Cleopatra is one of the most iconic and famous people in the world. There is no doubt that the former female ruler of Ancient Egypt was one of the most influential in history, and that influence is something that is still recognized in the modern era.
There have been a number of films to have been made about her, with many of them having gone on to achieve plenty of success. When it comes down to trying to work out the best 10 films to have featured her, it can become rather tricky. While the sheer number of them makes it difficult, it is also important to recognize that there are many that are simply brilliantly put together, and the actresses that portrayed the former empress did a stellar job.
What are the 10 best Cleopatra films?
When trying to think of the 10 best Cleopatra films to have ever been released, it could be possible to rank the following among those:
- Cleopatra (1970)
- Serpent of the Nile (1953)
- Asterix and Cleopatra (1968)
- Two Nights with Cleopatra (1954)
- Cleopatra’s Tomb (1899)
- Antony and Cleopatra (1972)
- Caesar and Cleopatra (1945)
- Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002)
- Cleopatra (1934)
- Cleopatra (1963)
Each of the films is considered highly by movie enthusiasts and critics that have enjoyed depictions of the Ancient Egyptian ruler for a variety of different reasons. Many do believe the 1963 title “Cleopatra” to be the best to have ever existed, though. This could be because it managed to earn nine Oscar nominations and won four of them. It starred Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, while Rex Harrison and Richard Burton played Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony, respectively. It was also known for Taylor’s 65 costume changes, too.
The 1934 edition of “Cleopatra” is also widely regarded as one of the best to have portrayed the empress, too. Played by Claudette Colbert, she managed to portray the love life of the Egyptian ruler in a way that others simply failed to do, thus making it one of the best.
Cleopatra left an indelible mark on pop culture
While Cleopatra may have ruled in a time before Christ (51 to 30 BC), she is still idolized today as many were left inspired by her tales. She is known to have lost her kingdom before, but managed to regain it, while also avoiding losing it again.
Naturally, this has made her a highly popular subject of popular culture, with many having looked to use her as a source of inspiration. She has been used as a character in a number of TV shows and series, documentaries, and feature-length films, with Netflix having recently released a new show that has caused controversy.
She has also been used in the iGaming industry as a popular figure, especially as Ancient Egyptian themes remain popular with players. Slot games include “Cleopatra”, “Cleopatra II”, “Eye of Cleopatra”, and “Cleopatra’s Golden Spells”. If you want to try your luck and enjoy a session of gaming, you can take advantage of the 32Red promo, where you are able to get a head start and enjoy offers ranging from free bonus spins on your favorite slots, as well as starting to earn loyalty points for even bigger rewards.
She has been the source of inspiration in music videos and song lyrics, and there have been numerous books to have been written about her as the main character, too. If there is a form of entertainment that she has not been used in, it simply does not exist.
Will we see more films created in the future?
While we may feel as though we have seen as much of Cleopatra as possible on the big screen, it is impossible not to imagine that we will see newer releases in the future; especially given the historical influence and importance she had on the world.
As technology continues to improve, filmmakers are likely to use methods such as virtual reality (VR) to bring her story to life and give audiences the experience of knowing what it might have been like to be in her presence at the time. Other technologies that can help to provide an immersive experience are also likely to be used.
Netflix’s release of a new documentary in 2023 has had everyone talking (for the wrong reasons), but it did not stop them from bringing the famous ruler back to our screens. What’s not to say she is brought back by someone else in the future?
