of memory, loss, and the ravages of war.
6. Schindler’s List
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes, it is a powerful depiction of humanity and heroism.
7. Lawrence of Arabia
Lawrence of Arabia is an epic biographical film about T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt during World War I. Starring Peter O’Toole and Alec Guinness, the movie is renowned for its stunning cinematography and epic scope.
8. The Mission
Starring Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons, The Mission is set in the 18th century and follows a Jesuit priest and a former slave trader who fight to protect a South American tribe from Portuguese colonizers. The film is a poignant exploration of faith and redemption.
9. Out of Africa
Based on the autobiographical book by Isak Dinesen, this film stars Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. It tells the story of a Danish baroness and her love affair with a big-game hunter in Kenya during the early 20th century.
10. The Killing Fields
This harrowing film recounts the experiences of a Cambodian journalist and his American colleague during the Khmer Rouge regime. Starring Sam Waterston and Haing S. Ngor, it is a gripping portrayal of survival and friendship.
11. Reds
Warren Beatty directs and stars in this film about the life of John Reed, an American journalist and communist activist who chronicled the Russian Revolution. Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson also star in this compelling historical drama.
12. The Pianist
Directed by Roman Polanski, The Pianist tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust. Adrien Brody delivers an Oscar-winning performance in this deeply moving film.
13. The Bridge on the River Kwai
This World War II epic follows British prisoners of war who are forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors. Starring Alec Guinness and William Holden, the film explores themes of honor, duty, and the futility of war.
14. The Deer Hunter
Starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, The Deer Hunter examines the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small industrial town. The film is a haunting exploration of friendship, trauma, and loss.
15. The Imitation Game
This biographical drama stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, the mathematician who helped crack the Enigma code during World War II. The film also stars Keira Knightley and explores themes of genius, secrecy, and persecution.
16. The Theory of Everything
Starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, this biographical film follows the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, from his early years at Cambridge to his groundbreaking work in cosmology. The film is both a love story and a tribute to scientific achievement.
17. Good Night, and Good Luck
Directed by George Clooney, this film chronicles the conflict between television journalist Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare. Starring David Strathairn, the movie is a gripping portrayal of journalistic integrity and political courage.
18. The Iron Lady
Meryl Streep stars as Margaret Thatcher in this biographical drama that explores the life and career of the former British Prime Minister. The film delves into her rise to power, her political battles, and her personal struggles.
19. Selma
This historical drama chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. Starring David Oyelowo, the film is a powerful depiction of the civil rights movement and the fight for justice and equality.
