Ranked: The 15 Greatest Napoleon Movies of All Time

The cinematic portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte spans a multitude of genres, from sweeping historical dramas to lighthearted comedies. As the Emperor of France, Napoleon cemented his legacy through remarkable military conquests across Europe during the tumultuous French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Yet, his reign was fleeting, culminating in exile and death just six years after his downfall. The compelling narrative of his ascent, triumphs, and subsequent decline has inspired numerous films throughout cinematic history, attracting attention since the silent film era to the present day.

One notable recent example is Ridley Scott’s 2023 film, which seeks to encapsulate Napoleon’s dramatic life story. However, his relatively short stature and the notion of the “Napoleonic complex”have led filmmakers to utilize his persona as a source of humor, with films like Napoleon Dynamite employing his name for comedic effect.

15 Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

A Family Movie Where Historical Figures Come to Life

The sequel to the popular 2006 comedy, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian features Ben Stiller reprising his role as a night guard at the museum. In this installment, familiar historical figures awaken once more, including Teddy Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, and Al Capone. Alain Chabat lends his voice to Napoleon Bonaparte, who collaborates with the villainous Kahmunrah, portrayed by Hank Azaria. The film humorously addresses Napoleon’s “complex,”integrating jest while receiving modest reviews.

14 War and Peace (1965)

The Epic Retelling of Tolstoy’s Novel

Sergei Bondarchuk’s adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s monumental work War and Peace spans an impressive 431 minutes across four parts. Bondarchuk not only directed but also starred as Pierre Bezukhov, one of the prominent characters in this richly layered narrative. The film features Vladislav Strzhelchik as Napoleon, chronicling key historical events such as the War of the Third Coalition and Napoleon’s fateful invasion of Russia, ultimately leading up to a dramatic assassination attempt by Pierre.

13 The Story of Mankind (1957)

The Devil & Spirit of Man Debate Humanity’s Fate

This 1957 dark fantasy film, inspired by Hendrik Willem van Loon’s work, features the Devil as the prosecutor in a metaphysical courtroom spectacle determining humanity’s fate. A young Dennis Hopper features as Napoleon, adding a unique historical figure to this elaborate tale where the condemned and salvaged characters vie for humanity’s destiny.

12 The Count of Monte Cristo (1934)

The Classic Telling of the French Adventure Novel

In the 1934 film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, the narrative shifts focus onto the protagonist, Edmond Dantès, interwoven with a brief appearance by Napoleon, portrayed by Paul Irving. The storyline follows Dantès, who is wrongfully imprisoned after delivering a letter for Napoleon, leading to betrayal and vengeance upon his escape.

11 The Emperor’s New Clothes (2001)

What If Napoleon Escaped His Exile?

Directed by Alan Taylor, this historical drama envisions an alternate reality where Napoleon, played by Ian Holm, escapes from exile on Saint Helena. Based on Simon Leys’ novel, the story explores themes of identity and ambition, reflecting on what might have been had the infamous leader successfully returned to power.

10 The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

A Retelling of the Classic Alexandre Dumas Novel

The 2002 iteration of The Count of Monte Cristo features Jim Caviezel as Dantès and Alex Norton as Napoleon. This film retains the core premise of Dantès’ revenge while creatively incorporating Napoleon’s character during his exile, enhancing the tale’s dramatic depth.

9 Waterloo (1970)

The Battle of Waterloo

In Waterloo, directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, Rod Steiger portrays Napoleon during the climactic battle that marked his downfall. This grand war film, co-produced across nations, excels in its depiction of battle sequences and character exploration, winning accolades for its technical merits along the way.

8 Mr. N. (2003)

Napoleon’s Final Days in Exile

Philippe Torreton as Napoleon sitting down in Monsieur N

Monsieur N. explores a fictional narrative claiming that Napoleon evaded death and lived out his days in obscurity, spotlighting Philippe Torreton’s portrayal of the emperor as he navigates complex relationships with historical context and personal choices.

7 Desiree (1954)

Napoleon’s Unfulfilled Love Story

Marlon Brando stars in Désirée, a romantic drama chronicling Napoleon’s complicated love life, particularly with Désirée Clary, played by Jean Simmons. This film diverges from typical narratives by emphasizing personal relationships during his rise to power, examining the poignant choices that shaped his life.

6 Love and Death (1975)

A Woody Allen Comedy in the Napoleonic Era

In this satirical take on Russian literary tropes, Woody Allen’s Love and Death intersperses comedic elements with Napoleon’s historical context. Amid absurd philosophical dilemmas, a daring plot to assassinate Napoleon emerges, embodying the film’s absurdist humor alongside its historical anecdotes.

5 Napoleon (2023)

Ridley Scott on Napoleon’s Rise to Power

The latest cinematic venture, Napoleon, highlights the dramatic ascension of the French leader, with Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby in pivotal roles. This meticulously crafted film, clocking in at over three hours, reveals both the warrior’s formidable achievements and the intimate relationships that shaped his reign.

4 Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Bill & Ted Bring Napoleon to the Modern Day

A comedy that transcends time, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure cleverly juxtaposes historical figures, including Napoleon, into a contemporary narrative through the lens of time travel. Portrayed by Terry Camilleri, Napoleon’s antics add a layer of humor as Bill and Ted endeavor to ace their history class.

3 Quills (2000)

Napoleon has the Marquis de Sade Institutionalized

The film Quills, featuring Geoffrey Rush as the Marquis de Sade, includes Napoleon’s direct involvement in silencing literary dissent during his rule. This powerful narrative, capturing the tensions between creative expression and authority, demonstrates the emperor’s influence on culture and society at the time.

2 Time Bandits (1981)

Time Travelers Meet Napoleon in the Past

In Terry Gilliam’s whimsical adventure Time Bandits, the character of Napoleon, once again played by Ian Holm, makes a brief but memorable appearance amid a humorous journey through time. The inventive plot cleverly intertwines various historical figures, showcasing Napoleon’s lasting legacy in popular culture.

1 Napoleon (1927)

Napoleon’s Rise to Power

Director Abel Gance’s silent epic, Napoléon, remains a landmark achievement in cinema, notable for its innovative techniques and grand storytelling. Featuring Albert Dieudonné as Napoleon, the film chronicles his formative years and rise, establishing a heroic narrative arc that resonates through generations.

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