Top 50 Most Epic Movies Of All Time

Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather remains an unparalleled masterpiece, blending themes of betrayal, power, family, and murder into a sweeping cinematic epic.

There is little left unsaid about this iconic film—its influence and acclaim are universally recognized by film aficionados around the globe.

The narrative centers on Don Vito Corleone, the aging patriarch of a powerful mafia family, who entrusts his intricate criminal empire to his youngest son, Michael.

However, this transition ultimately puts everyone he cares about in grave jeopardy, setting the stage for a gripping tale of loyalty and peril.

Adapted from Mario Puzo’s acclaimed novel, The Godfather’s memorable characters and legendary quotes have become inseparable from cinematic history, maintaining their impact and fame decades after its Oscar-winning release.

Akira Kurosawa, celebrated as one of cinema’s most influential directors, helmed what many consider the definitive samurai film, 'Seven Samurai.' His masterful storytelling set a new standard for the genre.

The film follows a seasoned samurai who assembles a group of six skilled warriors. Their mission is to defend a vulnerable village from a ruthless gang of marauding bandits.

As the samurai train the villagers in the art of self-defense, the small community is soon besieged by over 40 determined bandits. Tension and bravery abound as they face overwhelming odds.

Kurosawa's exceptional focus on both character development and powerful themes shines throughout the film. The poignant final scene lingers in the viewer's mind, making this timeless masterpiece essential for any fan of classic cinema.

Inspired by Thomas Keneally’s bestselling historical account, 'Schindler’s Ark', this film stands as the crowning achievement in Steven Spielberg’s illustrious career. It is widely regarded as the most powerful cinematic portrayal of the Holocaust ever created.

The narrative centers on Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist whose courage and compassion allow him to save hundreds of Jewish lives by employing them in his factories during World War II.

Shot in evocative black and white, this cinematic masterpiece ranks among Hollywood's most significant and influential productions, setting a new standard for historical drama.

This monumental epic left a profound impact on everyone involved in its creation. For lovers of film and history alike, Schindler's List is simply essential viewing that should not be missed.

"The Leopard" (1963), directed by Luchino Visconti and based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's acclaimed novel, stands as a masterpiece of epic historical drama.

The film follows the story of a noble Sicilian aristocrat striving to preserve his family and class during the tumultuous social changes of the 1860s. His quiet struggle and unwavering integrity form the movie's emotional core.

Celebrated for winning the Palme d’Or at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival, this cinematic classic is renowned not only for its impressive visual execution but also for its deeply nuanced and brilliantly portrayed characters.

Further elevating the film are memorable performances by Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, and Claudia Cardinale, whose star power adds to its enduring legacy.

"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) is a British epic historical drama that draws inspiration from the life of T. E. Lawrence and his famed book, "Seven Pillars of Wisdom." It stands out as one of cinema's grandest portrayals of real-life adventure and political intrigue.

The film follows Lieutenant Lawrence of the British Army, who is tasked by Colonel Brighton with evaluating their key ally, Prince Faisal. As the story unfolds, Lawrence forms a strong admiration for Faisal and ultimately seeks his support to challenge their mutual adversaries.

Renowned for its sweeping screenplay, breathtaking cinematography, and stirring background score, "Lawrence of Arabia" has profoundly influenced generations of filmmakers within Hollywood and around the world.

Despite its acclaim, some critics have taken issue with the film’s portrayal of historical events, highlighting instances of inaccuracy in its depiction of people and places.

Directed by Sergio Leone, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly stands as an iconic Italian-made spaghetti Western, starring Clint Eastwood as "the Good," Lee Van Cleef as "the Bad," and Eli Wallach as "the Ugly."

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the film follows Blondie and Tuco, two unlikely partners who form a precarious alliance in their relentless quest for buried treasure.

However, their journey is fraught with danger as they must stay a step ahead of the cunning outlaw Angel Eyes, who has his own designs on the treasure and won't hesitate to outwit them for personal gain.

The film is celebrated for its sweeping long shots, gripping close-ups, unforgettable score, and stylized gunfights. It notably helped launch Clint Eastwood into international stardom, cementing the film's legendary status in the genre.

"Ran" is a sweeping historical drama that draws inspiration from both William Shakespeare's classic tragedy "King Lear" and legendary tales of the daimyo Mōri Motonari.

This epic film, co-written, directed, and edited by Akira Kurosawa, unfolds in Medieval Japan, where an aging warlord decides to retire and entrusts his vast empire to his three sons.

Unaware of the dangers of unchecked ambition, the warlord soon discovers how power corrupts his sons, driving them to betrayal, fratricide, and even rebellion against their own father.

"Ran" is a renowned Japanese-French production, widely recognized as the final grand epic directed by the legendary Kurosawa.

Although Kurosawa had already crafted some of cinema’s most celebrated masterpieces before "Ran," the film raised the standards even further and is celebrated today as one of his most exceptional works.

Directed by legendary filmmaker D. W. Griffith, Intolerance was an ambitious passion project that sought to illustrate "The Eternal Motherhood" by weaving together four different eras in human history—each marked by the devastating consequences of intolerance.

The film's imposing sets set it apart from other productions of its time, but it was the extraordinary commitment of the cast and crew that truly brought this monumental vision to fruition.

Considered one of the greatest achievements of the Silent Era, Intolerance went on to profoundly influence European cinema and beyond.

To this day, it stands as a breathtaking testament to the power and ambition of early filmmaking.

Recognized as the 44th greatest film since 2000 in a BBC poll, this British-American historical epic draws inspiration from Solomon Northup's autobiography, 'Twelve Years a Slave.'

The film vividly recounts the powerful true story of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who is deceived with the promise of a job, only to be kidnapped and forced into slavery.

Deeply unsettling yet profoundly moving, this Academy Award-winning masterpiece stands as one of cinema's most wrenching and authentic portrayals of enslavement and the human struggle for freedom.

With powerful performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Paul Dano, this is an essential film that leaves a lasting impression on every viewer.

"Saving Private Ryan" stands out for its unflinching depiction of warfare, earning acclaim for director Steven Spielberg and revitalizing the epic war movie genre as the 20th century drew to a close.

The film follows Captain John Miller on his intense mission to locate Private James Ryan amidst the chaos of the Normandy invasion during World War II.

Fueled by Spielberg’s bold vision and masterful execution, "Saving Private Ryan" proved transformative for many in its ensemble cast, marking a turning point in their careers.

This award-winning masterpiece was lauded by audiences and critics for its stunning cinematography, compelling performances, and raw realism. Its grounding in a true war story lends the film a unique and powerful authenticity.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, is a cinematic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's renowned novel. This epic fantasy series is acclaimed for its sweeping adventure, meticulous storytelling, and groundbreaking visuals.

A collaboration between New Zealand and the United States, the trilogy follows beloved characters as they confront immense challenges and embark on extraordinary journeys that test the strength of their bonds and their courage.

Jackson's visionary direction brings themes of hope, friendship, and sacrifice to the forefront, helping to redefine the adventure and fantasy genres for a new generation of moviegoers.

With a staggering total of 17 Academy Awards, the trilogy is now regarded as a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its historical and artistic significance in the world of film.

Directed by Lewis Milestone, All Quiet on the Western Front endures as one of cinema's greatest war epics. Its compelling storytelling and cinematic vision have influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

The film’s powerful and realistic depiction of the First World War continues to resonate, making a profound impact on viewers even decades after its 1930 release.

Adapted from German novelist Erich Maria Remarque's acclaimed book, the story centers on a young, inexperienced soldier whose idealism is shattered as he encounters the brutal realities of World War I.

Despite its brave anti-war stance drawing both praise and controversy over the years, the movie’s pioneering use of sound technology in its era set a new standard, marking a milestone in film history.

Directed by Victor Fleming, Gone with the Wind is a sweeping historical romance adapted from Margaret Mitchell's acclaimed novel of the same name.

The film traces the tumultuous relationship between a determined, manipulative woman and a charismatic, rebellious man, set against the backdrop of the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era.

Like many epic blockbusters, the production of this cinematic masterpiece faced significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, it is now celebrated as one of the most iconic films ever to grace the silver screen.

The film's monumental scale is immediately evident to viewers. Its exceptional production values, faithful adaptation of the novel, and outstanding performances have cemented its place as one of the most commercially successful movies in Hollywood history.

Written and directed by George Lucas, this groundbreaking space opera became a global pop culture sensation following its 1977 release.

The film follows Princess Leia, who is kidnapped by the menacing Darth Vader. Determined to rescue her unharmed, Luke Skywalker teams up with a courageous Jedi Knight, a daring pilot, and two loyal droids.

As they undertake their perilous mission, the group also strives to defend the galaxy from the oppressive Galactic Empire.

Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) remains one of the most beloved, successful, and influential science fiction movies ever made, creating a dazzling universe that continues to captivate audiences decades later.

"There Will Be Blood," inspired by Upton Sinclair's novel 'Oil!', is a grand period epic crafted and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film brings to life an era of ambition, greed, and transformation within the American oil industry.

The narrative centers on the relentless Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oil prospector willing to cross any line—including manipulating his adopted son—in his quest to become the ultimate oil tycoon. His journey is one of power and profound obsession.

With Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano delivering powerhouse performances, the film is also hailed for its striking cinematography, masterful direction, compelling screenplay, haunting score, and immersive historical setting.

“Dunkirk” (2017) stands as an unmissable war epic, elevating Christopher Nolan’s already illustrious directorial career to new heights. Even with a history of blockbuster hits, Nolan delivered a film that set a new standard for cinematic achievement.

This gripping movie recounts the evacuation of soldiers from the British Empire, Belgium, and France in the town of Dunkirk as they face harrowing odds against German forces during World War II. The film’s intensity draws viewers deep into its historical setting.

Nolan divides the story into three perspectives—Air, Land, and Sea—and weaves them together in a nonlinear narrative. This innovative approach heightens suspense, immersing audiences in the claustrophobic tension that defines the film.

With haunting sound design, breathtaking cinematography, and a powerful musical score, “Dunkirk” creates an unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates deeply with viewers.

Directed by David Lean and adapted from Pierre Boulle's novel 'The Bridge over the River Kwai', this epic war film centers on Colonel Nicholson. Tasked by camp commander Saito, Nicholson is pressured into having prisoners of war build a railway bridge during World War II.

As construction progresses, Nicholson becomes increasingly obsessed with completing the bridge, setting off a series of dramatic and unexpected events that intensify the film's tension.

'The Bridge on the River Kwai' received widespread critical acclaim and became the highest-grossing film of 1957. It went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Directed by Sergio Leone, 'Once Upon a Time in the West' is a sweeping Spaghetti Western that follows a widow who enlists an outlaw and a mysterious stranger to help protect her land from a merciless cattle baron.

Starring iconic actors such as Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Jason Robards, and Claudia Cardinale, the film masterfully brings the rugged landscape and intense drama of the American West to life with stunning cinematic style.

Breaking typecasting norms, the cast delivers unforgettable performances in this legendary film, which has earned spots on Time's list of the 100 greatest films of the 20th century and Empire's compilation of the 500 greatest movies of all time.

Widely regarded as one of the finest films set in ancient Rome, "Spartacus" recounts the inspiring tale of a Thracian slave forced into servitude from birth. His journey unfolds with remarkable drama and intensity.

The film takes a dramatic turn as Spartacus revolts against the cruel treatment by his owners. His life shifts dramatically once he is sold to the formidable gladiator trainer, Batiatus, setting the stage for unforgettable events.

Although director Stanley Kubrick faced creative disagreements with his cinematographer during production, these challenges did not diminish the film's remarkable overall quality.

Famous for its grand battle scenes featuring over 50,000 extras, "Spartacus" remains an essential viewing experience for devoted fans of epic cinema.

"Amadeus," adapted by Peter Shaffer from his acclaimed stage play, is a sweeping biographical drama skillfully directed by Miloš Forman. Immersed in the grandeur of the period, the film explores the profound envy that composer Antonio Salieri harbors toward the prodigiously talented Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Believing that Mozart’s genius must be divinely inspired, Salieri becomes consumed by jealousy and wages a secret, psychological battle against both Mozart and the God he feels has forsaken him. This internal conflict drives much of the film’s tension and nuance.

The fictionalized rivalry portrayed between the iconic composers is captivating, blending drama and humor in equal measure. "Amadeus" stands out for its wit, emotional intensity, and charming narrative, making it a delightful cinematic experience.

The filmmakers deserve high praise for bringing this ambitious and complex story to the screen with remarkable finesse, elevating the film to masterpiece status within the epic genre.

Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey thrives on its boundless imagination and is one of the greatest science fiction epics to have ever been brought to life on the big screen.

The motion picture tracks how after having discovered a monolith on the lunar surface, Discovery One and its revolutionary supercomputer set out to unearth its source.

However, what the monoliths could be is based on the average viewer's interpretation. Besides this, there are several other unanswered questions that Kubrick hopes his audience to make sense of on their own.

Inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's short story 'The Sentinel', 2001: A Space Odyssey's beauty lies in the fact that the concepts that it covers will always come across as new and enigmatic, no matter how many times one has revisited the classic.

Written and directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on William Makepeace Thackeray's novel 'The Luck of Barry Lyndon', this period drama film traces the journey of an Irish rogue who makes his way to the zenith of 18th-century British society after having gotten into an affair with a rich widow.

Instead of telling a usual "heroic" story, Kubrick sketches one of the most unlikable protagonists to spearhead things in his epic.

Barry Lyndon, which is divided into two segments, is a remarkable achievement in terms of its groundbreaking cinematography and character development.

Furthermore, the titular character and his antics are going to be a pleasure for the viewers to examine even today.

Adapted from Lew Wallace's novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, this William Wyler directorial venture comprised hundreds of artists and craftsmen and thousands of animals and extras in its storytelling.

It is not surprising then that it turned out to be one of the finest gladiator feature films to have ever been made.

The movie tracks the journey of a nobleman, Judah Ben-Hur, who is sentenced to be confined to years of slavery after being accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala.

However, he decides to make a swashbuckling comeback and seek revenge by competing with his sibling in a race.

This religious epic motion picture was appreciated for its musical score, heart-stopping chariot race sequence, ambitious stunts, and terrific set designs.

The first British film to take the Academy Award for Best Picture home, Hamlet is quite simply the crown jewel of Laurence Olivier's "Shakespeare Trilogy." 

The film tells the story of its titular character Hamlet, who pledges to slaughter Claudius, who is responsible for the death of his beloved father.

Even though he goes on to lose his dear ones, Hamlet's relentless quest for revenge doesn't let him stop for anyone or anything. But, will the man actually succeed?

A winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor and the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, Olivier's Hamlet was lauded for being able to bring the iconic William Shakespeare play to life.

The screenplay of this epic historical war drama flick was based on the books 'Lay This Laurel' by Lincoln Kirstein and 'One Gallant Rush' by Peter Burchard.

The story follows the eye-opening journey of a white officer named Robert Shaw, who faces stark opposition from his colleagues and fellow officers for leading a battalion of black soldiers.

Even though the Edward Zwick-helmed feature failed to set the box office ablaze, it was nominated for 5 deserving Academy Awards.

While Matthew Broderick was lauded for his mature character projection, it was more than evident that Denzel Washington was the one who was going to have a super-successful career as a cine star following the release of the film.

The incredible Christopher Nolan has to be arguably the most celebrated filmmaker of the 21st century. Not only have his movies opened to tremendous critical acclaim but they have also managed to mint money at the box office.

Inception, which hit the screens worldwide in 2010, is no different. The highly ambitious psychological action epic tells the story of a thief who goes on to steal corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology.

Sooner than later, he is given the inverse and tough task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O. However, his devastating past comes into the picture and ends up complicating things.

It is one thing to envision an epic like Inception and another to bring it to life with the conviction and promise that Nolan did. The filmmaker overcomes the odds in style and utilizes the film's complex plot to its fullest potential.

Needless to say, the gamble pays off wonderfully and its product is a wonderfully architected motion picture that's going to stand the test of time.

Based on the inspiring life of the face of Indian independence, Mahatma Gandhi, this Richard Attenborough-helmed motion picture stars Ben Kingsley in the titular role.

The story of this epic follows Gandhi's nationwide campaign of non-violent resistance against British rule; a movement that, ultimately, led to the long-due independence of India.

The film received 11 nominations at the Academy Awards and ended up winning in the Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director categories.

Gandhi was jointly presented by the Indian Directorate of Film Festivals and the Ministry of Defence at the Independence Day Film Festival to celebrate the 70th year of India's independence in 2016.

Helmed for the screen by Anthony Minghella, this epic romantic war drama is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Ondaatje.

The story follows a nurse named Hana, who is tasked with caring for a plane crash victim who seems to be on his deathbed. While having constant interactions with him, she finds a way to heal herself.

Hailed by many film pundits as "the Casablanca of the late 20th Century", The English Patient went on to cement its place as one of the finest screen adaptations of all time.

The feature film managed to receive 12 nominations at the 69th Academy Awards. It won 9 trophies including that of Best Director, Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Editing.

Not a lot of movies in our story today know themselves as well as The Matrix does. The iconic science fiction film is an unbelievably smart big-budget project that tells a stirring story without dumbing down its narrative.

As the story kicks off, we see a beautiful stranger leading computer hacker Neo to a forbidden underworld. While there, he learns that the life he is familiar with is nothing but a deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.

Considered to be one of the finest sci-fi movies to have ever been made, The Matrix is a close-to-perfect blend of humanism and science. Its slow-motion 3D moves, fight and chase sequences were truly ahead of their time.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to claim that this action epic may perhaps never age. 

Directed, written, produced, and co-edited by James Cameron, this epic science fiction feature film has been credited with incorporating quite a few subtle cultural, social, political, and religious themes in its jaw-dropping storytelling.

Our protagonist, Jake, is a paraplegic Marine who has been dispatched to the moon Pandora on an extraordinary mission.

After having reached there, he gets into a dilemma about following the orders he has been given or defending the world that he now feels is his home.

The film banks heavily on its groundbreaking array of special effects and new motion capture filming techniques to make an impact.

It is not surprising then that it went on to surpass Cameron's own Titanic to become the highest-grossing title in the world at the time.

Director James Cameron’s magnum opus Titanic needs no introduction whatsoever. One of the most loved and ambitious motion pictures in modern history, it aims to tell the story of the unfortunate sinking of the RMS Titanic.

While striving to tell an epic disaster story, Cameron masterfully develops a timeless love saga that ended up turning its lead actors into global superstars following the film's blockbuster theatrical outing.

Touted to be the most expensive mainstream project at the time, Titanic has a lot going in its favor. Not only did the makers use an actual reconstruction of the ship and its deck but they also ensured that each of the departments delivered big time.

Needless to say, the hard work of the entire cast and crew bore fruit as the movie went on to become the first in cinema history to amass more than $2 billion worldwide.

Based on a book of the same name by Winston Groom, Forrest Gump is an epic comedy-drama romance movie that's been headlined by Hollywood legend Tom Hanks.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it tells the story of a man with a low IQ and a big heart who finds himself participating in some of America's biggest historical events. 

In the end, the only thing that he wishes for is to be reunited with his childhood love Jenny.

The way several significant events have been included in its ambitious narrative proves beyond a doubt that this Academy Award-winner will always be seen as an epic in its own right.

A lot many interpretations have been made over the years about the political symbolism and the titular character of Forrest Gump.

This epic biographical motion picture has been directed with great efficiency by Bernardo Bertolucci. It is based on 'From Emperor to Citizen: The Autobiography of Aisin-Gioro Puyi' by Puyi.

The story tracks the tumultuous and, yet, adventurous journey of the last emperor of China, Aisin Gioro Puyi. The young emperor, who's had a sheltered upbringing, sees his world turn upside down following the historical Chinese revolution.

Although the performances are rock-solid in this feature, it is its visual appeal that manages to hold your attention right from the first scene to the last.

The Last Emperor premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival in 1987 and won 9 well-deserved Academy Awards.

Starring, directed, and produced by Kevin Costner in his directorial debut, this epic Western drama motion picture is a film adaptation of Michael Blake's novel of the same name.

The story follows the life-altering journey of Lt John J Dunbar, who is designated to be present at a western Civil War outpost following a grave injury that he suffers.

His life finds new meaning and changes for good after he gets familiar with the Lakota tribe of American Indians and his new surroundings.

One of the top-grossing movies of 1990, Dances With Wolves is a thought-provoking attempt at taking a look at the American West through the lens of the Native American folk.

A rather underrated Martin Scorsese project, this epic religious drama film has been adapted from Nikos Kazantzakis' controversial novel of the same name.

The story tracks the awe-inspiring journey of Jesus Christ as he faces hardships like most human beings, until his final temptation on the cross.

Just like its source material, the motion picture also faced backlash from a few Christian religious groups that were not too pleased with the projection of Christ in its screenplay.

However, the performances of Willem Dafoe and Barbara Hershey were unanimously appreciated by film pundits.

Partially based on Michael Punke's novel of the same name, this Alejandro González Iñárritu directorial venture tells the spectacular story of legendary frontiersman Hugh Glass, who is badly harmed in a bear attack and is abandoned by his hunting crew.

Fighting all odds, his survival skills and appetite for vengeance keep him alive as he goes on a relentless pursuit of a companion who doubled-crossed him.

Although it was criticized for being a tad lengthy, The Revenant turned out to be a global box office smash with praises coming in for its cinematography, Alejandro's direction, and DiCaprio and Hardy's superb performances, respectively.

Co-written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan, Interstellar is an epic science fiction flick that is set in a dystopian future.

The story follows the exquisite journey of a farmer and ex-NASA pilot, who is invited to pilot a spacecraft along with a crew of researchers when Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future.

Their mission requires them to find a new planet for humans.

Acknowledged by many astronomers for its scientific precision and depiction of theoretical astrophysics, this critically and commercially successful venture has gone on to develop a cult following ever since it hit the cinemas in 2014.

Filmmaker Ridley Scott was able to reinvent the genre of "sword-and-sandals" films with the release of his epic historical drama venture Gladiator.

Inspired by Daniel P. Mannix's book 'Those About to Die', the story traces how Maximus is demoted in rank after Commodus takes over power.

As a result of the aforementioned event, Maximus is left with little or no option but to fight till death as a true-blue gladiator.

The film, which comprises outstanding sequences of armed combat, banks on its advanced special effects and expanded budget to make an impact.

It won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe.

Based on a novel of the same name by Boris Pasternak, this epic historical romance film has been directed by David Lean.

It follows the life of a Russian physician and poet who, although wedded, falls head over heels in love with a political activist's missis.

In addition, the film also showcases the hardships that he has to endure during both the First World War and the October Revolution.

Lean's amazing direction helps bring his sentimental side to the fore with utmost grace in this motion picture.

Aside from its detailed set designs, one should also watch it for the brilliant finale where the entire story comes together beautifully and the emotions heighten.

Directed by and starring Mel Gibson in the lead, this wonderful epic historical war drama motion picture depicts the life and heroics of William Wallace.

A true-blue Scottish rebel, William vows to battle King Edward I of England after he kills his beloved bride just a day after their wedding.

In his rather ambitious and revolutionary endeavors, he is accompanied by his loyal men.

This critical and commercial blockbuster, which won the Best Picture and Best Director awards at the Oscars, is a brave depiction of a genuine historic tragedy.

It underlines that freedom and loyalty are the two biggest treasures that have been taken for granted by humanity since time immemorial.

Directed by Sergei Bondarchuk and based on Leo Tolstoy's novel of the same name, War and Peace is one of those unique epic motion pictures that were released in four parts between 1966 and 1967.

The film attempts to bring to the fore Napoleon's stormy relations with Russia including his disastrous 1812 invasion. It uses this particular backdrop to cast a light on the personal lives of five aristocratic Russian families.

Starring Sergei Bondarchuk, Vyacheslav Tikhonov, and Ludmila Savelyeva in crucial roles, it is often considered by many to be the grandest epic feature to have ever been made for the big screen.

Needless to say, War and Peace was the most expensive motion picture to have been produced in the Soviet Union at the time.

It won the Grand Prix in the Moscow International Film Festival, the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, respectively.

Written, produced, and directed by the renowned British filmmaking team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, this epic romantic drama war film stars Roger Livesey, Deborah Kerr, and Anton Walbrook in crucial roles.

It tracks the journey of a soldier, who, right from the Boer War through the Second World War, continues to rise through the ranks in the British military.

Appreciated for its excellent direction, writing, performances, and pioneering Technicolor cinematography, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp is a sophisticated satire on the British Army.

Many commentators are of the opinion that it is, in fact, the finest epic produced by the United Kingdom to date.

Partially based on the life of the 15th-century Russian painter Andrei Rublev, this Soviet epic biographical historical drama film has been helmed by Andrei Tarkovsky.

The plot traces how the iconic artist Andrei Rublev is compelled to take a vow of silence as he is upset after having witnessed a horrifying conflict.

Even though he keeps from painting for quite some time, he tries to recover and find peace so that he is able to gather the strength to paint again.

Andrei Rublev is a film that aims to paint a realistic portrait of medieval Russia by emphasizing the themes of artistic freedom, religion, and political ambiguity.

Additionally, the motion picture bravely manages to present the idea of the development of art under a repressive regime.

Director Werner Herzog's Aguirre, The Wrath of God is not your conventional epic simply because it wasn't filmed like one.

Instead, minimalist techniques were used to create a surreal and complex mainstream war feature that could successfully capture the extreme notion of going insane.

The story follows the merciless and insane Don Lope de Aguirre and a Spanish expedition that he leads in search of El Dorado in the 16th century.

The motion picture received favorable reviews from critics upon its theatrical release and has gone on to amass a cult international following since.

Mughal-E-Azam, whose budget for a single song exceeded the usual cost for an entire Bollywood film of the period, is arguably the greatest Indian epic historical drama flick of all time.

Directed remarkably by K. Asif, the story showcases an emperor's son Salim falling head over heels in love with a gorgeous courtesan.

Even though he sees a future with her, his stern father has contrasting beliefs. It was reported that the viewers stood in queues all day long to get tickets for this humongous blockbuster.

Widely regarded as a milestone of its genre, Mughal-E-Azam was the highest-grossing Indian movie at its time of release.

Director Cecil B. DeMille’s epic feature film, The Ten Commandments, is a fantastic take on what the genre could feel like in the near future.

Arguably the most expensive motion picture produced at the time, it traces the journey of Moses who is protected by Pharaoh's daughter when he sets adrift on the Nile River in a basket.

However, after he grows up, he learns about his true identity and pledges to free the Hebrews from the shackles of slavery.

Thousands of extras worked religiously to ensure that this project saw the light of day. The massive sets that were constructed in Egypt and Mount Sinai were aided by the inclusion of a fitting musical score.

Add to that the fact that the performances of the entire cast managed to impress the critics as much as the film's scale.

No epic movie can be brought to life if there is a lack of faith and ambition in its top-notch execution. Fitzcarraldo is a unique West German epic adventure-drama feature that bypasses all possible interpretations of passion and obsession.

It follows the ambitious journey of Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald; a more than determined individual who wants nothing more than to build an opera house in the middle of an inaccessible jungle.

Hailed by François Truffaut as one of the most important filmmakers in the world at the time, writer-director Werner Herzog exceeds expectations as he successfully goes on to demonstrate that a great number of sacrifices are needed to bring a dream alive.