10 Underrated Historical Dramas of the 1990s Worth Revisiting

"The Advocate" (1993)

England in the 15th century. A place filled with… animal trials? You bet. Our protagonist, Richard Courtois, leaves Paris for the countryside, expecting to deal with humans in his new job as a lawyer.

Surprise! His first case is defending a pig. No kidding. As he navigates through strange village customs and superstitions, deeper mysteries and stories unfold. You might chuckle or scratch your head, but isn't history sometimes stranger than fiction?

"Ride with the Devil" (1999)

Civil War flicks are a dime a dozen, right? But hold on to your horses, cowboy. This isn't your typical North vs. South saga. Dive deep into the fringes of the conflict, where young men wrestle with loyalty, honor, and friendship in Missouri.

No glory-filled battlefields here; instead, guerrilla warfare and personal vendettas rule the day. And between you and me? It's an overlooked gem in the dusty cinematic chest of the '90s.

"Regeneration" (1997)

Post-World War I Britain sets the stage. But, before you snooze, think again. Mental health takes center stage, with soldiers recovering from the trauma of trench warfare.

You might've heard of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, famed war poets. They're here, and their words form the backbone of the film. Will they heal? Will they defy? There's a poetic beauty to this film, one that might just capture the imagination.

"Mrs. Brown" (1997)

Alright, put down that teacup. Let's talk British royalty. Queen Victoria, in deep mourning after Prince Albert's death, finds an unlikely friend in John Brown, a Scottish servant. Scandalous!

Some say it's a story of love. Others, devotion. But aren't friendships the unsung romances of yesteryears? The British Court's all aflutter with rumors, and this little-known tale will have you raising an eyebrow or two.

"The Secret of Roan Inish" (1994)

Whispered tales, Irish folklore, and... seals? If you're thinking it's some kind of fairytale, you're not far off. Young Fiona, upon moving in with her grandparents, unravels the mystery of her family's connection to Roan Inish Island.

Legend meets reality as she uncovers tales of ancestors turned seals (or is it the other way around?). A quaint blend of mysticism and reality, it's the perfect antidote for those sick of overdone epics.

"Shadowlands" (1993)

Ever been to a book reading and your life changed? Enter C.S. Lewis, celebrated author, and a reluctant bachelor. Joy Gresham, an American fan, swoops into his life and... no, it's not what you think.

Friendship blossoms, paving the way for unexpected feelings. England's gloomy, but their story shines bright. A tale of love in its autumn years. Who said romances were only for the young?

"Before the Rain" (1994)

Imagine a circular narrative, where tales from war-torn Macedonia intertwine in unexpected ways. Time's fragmented; events are non-linear.

There's a young monk who's taken a vow of silence, a British photo agent, and a local girl caught in a forbidden romance. Through their stories, the film paints a vivid tapestry of conflict, love, and destiny. It's a brain teaser, this one, so get that popcorn and your thinking cap.

"Surviving Picasso" (1996)

Picasso. Not just brush strokes and Cubism. Dive deep into his tumultuous relationships, particularly with Francoise Gilot.

It's the '40s in Paris, and young Francoise navigates her life with the temperamental artist. The man's a genius, no doubt, but does genius give a free pass for his behavior? It's art, drama, and a heavy dose of real-life, sans the rose-tinted glasses.

"Angels and Insects" (1995)

Victorian England. A place of repressed feelings and... insect studies? Our hero, William, is a penniless naturalist who marries into a mysterious aristocratic family. As he delves into the insect world, eerie parallels emerge with his new family.

There's lust, betrayal, and a load of creepy crawlies. Think of it as 'Downton Abbey' meets 'A Bug's Life'. Never thought you'd hear that, huh?

"The Ballad of Little Jo" (1993)

Here's the Old West with a twist. Jo Monaghan, in a bid to survive the rough, male-dominated frontier, disguises herself as a man. Years pass, secrets pile up.

It's a tale of identity, love, and resilience. Don't expect gunfights at high noon; this one's more about battles of the soul. Can one truly hide who they are, especially in the wild, wild West?