Movies like The Last Empress (1966)
The best movies like The Last Empress (1966) are Uprising (2024), Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023) and The Face Reader (2013). If The Last Empress hooked you with its drama and history, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
The Last Empress
Quick picks
- Highest ratedMy Way (2011)7.9/10 from 472 votes
- NewestJust the Worst Time (2024)Released 2024
- In KoreanUprising (2024)Also in Korean
Uprising (2024)
In the Joseon Dynasty, two friends who grew up together — one the master and one the servant — reunite post-war as enemies on opposing sides.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNoryang: Deadly Sea (2023)
The Imjin War reaches its seventh year in December of 1598. Admiral Yi Sun-shin learns that the Wa invaders in Joseon are preparing for a swift withdrawal following the deathbed orders of their leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Determined to destroy the enemy once and for all, Admiral Yi leads an allied fleet of Joseon and Ming ships to mount a blockade and annihilate the Wa army. However, once Ming commander Chen Lin is bribed into lifting the blockade, Wa lord Shimazu Yoshihiro and his Satsuma army sail to the Wa army's rescue at Noryang Strait.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Face Reader (2013)
An exceptionally talented face reader becomes entangled in a bloody power struggle between a child king and his uncle who plans to usurp the throne.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Treacherous (2015)
The story of Joseon's tyrant king Yeonsan who exploits the populace for his own carnal pleasures, his seemingly loyal retainer who controls him and all court dealings, and a woman who seeks vengeance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHansan: Rising Dragon (2022)
In 1592, admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the might of the invading Japanese navy and its formidable warships. As the Korean forces fall into crisis, the admiral resorts to using his secret weapon, the dragon head ships known as geobukseon, in order to change the tide of this epic battle at sea.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWar of the Arrows (2011)
After the death of their father, two siblings are raised by their father's best friend. However, when one gets kidnapped just before her wedding, the other rises against the Manchus.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Swordsman (2020)
After being blinded in a coup against the king, Joseon's greatest swordsman goes into hiding, far removed from his city's anguish. But when traffickers kidnap his daughter, he has no choice but to unsheathe his sword once more.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Fortress (2017)
Ancient Korea, 17th century. The powerful Khan of the Jurchen tribe of Manchuria, who fights the Ming dinasty to gain China, becomes the first ruler of the Qing dinasty and demands from King In-jo of Joseon to bow before him; but he refuses, being loyal to the Mings. On December 14th, 1636, the Qing horde invades Joseon, so King In-jo and his court shelter in the mountain fortress of Namhan and prepare to defend the kingdom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Last Princess (2016)
Under the oppressive Japanese colonial rule, Deok-hye, the last Princess of the declining Joseon Dynasty, is forced to move to Japan. She spends her days missing home, while struggling to maintain dignity as a princess. After a series of failed tries, Deok-hye makes her final attempt to return home with help of her childhood sweetheart, Jang-han.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMy Way (2011)
During the invasion of Normandy the photograph of a slim Korean man in German uniform was found. It transpired that the man had served as a soldier in the Japanese, Russian and German armies. His incredible story inspired director Kang Je-Gyu to create this epic war drama.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMasquerade (2012)
Though it places his own life in danger, a look-alike commoner secretly takes the place of a poisoned king to save his country from falling into chaos.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
Admiral Yi Sun-sin faces a tough challenge when he is forced to defend his nation with just 13 battleships against 300 Japanese enemy ships in the Battle of Myeongryang.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Throne (2015)
Ancient Korea, July 4, 1762. The Crown Prince Hyojang, posthumously named Sado, son of King Yeongjo of Joseon, is accused of treason. Thus, the king asks him to commit suicide, but his closest vassals prevent it, so the king orders the prince to get inside a wooden rice chest, where he suffers deprivation of food and water.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Sword with No Name (2009)
Mu Myeong is a Joseon dynasty headhunter who meets and falls in love with lady Ja Yeong who will become the future Empress Myseongseong. A few years later, Ja Yeong enters the royal palace to marry King Gojong. Mu Myeong still having feelings for Ja Yeong and in an attempt to get closer to her becomes her personal body guard.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Divine Weapon (2008)
During the reign of King Sejong in the 15th century, the Joseon Dynasty was the embodiment of the perfect state. To the Ming China, the aspiring imperial power, Joseon presented an obstacle to territorial expansion. To protect themselves from war, King Sejong develops a secret weapon to defend their territory and take back their land and supremacy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Concubine (2012)
A tragic love triangle story between Hwa-yeon, a daughter of a nobleman, her true love Kwon-yoo, a servant and the man who will be King, Prince Sung-won.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Battle: Roar to Victory (2019)
Over a 4 day period, a fierce battle takes place between Korean independence militias and imperialist Japanese forces in Manchuria, China. The militia includes a master swordsman and an expert marksman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKundo: Age of the Rampant (2014)
In 1862, amidst the rule of the late Joseon dynasty in Korea, a band of fighters named Kundo rise against the unjust authorities.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRemember (2022)
Pil-ju, an Alzheimer's patient in his 80s, who lost all his family during the Japanese colonial era, and devotes his lifelong revenge before his memories disappear, and a young man in his 20s who helps him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Battleship Island (2017)
During the Japanese colonial era, roughly 400 Korean people, who were forced onto Battleship Island 'Hashima Island' to mine for coal, attempt to escape.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMalcolm X (1992)
A tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the '50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAlexander (2004)
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.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Fate of Two Queens (1954)
Anthology film in which Hedy Lamarr plays 2 queens during 2 different time periods. Ulmer directed the Genoveffa di Brabante part whereas Allégret was responsible for the empress Josephine section after he left due to artistic differences with Lamarr.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama & history
A Season of Giants (1990)
At the turn of the sixteenth century, Michelangelo (Mark Frankel), Raphael (Andrea Prodan), and Leonardo Da Vinci (John Glover) create their masterpieces, while dealing with religious persecution, political turmoil, and the discovery of America.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama & history
Abe Lincoln: Freedom Fighter (1978)
In this alleged retelling of Lincoln's early life, the President-to-be is rescued by Henry, a Black man and freed slave who has lost his papers. Locals with a grudge against Lincoln and a hatred of African-Americans frame Henry for stealing, and it's up to Lincoln to defend the man and find the vital clue that will set him free.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history & drama
Just the Worst Time (2024)
The Devil stalks the streets of a metropolis at night making his classic Faustian bargain to unsuspecting victims - The only catch is he is unable to close a single deal... Until he comes across a man with a US flag pin who helps him develop his business acumen.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
All the President's Men (1976)
During the 1972 elections, two reporters' investigation sheds light on the controversial Watergate scandal that compels President Nixon to resign from his post.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Discovery of Heaven (2001)
Disappointed with humanity, God wants to revoke his contract with humanity and wants to take back the stone tablets containing the ten commandments. To this end an angel is sent out to affect the personal lives of three humans so an appropriate child may be conceived.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Family Doctrine (Part 2) - A Setting Sun on the Green Hill (1965)
Family Doctrine is a drama film directed by Chu Kei and stars Wu Fung, Man Lan, Pearl Au Ka-Wai, Ma Siu-Ying, and Kitty Ting Hao.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Exodus (1960)
Ari Ben Canaan, a passionate member of the Jewish paramilitary group Haganah, attempts to transport 600 Jewish refugees on a dangerous voyage from Cyprus to Palestine on a ship named the Exodus. He faces obstruction from British forces, who will not grant the ship passage to its destination.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Last Empress?
The closest matches to The Last Empress are Uprising (2024), Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023) and The Face Reader (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Last Empress?
Start with Uprising (2024), the closest match to The Last Empress.
What is the highest-rated movie like The Last Empress?
My Way (2011), rated 7.9/10 by 472 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Last Empress?
Just the Worst Time (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Korean movies like The Last Empress?
Yes: Uprising (2024), Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023) and The Face Reader (2013).
How are movies similar to The Last Empress chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Last Empress, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.