List_of_historical_drama_films_of_Asia

List of historical films set in Asia

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Historical or period drama is a film genre in which stories are based on historical events and famous persons. Some historical dramas attempt to accurately portray a historical event or biography, to the degree that the available historical research will allow. Other historical dramas are fictionalised tales that are based on an actual person and their deeds.

Due to the sheer volume of films included in this genre and in the interest of continuity, this list is primarily focused on films pertaining to the history of East Asia, Central Asia, and India. For films pertaining to the history of Near Eastern and Western civilisation, please refer to list of historical period drama films and series set in Near Eastern and Western civilization.

The films on this page are divided into regions, and within each region the films are listed chronologically.

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"Chiyaan Vikram wraps up his portions in Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan".

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"Akshay Kumar's Prithviraj to be based on epic titled Prithviraj Raso". 23 April 2021.

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"Sardar Udham movie review: Vicky Kaushal is bewitching in one of the boldest, most traumatising Hindi films ever made". 16 October 2021.

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Hill (2002).

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超高速！参勤交代(2014). allcinema (in Japanese). Stingray. Retrieved 26 June 2014.

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柘榴坂の仇討(2014). allcinema (in Japanese). Stingray. Retrieved May 11, 2015.

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"駆込み女と駆出し男(2015)". allcinema (in Japanese). Stingray. Retrieved May 20, 2015.

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"Teniente Rosario". 17 June 1937 – via www.imdb.com.

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Title	Release date	Time period	Setting	Notes
The Beast	1988	1981	Afghanistan	during the Soviet–Afghan War
The Orphanage	2019	1989–1990	Afghanistan	The story of children living in an orphanage in Kabul in Soviet Afghanistan and during the outbreak of the Afghan Civil War
Kandahar	2001	1996–2001	Afghanistan	Afghanistan during the Taliban regime
Tomiris	2019	6th century	Kazakhstan	Kazakhstani historical drama about Tomyris, the 6th century queen of the Massagetae
Myn Bala	2011	18th century	Kazakhstan	Kazakhstani historical dramatic film depicting the eighteenth century war fought between the Kazakhs and the Dzungar Khanate
Nomad	2006	18th century	Kazakhstan	about the early years of Ablai Khan (early 18th century), a Kazakh khan in part of what is now Kazakhstan.
Genghis Khan	1950	1158–1227	Mongolia	Life of the Mongol emperor Genghis Khan focusing on the succession of his throne.
Genghis Khan	1965	1158–1227	Mongolia	The life and conquests of the Mongol emperor Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea	2007	1158–1227	Mongolia	Japanese-Mongolian film about the life of Genghis Khan
Mongol	2007	1172–1192	Mongolia	Mongolian language film depicting the early life of Genghis Khan, focusing on the years 1172–1192
The Conqueror	1956	1178–1203	Mongolia	English-language film starring John Wayne as Genghis Khan
Queen Mandukhai the Wise	1988	1449–1510	Mongolia	Mongolian language film about the life of Queen Mandukhai (1449–1510) who reunited the Mongols.
Tsogt Taij	1945	1581–1637	Mongolia	Mongolian language film about the patriotic struggle of Prince Tsogt Taij (1581–1637).
Kundun	1997	1950	Tibet	an American film depicting the early life of the 14th Dalai Lama and the 1950 invasion of Tibet and subsequent events
The Golden Horde	1951	1220	Uzbekistan	English-language film about an English knight who leads the defense of Samarkand against Genghis Khan

Title	Release	Period	Note on setting
Mohenjo Daro	2016	2500–2000 BC	Fictional story set in Mohenjo-daro, a city of the Bronze Age Indus Valley civilization.
Siddhartha	1972	563/480–483/400 BC	About the life of a boy and his search for a meaningful way of life
Gautama Buddha	2007	563/480–483/400 BC	About the life of Gautama Buddha
Amrapali	1966	500 – ? BC	Based on the life of Ambapali in India
Sikandar	1941	326 BC	Set after Alexander the Great's conquest of Persia and as he pertains to his conquest of the kingdoms of Pauravas.
Chanakya Chandragupta	1977	3rd century BC	Based on the lives of Maurya Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and his mentor Chanakya
Asoka	2001	268–232 BC	fictionalized account of the reign of Ashoka (r. ), of the Mauryan Empire in India
Gautamiputra Satakarni	2017	2nd century CE	about the achievements of Satavahana dynasty ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni who defeated Indo-Sythians, Alcon-Hunns etc.
Mayura	1975	345–365	Based on the Kadamba dynasty's King Mayurasharma set in India
Rajaraja Cholan	1973	947–1014	About the life history of great king Raja Raja Chola
Ponniyin Selvan	2022^[1]	947–1014	About the life history of great king Raja Raja Chola
Ambikapathy	1937	1083	Tamil, a love story set in India in 1083
Samrat Prithviraj	2022	1178–1192	Based on Prithviraj Raso by Chand Bardai narrating the life of Prithviraj Chauhan^[2]
Rudhramadevi	2015	1262–1289	Based on the life of Rudrama Devi and her achievements during her ruling period
Padmaavat	2018	1303	Based on Padmavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi about Padmavati, a legendary Rajput queen, and her kingdom's war with the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji
Urumi	2011	1500	Historical fiction on Portuguese colonial rule in Malabar
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea	2021	1505–1601	Based on the battle exploits and resistance of Kunjali Marakkar IV, the naval commander of the Samoothiri of Calicut, against Portuguese invasion along the Malabar Coast for establishing monopoly of trade in the Indian subcontinent.
Tenali Ramakrishna	1956	1509–1529	Based on the life of Telugu poet Tenali Ramakrishna
Jodha-Akbar	2008	1560s	Set during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, and his marriage to a Hindu Rajput princess Jodhaa
Mughal-e-Azam	1960	1570/1580	Set during the Mughal Empire, depicting fictional conflict between King Akbar and his son Crown Prince Salim over semi fictional courtesan Anarkali whose historical existence is very unlikely.
Bhakta Tukaram	1973	1600s	Based on the life of Marathi poet and saint Tukaram
Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story	2005	1627–1658	Story of Shah Jahan and his Queen Mumtaz Mahal and history of the monument Taj Mahal built to honour Mumtaz Mahal after her death.
Pawankhind	2022	1660	Based on the last stand battle of Pavan khind fought between the forces of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj under Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Adilshahi forces under Siddi Jauhar.
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior	2020	1670	Biopic of Tanaji Malusare and centered around Maratha expedition of Kondhana also called Battle of Singhad.
Hari Hara Veera Mallu	2022	17th century	Telugu film; based on the life of legendary outlaw Veera Mallu
Bajirao Mastani	2015	1720–1740	Based loosely on the life of Bajirao I and his controversial marriage to his Muslim wife Mastani albeit with lot of inaccuracies.
Veerapandiya Kattabomman	1959	1760–1799	About the resistance of Veerapandiya Kattabomman to the Company rule in India, rule of the East India Company
Panipat: The Great Betrayal	2019	1761	Based on the Third Battle of Panipat.
Laal Kaptaan	2019	1764–1789	A revenge drama set after the events of the Battle of Buxar
Thugs of Hindostan	2018	1795–1800s	Based on a band of Thugs resisting the East India Company's rule in India.
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja	2009	1796–1797	Life of Pazhassi Raja—an Indian royal resisting the East India Company
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy	2019	1806–1847	Based on the life of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy
The Deceivers	1988	1825	About Thugees in India in 1825
Veer	2010	1825	Set during the 1825 Pindari movement of Rajasthan, when India was ruled by the East India Company
Shatranj Ke Khiladi	1977	1856	Entailing the East India Company's annexation of the kingdom of Oudh (Awadh) from Wajid Ali Shah in 1856 on the eve of the Sepoy Mutiny.
Junoon	1978	1857	About a love story between one of the Rebels of 1857 in Rohilkhand and an Anglo-Indian woman that he has held hostage (along with her mother and grandmother).
Mangal Pandey: The Rising	2005	1857	About Mangal Pandey and the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
Gandhi	1982	1869–1948	About the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi
Sardar	1993	1875–1950	Life of India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Jinnah	1998	1876–1948	Film follows the life of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Kappalottiya Tamizhan	1961	1870s–1930s	Film about freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai who starts his fleet of ship by selling his property to protest against non usage of British ships for goods transport
Veer Savarkar	2001	1883–1966	About life and times of great revolutionary Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Lagaan	2001	1893	A fictional account of a cricket game between the villagers of Champaner and the local British cantonment played in an effort to cancel the "lagaan" (a grain tax levied by the colonial authorities in India).
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero	2005	1897–1945	About Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose
Alluri Seetarama Raju	1974	1898–1924	Based on the life of Indian freedom fighter Alluri Sita Rama Raju.
Komaram Bheem	1990	1900–1940	Based on the life of Indian freedom fighter Komaram Bheem
RRR	2022	1910–1920s	Fictional story about India's freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem; set in Delhi of 1920s
Sardar Udham	2021	1919–1940	About life and times of great revolutionary Sardar Udham^[3]
A Passage To India	1984	1920s	Based on E. M. Forster's novel about two British woman who visit India during the British Raj and their adventures there.
Paradesi	2013	1930s	Based on the lives affected by plantation.
Madrasapattinam	2010	1940s	A fictional account about the love story between a British woman and an Indian man during the Raj
Zubeidaa	2001	1940s/1950s	a semi-biographical account of writer Khalid Mohamed's mother, the actress Zubeida Begum that is set in the late 1940s and the 1950s.
Dharmputra	1961	1947	This picture is concerned with the communal violence that marked the Partition of India in 1947. Set in Delhi, the movie focuses on the complex relationships between two families, namely a Hindu one and a Muslim one.
1947 Earth	1998	1947	A partition film, directed by Deepa Mehta
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha	2001	1947	Another movie featuring the 1947 partition starring Sunny Deol and Amisha Patel in a Sikh-Muslim love story.
Pinjar	2003	1947	with regards to the partition of Punjab. This film is based on the Amrita Pritam story of the same name.
Partition	2007	1947	one of the more recent films on the Indian partition.
Hey Ram	2000	1948	Tamil, A period drama told in flashback, the semi-fictional plot centres on India's Partition and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi
Gangubai Kathiawadi	2022	1952–1968	based on the life of social activist and prostitute Gangubai Kothewali
Rocket Boys	2022	1961–1967	the establishment of the Indian Space Program
Thalaivii	2021	1965–1983	based on the life of politician and actress J. Jayalalithaa
Khamosh Pani	2003	1970s	about a widowed mother and her young son set in a late 1970s village in Punjab, Pakistan which is coming under radical influence
1971	2007	1971	based on the plight of Indian prisoners of war in the aftermath of 1971 war between India and Pakistan
Border	1997	1971	about the Battle of Longewala in the Indo-Pakistani war
Raazi	2018	1971	set during the Indo-Pakistani War
Shershaah	2021	1974–1999	about the life of Vikram Batra, an officer in the Indian Army who served in the Kargil War
Sanju	2018	1981–2016	about the life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt
Karnan	2021	1995	about the 1995 Kodiyankulam violence in Tamil Nadu
Yatra	2019	2004–2009	about the padayatra done by Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy
Manto	2018	1940–1947	based on the life of the prominent Urdu author Saadat Hasan Manto
Vikramaditya	1945	375 – c. 415 AD	about King Vikramaditya, who promises to save the princess of Kashmir, appoints Kalidas as court-poet, and his fight against the Shakas (Scythians).
Tukaram	2012	1598/1608–1649/1650	about life of Saint Tukaram
Soorma	2018	1986–2010	about life of hockey player Sandeep Singh
The Sky Is Pink	2019	1996–2015	about life of Aisha Chaudhary, who suffered from severe combined immunodeficiency and pulmonary fibrosis
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl	2020	1984–2000	about the life of Indian Air Force pilot Gunjan Saxena, one of the first Indian female air-force pilots in combat
Veeram	2016	1600	about the life of Chandu Chekavar,warrior of the Chekavar family
Udaykal	1930	1630–1680	about the "military expeditions" of the young 17th century Maratha Emperor Shivaji.
Thomasleeha	1975	52–72 AD	about the life of St. Thomas the Apostle and his missionary work in India
Sher Shivraj	2022	1630–1680	about the life of Maratha king, Shivaji where he defeated Afzal Khan
Santha Shishunala Sharifa	1990	1819–1889	about the life of acclaimed saint poet Shishunala Sharif
Raj Nartaki	1941	1900	set in the early 19th century in the Manipur Kingdom and is about social barriers and a court dancer.
Raag Desh	2017	1945	about the historic 1945 Indian National Army Red Fort Trials.
Pathonpatham Noottandu	2022	1825–1874	based on the life of Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, a warrior who fought against social injustices suffered by the lower caste
Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran	2018	1995–1998	based on the nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by the Indian Army at Pokhran in 1998
Pardesi	1957	1466–1472	based on the travelogues of Russian traveller Afanasy Nikitin, called A Journey Beyond the Three Seas
Nayika Devi: The Warrior Queen	2022	1178	based on Battle of Kasahrada
Mirza Ghalib	1954	1797–1869	Based on the life of well-known poet Mirza Ghalib
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi	2019	1828–1858	Based on life of Rani Lakshmi Bai
Mamangam	2019	1800	about the Mamankam festival of the 18th century in the banks of the Bharathappuzha at Tirunavaya, in the Malabar region
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja	2009	1800	based on the life of Pazhassi Raja, a king who fought against the East India Company in the 18th century.
Jhansi Ki Rani	1953	1828–1858	about the bravery of queen Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi, who took up arms and led her army against the British
Hirkani	2019	1674	based on 'Hirkani', a brave woman and an amazing mother who lived near the Raigad Fort in Maharashtra during the regime Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Har Har Mahadev	2022	1660	based on Battle of Pavan Khind
Guru Da Banda	2018	1670–1716	about the life of Banda Singh Bahadur,Sikh warrior
Fatteshikast	2019		Depicts the historical encounter between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the subahdar and general of the Mughal army, Shaista Khan at Lal Mahal in Pune
Farzand	2018	1673	about the story of warrior Kondaji Farzand, who along with 60 warriors defeated 2500 soldiers of the enemy to win the Panhala fort in just three and half hours in 1673
Escape from Taliban	2003	1989–1995	based on the story A Kabuliwala's Bengali Wife by Sushmita Banerjee, who fled Afghanistan in 1995 after six years of living there with her Afghan husband
Chaar Sahibzaad	2014	1526–1704	based on the sacrifices of the sons of the 10th Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh—Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh
Bilhanane	1948	1100	based on the story of the Kashmiri poet Bilhana
8/12	2022	1930	based on the historical attack on Writers' Building by three Bengal Volunteers in 1930.
83	2021	1983	Based on the India national cricket team led by Kapil Dev, which won the 1983 Cricket World Cup
The Accidental Prime Minister	2019	2004–2014	Based on the memoir by Indian policy analyst Sanjaya Baru, The Accidental Prime Minister explores the tenure of Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister of India
Airlift	2016	1990	based on real life story of a Kuwait-based Malayali businessman Mathunny Mathews
The Attacks of 26/11	2013	2008	based on the book Kasab: The Face of 26/11 by Rommel Rodrigues about Ajmal Kasab perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks
Azhar	2016	1990–2012	about the life of Indian cricketer and former national team captain Mohammad Azharuddin
Batla House	2019	2008	based on the Batla House encounter case that took place on 19 September 2008
Bawandar	2000	1971–1992	based on the true story of Bhanwari Devi, a rape victim from Rajasthan, India.
Bell Bottom	2021	1980–1990	Inspired from real life hijacking events in India by Khalistani terrorists during the 1980s, such as the Indian Airlines Flight 423, 405 and 421 hijackings
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag	2013	1947–1964	Based on the life of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete and Olympian who was a champion of the Commonwealth Games and two-times 400m champion of the Asian Games
Haseena Parkar	2017	1993–2007	Based on Dawood Ibrahim's sister Haseena Parkar
Aligarh	2015	2010	about the true story of Ramchandra Siras
Aami	2018	1934–2009	Based on the life of poet-author Kamala Das
Anna	2016	1937–2015	Based on the life of Indian social activist Anna Hazare
Daddy	2017	1955–2016	about gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli

Title	Language	Release date	Time period	Notes on setting
Mah e Mir	Urdu	2016	1723–1810	Based on the life of the famous poet Mir Taqi Mir
Ghalib	Urdu	1961	1797–1869	Based on the life of famous Urdu poet, Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib.
Jinnah	Urdu	1998	1900s–1948	Biopic based on the life of Mohammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948), founder of Pakistan
Ghazi Ilmuddin Shaheed	Punjabi	1978	1920s	Biopic based on Ilmuddin (1908–1929), a man hanged for the murder of Mahashay Rajpal.
Ghazi Ilmuddin Shaheed	Urdu	2002	1920s	Biopic based on Ilmuddin (1908–1929), a man hanged for the murder of Mahashay Rajpal.
Manto	Urdu	2015	1940s–1950s	Biopic based on the life of writer, Saadat Hasan Manto (1912–1955).
Kartar Singh	Punjabi	1959	1940s	Based on the Partition of India.
Lakhon mein aik		1967	1947	Based on the Partition of India.
Jannat ke Talaash	Urdu	1999	1947	Based on the Partition of India.
Shah	Urdu	2015	1964–2014	Biopic based on the life of Pakistan's only boxing Olympic medallist, Hussain Shah (born 1964)
Aik Hai Nigar	Urdu	2021	1975–2021	Based on three-star general of Pakistan Army, Nigar Johar
Motorcycle Girl	Urdu	2018	2010s	Based on the life of motorcyclist Zenith Irfa

Title	Release date	Time period	Notes on setting
Vijaya Kuweni	2012	543–505 BC	based on the historical tale of Wijaya-Kuveni
Aba	2008	437–367 BC	based on the historical legend of King Pandukabhaya
Mahindagamanaya	2011	250 BC	based on arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka
Maharaja Gemunu	2015	161–137 BC	based on the odyssey of King Dutugamunu
Aloko Udapadi	2017	103 BC and c. 89–77 BC	based on the odyssey of King King Valagamba
Siri Daladagamanaya	2012	300s	based on venerated of Tooth relic to Sri Lanka
The God King	1974	473	based on the historical clash between brothers Kasyapa and Moggalana on Sigiriya Rock
Siri Parakum	2013	1153–1186	based on the historical legend of King Parakramabahu I the Great
Kivulegedara Mohottala	1987	1817–1818	based on freedom fighter Kivulegedara Mohottala and Great Rebellion of 1817–1818
Vera Puran Appu	1979	1812–1848	based on freedom fighter Puran Appu
Gadera	2022	1912–1913	based on an expedition in British Garhwal

Title	Release date	Time period	Notes on setting
The Last Woman of Shang	1964	1075–1046 BC	a Hong Kong film about Daji, a concubine of King Zhou of Shang
The Grand Substitution	1965	607-581 BC	a Hong Kong film based on the play The Orphan of Zhao, set in the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period
Sacrifice	2010	607–581 BC	based on the play The Orphan of Zhao, set in the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period
Confucius	1940	551–479 BC	thought to be a lost film, but was rediscovered in 2001 and restored
Confucius	2010	505–479 BC	starring Chow Yun-fat as Confucius
An Empress and the Warriors	2008	ca. 475–221 BC	set in the Yan kingdom during the Warring states period
Little Big Soldier	2010	475–221 BC	an action-comedy film set in the Warring States period, about a war between the Liang and Wey states
A Battle of Wits	2006	375–369 BC	set in the reign of King Lie of Zhou
Qu Yuan	1977	ca. 339−278 BC	about the tragedy of the great Chinese ancient poet Qu Yuan during the Warring States period
The Warring States	2011	ca. 316 BC	set in the Warring States period (475–221 BC), loosely based on the rivalry between Sun Bin (d. 316 BC) and Pang Juan (d. 342 BC)
The Emperor's Shadow	1996	259–210 BC	about a troubled friendship between Qin Shi Huang and the musician Gao Jianli
Wheat	2009	260 BC	the story of women left behind when their husbands went to war during the Battle of Changping
The Emperor and the Assassin	1998	227 BC	based on the assassination attempt by Jing Ke on Qin Shi Huang
Hero	2002	227 BC	based on the assassination attempt by Jing Ke on Qin Shi Huang
The Great Conqueror's Concubine	1994	206–202 BC	a Hong Kong film set in the Chu–Han Contention
White Vengeance	2011	206–202 BC	loosely based on the Feast at Hong Gate and events in the Chu–Han Contention
The Last Supper	2012	206–202 BC	based on events in the Chu–Han Contention
Dragon Blade	2005	48 BC	about a fictional elite fighting force created by the Han dynasty to preserve peace in Northwestern China
Red Cliff	2008	208–209	epic war film based on the Battle of Red Cliffs
The Assassins	2012	210	set in China in the late 210s – the years preceding the end of the Han dynasty
The Lost Bladesman	2011	219	a Hong Kong film loosely based on the story of Guan Yu (d. 219) in the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Shadow	2018	220−280	set during the Three Kingdoms period
Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon	2008	229	a Hong Kong film about Zhao Yun, loosely based on parts of the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Mulan	2009	ca. 386–534	based on the legend of Hua Mulan
Mulan Joins the Army	1939	ca. 567–571	based on the legend of Hua Mulan
Xuanzang	2016	602−664	about the life of Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk and scholar during the Tang dynasty
Shaolin Temple	1982	619–621	starring Jet Li, based on the story of Shaolin Temple help Li Shimin
The Empress Wu Tse-tien	1939	650–705	based on the story of Wu Zetian
Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame	2010	684–690	a Hong Kong film based on a fictional account of Di Renjie, set in the reign of Wu Zetian
Warriors of Heaven and Earth	2003	700	an action-adventure film set in Xinjiang
Lady of the Dynasty	2015	719−756	about the life of Yang Guifei, one of the Four Beauties of China
The Promise	2005	766–780	set during the end of the Tang dynasty
Avalokitesvara	2013	840−846	set during the end of the Tang dynasty
House of Flying Daggers	2004	859	set during the end of the Tang dynasty
Trilogy of Swordsmanship (Part 2: The Tigress)	1972	860s	a Hong Kong film (only Part 2) set during Pang Xun's rebellion
The Heroic Ones	1970	880s	a Hong Kong film about Li Keyong's generals
General Stone	1976	880s	a Hong Kong film about Li Cunxiao
The Banquet	2006	907−979	set during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period
Curse of the Golden Flower	2006	928	set during the Later Tang dynasty
All the King's Men	1983	950s	a Taiwanese film about Chai Rong's last days
Great Liao's Empress Dowager	1995	969–982	a Chinese film about Empress Xiao Yanyan
Saving General Yang	2013	980s	a Hong Kong film about the Generals of the Yang Family legends
The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter	1983	980s	a Hong Kong film about the Generals of the Yang Family legends
The Eight Diagram Cudgel Fighter	1985	980s	a Hong Kong film about the Generals of the Yang Family legends
Generals of the Yang Family	1984	980s	a Chinese film about the Generals of the Yang Family legends
The Silk Road	1988	1026	a Japanese film about Western Xia
The 14 Amazons	1972	1030s	a Hong Kong film about the Genearals of the Yang Family legends
Legendary Amazons	2011	1030s	a Chinese film about the Genearals of the Yang Family legends
The Journey to Xixia Empire	1997	1087	a Chinese film about Western Xia (Xixia)
Full River Red	2023	1146	about a mystery case set in the beginning era of Southern Song dynasty
An End to Killing	2013	1200s	about the conquest of China by Genghis Khan
Marco Polo	1982	1254–1324	an American-Italian television miniseries about the Venetian explorer who traveled to China and served in the court of Kublai Khan
The Black Rose	1950	1272–1279	English-language film about an English Saxon who travels China and meet a Mongol warlord
Reign of Assassins	2010	1368–1644	an assassin transforms herself to escape her past in Ming China
Brotherhood of Blades	2014	1627	set during the end of the Ming dynasty, under the reign of Chongzhen Emperor
Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield	2017	1627	set during the end of the Ming dynasty, under the reign of Chongzhen Emperor
Fall of Ming	2013	1642	about the fall of the Ming dynasty
The Sino-Dutch War 1661	2000	1645–62	based on the story of Koxinga (1624–1662), with the focus on the Siege of Fort Zeelandia
The Palace	2013	1661–1722	set during the reign of Kangxi Emperor
The Opium War	1997	1839–42	historical epic film about the First Opium War, told through the eyes of Lin Zexu and Charles Elliot
The Empress Dowager	1975	1835–1908	a Hong Kong film about Empress Dowager Cixi
Li Lianying: The Imperial Eunuch	1991	1848–1911	the Qing dynasty eunuch Li Lianying
The Warlords	2007	1850–64	set in the Qing dynasty during the Taiping Rebellion
Fearless	2006	1868–1910	a biographical film about late Qing dynasty martial artist Huo Yuanjia
The Last Tempest	1976	1875−1908	a Hong Kong film about the life of Guangxu Emperor
The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake	2011	1875–1907	a biographical film about revolutionary Qiu Jin
The Sino-Japanese War at Sea 1894	2012	1877−1895	based on the events of the First Sino-Japanese War
Forever Enthralled	2008	1894–1961	biographical film about Peking opera artist Mei Lanfang
1895	2008	1895	a Taiwanese film about the Japanese invasion of Taiwan and the Hakka resistance
Blade of Fury	1993	1898	set during the Hundred Days' Reform
Empire of Silver	2009	1899–1901	a Hong Kong film set in the Qing dynasty during the Boxer Rebellion
55 Days at Peking	1963	1900	an American film starring Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and David Niven and set during the Boxer Rebellion
Red River Valley	1997	1903–1904	about the British expedition to Tibet
The Tokyo Trial	2006	1904–1973	presenting the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal from the point of view of Mei Ju-ao
The Last Emperor	1987	1906–1967	an Academy Award winning film about China's last emperor Puyi
Kawashima Yoshiko	1990	1907−1948	a Hong Kong film based on the life of Yoshiko Kawashima, a Manchu princess who was brought up as a Japanese and served as a spy in the service of the Japanese Kwantung Army and Manchukuo during the Second World War
Road to Dawn	2007	1910	about Sun Yat-sen's life in Penang from July to December 1910
Magnificent 72	1980	1911	about Lin Juemin and the Second Guangzhou Uprising, with a brief scene of Qiu Jin's arrest in 1907
Bodyguards and Assassins	2009	1911	a Hong Kong film set in Colonial Hong Kong near the end of the Qing dynasty. The events in the film led to the Wuchang Uprising
The Battle for the Republic of China	1981	1911	a Taiwanese film about the Xinhai Revolution
1911	2011	1911	about the Xinhai Revolution
The Soong Sisters	1997	1911–1949	about the Soong sisters
The Founding of a Party	2011	1921	about the formation of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921
1921	2012	1921	about the formation of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921
Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch	1988	1924	a Hong Kong film about the Last Eunuch in China
The Founding of an Army	2017	1927	about the founding of the People's Liberation Army
Night in Jinling	1985	1927−1931	about the Kuomintang turn against the Chinese Communist Party and the Shanghai massacre
Bridge	1949	1927–1950	the Chinese Civil War
Yangtse Incident	1957	1927–1950	a British film about the Royal Navy frigate HMS Amethyst getting caught up in the Chinese Civil War
Assembly	2007	1927–1950	epic war film set in the Chinese Civil War
The Bugle from Gutian	2019	1929	based on the 1929 Gutian Congress
Seediq Bale	2011	1930	film depicting the plight of Taiwanese aborigines of the Seediq tribe during the period of Taiwan under Japanese rule, and their role in the Wushe Incident
Cliff Walkers	2021	1930s	set in the Imperial Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo in the 1930s before World War II erupts
Red Sorghum	1987	1930s	set during the eastern province of Shandong during the Second Sino-Japanese War
A Murder Beside Yanhe River	2014	1933–1937	based on the murder case of Huang Kegong, who was a general of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army
7-Man Army	1976	1933	a Hong Kong film depicting the Defense of the Great Wall
The National Anthem	1999	1935	about the composition of "The March of the Volunteers"
The Secret of China	2019	1936	about the communist journalist Edgar Snow meets Mao Zedong
The Xi'an Incident	1981	1936	about the Xi'an Incident
Eight Hundred Heroes	1976	1937	a Taiwanese film depicting the Defense of Sihang Warehouse
The Eight Hundred	2020	1937	the Defense of Sihang Warehouse
Black Sun: The Nanking Massacre	1994	1937	a Hong Kong film about the Nanking Massacre
Don't Cry, Nanking	1995	1937	the Nanking Massacre
City of Life and Death	2009	1937	dealing with the Battle of Nanjing and its aftermath, the Nanking Massacre
John Rabe	2009	1937	a biographical film about John Rabe and his experiences in the Nanking Massacre
The Flowers of War	2011	1937	about a group of escapees caught up in the 1937 Battle of Nanking
Heroes of the Eastern Skies	1977	1937–1938	a Taiwanese film based on the true story of a small group of Chinese flying aces in 1937 at the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War
The Spring River Flows East	1947	1937–1945	the trials and tribulations of a Chinese family through the Second Sino-Japanese War
Tunnel War	1965	1937–1945	about a small town defending itself by use of a network of tunnels during the Second Sino-Japanese War
Men Behind the Sun	1988	1937–1945	a Hong Kong film depicting war atrocities committed by the Japanese Unit 731 during World War II
On the Mountain of Tai Hang	2005	1937–1945	about the Eighth Route Army, set in the Second Sino-Japanese War
The Children of Huang Shi	2008	1938	about George Hogg leading 60 orphans across China in an effort to save them from conscription during the Second Sino-Japanese War
Hong Kong 1941	1983	1941–1945	a Hong Kong film set in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong during World War II
Phurbu & Tenzin	2014	1944–1980	about the two monks in Tibet
Hundred Regiments Offensive	2015	1945	about the end of the Second Sino-Japanese war
The Crossing	2014	1945–1949	about the Second Sino-Japanese war and the siking of Taiping.
A City of Sadness	1989	1947	Taiwanese historical drama film sets immediately after WWII in the late 1940s. The film was the first to depict the February 28 Incident of 1947, an anti-government uprising that was quelled.
Decisive Engagement: The Liaoxi-Shenyang Campaign	1991	1948	about the Chinese Civil War (Liaoshen Campaign, Huaihai Campaign and Pingjin Campaign)
Fight for Nanjing, Shanghai and Hangzhou	1999	1949	about the war between the Communist troops and the Kuomintang troops in east China during the Chinese Civil War
The Great Military March Forward: Engulf the Southwest	1998	1949	about the war between the Communist troops and the KMT troops in southwest China during the Chinese Civil War
The Founding of a Republic	2009	1949	about the founding of the People's Republic of China
Mao Zedong 1949	2019	1949	about the founding of the People's Republic of China
Where the Wind Settles	2015	1949−2010	a Taiwanese film about the lives of several mainland Chinese people who resettled in Taiwan near the end of the Chinese Civil War
Septet: The Story of Hong Kong	2020	1950−2020	a Hong Kong film divided into seven stories, each corresponding to a decade in Hong Kong's history, told from the view of ordinary people
Sniper	2022	1950−1953	based on a fictionalized account of the real life story of Zhang Taofang, a Chinese sniper fighting American soldiers in the Korean War
The Battle at Lake Changjin	2021	1950	about the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War
The Battle at Lake Changjin II	2022	1950	about the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War
The Sacrifice	2020	1953	about the Chinese People's Volunteer Army launching its last large-scale campaign during the Korean War, the Jincheng Campaign
24 City	2008	1958–1980	A docudrama film about the generations of people who worked in state factories during the industrialization and were demolished during the modernization of China.
Coming Home	2014	1966–1976	set during the Cultural Revolution in China.
Aftershock	2010	1976–2010	the aftermath of the 1976 Tangshan earthquake
Deng Xiaoping	2003	1978	about Deng Xiaoping and the 3rd Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party

List_of_historical_drama_films_of_Asia

List of historical films set in Asia

Central Asia

South Asia

Indian subcontinent history

Pakistani history

Sri Lankan history

East Asia

Chinese and Taiwanese history

Japanese history

Samurai cinema and Jidai-geki films

Gendai-geki films

Korean and South Korean history

Southeast Asia

Filipino history

Mainland and Maritime Southeast Asia

See also

References

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Title	Release date	Time period	Notes on setting
Laughing Under the Clouds	2018	1868–1912	Based on a manga series, set from the Meiji period to the Taishō period, including the life of the Emperor Meiji during the Meiji Restoration.
Lady Snowblood	1973	1874–1894	Based on the manga series of the same name.
Waga Koi wa Moenu	1949	1880s
Emperor Meiji and the Great Russo-Japanese War	1958	1904–1905	Dramatization of the Russo-Japanese War.
Fullmetal Alchemist	2017	1927	Based on a manga series, set during the Benito Mussolini's regime.
Gambler's Life: Unstoppable Bloodbath	1969	1930s	Set in the early Shōwa period.
Flower of Chivalry Torn Asunder: Gambling Heir	1969	1930s	Set in the early Shōwa period.
Onna jigoku uta: Shakuhachi benten	1970
Tora! Tora! Tora!	1970	1941	Detailing the events leading up to and including the Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Midway	1976	1942	About the Battle of Midway between Japan and the United States in 1942.
The Bridge on the River Kwai	1957	1942–1945	About allied prisoners of war forced to work on the Burma Railway during World War II.
Letters from Iwo Jima	2006	1945	Japanese-language film directed by Clint Eastwood about the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.
Hiroshima	1995	1945	Docu-drama about the events leading up to the use of the first atomic weapons in 1945.
Fueled: The Man They Called Pirate	2016	1945–1960	Based on a novel, from the Occupation of Japan to the 1960 U-2 incident during the Cold War era and the Japanese economic miracle.
Kids on the Slope	2018	1966–1978	Based on a manga series, set during the foundation of the Asian Development Bank to the opening of Narita International Airport, part of the Cold War era.
Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura	2017	1976–1980	Based on the manga, set from the Lockheed bribery scandals to the 1980 Summer Olympics boycott, part of the Cold War era.
Climber's High and Shizumanu Taiyō	2008–2009	1985	Historical drama about Japan Airlines Flight 123 incident.
Sadako vs. Kayako	2016	2004–2009	Based on Ring Trilogy and Ju-On by Koji Suzuki and Takashi Shimizu, one of the horror franchises in Japan.

Title	Release date	Time period	Notes on setting
The Great Battle	2018	645	Set during the Siege of Ansi.
Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield	2003	660	Set during the Battle of Hwangsanbeol.
A Frozen Flower	2008	1330–1374	Set during the late Goryeo dynasty.
Empire of Lust	2015	14th century	Set during the reign of King Taejo.
Musa (film)	2001	1375	A story about diplomatic mission from the Goryeo travels to Ming China.
The Divine Weapon	2008	1418–1450	Set during the reign of Sejong the Great.
The King and the Clown	2005	1494–1506	Set during the reign of Yeonsangun of Joseon.
Blades of Blood	2010	1500s	Set during the 16th century.
The Admiral: Roaring Currents	2014	1597	Depicts the Battle of Myeongnyang, a naval battle between Japan and Korea.
Shadows in the Palace	2007	1600s	Set during the 17th century.
Sword in the Moon	2003	ca. 1600	Set during the beginning of the 17th century.
War of the Arrows	2011	1636–37	Set during the second Manchu invasion of Korea.
The Fortress	2017	1636	Set during the second Manchu invasion of Korea.
The Sword with No Name	2009	1860s–1870s	Set during the 19th century, fictionalized account of the reign of Empress Myeongseong
Chi-hwa-seon	2002	1843–97	About the life of Korean painter Oh-won.
The Sound of a Flower	2015	1867–84	About the life of the Korean pansori singer Shin Jae-hyo.
The Good, the Bad, the Weird	2008	1920–1930	Loosely based on the seizure of 150,000 won in Manchuria.
The Last Princess	2016	1925–1962	About the life of Princess Deokhye.
Love, Lies	2016	1943–1945	Set during Korea under Japanese rule and World War II.
The Taebaek Mountains	1994	1948–1950	Set during the Yeosu–Suncheon rebellion and the Korean War
Taegukgi	2004	1950–1953	Set during the Korean War.
Welcome to Dongmakgol	2005	1950–1953	Set during the Korean War.
71: Into the Fire	2010	1950–1953	Set during the Korean War.
The Front Line	2011	1953	Set during the Korean Armistice Agreement.
Gangnam Blues	2014	1966–1970	Set in the late 1960s to the 1970s about the development of Gangnam during the Park Chung-hee's regime.
Silmido	2003	1970s	Based on a military uprising on Silmido island.
A Taxi Driver	2017	1980	Set during the Gwangju Uprising after the assassination of Park Chung-hee.
1987: When the Day Comes	2017	1987–1990	Set during the June Struggle to the Revolutions of 1989.

Title	Release date	Time period	Setting	Notes
Banaue: Stairway to the Sky	1975	c. 500 BC.	Philippines	The film depicts the Prehistory of the Philippines, and the construction of the Banaue Rice Terraces.
Lapu-Lapu	1955	1491–1542	Philippines	Chronicles the life of Lapu-Lapu and death of Ferdinand Magellan.
Lapu-Lapu	2002	1491–1542	Philippines	A remake of the 1955 film that chronicles the life of Lapu-Lapu.
José Rizal	1998	1861–1896	Philippines	A biographical film focusing on the Philippine National Hero, José Rizal.
Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?	1970	1870–1895	Philippines	A period drama film that focuses on the Hispanicized Society of the Philippines during the colonial period.
Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo	2014	1872–1897	Philippines	A biographical film chronicling the life of Andres Bonifacio from his founding of the Katipunan to his eventual execution.
El Presidente	2012	1886–1962	Philippines	A biographical film about the first Filipino president Emilio Aguinaldo.
Felix Manalo	2015	1886–1963	Philippines	A biographical film about Felix Manalo, founder and pioneer executive minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo.
Baler	2008	1898	Philippines	A romantic drama film set during the Siege of Baler.
Tiniente Rosario	1937	1898–1901	Philippines	A film about the Philippine Revolutionary Army and its female Sergeant officer.^[8]
Heneral Luna	2015	1898–1903	Philippines	An epic war film detailing General Antonio Luna's leadership of the Filipino army during the Philippine–American War.
Aguila	1980	1899–1945	Philippines	Touted at the time as "the biggest event in local movie history" and "the biggest Filipino film ever made".
Tirad Pass: The Story of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar	1997	December 2, 1899	Philippines	A movie about the Battle of Tirad Pass, a Philippine Campaign against Americans led by General Gregorio Del Pilar.
Amigo	2010	1900s	Philippines	A film set during Philippine–American War
Rosario	2010	1920s	Philippines	Depicts the life of Rosario (Manuel V. Pangilinan's grandmother), a girl during the Insular Government Period.
Santiago!	1970	1941–1945	Philippines	Depicting the Philippine campaign during World War II
Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita	2004	1941–1945	Philippines	About the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines in World War II
Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos	1972	1942–1945	Philippines	Movie set in Philippines during World War II
Alab ng Lahi	2003	1945	Philippines	The film depicts the Filipino Guerillas during the end of World War II led by Gregorio Magtangol and the friendship between a Japanese and Filipino soldier.
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story	2011	1951	Philippines	The criminal life of Asiong Salonga that led to his assassination on October 7, 1951.
Boy Golden: Shoot to Kill, the Arturo Porcuna Story	2013	1960s	Philippines	The life and death of Arturo "Boy Golden" Porcuna, who rose through the Manila underworld in the 1960s until his eventual murder.
Dekada '70	2002	1970s	Philippines	Based on the novel of the same name by Lualhati Bautista. The setting of the film is set during the period of Martial law.

Title	Release date	Time period	Setting	Notes
The Killing Fields	1984	1973–1979	Cambodia	About the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The film begins in 1973.
First They Killed My Father	2017	1975	Cambodia	Set during the takeover of Phnom Penh by Khmer Rouge and the lives of captives in the jungle.
Krakatoa, East of Java	1969	1883	Indonesia	American film nominated for Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, featured the 1883 eruption of the volcano on the island of Krakatoa.
Paradise Road	1997	1939–1945	Indonesia	About the event of World War II on the island of Sumatra.
The Merdeka Trilogy: Merah Putih, Darah Garuda, and Hati Merdeka	2009–11	1945–1949	Indonesia	About the struggles of the Indonesians throughout the Indonesian National Revolution.
The Year of Living Dangerously	1982	1965	Indonesia	Directed by Peter Weir, about the Transition to the New Order (Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation) or vivere pericolosamente.
Mat Kilau	2022	1890s	Malaysia	Fictionalized account of Mat Kilau within the historical setting of late 19th-century Pahang.
Leftenan Adnan	2000	1940s	Malaysia	About the experiences of Adnan bin Saidi as a soldier during World War II.
Snow in Midsummer	2023	1969	Malaysia	The film deals with the 13 May Incident.
Never Shall We Be Enslaved	1997	1885	Myanmar	A two-part film depicting the events of the Third Anglo-Burmese War and the fall of Thibaw Min and his dynasty.
1965 (film)	2015	1963–1966	Singapore	Singapore in Malaysia, 1964 race riots in Singapore (Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation) and National Day of 1965.
The Legend of Suriyothai	2001	1520s–1548	Thailand	The film is follows the course of the life of Queen Suriyothai, who given up her life in the defense of her husband, King Maha Chakkraphat, in a battle during the Burmese–Siamese War (1547–1549).
King Naresuan	2007	1555–1592	Thailand	The film is set after event in 2001 film The Legend of Suriyothai about King Naresuan who executes the plotters and declares Ayutthaya independent from the Toungoo Empire
Balibo	2009	1975	Timor-Leste	Australian film about the deaths of the Balibo Five, set during the Indonesian invasion of East Timor.
Blood Letter	2011	c. 1442	Vietnam	About the retaliation of Tran Nguyen Vu (Nguyen Trai's grandchild) for his grandfather's death in 1442. The movie was based on Bui Anh Tan's bestselling novel of the same name.
The Rebel	2007	1920s	Vietnam	Set in 1920s Vietnam under colonial French rule.
Indochine (film)	1992	1940s–1954	Vietnam	French film set in the twilight of colonial French Indochina during the 1930s.
The Scent of Green Papaya	1993	1950s	Vietnam	Set in 1950s Saigon.
The Quiet American	2002	1952	Vietnam	Set in Vietnam in 1952, and pertaining to emerging violent factions in the area and early CIA involvement.
The White Silk Dress	2006	1968	Vietnam	Directed by Luu Huynh. It is about a tragedy in Vietnam War.

Title	Director	Notable cast	Release date	Time period	Notes
Kōchiyama to Nao-zamurai		Ichitarō Kataoka, Matsunosuke Onoe, Kijaku Ōtani	1916		Based on the play of the same name.
Nao-zamurai	Jiro Yoshino	Shirogoro Sawamura	1922		Based on the play of the same name.
A Diary of Chuji's Travels	Daisuke Itō	Denjirō Ōkōchi	1927		Awards: 1 Kinema Junpo Award
Sword of Penitence	Yasujirō Ozu	Saburo Azuma, Kunimatsu Ogawa, Kanji Kawahara, Shoichi Nodera	1927
Jobless Samurai	Masahiro Makino	Kōmei Minami, Tōichirō Negishi, Tsuyako Okajima	1928		Awards: 1 Kinema Junpo Award
Nao-zamurai	Kintarō Inoue	Chōjirō Hayashi, Ryūnosuke Tsukigata, Kōkichi Takada, Kinuko Wakamizu	1930		Based on the play of the same name.
Jirokichi the Rat	Daisuke Itō	Denjirō Ōkōchi, Naoe Fushimi, Nobuko Fushimi	1931
Chūshingura Zenpen: Akōkyō no maki	Teinosuke Kinugasa	Tomio Aoki, Juzaburo Bando, Kōtarō Bandō	1932
Chūshingura – Ninjō-hen, Fukushū-hen	Daisuke Itō	Shinpachirō Asaka, Satoko Date, Sannosuke Fujikawa	1934
The Million Ryo Pot	Sadao Yamanaka	Denjirō Ōkōchi, Kiyozo, Kunitarō Sawamura	1935
The Avenging Ghost of Yukinojo, Part 1	Teinosuke Kinugasa	Kazuo Hasegawa, Tokusaburo Arashi, Akiko Chihaya	1935
The Avenging Ghost of Yukinojo, Part 2	Teinosuke Kinugasa	Kazuo Hasegawa, Tokusaburo Arashi, Akiko Chihaya	1935
Daibosatsu tōge: dai-ippen – Kōgen itto-ryū no maki	Hiroshi Inagaki	Fujiko Fukamizu, Ranko Hanai, Takako Irie	1935
The Avenging Ghost of Yukinojo, Part 3	Teinosuke Kinugasa	Kazuo Hasegawa, Tokusaburo Arashi, Akiko Chihaya	1936
Daibosatsu tōge: Suzuka-yama no maki – Mibu Shimabara no maki	Hiroshi Inagaki	Fujiko Fukamizu, Kobunji Ichikawa, Momonosuke Ichikawa	1936
Humanity and Paper Balloons	Sadao Yamanaka	Chojuro Kawarazaki, Kanemon Nakamura, Shizue Yamagishi	1937	18th century
Chikemuri Takadanobaba	Hiroshi Inagaki, Masahiro Makino	Tsumasaburō Bandō, Tokuma Dan, Komako Hara	1937
Chushingura, Part One	Kajirō Yamamoto	Denjirō Ōkōchi, Kazuo Hasegawa, Yatarō Kurokawa	1939	1701
Chushingura, Part Two	Kajirō Yamamoto	Denjirō Ōkōchi, Kazuo Hasegawa, Yatarō Kurokawa	1939	1701
Singing Lovebirds	Masahiro Makino	Chiezō Kataoka, Takashi Shimura	1939
A Color Print of Edo	Kazuo Mori	Shinpachirō Asaka, Utaemon Ichikawa, Yaeko Kumoi	1939
The 47 Ronin	Kenji Mizoguchi	Chojuro Kawarasaki, Kanemon Nakamura, Kunitaro Kawarazaki, Yoshizaburo Arashi, Daisuke Katō	1941	1701–1703	Two-part film depicting the famous actions of the Forty-seven rōnin in 1701–1703. Part 2 was released on 1942.02.11.
Kikuchi sembon-yari: Shidonî tokubetsu kōgeki-tai	Tomiyasu Ikeda, Sentarō Shirai	Kanzo Yoshii, Utaemon Ichikawa, Kusuo Abe	1944
A Tale of Archery at the Sanjusangendo	Mikio Naruse	Kazuo Hasegawa, Kinuyo Tanaka, Sensho Ichikawa	1945
Utamaro and His Five Women	Kenji Mizoguchi	Minosuke Bandō, Kinuyo Tanaka, Kōtarō Bandō	1946	1800s
Surōnin makaritōru	Daisuke Itō	Tsumasaburō Bandō, Ryūtarō Ōtomo, Kusuo Abe	1947
Ore wa yojinbo	Hiroshi Inagaki	Chiezō Kataoka, Ryūnosuke Tsukigata, Achako Hanabishi	1950
Senritsu	Hideo Sekigawa	Utaemon Ichikawa, Haruyo Ichikawa	1950
Wakasama zamurai torimonochō: nazo no nōmen yashiki	Nobuo Nakagawa	Yatarō Kurokawa, Denjirō Ōkōchi, Seizaburō Kawazu	1950
Rashomon	Akira Kurosawa	Toshirō Mifune, Masayuki Mori, Machiko Kyō, Takashi Shimura	1950	12th century
Kanketsu Sasaki Kojirō: Ganryū-jima kettō	Hiroshi Inagaki	Tomoemon Otani, Toshirō Mifune, Hisako Yamane	1951
Five Men of Edo	Daisuke Itō	Tsumasaburō Bandō, Utaemon Ichikawa, Isuzu Yamada	1951
Vendetta of a Samurai	Kazuo Mori	Toshirō Mifune, Yuriko Hamada, Takashi Shimura	1952	early 17th century	Awards: 1 Blue Ribbon Award, 1 Mainichi Film Concours
The Life of Oharu	Kenji Mizoguchi	Kinuyo Tanaka, Tsukie Matsuura, Ichirō Sugai, Toshirō Mifune, Takashi Shimura	1952	17th century
The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail	Akira Kurosawa	Denjirō Ōkōchi, Susumu Fujita, Kenichi Enomoto	1952	1185
Sword for Hire	Hiroshi Inagaki	Rentarō Mikuni, Danshirō Ichikawa, Shirley Yamaguchi	1952
Tsukigata Hanpeita	Kokichi Uchide	Hiroshi Aoyama, Masao Aoyama, Michiyo Azuma	1952
Ugetsu Monogatari	Kenji Mizoguchi	Masayuki Mori, Machiko Kyō, Kinuyo Tanaka	1953	c. 1598–1600	Based on the novel of the same name, set in the Ōmi Province during the Azuchi-Momoyama period
Gate of Hell	Teinosuke Kinugasa	Kazuo Hasegawa, Machiko Kyō	1953	1159	Awards: 2 Academy Awards, 1 Golden Leopard, 1 New York Film Critics Circle Award, Palme d'Or,
Sansho the Bailiff	Kenji Mizoguchi	Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiaki Hanayagi, Kyōko Kagawa, Eitarō Shindō	1954	794–1185	Awards: 1 Silver Lion