Movies like Ragtime

With its grandiose storytelling and richly woven tapestry of American life, The Godfather stands as a monumental achievement in cinema that someone who appreciates Ragtime would likely admire. It captures the essence of an era with a focus on a powerful immigrant family, similar to certain elements in Ragtime.

This epic crime drama spanning several decades of American history delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the American Dream. Like Ragtime, Once Upon a Time in America explores the immigrant experience and the societal changes in America through deeply personal stories.

Chinatown, with its complex period narrative set against the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles, deals with themes of corruption, power, and social strife. Fans of Ragtime's exploration of early 20th-century America and its societal issues would find resonance in Chinatown's similarly dark examination of American history and power.

Set during the Great Depression, Road to Perdition is a story of revenge and familial bonds that offers a similar period aesthetic to Ragtime. It delves deep into the themes of father-son relationships and the inescapable nature of one's past.

Amistad, set in the antebellum United States, offers a gripping courtroom drama about slavery and justice. If Ragtime's exploration of American history and racial tensions intrigued you, Amistad’s powerful representation of a pivotal moment in history should be equally compelling.

For those entranced by the historical aspects of Ragtime, The Age of Innocence presents another rich period piece. Its focus on societal norms and the complexities of love and duty in Gilded Age New York will resonate with fans of Ragtime's similarly detailed portrayal of past America.

Reds, an epic film about the life of journalist John Reed, delves into the American socialist movement and the Russian Revolution. Like Ragtime, it captures historical events through the lens of personal and political turmoil, making it a rich experience for those interested in significant periods of change.

Following the story of Irish immigrants seeking fortune in America during the late 19th century, Far and Away presents a romanticized and adventurous take on the American Dream. Its lush historical setting and exploration of the destiny in the new world might attract fans of Ragtime's immigrant narratives and period mood.