Reign of Terror

Reign of Terror

Year: 1949

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Anthony Mann

HistoryDramaThriller

In 1794, amid the French Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette commissions Charles D’Aubigny to infiltrate the Jacobin Party and overthrow Maximilian Robespierre. Having seized supreme power and imposed a reign of terror that claims countless lives, Robespierre now seeks to become France’s dictator.

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Reign of Terror (1949) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Reign of Terror (1949), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Last Updated: October 10, 2025 at 16:03

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Historical Espionage Thrillers like Reign of Terror

Secret missions and political deception in volatile historical periods.If you enjoyed the high-stakes infiltration plot of Reign of Terror, you'll find more movies like it here. This list features similar historical thrillers involving spies, political deception, and race-against-time missions set during volatile periods like revolutions and wars.

tensesuspensefulparanoidthrillinganxioushigh-stakesclandestine

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a lone operative or small group on a critical mission within a hostile political system. The plot is driven by close calls, shifting allegiances, and the tense cat-and-mouse game of maintaining a false identity while trying to achieve a goal that could change the course of history.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared foundation in real historical settings, their focus on espionage as a primary plot driver, and the intense, anxious mood created by the life-or-death stakes of operating behind enemy lines.

Movies with an Atmosphere of Political Paranoia like Reign of Terror

Stories where the system itself is the enemy, breeding fear and suspicion.Fans of Reign of Terror's oppressive mood will appreciate these movies. They capture a similar feeling of living under a tyrannical system, where anyone could be an informant and the constant threat of violence creates a deeply suspenseful and paranoid viewing experience.

oppressiveparanoidsuspensefulanxiousdystopiantyrannypower strugglebetrayal

Narrative Summary

The story unfolds within a power structure that uses terror as a tool. Characters navigate a world where expressing the wrong opinion or knowing the wrong person can be fatal. The central conflict is often an individual's struggle for survival or resistance against an all-powerful, unjust authority.

Why These Movies?

They share a core atmospheric quality: the feeling of being watched and the existential dread of a society ruled by fear. The similarity lies in the oppressive tone, the themes of absolute power, and the psychological toll on characters facing a faceless, merciless system.

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Reign of Terror in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Reign of Terror is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Reign of Terror Timeline

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Reign of Terror Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Reign of Terror

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Reign of Terror. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Reign of Terror

More About Reign of Terror

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Discover movies like Reign of Terror that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.