12 Favorite Period Films

4. "Gangs of New York"

Period pieces don't just have to be whimsical romances or royal controversies. Martin Scorsese's crime drama "Gangs of New York" may just be the grittiest and dirtiest period film on this list. Set in mid-19th century New York City, the film follows a vengeful orphan, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, on his mission to murder his father's killer, crime boss Bill "The Butcher," played by Daniel Day-Lewis. "Gangs of New York" is the type of period film that shows how unglamorous it's era really was.

Photo Source: Miramax Films