The Films Set During the Bronze Age and Iron Age subgenre typically features Films About the Bible, Historical Biopics and Films Based on Mythology. This subgenre also resides within the Historical, Drama, Fantasy, War and Romance genres. Films in this subgenre are often either set during the Bronze Age years of 3,300 BC to 1,200 BC or during the Iron Age years of 1,200 BC – 500 BC.
Bronze Age and Iron Age films were popular during the emerging years of Cinema. Cecil B. DeMille was one of the most famous Director of these “Sword and Sandal” epic films often based on the Bible. Samson and Delilah (1949) and The Ten Commandments (1956) were two of his most famous films set during The Bronze and Iron ages. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, a few other films set during this period emerged with Sodom and Gomorrah (1962), Jason and the Argonauts (1963) and The Trojan Women (1971).
In the 1980’s, the subgenre endured but two films set during this period were also box office disappointments with Wholly Moses! (1980) and King David (1985). It wasn’t until the 1990’s that there was renewed interest in this period with a slate of TV movies based on the Bible. The Bible Collection released quite a few films based on The Old Testament and The New Testament that covered both the Bronze & Iron Age era as well as the Classical Roman Era period. Biblical films set during this era in this collection included Abraham (1993), Genesis: The Creation and the Flood (1994), Jacob (1994), Joseph (1995), Moses (1995), Samson and Delilah (1996), David (1997), Solomon (1997) and Jeremiah (1998).
The 2000’s saw a pivot of the industry back to the Fantasy genre and subgenre of Mythology films during the Bronze and Iron Ages. The Scorpion King (2002), Helen of Troy (2003), Troy (2004), Minotaur (2006) and Jade Warrior (2006) were notable films during this time set in the subgenre era.
The 2010’s saw the shift back to Biblical based films set in the Bronze and Iron ages with major films releases of Noah (2014), Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) and Samson (2018). Films based on Mythology also saw major releases with Immortals (2011) and Gods of Egypt (2016). And Historical Biopics set during this era were popular with Confucius (2010), The First King (2019) and The Legend of Tomiris (2019).
Our list of Films Set During the Bronze Age and Iron Age includes over 29+ films from 1956 – 2019. In the future, we’ll add more of the films that were set during this time period that predated 1970. For our list of Top Films Set During the Bronze Age and Iron Age, we focused on Historical films vs. Mythology films as we will have an entirely separate list for Films About Mythology soon.
We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Films Set During the Bronze Age and Iron Age You Haven’t Seen and more details on these films can be found in the list below. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#10
King David
Plot: A historical look at Israel’s King David.
Year(s): 1040 BC – 970 BC
KBZ’s Take: This isn’t a bad film but does suffer from pacing and casting. While Richard Gere is one of the best actors of his generation, his performance isn’t suited for this role. Also, the pacing of the film slows down multiple times where it’s a chore to keep going and finish it. With that said, there are some interesting battle scenes, a short but good visualization of the David and Goliath battle and some great acting performances (Edward Woodward in particular). It’s worth watching for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3VLzjiH
#9
Samson
Plot: After losing his wife to the Philistines, Samson (with supernatural strength) defends his people.
Year(s): ~1040 BC
KBZ’s Take: We’ll start off by stating that this is not a great film – nor is it a particularly good film. It’s a Bible-themed film made for the 300 (2007) crowd filled with action and violence. However, for younger film fans, they are more likely to sit through this version vs. the superior Samson-themed films of Samson and Delilah (1949) and Samson and Delilah (1996). There are some decent action sequences in this film and the broad message of the Samson story still comes across, but you’ll most likely be watching the practical and CGI-created historical set pieces that are the saving grace of the film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Bp6ilx
#8
The Red Tent
Plot: The story of the twelve tribes of Israel is told through the eyes of Jacob’s only daughter, Dinah.
Year(s): ~1800 to 1500 BC
KBZ’s Take: Based on the best-selling 1997 novel of the same name by Anita Diamant, this Lifetime Network adaption is surprisingly good. It’s paced well, has a compelling narrative and includes great performances by Rebecca Ferguson (Dinah), Iain Glen (Jacob), Debra Winger (Rebecca) and Will Tudor (Joseph). Though it is a Biblical-themed film, it’s also an interesting look at the time period that fans of the subgenre will enjoy.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3EODovQ
#7
Confucius
Plot: Historical look at Kong Ze (Confucius) who becomes an inspiration for his people.
Years(s): ~500 BC
KBZ’s Take: While most films set during the Bronze Age or Iron Age focus on the Middle East, this is one film that excels in showing China during that same time period. Though this film had some controversies in China, for Western audiences, it’s a great film to learn about one of the most revered people in Chinese history. It also has some amazing action and battle sequences balanced against the wisdom and teachings of Confucius. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3OVIYBq
Plot: Moses rises up against the Egyptians to lead 400,000 slaves to freedom.
Year(s): ~1300 BC
KBZ’s Take: This Ridley Scott film was mired in initial controversy with white actors playing Hebrew and Egyptian characters and the film was met with a mixed reception. Like other modern adaptations of Biblical-themed films, this film (like others) tends to be more action focused when it’s not necessarily warranted. However, with any Ridley Scott film, you know you’re going to get an amazing spectacle and on that – he delivers. The film is still one of the best of the subgenre and best modern adaptations of Biblical-themed people and events.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3VGWLh3
Plot: Romulus and Remus begin a journey that will one day establish the greatest city of its time – Rome.
Year(s): ~800 BC
KBZ’s Take: While there are a quite a few films set during the Classical Roman Era, this is one of the only films that tackles the founding of Rome. Focusing on the brothers Romulus and Remus, it’s an action filled adventure as the two brothers battle fate and destiny. This Italian film is a hidden gem that should be sought out by any fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3UnKMUK
Plot: Lot, leader of the Hebrews, believes they can co-exist with the Sodomites – a disastrous decision.
Year(s): ~1900 BC
KBZ’s Take: Of all the ‘sword and sandal’ Biblical Epics, this one has always had a negative reputation. It was panned by critics for the lack of debauchery and lust associated with the Sodom and Gomorrah story. However, unlike other Biblical Epics, this one has stood the test of time. The narrative and theme of the Sodom and Gomorrah story comes through, there’s some great battle scenes (that are still impressive 60 years later) and the film has some great acting performances. Yes, it doesn’t delve into the debauchery of the story, but it’s implied in a film that still excels without showing the excess.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3FluDel
#3
Troy
Plot: Agamemnon and Menelaus (with Achilles) lead Greek forces against the Trojans.
Year(s): ~1250 BC
KBZ’s Take: For modern film audiences, Troy is the most popular film set during the Bronze and Iron Ages. While historians have come around that Troy was an actual city but the Trojan Horse likely was myth, the film Troy is best in its class at telling this popular Greek tale. While most people reading this list have probably already seen the film, if you somehow haven’t seen it yet, it’s one of the best films set during the subgenre period and a great overall War film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3B1qARz
Plot: Moses embarks on a quest to reclaim his destiny as the leader of the Hebrew people.
Year(s): ~1400 – 1300 BC
KBZ’s Take: If you’re reading this list, you’re probably asking how this film cannot be #1 for films set during this subgenre era? Well, when you see the #1 film on this list, you’ll see why. The Ten Commandments is the best film of the subgenre, has been a televised classic during Christmas every year and is the most popular film based on the Bible. If you somehow still have not seen this film, it should be watched at least once to appreciate this subgenre classic.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3ETNBqW
Plot: The rise of Tomiris as Queen of the Massagetae and her battle with the Persian King, Cyrus the Great.
Year(s): 600 – 500 BC
KBZ’s Take: We’re including this Kazakhstan film as #1 on our list for a few reasons. First, it’s not well known and is one of the best films of the subgenre and a historical period or region that often isn’t covered in film. Second, it’s a classic example of a film that was “review bombed” by people that didn’t agree with the politics of the film. Most review bombs are from Iranians who did not agree with the portrayal of Cyrus the Great. An odd take given the film is based on the Greek Historian Herodotus’ versions of events. Three, all politics aside, it’s a great film that’s reminiscent of Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007). In fact, Tomiris Cinematographer, Khasan Kydyraliyev, was also involved with Mongol and you’ll see many similarities between the films – especially during the battle sequences. We highly recommend this film for fans of the subgenre, Historical Biopic films, Epic War Films and War Films with Massive Battle Scenes.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3uewScS
