Netflix's best period drama TV and films to watch now
Can we be a Bridgerton sibling now?
What’s not to love about period dramas? Fabulous costumes, stylish sets and a few hours of escapism make them the perfect watch at any time - and naturally Netflix has a whole bunch of them ready for your viewing pleasure. Whether it’s revisiting the classic 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, powering through three seasons of The Crown (easily done) or watching Keira Knightley take on the role of Colette, the good people at Netflix have you covered. Here’s a list of the best period dramas on Netflix to get stuck into right now - and how could we forget Bridgerton!
A period drama is summarised by "a television or film production set in a particular historical period and characterised by the use of costumes, sets, and props that are typical or evocative of the era."bridge
Enola Holmes 1 and 2
Who's in it: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Louis Patridge, Sam Claflin
What's it about: We've all heard of Sherlock Holmes, but what about his charming teen sister Enola? In the first film, she endeavours to find her missing mother, while in the second, she takes on her first case as a detective seeking a missing child.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
The Pale Blue Eye
Who's in it: Christian Bale, Lucy Boynton, Gillian Anderson, Harry Melling, Timothy Spall
What's it about: When a murder takes place in a U.S. Military Academy in 1830, detective Augustus Landor calls upon a young cadet - who will eventually go on to become the world-famous author Edgar Allan Poe - to help him investigate.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
Persuasion
Who's in it: Richard E Grant, Dakota Johnson, Henry Golding, Suki Waterhouse,
What's it about: Eight years after Anne Elliot is convinced not to marry a man due to his humble background, the pair meet again, and she has the chance to fight for true love once more.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
Alias Grace
Who's in it: Sarah Gadon, Edward Holcroft, Rebecca Liddiar, Zachary Levi
What's it about: Based on a true story, the mini series follows Grace, an Irish immigrant in Canada, who is convicted of the murder of her employer.
Is it a film or TV show? TV show
The Empress
Who's in it: Hanna Hilsdorf, Melika Foroutan, Svenja Jung, Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant
What's it about: When rebellious Elisabeth becomes Emperor Franz's unlikely bride, she must prepare herself for an unlikely life at the Viennese court.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
The English Game
Who's in it: Edward Holcroft, Kevin Guthrie, Charlotte Hope, Niamh Walsh, Craig Parkinson, James Harkness, Ben Batt, Gerard Kearns
What's it about: In 19th century England, two footballers from opposing sides of the class divide come face to face in a game of personal and professional turmoil.
Is it a film or TV show? TV show
The Wonder
Who's in it: Florence Pugh, Tom Burke, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Niamh Algar, David Wilmot
What's it about: Set in The Irish Midlands in 1862, a nurse is cynical of a young girl who claims to have stopped eating - but remains miraculously alive and well.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
The Law According To Lidia Pöet
Who's in it: Matilda De Angelis, Eduardo Scarpetta, Pier Luigi Pasino, Sinéad Thornhill, Sara Lazzaro
What's it about: An Italian show which follows Lidia Poët, the country's first qualified lawyer, who is investigating murders while banned from practicing law for being a woman.
Is it a film or TV show? TV show
Bridgerton
Who's in it: Phoebe Dynevor, Simone Ashley, Charithra Chandran, Jonathan Bailey, Regé-Jean Page
What's it about: Set in regency era era England, each series follows a different Bridgerton sibling as they fall in - and out - of love, and must balance their familial expectations with life in the 'ton.
Is it a film or TV show? TV show
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Who's in it: India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley, Ruth Gemmell, Arsema Thomas, Corey Mylchreest
What's it about: The first (of hopefully many!) Bridgerton spin-off followed Queen Charlotte's rise to power, and the way her marriage to King George of England transformed high society.
Is it a film or TV show?
Anne with an E
Who's in it: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson
What's it about: The Netflix adaptation of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables comes from Breaking Bad writer Moira Walley-Beckett, so it was always going to be impressive viewing. The inspirational Canadian series, which has sadly now been cancelled, is a coming-of-age story about young orphan Anne who is seeking love and acceptance.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
Pride and Prejudice
Who's in it: Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth
What's it about: Let's face it, we've all already seen the BBC's 1995 adaptation, but you might not be aware it's available on Netflix to watch for the 1,001st time. There have been plenty of adaptations of the Jane Austen novel, but nothing quite compares to this production.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
Howards End
Who's in it: Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter
What's it about: If you're after beautiful locations and incredible costumes, pop this 1992 adaptation of the E.M. Forster novel at the top of your list asap. Emma Thompson didn't win the Best Actress Oscar for her role as Margaret Schlegel for nothing.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
Lady Chatterley's Lover
Who's in it: Holliday Grainger, Richard Madden, James Norton
What's it about: Lady Chatterley embarks on a scandalous affair after her husband is paralysed in World War I. Jed Mercurio is behind this 2015 adaptation that some viewers criticised for being "too tame". We'll let you decide.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
The Crown seasons 1 - 5
Who's in it: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Matt Smith, Olivia Colman, Josh O'Connor, Emma Corrin
What's it about: Kicking off just before the death of King George VI, the big-budget Netflix original about the Royal Family’s private lives is part factual history lesson, part fictitious marathon-worthy drama.
Is it a film or TV show? TV show
The King
Who's in it: Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson, Lily Rose-Depp
What's it about: Prince Hal - the distant eldest son of King Henry IV - has no interest in becoming King, but unfortunately for him, he's forced into the throne. If you're a fan of Timothée Chalamet, this is a must-see.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
Poldark season 1-3
Who's in it: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson
What's it about: Poldark provides the ideal combo of brilliantly cast characters, complex plot lines and romance. And Aidan Turner, of course.
Is it a film or TV show? TV show
Colette
Who's in it: Keira Knightley, Dominic West, Fiona Shaw
What's it about: Keira Knightley plays aspiring author Colette, who ghostwrites for her husband. Empowered by her success, Colette fights to establish an artistic identity of her own.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
Sense and Sensibility
Who's in it: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet
What's it about: Facing poverty after their dad's death, the Dashwood sisters and their widowed mum are left without a home or an income in this Jane Austen adaptation.
Is it a film or TV show? Film
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