Prior to her roles as the fiery FBI Agent in Sicario, the quick-witted Charlton in The Devil Wears Prada, and a resilient mother in A Quiet Place, Emily Blunt first established herself in the realm of period dramas. Her journey began with a remarkable debut in the stage production of The Royal Family. From there, she gracefully ventured into other period dramas like Warrior Queen and the miniseries Henry VIII. However, it was her exceptional portrayal in The Young Victoria that truly solidified her status as one of the most gifted actresses of her generation.
Although she initially gained recognition as the quintessential English Rose adorning corsets, Blunt has since evolved into one of the most versatile stars in the industry. With her notable portrayals in The Devil Wears Prada, The Young Victoria, Edge of Tomorrow, and The Girl on the Train, this uniquely gifted British actress consistently radiates brilliance across every film she’s featured in. As she is set to play Kitty in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated movie Oppenhiemer, many can't wait to see her dazzle on the silver screen. While we wait, let's explore the elegance and brilliance of Blunt’s performance in the captivating world of period dramas.
9 Warrior Queen (2003)
The historical drama film, Warrior Queen, tells the story of Boudica, a legendary queen and warrior who led a rebellion against the Roman Empire in ancient Britain. Similar to other adaptations of Boudica's story, it follows as this warrior queen becomes saddled with the leadership of a Celtic tribe in Britaina after the death of her husband.
Blunt shines in one of her earliest roles as the tender-hearted daughter of the fierce warrior Boudica, brought to life by Alex Kingston. Warrior Queen, originally titled Boudica, may not be considered the epitome of movies based on ancient Rome, yet it weaves a compelling narrative around the remarkable journey of a mighty queen. Though the film does contain some historical inaccuracies, it still offers an engaging viewing experience.
8 Empire (2005)
Set in Rome around 44 B.C., the six-hour miniseries, Empire, delves into the gripping power struggle between Octavius and Marc Anthony, leading to a turbulent civil war. Amidst the chaos, a formidable gladiator named Tyrannus emerges as a fierce protector of Caesar's bloodline, doing everything within his power to safeguard the heir.
Blunt assumes the role of Camane in the largely unknown cast of this historical drama, which received mixed reviews from viewers due to perceived shortcomings in various aspects. While it may fall short in faithfully depicting history or delivering a compelling storyline, the miniseries excels in technical areas such as stunning costumes, immersive backdrops, grandiose sets, and the skillful use of CGI. Despite the criticism it received for its historical inaccuracies, there are those who find it to be an entertaining portrayal of ancient Rome.
7 The Wolfman (2010)
This gripping horror film set in Victorian-England follows Lawrence, an acclaimed actor who returns to his ancestral home after the mysterious disappearance of his brother and finds himself entangled in his own family's dark history and discovers his startling connection to the ancient legend of the werewolf. Blunt plays the captivating Gwen Conliffe he meets during his search for the truth.
Featuring stellar performances from Benicia Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving, and Emily Blunt, The Wolfman showcases the talents of its exceptional cast. With its unsettling atmospheric setting, chilling and gory visuals, and intense performances, it weaves a tale of horror and tragedy that remains one of the most memorable monster movies. However, some viewers may find fault in the excessive and somewhat cheap CGI effects, which detracts from the overall quality and places it in the realm of a B-rated movie. While opinions may vary, there are those who recognize this remake of the 1941 horror classic as an underappreciated masterpiece.
6 Henry VIII (2003)
With just a single season, Henry VIII delves into the turbulent reign of King Henry VIII of England. This two-part television miniseries explores the broader historical events that occurred during his reign as well as offer viewers a glimpse into the life and reign of one of England's most iconic and controversial monarchs.
Blunt takes on the role of Catherine Howard, alongside a talented cast that includes Helena Bonham Carter, Assumpta Serna, Ray Winstone, Joss Stone, Emily Fox, Joanne Whaley, and others. From the meticulously crafted costumes to the impeccable performances of actors who perfectly embody their respective characters, this historical drama leaves viewers in awe.
5 The Strange Case of Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle (2005)
With a focus on author Conan Doyle, the semi-biographical film, The Strange Case of Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, provides a remarkable glimpse into the inner workings of Doyle's mind as he embarks on the creative journey of breathing life into the iconic Sherlock Holmes. Going beyond the realm of fiction, the film delves into Doyle's personal life, unveiling his frustration in writing his books, handling his sick wife, his relationship with interned father, dealing with death threats for fans and facing rather pushy publishers.
While many regard this portrayal of Doyle's life as excellent, there may be some who find it slow-paced or less than entirely convincing. Penned by David Pirie, renowned for his work on the Magnificent Murder Rooms series, expectations were high for this series, but not everyone found it entirely satisfying. Nonetheless, it boasts impressive quality and features strong performances. Blunt delivers an exceptional performance in her role as Jean Leckie, Sir Arthur Doyle's second wife.
4 The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016)
Within this fantastical film, a deep dive into the origins and untold tales of the characters from the 2012 film Snow White and the Huntsman unfolds. Blunt takes on the role of the heartbroken Freya, also known as the Ice Queen. The story follows the tumultuous journey of two lovers, Eric and Sara, as they struggle to survive the nefarious intentions of both the malevolent sorceress Queen Ravenna and the Ice-Witch, Freya.
Despite the poor critical reception The Huntsman: Winter's War got, it remains a thrilling adventure in the eyes of many fans. Boasting a talented cast, impressive special effects, and an absence of dull moments, the film delivers an exciting cinematic experience. Blunt fearlessly portrays the anguish and suffocating pain of Freya after the loss of her child, evoking deep emotions that may even bring some viewers to tear. Her blood-curdling scream at the beginning showcases her remarkable acting skills, setting the stage for a suspenseful and tension-filled journey. Blunt, alongside Charlize Theron, delivers extraordinary performances, captivating audiences and proving to be the most intriguing aspect of the film.
3 The Young Victoria (2009)
In this captivating period drama, Blunt takes on the role of the teenage Queen Victoria caught up in the political machinations of her own family. Through the brilliant performance of Blunt, viewers witness this young queen’s struggle with political intrigue and personal turmoil and her determination to assert her independence and make her own choices as a young monarch.
Beautifully crafted, The Young Victoria not only showcases the historical significance of Queen Victoria’s reign, but also shows her human side, which makes the film all the more compelling. As the story unfolds, Blunt only gets better in her portrayal of the innocence, naivety and vibrancy of young Queen Victoria. She shines in her portrayal of this young queen, making it hard to look anywhere else. Overall, The Young Victoria is considered a good film. However, viewers longing for a deeper exploration of the Queen Victoria’s life may find the storyline to be somewhat rushed.
2 The English (2022)
Written and directed by Hugo Blick, this western TV series stars Blunt, Chakse Spencer, Rafe Spall, Toby Jones, Tom Hughes, and others in a riveting revenge tale. The plot revolves around an Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke who ventures into the West in 1890, driven by a deep desire for retribution against a man she believes is responsible for her son’s death.
This may not be a period movie, but The English certainly is one of those productions where Blunt is completely exceptional. Breaking away from her usual roles, Blunt delivers a standout performance in this Western, surpassing the expectations of many and proving her versatility as a talented actress. The chemistry she shares with Spencer is undeniably one of the highlights of this poignant tale. Although the series may have had a short run, it was satisfying while it lasted.
1 Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
In this delightful and nostalgic continuation of the Mary Poppins tale, Blunt effortlessly embodies the essence of the iconic character, Mary Poppins, infusing the character with a mix of sternness, charm, and warmth. Set in 1930s London, the film follows the Banks family in the original film, now grown up, as they face new challenges. Just when all hope seems to be lost, Mary Poppins arrives to save the day and also help them rediscover the magic within them.
With a fine blend between Blunt's superb acting and the beloved Mary Poppins’s charm, this remake of the beloved classic reignites the magic that has captured hearts for generations. Although some may argue that Mary Poppins Returns cannot compare to the original 1964 Disney film, this rendition still offers an enjoyable experience that evokes both laughter and tears. The musical seems to have a lot of mixed reactions, but overall, the movie serves as a worthy tribute to the enchanting world of Mary Poppins. Though stepping into Julie Andrews' great shoes is no easy task, Blunt proves herself more than capable.