Best Historical Films About Catherine the Great

Description: This British film provides a more traditional narrative of Catherine's ascent to power, highlighting her intelligence, ambition, and the political machinations that led to her becoming Empress.

Fact: The film was one of the first to portray Catherine's life in a somewhat sympathetic light, focusing on her as a political figure rather than just a romantic interest.

Description: While not strictly historical, this Hulu series offers a comedic and irreverent take on Catherine's life, focusing on her marriage to Peter III and her rise to power. It's a fresh and entertaining perspective on her story.

Fact: The series was created by Tony McNamara, who also wrote "The Favourite," bringing a similar satirical edge to historical drama.

Description: A Russian TV series that was later dubbed into English, this production offers an extensive look at Catherine's life from her arrival in Russia to her death, covering her personal and political life in great detail.

Fact: The series was a massive hit in Russia, leading to a sequel, and it's known for its high production values and historical accuracy.

Description: This HBO miniseries stars Helen Mirren as Catherine, offering a modern take on her life with a focus on her later years. It delves into her political reforms, personal relationships, and the complexities of her rule.

Fact: Helen Mirren won a Golden Globe for her performance, and the series was praised for its historical accuracy and lavish production values.

Description: This TV movie offers a detailed look at Catherine's life, focusing on her early years, her marriage to Peter III, and her eventual rise to power. It's a compelling narrative that captures the political intrigue and personal drama of her life.

Fact: The film was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, who played Catherine, received critical acclaim for her performance.

Description: This TV movie focuses on Catherine's later years, exploring her relationship with Grigory Potemkin and her efforts to modernize Russia. It provides a nuanced portrayal of her as both a ruler and a woman.

Fact: The film was shot in locations that were historically significant to Catherine's life, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: This German film, dubbed into English, focuses on the early years of Catherine's life, her marriage, and her initial struggles in the Russian court, providing a different cultural perspective on her story.

Fact: The film was part of a trilogy about Russian empresses, with each film focusing on a different ruler.

Description: This Soviet film, later dubbed into English, offers a Russian perspective on Catherine's life, emphasizing her contributions to the arts, sciences, and the expansion of the Russian Empire.

Fact: The film was one of the first Soviet productions to be widely distributed in the West, providing a unique insight into how Catherine was viewed in Soviet historiography.

Description: This film explores the early life of Catherine before she became Empress, detailing her journey from Germany to Russia, her marriage, and the beginning of her political maneuvering. It's a must-watch for understanding her formative years.

Fact: The film was shot in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), providing an authentic backdrop to the story, and it was one of the first major productions to be filmed in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Description: Directed by Josef von Sternberg, this film is a highly stylized and somewhat controversial take on Catherine's life, focusing on her sexual liberation and the decadence of the Russian court. It's a visually stunning piece that has become a cult classic.

Fact: Marlene Dietrich's portrayal of Catherine was both scandalous and iconic, with her costumes and the film's set design becoming legendary in cinema history.