Image credit: Universal Pictures, Paradine Co-Productions, Walt Disney, Twentieth Century Fox, MGM, Warner Bros., London Film Productions
These historical romances are so cringey, they just might win your heart.
1. "The Slipper and the Rose" (1976) The classic Cinderella tale, but with a twist. Ever wondered what would happen if Cinderella was a bit more... proactive? In this version, our dear Cinderella doesn't just sit around waiting for her prince. No, she takes matters into her own hands.
After being left behind by her wicked stepmother, she sneaks into the ball, dances the night away, and leaves behind not just a shoe, but a lasting impression on the prince. But here's where it gets even more twisted: the prince isn't just looking for a bride; he's trying to prevent a war!
2. "Somewhere in Time" (1980) Time travel and romance? A match made in cinematic heaven! Richard, a playwright, becomes obsessed with a photograph of a mysterious woman named Elise.
But there's a catch: the photo is from 1912. Undeterred, Richard discovers a way to travel back in time. Once there, he meets Elise and they fall madly in love. But, as with all time-travel tales, there's a catch. A single penny from 1979 threatens to tear them apart.
3. "A Knight in Camelot" (1998) A bolt of lightning and suddenly, Dr. Vivien Morgan, a scientist from the 20th century, finds herself in the medieval times of King Arthur. With her modern knowledge, she impresses the court, introducing them to the wonders of electricity and feminism.
But, as you might guess, not everyone's a fan. Sir Sagramore challenges her, seeing her innovations as witchcraft. As tensions rise, so does romance. Vivien finds herself falling for none other than Sir Lancelot.
4. "The Pirate Movie" (1982) Mabel, a modern-day dreamer, gets more than she bargained for when she's whisked away into a musical pirate fantasy. She's captured by the dashing Pirate King, but it's his younger brother, Frederic, who captures her heart.
As they navigate treacherous waters, filled with singing pirates and over-the-top sword fights, they must also navigate their feelings for each other, struggling with the Pirate King's disapproval.
5. "The Man in the Iron Mask" (1998) In the heart of France, a tale of mistaken identities unfolds. King Louis XIV is a cruel ruler, but what if he had a twin? And what if that twin was locked away, hidden behind an iron mask?
Enter the legendary Three Musketeers, who discover this secret and hatch a plan to replace the king with his kinder twin. Amidst the political intrigue, there's also romance. The king's betrothed, Christine, finds herself torn between duty and her heart's desire.
6. "Ladyhawke" (1985) By day, Navarre is a man and Isabeau is a hawk. By night, the roles reverse. Cursed by an envious bishop, they can never be together in human form. Enter Phillipe, a thief with a heart of gold, who might just be their ticket to breaking the curse.
7. "The Affair of the Necklace" (2001) Paris, 1786. The city is abuzz with whispers and scandals. At the center of it all is Jeanne de la Motte, a woman with a mission. She's determined to reclaim her family's honor, and she'll do it by any means necessary, even if it involves a diamond necklace worth a fortune.
As she weaves a web of deception, involving everyone from the Queen of France to a dashing count, one can't help but be drawn into her world.
8. "Ever After" (1998) Forget everything you thought you knew about Cinderella. In this retelling, Danielle is no damsel in distress. She's feisty, she's independent, and she's got a thing or two to teach Prince Henry. As they navigate the challenges of court life, from scheming stepmothers to political intrigue, their love story unfolds.
9. "The Princess Bride" (1987) In a land filled with giants, rodents of unusual size, and dashing swordsmen, a tale of true love unfolds. Buttercup, a beautiful maiden, is set to marry the evil Prince Humperdinck. But her heart belongs to Westley, a farm boy turned pirate. As they embark on a quest to rescue Buttercup, they face challenges that test not just their skills, but their love for each other.
10. "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (1982) London, 1792. The French Revolution is in full swing, and the guillotine is busy. Enter Sir Percy Blakeney, a dashing English nobleman with a secret. By day, he's a foppish aristocrat. By night, he's the Scarlet Pimpernel, a hero who rescues the doomed French nobility.
But as he navigates the treacherous waters of politics and espionage, he also navigates his relationship with his wife, Marguerite.
_15476.webp)
