Wonderful Period Drama
These are some of my favourite period dramas, whenever I am sick or down these are the ones that cheer me up :)
List activity
9.4K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
49 titles
- StarsDaniela Denby-AsheRichard ArmitageTim Pigott-SmithNorth and South is a four-part adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's love story of Margaret Hale, a middle-class southerner who is forced to move to the northern town of Milton.My all time favourite, I never thought anything would overtake Pride and Prejudice but I was proven wrong.
- StarsMatthew MacfadyenClaire FoyTom CourtenayThe Dorrits are a family whose life revolves around the Marshalsea, a debtor's prison. Amy Dorrit's kind nature brings the family into contact with a wide swath of English society, from the poorest to the richest, and back again.One of my favourites, absolutely flawless!
- StarsDominic CooperCharity WakefieldHattie MorahanThe sisters Eleanor and Marianne Dashwood try to find love and security in the 1800's. These two sisters coudn't be more different. Where Eleanor is calm and always acts proper Marianne is passionate and usally forgets herself.Amazing acting and a wonderful adaptation. I loved everything about this, especially the extra emphasis on Willoughby.
- CreatorBill GallagherStarsOlivia HallinanSarah LancashireJulia SawalhaAn adaptation of Flora Thompson's autobiographical novel "Lark Rise To Candleford", set in 19 century Oxfordshire, in which a young girl moves to the local market town to begin an apprenticeship as a postmistress.Such a happy and wonderful series with a great collection of characters.
- StarsAnna Maxwell MartinCarey MulliganDenis LawsonA suspenseful tale about the injustices of the 19th Century English legal system.If you only watch it for Gillian Anderson it will be worth it.
- StarsRomola GaraiMichael GambonJonny Lee MillerEmma Woodhouse, a wealthy young woman living in the early 19th century, whose misplaced confidence in her matchmaking abilities occasions several romantic misadventures, which leads her into deeper meanings of love and lifeThe two leads are impeccable and Romola is such a fresh and vibrant Emma.
- DirectorAdrian ShergoldStarsSally HawkinsAlice KrigeAnthony HeadAnne was in love with Frederick, who was rejected by her snobby parents 8 years ago. They've now hit hard times and rent out their mansion to his brother-in-law. He returns a Royal Navy captain. Will he remember Anne?My favourite Austen book adapted into a gorgeous movie, Rupert is a wonderful Wentworth :)
- DirectorStefan SchwartzStarsAlice EvansDaniel LapaineSophia MylesA group of Irish noblemen kidnap girls in order to marry into their fortune and avoid becoming priests or soldiers.Fun and enjoyable, not as well known but well worth the watch.
- StarsPaul McGannKeeley HawesDominic MafhamIntertwining tales of love, greed, and secret identities in Charles Dickens's 1860s London.One of my favourite mini series, a great array of characters with some brilliant development.
- DirectorJohn SchlesingerStarsEileen AtkinsKate BeckinsaleSheila BurrellA recently orphaned young woman goes to live with eccentric relatives in Sussex, where she sets about improving their gloomy lives.Such a happy movie with a great array of actors and just leaves you happy. I wasn't sure at the beginning but stick with it, the rewards are worth it!
- StarsRuth WilsonToby StephensLorraine AshbourneA young governess falls in love with her brooding and complex master. However, his dark past may destroy their relationship forever.By far the best Jane Eyre adaption ever, I challenge you not to be in love with Rochester by halfway through!
- StarsDouglas HodgeJuliet AubreyTrevyn McDowellMiddlemarch is a story of provincial life on the brink of momentous change and a deeply moving saga about a group of people striving to give meaning and value to their lives during the Industrial Revolution.Not the most amazing ever but was still a good watch and I am a massive Rufus Sewell fan
- StarsColin FirthJennifer EhleSusannah HarkerWhile the arrival of wealthy gentlemen sends her marriage-minded mother into a frenzy, willful and opinionated Elizabeth Bennet matches wits with haughty Mr. Darcy.One cannot make a period drama list and leave off Pride and Prejudice, it would just be sacrilege.
- DirectorJean-Marc ValléeStarsEmily BluntRupert FriendPaul BettanyA dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert.Just watch it, it's so beautiful
- StarsDavid SuchetMatthew MacfadyenCillian MurphyAugustus Melmotte is a European-born city financier whose background is as mysterious as his business. Only weeks after his arrival in London, he announced a new venture and promises instant fortune.A great commentary on progress and some memorable characters that will stay with you
- CreatorSue BirtwistleSusie ConklinStarsJudi DenchImelda StauntonJulia McKenzieIn the 1840s, Cranford is ruled by the ladies. They adore good gossip, and romance and change is in the air, as the unwelcome grasp of the Industrial Revolution rapidly approaches their beloved rural market-town.Has one of my favourite period drama characters of all time- Mr Carter. Not to mention Judi Dench who is always phenomenal!
Return to Cranford has a wonderful romance in it as well :) - StarsToby StephensTara FitzgeraldRupert GravesAn adaptation of Anne Bronte's novel; a young widow takes her son and moves to Yorkshire.I have such a love of Toby Stephens so I was going to enjoy this no matter what!
- DirectorChris NoonanStarsRenée ZellwegerEwan McGregorEmily WatsonThe story of Beatrix Potter, the author of the beloved and best-selling children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", and her struggle for love, happiness, and success.Not many people enjoyed this as much as I did but I absolutely love this movie.
- DirectorBharat NalluriStarsFrances McDormandAmy AdamsCiarán HindsGuinevere Pettigrew, a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. An attempt to gain new employment catapults her into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse.Amazing acting, great characters, Lee Pace- what more could you want.
There is so much heart in this story, you will be sure to have a smile on your face at the end - DirectorRichard EyreStarsBilly CrudupClaire DanesRupert EverettA female theatre dresser creates a stir and sparks a revolution in seventeenth century London theatre by playing Desdemona in Othello. But what will become of the male actor she once worked for and eventually replaced?I can never tell if I like this film or not but I have watched it multiple times so that says something I imagine :P
- DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsKenneth BranaghEmma ThompsonKeanu ReevesYoung lovers, and soon to wed, Hero and Claudio conspire to get verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles, Benedick and Beatrice, to wed as well.Kenneth Branagh. Need I say more.
Ok maybe I should, PLEASE watch this, it is so well done and everyone just aces their roles. - DirectorMichael HoffmanStarsKevin KlineMichelle PfeifferRupert EverettLovers' lives are complicated by city law, feuding faerie royalty, and... love.A fantastic host of actors/ actresses and just so much beauty in every single scene.
- DirectorAng LeeStarsEmma ThompsonKate WinsletJames FleetRich Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his second wife and her three daughters poor by the rules of inheritance. The two eldest daughters are the title opposites.While I prefer the mini series this is still a wonderful adaptation and great if you don't have the time for the other. There is some brilliant acting by Emma Thompson (no surprise there though)
- DirectorJoe WrightStarsKeira KnightleyMatthew MacfadyenBrenda BlethynSparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?The mini series will always have the greater acclaim but I do love this version. I love Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadyen and this version of Bingley is so adorable!
- DirectorNicholas LaughlandStarsKeeley HawesJames MurrayTerry MortimerIn this lighthearted romance from Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy, the beautiful new village school teacher is pursued by three suitors: a working-class man, a landowner, and the vicar.I wish this was more popular than it is, simple and lovely. Not to mention the washing of hands has never been more sexual!
- DirectorDouglas McGrathStarsGwyneth PaltrowJames CosmoGreta ScacchiWhile matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.Again the mini series does it better but this is still a wonderful adaptation and Gwenyth does the role wonderfully!
- CreatorHeidi ThomasStarsVanessa RedgraveLaura MainJenny AgutterChronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London in the late 1950s to late 1960s.Such a brilliant series! Another happy go lucky series
- StarsJodhi MayEdward FoxAmanda RootSet in Victorian London, Gwendolen Harleth is drawn to Daniel Deronda, a selfless and intelligent gentleman of unknown parentage, but her own desperate need for financial security may destroy her chance at happiness.Not one of my all time favourites but a good watch and Romola and Hugh are phenomenal
- StarsDavid TennantRose ByrnePeter O'TooleAfter a life spent seeking pleasure and decadence, Casanova seeks his one true love, Henriette.Fabulous costumes and David Tennant is wonderful
- DirectorVictor FlemingGeorge CukorSam WoodStarsClark GableVivien LeighThomas MitchellA sheltered and manipulative Southern belle and a roguish profiteer face off in a turbulent romance as the society around them crumbles with the end of slavery and is rebuilt during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods.A classic for a very good reason!
- StarsJemima RooperMorven ChristieAlex KingstonAmanda, an ardent Jane Austen fan, lives in present day London with her boyfriend Michael, until she finds she's swapped places with Austen's fictional creation Elizabeth Bennet.Love Pride and Prejudice? Then I absolutely recommend giving this a watch, a different and refreshing look at much loved characters
- DirectorJon JonesStarsGeraldine JamesMichael JuddJulia DeardenA young woman's penchant for sensational Gothic novels leads to misunderstandings in the matters of the heart.Such a great romance!
- DirectorIain B. MacDonaldStarsJulia JoyceDouglas HodgeMaggie O'NeillThe classic tale by Jane Austen of family scandal, social graces, and the unrequited love between cousins.Loved the ending :) I'm still waiting for a really good adaptation but this was enjoyable
- DirectorJames IvoryStarsMaggie SmithHelena Bonham CarterDenholm ElliottLucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) shares a brief romance with George Emerson in Florence. Yet as she tries to move on with her life and look for marriage elsewhere, can she truly forget the events of that summer?A must watch for anyone who loves romances and wonderful characters
- DirectorStephen WhittakerStarsJohn DallimoreJames D'ArcySophia MylesA young, compassionate man struggles to save his family and friends from the abusive exploitation of his cold-hearted, grasping uncle.A really well done story with some very moving scenes.
- DirectorJulian JarroldStarsAnne HathawayJames McAvoyJulie WaltersA biographical portrait of a pre-fame Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman.So many feelings in this film but it is a SUBLIME film, McAvoy is such a delight to watch and if you are a fan of him I highly recommend him in Penelope!
- DirectorNeil BurgerStarsEdward NortonJessica BielPaul GiamattiIn turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.I really loved this film and Edward Norton is such a great actor
- DirectorStephen HerekStarsCharlie SheenKiefer SutherlandChris O'DonnellFrance, 1625: Young d'Artagnan heads to Paris to join the Musketeers but the evil cardinal has disbanded them - save 3. He meets the 3, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, and joins them on their quest to save the king and country.Will always be the ultimate adaptation. It doesn't get any better than this!
- DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsGerard ButlerEmmy RossumPatrick WilsonA young soprano becomes the obsession of a disfigured and murderous musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opéra House.Beautiful in all ways!
- DirectorBaz LuhrmannStarsNicole KidmanEwan McGregorJohn LeguizamoA poor Bohemian poet in 1890s Paris falls for a beautiful courtesan and nightclub star coveted by a jealous duke.I can't put into words how wonderful this is, just stunning.
- CreatorJulian FellowesStarsHugh BonnevillePhyllis LoganElizabeth McGovernA chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century.Took me a while to get into it but it is brilliantly done
- DirectorRobert AltmanStarsMaggie SmithRyan PhillippeMichael GambonSet in the 1930s, a group of pretentious rich and famous get together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.Murder and mystery, a great watch
- StarsFrancesca AnnisJustine WaddellBill PatersonThe daughter of a country doctor copes with an unwanted stepmother, an impetuous stepsister, burdensome secrets, the town gossips, and the tug on her own heartstrings for a man who thinks of her only as a friend.Not one of my absolute favourites but it was still a very enjoyable watch
- StarsCarla GuginoAlison ElliottMira SorvinoFour American girls go to England to find husbands.Not one of the happiest but was a engrossing watch
- DirectorKevin ReynoldsStarsJim CaviezelGuy PearceChristopher AdamsonA young man, falsely imprisoned by his jealous "friend", escapes and uses a hidden treasure to exact his revenge.Brilliant performances with an engrossing storyline!
- DirectorMichael AptedStarsIoan GruffuddAlbert FinneyMichael GambonThe idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade.I just think this is a brilliant film all round
- StarsDouglas BoothJack RothRay WinstoneThe orphan Pip becomes a gentleman when his life is transformed by a mystery benefactor.Brilliant version- my favourite of all the adaptations
- StarsHarry RichardsonTom HollanderStefanie MartiniPenniless Mary Thorne grows up with her uncle, Doctor Thorne, and develops a friendship with the family at the nearby Greshamsbury Park estate.A feel good period drama that is easy watching. Lovely characters make this good viewing.
- DirectorGillian ArmstrongStarsSusan SarandonWinona RyderKirsten DunstThe March sisters live and grow in post-Civil War America.A great testament to sisterhood and who didn't love Christian Bale in this.