Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history's most enigmatic figures, has inspired countless filmmakers to capture his life, ambitions, and legacy on screen. This curated collection of films delves into various aspects of Napoleon's life, from his rise to power to his dramatic fall, providing viewers with a rich tapestry of historical drama, romance, and political intrigue. Whether you're a history buff or simply love epic storytelling, these films offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Emperor's New Clothes (2001)
Description: A comedic take on Napoleon's life, this film imagines what might have happened if Napoleon had escaped from St. Helena and lived incognito in Paris.
Fact: Ian Holm, who played Napoleon, also portrayed him in the 1981 film "Time Bandits."


Napoleon (2002)
Description: This French TV miniseries provides a detailed look at Napoleon's entire life, from his youth to his exile, with Christian Clavier in the lead role.
Fact: The series was a major success in France, leading to a sequel focusing on Napoleon's exile.


Napoleon (1927)
Description: This silent epic by Abel Gance is considered one of the first cinematic masterpieces, using innovative techniques like polyvision to portray Napoleon's early life and the French Revolution.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a six-part series but was never completed due to financial issues. It was restored in 1981 with a score by Carmine Coppola.


Waterloo (1970)
Description: This film dramatizes the Battle of Waterloo, focusing on Napoleon's final days as Emperor, with Rod Steiger delivering a powerful performance as the fallen leader.
Fact: The film used 17,000 Soviet soldiers as extras for the battle scenes, making it one of the largest battle reenactments in film history.


Napoleon and Josephine: A Love Story (1987)
Description: This miniseries explores the passionate and tumultuous relationship between Napoleon and his first wife, Josephine, offering a romantic angle to his life story.
Fact: The series was filmed in France and Italy, capturing the essence of the era's opulence.


Monsieur N. (2003)
Description: This film focuses on Napoleon's final years on St. Helena, exploring themes of memory, legacy, and the myth-making around his figure.
Fact: Philippe Torreton, who played Napoleon, was nominated for a César Award for his performance.


Napoleon (1955)
Description: Directed by Sacha Guitry, this film focuses on Napoleon's rise to power, his military campaigns, and his personal life, offering a more intimate look at the man behind the legend.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations where Napoleon lived and fought, providing an authentic backdrop to the story.


War and Peace (1967)
Description: While not solely about Napoleon, this epic adaptation of Tolstoy's novel features his invasion of Russia prominently, showcasing his strategic genius and eventual defeat.
Fact: It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, with a budget of $100 million in today's dollars.


Napoleon (2016)
Description: A documentary by David Grubin, this film uses reenactments, expert interviews, and archival material to paint a comprehensive picture of Napoleon's life.
Fact: The documentary was part of PBS's "American Experience" series, offering an American perspective on Napoleon.


Napoleon: A Life (2019)
Description: This documentary series, based on Andrew Roberts' biography, provides an in-depth exploration of Napoleon's life, military campaigns, and political maneuvers.
Fact: The series was praised for its detailed historical accuracy and use of primary sources.
