- The Sultan's Harem (1999)
- Roxelana: The Woman Who Ruled the Empire (2003)
- The Harem (1967)
- The Sultan's Wife (1987)
- The Ottoman Empire: The Rise of Roxelana (2009)
- The Harem of Suleiman the Magnificent (2010)
- The Magnificent Century (2011)
- The Concubine (2012)
- The Magnificent Century: Kösem (2015)
- The Magnificent Century: Kosem (2015)
Roxelana, also known as Hürrem Sultan, was a remarkable figure in Ottoman history, rising from a slave to become one of the most powerful women in the empire. Her life story has inspired numerous films, each offering a unique perspective on her journey. This curated list of 10 historical films not only brings her story to life but also provides a rich tapestry of cultural, political, and personal narratives that shaped her era. From epic dramas to intimate portrayals, these films are a must-watch for anyone intrigued by history, power dynamics, and the indomitable spirit of Roxelana.

The Sultan's Harem (1999)
Description: While not exclusively about Roxelana, this film explores the dynamics within the Ottoman harem, giving insight into the environment where Roxelana thrived.
Fact: The film was shot in the Topkapi Palace, providing an authentic backdrop for the story.


Roxelana: The Woman Who Ruled the Empire (2003)
Description: This film focuses on Roxelana's life, her rise from slavery, her marriage to Suleiman, and her political maneuvering.
Fact: It was one of the first films to explore Roxelana's life in depth, sparking interest in her story.


The Harem (1967)
Description: This film, while not directly about Roxelana, provides a backdrop of the harem life where she would have lived, offering a glimpse into the world she navigated.
Fact: It was one of the first films to depict the inner workings of the Ottoman harem to a Western audience.


The Sultan's Wife (1987)
Description: This film explores the life of a woman in the Ottoman court, drawing parallels to Roxelana's own journey to power.
Fact: It was filmed in Turkey, adding authenticity to the setting.


The Ottoman Empire: The Rise of Roxelana (2009)
Description: This documentary-style film traces Roxelana's life from her origins to her becoming the most influential woman in the Ottoman Empire.
Fact: It includes interviews with historians and uses archival footage to enrich the narrative.


The Harem of Suleiman the Magnificent (2010)
Description: This film provides a detailed look at the harem life during Suleiman's reign, where Roxelana's story unfolds.
Fact: It was praised for its detailed portrayal of the harem's inner workings and the political intrigue that surrounded it.


The Magnificent Century (2011)
Description: This Turkish series delves into the life of Roxelana, showcasing her cunning, ambition, and the love story with Sultan Suleiman. It's a visually stunning portrayal of the Ottoman court.
Fact: The series was so popular that it led to a surge in tourism to Istanbul, with visitors wanting to see the locations used in the show.


The Concubine (2012)
Description: Although set in Korea, this film's themes of a concubine's rise to power echo Roxelana's story, offering a parallel narrative of ambition and manipulation.
Fact: The film was a box office success in South Korea, highlighting the universal appeal of such stories.


The Magnificent Century: Kösem (2015)
Description: While focusing on Kösem Sultan, this series provides context to Roxelana's influence on the Ottoman court and the legacy she left behind.
Fact: It was a direct sequel to "The Magnificent Century," continuing the saga of powerful women in the Ottoman Empire.


The Magnificent Century: Kosem (2015)
Description: Although centered on Kösem Sultan, the series provides context to Roxelana's influence and the political landscape she helped shape.
Fact: The series was well-received for its historical accuracy and lavish production values.
