Best movies like Red Cliff
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
In 208 A.D., in the final days of the Han Dynasty, shrewd Prime Minster Cao convinced the fickle Emperor Han the only way to unite all of China was to declare war on the kingdoms of Xu in the west and East Wu in the south. Thus began a military campaign of unprecedented scale. Left with no other hope for survival, the kingdoms of Xu and East Wu formed an unlikely alliance.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 48000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, War
Country: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, USA
Duration: 145 min
Plot tags: epic, realistic, breathtaking, brutal, visual, intense, exciting, serious, action packed, saga
Best tv shows and movies like Red Cliff (2008):
Similar in 90%
Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
Plot Summary:
Set in late 19th century Canton this martial arts film depicts the stance taken by the legendary martial arts hero Wong Fei-Hung (1847-1924) against foreign forces' (English, French and American) plundering of China.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 20000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, History
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: intense, colorful, exciting, serious, realistic, cult classic, stylized, heroic, epic, thought provoking
Similar in 89%
The Assassins (2012)
Plot Summary:
In the year 198 BC, Cao Cao (Chow Yun Fat), Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, ventured to the east and defeated China's greatest warrior Lu Bu, terrifying every ambitious warlord across the country. Several years later, after taking the Han Emperor under his wing, Cao crowns himself King of Wei. He built a magnificent Bronze Sparrow Island to symbolize his power and rumors spread that he would replace the Emperor. Meanwhile, young lovers Mu Shun (Hiroshi Tamaki) and Ling Ju (Liu Yi-Fei) are taken from a prison camp to a hidden tomb, where they spend five cruel years together, training as assassins for a secret mission. In the year 220 BC astronomical signs predict dramatic change. As a result, Cao's son Cao Pi (Yau Sam-Chi) and Cao's followers urge Cao to become the new Emperor - but unknown opposing forces plot against him.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: China
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, epic, realistic, captivating, stylized
Similar in 83%
Dragon (2011)
Plot Summary:
A sinful martial arts expert wants to start a new tranquil life, only to be hunted by a determined detective and his former master.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: Hong Kong, China
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: stylized, enigmatic, melancholic, atmospheric, surreal, serious, suspense, cult classic, thought provoking, detective
Similar in 78%
The 14 Amazons (1972)
Plot Summary:
The Yang family, men and women, have served their country loyally for generations. During the war General Yang is ambushed and killed. His widow and the entire family set out to avenge his death and defend the country.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 508
Genere: Adventure, Drama, History, War
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 125 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 82%
The Legend of Suriyothai (2001)
Plot Summary:
During the 16th century, as Thailand contends with both a civil war and Burmese invasion, a beautiful princess rises up to help protect the glory of the Kingdom of Ayothaya. Based on the life of Queen Suriyothai.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: Thailand
Duration: 185 min
Plot tags: epic, exciting, atmospheric, realistic, serious, stylized
Similar in 75%
Little Big Soldier (2010)
Plot Summary:
The story of a farmer forced into conscription, who has been looking to get out of the army ever since. His great chance arrives when he stumbles upon a wounded general from an enemy state, and he kidnaps him, intending to claim credit for the capture, which includes five "mu" of land, and most importantly, honorable discharge from the army.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Comedy, History, War
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: humorous, stylized, exciting, realistic, semi serious, cult classic
Similar in 84%
The Emperor and the Assassin (1998)
Plot Summary:
In pre-unified China, the King of Qin sends his concubine to a rival kingdom to produce an assassin for a political plot, but as the king's cruelty mounts she finds her loyalty faltering.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: China, France, Japan
Duration: 162 min
Plot tags: epic, thought provoking, heroic, serious, captivating, realistic, philosophical, atmospheric, sexy, clever
Similar in 75%
The Warlords (2007)
Plot Summary:
A heroic tale of three blood brothers and their struggle in the midst of war and political upheaval. It is based on "The Assassination of Ma," a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) story about the killing of general Ma Xinyi.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 28000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, Romance, War
Country: Hong Kong, China
Duration: 126 min
Plot tags: sincere, suspenseful, epic, rough, serious, cult classic, exciting, realistic
Similar in 85%
Once Upon a Time in China II (1992)
Plot Summary:
In the sequel to the Tsui Hark classic, Wong Fei-Hung faces The White Lotus society, a fanatical cult seeking to drive the Europeans out of China through violence, even attacking Chinese who follow Western ways. Wong must also defend Dr. Sun Yat Sen, a revolutionary, from the military.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Biography, History, Romance
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: stylized, enigmatic, cult classic, epic, exciting, serious, realistic, tense, light, road movie
Similar in 86%
Curse of the Golden Flower (2006)
Plot Summary:
During China's Tang dynasty the emperor has taken the princess of a neighboring province as wife. She has borne him two sons and raised his eldest. Now his control over his dominion is complete, including the royal family itself.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 46000
Genere: Action, Drama, Romance
Country: Hong Kong, China
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: costume drama, visual, colorful, absurd, serious, captivating, visually stunning, stylized, action adventure, sexy
Similar in 81%
Dragon Blade (2015)
Plot Summary:
Huo An, the commander of the Protection Squad of the Western Regions, was framed by evil forces and becomes enslaved. On the other hand, a Roman general escapes to China after rescuing the Prince. The heroic duo meet in the Western Desert and a thrilling story unfolds.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Action, Drama, Fantasy, History
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: realistic, exciting, serious, scenic, cult classic, action adventure, epic
Similar in 89%
Saving General Yang (2013)
Plot Summary:
When a rival nation sends troops to invade the Song Dynasty, the emperor sends general Yang Ye (Adam Cheng) to defend the nation. However, Yang's place in the court is shaky due to a feud with Pan Renmei caused by the accidental death of his son at the hands of one of Yang's sons. At the battle, Yang is abandoned by Pan's troops, leaving him trapped in the face of an attack by Yeli Yuan (Shao Bing), an enemy general who wants to kill Yang to avenge his father. After learning about their father's predicament, Yang Ye's seven sons set out to rescue their father at any cost.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Adventure, History, War
Country: Hong Kong, China
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, suspenseful, inspirational, historical drama, realistic, stylized, epic
Similar in 79%
Red Cliff II (2009)
Plot Summary:
The battle of Red Cliff continues and the alliance between Xu and East Wu is fracturing. With Cao Cao's massive forces on their doorstep, will the kingdoms of Xu and East Wu survive?.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 25000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, War
Country: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, USA
Duration: 142 min
Plot tags: epic, saga, stylized, scenic, visual, tense, brutal, enigmatic, suspense, exciting
Similar in 78%
The Lost Bladesman (2011)
Plot Summary:
During the warring period of the three kingdoms, ancient China is in turmoil. To unify the country, general Cao Cao (Jiang Wen), the real power behind the Emperor, enlists the aid of the greatest warrior in the land, Guan Yu (Donnie Yen). However, Guan Yu is a loyal friend of Cao Cao's enemy Liu Bei (Alex Fong) so to persuade the peerless warrior to fight, Cao Cao takes his beloved Qi Lan (Sun Li) hostage. After leading Cao Cao's forces to victory Guan Yu sets out with Qi Lan to rejoin Liu Bei. But now Cao Cao has deemed him too great a threat to live, and on the journey he must face all the forces at the Emperor's command sent to destroy him.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, History
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: exciting, emotional, stylized, action packed, serious, realistic, epic
Similar in 76%
Three Kingdoms (2008)
Plot Summary:
The aging Zhao embarks on his final and greatest campaign, a road to adventure that will crown his name in glory for all time.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: China, South Korea, Hong Kong
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: exciting, realistic, atmospheric, serious, stylized, epic
Similar in 76%
The Warrior (2001)
Plot Summary:
In 1375, China was in chaos between Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. Coryo (an ancient kingdom of Korea then) sent a delegation of many diplomats, soldiers and a silent slave to make peace with the new Chinese government. However, this delegation got charged as spies and sent in exile to a remote desert.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: South Korea, China
Duration: 158 min
Plot tags: exciting, rough, suspenseful, stylized, epic, captivating, intense, serious, tense, sentimental
Similar in 75%
Battle of the Warriors (2006)
Plot Summary:
In 370 B.C, China was separated as seven nations and several other small tribes, one of these being the city state of Liang. The nation of Zhao is led by the terrifying Xiang Yangzhong who orders his troops to conquer the small city. Leaping to the defense of the people of Liang is 'Ge Li' from the Mo-Tsu tribe, their last hope from the terrors of Yangzhong's troops.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Action, Drama, War
Country: China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong
Duration: 133 min
Plot tags: exciting, rough, stylized, serious, realistic, epic
Similar in 78%
Mulan: Rise of a Warrior (2009)
Plot Summary:
When barbarian hordes threaten her homeland, the brave and cunning Mulan disguises herself as a male soldier to swell the ranks in her aging father's stead. The warrior's remarkable courage drives her through powerful battle scenes and brutal wartime startegy. Mulan loses dear friends to the enemy's blade as she rises to become one of her country's most valuable leaders - but can she win the war before her secret is exposed?.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Romance, War
Country: China, USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, stylized, realistic, epic, romantic drama, period drama
Similar in 77%
War of the Arrows (2011)
Plot Summary:
13 years after the King Injo Revolt, the Chosun Dynasty is attacked by the Chung Dynasty of China. A young man named Na-mi leaves his demolished village to find his young sister, Ja-in, and her finance Su-koon, who were to wed on the very day of the attack. While on his mission to rescue her, he is being traced by Jushinta, a fierce Chung Warrior, and his band of malicious men who are out to stop him. Na-mi has but a day to rescue his sister before she is taken away to be a slave. When Na-mi finally finds his sister, Jushinta comes between them and a fierce battle between two of the finest warriors unfolds.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Action, Adventure
Country: South Korea
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, realistic, captivating, stylized, suspense, scenic, historical drama, twisted, epic
Similar in 75%
Clash of Empires: The Battle for Asia (2011)
Plot Summary:
Based loosely on the 16th century historical document entitled ‘The Malay Annals’, ’The Chronicles of Merong Mahawangsa’ is an action-packed epic feature film, with mythical characters, magical moments and dazzling visual-effects sequences. Merong Mahawangsa was a descendant of Alexander the Great, a renowned naval captain and traveler who came to Asia several hundred years ago.
IMDB Rating: 3.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama
Country: Malaysia
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: exciting, epic, serious, captivating, suspenseful, dark comedy
Similar in 87%
Arn: The Knight Templar (2007)
Plot Summary:
Arn, the son of a high-ranking Swedish nobleman is educated in a monastery and sent to the Holy Land as a knight templar to do penance for a forbidden love.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 23000
Genere: Action, Drama, Romance, War
Country: Sweden, UK, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Germany, Morocco
Duration: 139 min
Plot tags: stylized, exciting, captivating, epic, scenic, costume drama, historical drama, inspirational, period piece, mythical
Similar in 83%
Hero (2002)
Plot Summary:
One man defeated three assassins who sought to murder the most powerful warlord in pre-unified China.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 186000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama
Country: Hong Kong, China
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: breathtaking, atmospheric, visually stunning, philosophical, epic, serious, visual, stylized, exciting, colorful
Similar in 81%
The 300 Spartans (1962)
Plot Summary:
Essentially true story of how Spartan king Leonidas led an extremely small army of Greek Soldiers (300 of his personal body guards from Sparta) to hold off an invading Persian army now thought to have numbered 250,000.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, History, War
Country: USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: period piece, epic, serious, biblical, fast paced, technicolor, historical drama, exciting, rough, light
Similar in 82%
House of Flying Daggers (2004)
Plot Summary:
In 9th century China, a corrupt government wages war against a rebel army called the Flying Daggers. A romantic warrior breaks a beautiful rebel out of prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they seem.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 115000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: visually stunning, stylized, visual, exciting, epic, sexy, breathtaking, emotional, enigmatic, scenic
Similar in 78%
Alexander (2004)
Plot Summary:
Alexander, the King of Macedonia, leads his legions against the giant Persian Empire. After defeating the Persians, he leads his army across the then known world, venturing farther than any westerner had ever gone, all the way to India.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 175000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, History, War
Country: USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy
Duration: 175 min
Plot tags: epic, breathtaking, period piece, serious, factual, informative, historical drama, suspense, harsh, inspirational
Similar in 88%
Troy (2004)
Plot Summary:
In year 1250 B.C. during the late Bronze age, two emerging nations begin to clash. Paris, the Trojan prince, convinces Helen, Queen of Sparta, to leave her husband Menelaus, and sail with him back to Troy. After Menelaus finds out that his wife was taken by the Trojans, he asks his brother Agamemnom to help him get her back. Agamemnon sees this as an opportunity for power. So they set off with 1,000 ships holding 50,000 Greeks to Troy. With the help of Achilles, the Greeks are able to fight the never before defeated Trojans.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 561000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA, Malta, UK
Duration: 163 min
Plot tags: epic, exciting, heroic, realistic, period piece, rough, serious, stylized, factual, costume drama
Similar in 89%
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Plot Summary:
After his wife dies, a blacksmith named Balian is thrust into royalty, political intrigue and bloody holy wars during the Crusades.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 307000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, War
Country: UK, Germany, Spain, Morocco, USA, Italy, France
Duration: 144 min
Plot tags: epic, serious, exciting, realistic, period piece, scenic, harsh, visually stunning, historical drama, intense
Similar in 89%
300 (2006)
Plot Summary:
Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" is very loosely based the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army against the advancing Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world's first democracy.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 852000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA, Canada, Bulgaria
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: epic, intense, exciting, scenic, visually stunning, visual, stylized, heroic, entertaining, bloody
Similar in 89%
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Plot Summary:
After an abrupt and violent encounter with a French warship inflicts severe damage upon his ship, a captain of the British Royal Navy begins a chase over two oceans to capture or destroy the enemy, though he must weigh his commitment to duty and ferocious pursuit of glory against the safety of his devoted crew, including the ship's thoughtful surgeon, his best friend.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 234000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, War
Country: USA
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, period piece, serious, suspenseful, breathtaking, dramatic, visually appealing, visually stunning, costume drama
Similar in 82%
Gladiator (2000)
Plot Summary:
In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus' devious son Commodus ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes, but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
IMDB Votes: 16000000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama
Country: USA, UK, Malta, Morocco
Duration: 155 min
Plot tags: epic, captivating, breathtaking, suspense, emotional, exciting, rough, realistic, atmospheric, period piece