Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans, has been a figure of fascination for centuries. Her story of divine visions, leading the French army to victory, and her tragic end at the stake has inspired numerous filmmakers. This collection of historical films offers a variety of perspectives on her life, from epic battles to intimate personal struggles, providing a rich tapestry of interpretations that will captivate history buffs and film lovers alike.

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
Description: Carl Theodor Dreyer's silent masterpiece captures Joan's trial with intense close-ups, emphasizing her emotional and spiritual journey.
Fact: The film was thought lost until a near-complete print was discovered in a Norwegian mental institution in


Joan of Arc (1948)
Description: This classic film, directed by Victor Fleming, focuses on Joan's trial and execution, with Ingrid Bergman delivering a powerful performance as Joan.
Fact: Bergman won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role, and the film was one of the first to use Technicolor for historical accuracy.


The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)
Description: Directed by Luc Besson, this film delves into Joan's psychological turmoil, offering a unique perspective on her divine mission and the mental toll it took.
Fact: Milla Jovovich, who played Joan, underwent intense physical training to portray the warrior saint convincingly. The film was shot in the Czech Republic to recreate medieval France.


Joan of Arc (1999)
Description: This TV movie, directed by Christian Duguay, provides a straightforward recounting of Joan's life, with Leelee Sobieski portraying the young heroine.
Fact: The film was nominated for several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries.


Joan of Arc (1900)
Description: One of the earliest films about Joan, this silent short film by Georges Méliès captures the essence of her story in a theatrical style.
Fact: Méliès, known for his special effects, used innovative techniques to depict Joan's visions and battles.


Joan of Arc (1957)
Description: Otto Preminger's adaptation focuses on Joan's military campaigns, with Jean Seberg in the lead role, offering a more action-oriented narrative.
Fact: Seberg was only 19 when she played Joan, and her performance was both praised and criticized for its youthful innocence.


The Maid of Orleans (1989)
Description: This Soviet film by Sergei Bondarchuk presents Joan as a symbol of resistance, focusing on her military leadership and the political intrigue surrounding her.
Fact: The film was shot in Ukraine, with extensive battle scenes that were praised for their authenticity.


Joan of Arc (1972)
Description: Directed by Robert Bresson, this film is known for its minimalist approach, focusing on Joan's inner life and spiritual journey.
Fact: Bresson used non-professional actors to achieve a sense of realism, with Florence Delay as Joan.


Joan the Maid (1994)
Description: This two-part French film by Jacques Rivette offers a detailed and historically accurate portrayal of Joan's life, from her rise to her fall.
Fact: The film was shot on location in France, using many of the actual historical sites associated with Joan.


Joan of Arc: God's Warrior (2015)
Description: This documentary-style film explores Joan's life through reenactments and expert interviews, offering a modern take on her historical significance.
Fact: The film was produced by the History Channel, ensuring a focus on historical accuracy and educational value.
