Best Victorian Era Movies

For centuries, a number of literary pieces and artistic projects have taken inspiration from the Victorian Era, the period of Queen Victoria's reign in 19th century England. Using it as setting for varying stories, novels, and art works, many period films also take historical and/or cultural inspirations from this progressive time of artistic and economic growth. It is one of the best times in human history chronicled, interpreted, and envisioned in audio-visual art. It is also one of the most evocative settings in cinema as it showcases such distinctive 19th century English culture complete with intricate period costumes, sets, and props.

With all the movies set during the Victorian times that I have watched for all these years, the best ones on my list include the Gothic musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," the mystery thriller "The Prestige," and the period drama "The Young Victoria." These films transport the viewers to a world of Gothic Revival architecture, Industrial Revolution technology, stagecoaches, foggy and lamplit streets, musical theatre, and comic operas.

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"

Tim Burton's 2007 dark, expressionist musical based on the Tony-winning work of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler is a modern masterpiece that further pushed his filmography into greater heights. Apart from becoming a critically-acclaimed and multi-awarded motion picture opus, "Sweeney Todd" also grossed more than $150 million dollars in the box office.

The film tells the story of the English barber named Sweeney Todd who murders his customers with his razor, then his accomplice Mrs. Lovett turns the corpses into delectable meat pies. From its technical brilliance to its exceptional storytelling, the film showcases the film master in Burton. With a talented cast led by frequent Burton collaborator Johny Depp and Burton's real-life partner Helena Bonham-Carter, "Sweeney Todd" is one of the best musicals I have ever seen to date.

"The Prestige"

"The Prestige" features another intelligent piece of epic mystery from director Christopher Nolan. Like many of his other works, this dazzling period piece is meant to challenge the thinking audience with its many twists and turns. The story revolves around the rivalry of the two magicians Robert and Alfred, played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. The story impressively provides a distinctive non-linear narrative structure that effectively explores the themes of duality, obsession, sacrifice, and personal accomplishment.

Jumping between time periods and voiceovers, Nolan is able to balance the film's theatrical interpretation of magic rivals with a fine combination of Hollywood and indie sensibilities. Its old-fashioned storytelling and treatment mount an intricate story of mystery and stage magic.

"The Young Victoria"

The 2009 film "The Young Victoria" helmed by Jean-Marc Vallee celebrates youth, royalty, and culture during the younger days of Princess Victoria of Kent, the heiress to the throne after the reign of her uncle King William IV. Emily Blunt shines with such a breakthrough performance as the young Victoria. The film features her romantic courtship and historical marriage to Prince Albert.

The aptly fabulous costumes and locations complement the grand sense of spectacle of the legendary queen's story. As the story progresses, the film's rich details and elegant storytelling allow the main character to grow and gain depth. From the production values to the witty, multi-layered script, "The Young VIctoria" showcases a human queen-to-be and how she struggles against the confinements and pressures of royal life.