40 Must-Watch Period Drama Films
There's nothing like getting lost in a terrific period drama. When done right, the lavish costumes, intricate hair and makeup, detail-rich sets, and mood-setting cinematography transport us back in time. Even if we've seen them before, the most beloved period drama films are always worth rewatching.
Wuthering Heights (2011)
Based on Emily Brontë's beloved novel, which was written in 1847, the 2011 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights features lush landscapes and beautiful cinematography. The lead actors were perfectly cast and their amazing performances bring the story to life.
Film4, Wuthering Heights (2011)
Persuasion (2007)
The 2007 film Persuasion is a beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen's 1817 novel about love and social class. The film stays true to the novel's tone, bringing Austen's era to life through authentic costuming and sets.
Clerkenwell Films, Persuasion (2007)
Lady Macbeth (2016)
Visually elegant, with vivid historical detail, the 2016 film Lady Macbeth is based on an 1865 novella by Nikolai Leskov. The film features Florence Pugh in her breakout role as a stifled Russian wife who discovers passion.
Belle (2013)
Belle is a fictionalized account of Dido Elizabeth Belle's life, created from her portrait, which was painted in 1778. Set in 18th-century England, the film tells Belle's story as an illegitimate biracial woman and explores themes of social justice, race, and identity.
Downton Abbey (2019)
The 2019 film Downton Abbey resurrects the story of the aristocratic Crawley family, which kept audiences glued to their television screens from 2010 to 2015. True to the beloved series, the film is visually beautiful, with lush costuming and set details that bring the 1920s to life.
Focus Features, Downton Abbey (2019)
Colette (2018)
The 2018 lush historical drama Colette is based on the life of the eponymous French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. The film, which explores themes of gender norms, artistic freedom, and identity, beautifully captures the richness of the Parisian literary and social scenes at the turn of the 20th century.
Emily (2022)
A fictionalized account of Emily Brontë's life, the 2022 film Emily follows the beloved English author from girlhood until her untimely death at the age of 30. Emma Mackey gives a standout performance as the lead character.
Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)
Set in Victorian England, Far from the Madding Crowd is based on Thomas Hardy's novel of the same name, which was published in 1874. The film explores themes of gender roles and independence versus marriage amidst stunning cinematography and elegant historical costumes.
BBC, Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)
Bright Star (2009)
Set in 19th-century England, the 2009 period film Bright Star is based on a 1997 biography of the poet John Keats. The film chronicles the last three years of Keats' life, providing a fictionalized version of his love story with the girl next door, Fanny Brawne.
Anna Karenina (2012)
The 2012 film Anna Karenina is based on Leo Tolstoy's classic novel of the same name, with themes of love, betrayal, and Imperial Russian society. The film version features stunning cinematography and Keira Knightley in one of her most memorable roles.
Universal, Anna Karenina (2012)
Maurice (1987)
Maurice is an underrated film starring Hugh Grant in one of his first roles. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the film chronicles the lives and loves of students at the University of Cambridge. Produced in part by the storied Merchant Ivory Productions, Maurice is beautifully shot and has an outstanding score.
Sense And Sensibility (1995)
Adapted for the screen by Dame Emma Thompson—who also stars as Elinor—Sense and Sensibility is based on Jane Austen's classic story. The film stays quite true to the novel and earned Thompson an Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for best adapted screenplay.
Columbia, Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Emma (2020)
Another period film based on a Jane Austen novel, Emma is regarded as one of the best period films ever made. The stunning cinematography and Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of the eponymous lead character make this film absolutely sublime.
Jane Eyre (2011)
Jane Eyre is a different kind of romantic period film. Based on the 1847 novel of the same name by Charlotte Brontë, it's gloomy, eerie, suspenseful—and lacking the usual clichés of romantic period dramas. It's a must watch.
Focus Features, Jane Eyre (2011)
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Blending historical accuracy with fictionalized elements, Marie Antoinette is a lush film about the 18th-century Queen of France. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the film brilliantly captures the pastel-colored excess of the First French Empire.
Columbia, Marie Antoinette (2006)
Cold War (2018)
Cold War is a Polish language film shot in period-appropriate black-and-white. The visually gorgeous and beautiful love story is set against the Cold War hostilities in the 1950s. Critically acclaimed, it was nominated for three Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, and seven European Film Awards.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, Moulin Rouge! isn't just a period drama but also a terrific musical. Directed, produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann—who is known for lush cinematography in his films—Moulin Rouge! is a beautiful ode to Paris at the turn of the 20th century.
Bazmark Productions, Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Carol (2015)
Set in the 1950s, Carol chronicles the forbidden relationship between two women, played by Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. The two leads give outstanding performances in their most memorable roles while examining themes of friendship, love, and identity.
Phantom Thread (2017)
It's no surprise that a love story between a haute couture dressmaker and his muse, set in 1950, is awash in beautiful period costumes. Phantom Thread also features elegant cinematography and incredible acting from Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps.
Focus Features, Phantom Thread (2017)
The Age Of Innocence (1993)
Set in the 1870s, The Age of Innocence is an adaptation of Edith Wharton's 1920 novel of the same name. With its story focussed on New York socialites, the film features incredible costumes—and rightfully won an Academy Award for costume design.
Columbia, The Age of Innocence (1993)
The Favourite (2018)
The Favourite—the 2018 satirical period dark comedy set in early 18th-century Britain—is different from most films on this list. Featuring amazing performances from three strong female leads (Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz), it's revered for its amusing plot and dialogue.
Atonement (2007)
Taking place over six decades, beginning in the 1930s, Atonement is a visual feast for those who love period films. Starring Keira Knightley—the queen of period dramas—Atonement was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume Design.
Universal Pictures, Atonement (2007)
Titanic (1997)
It wouldn't be possible to compile a list of the best period dramas and leave off James Cameron's epic and iconic film, Titanic. Set on board the ill-fated ocean liner in 1912, the film remains one of the highest grossing films of all time.
Paramount Pictures, Titanic (1997)
Little Women (2019)
Louisa May Alcott's beloved 19th-century novel, Little Women, has been adapted for the silver screen an astounding seven times. Greta Gerwig's 2019 adaptation is widely considered the best. It was nominated for six Academy Awards—and those who love period dramas will appreciate that it took home the statuette for Best Costume Design.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Pride and Prejudice—the iconic and beloved novel by Jane Austen—is a classic tale of enemies with undeniable chemistry. The 2005 film adaptation features richly detailed settings and beautiful costumes—and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
Universal, Pride & Prejudice (2005)
The Handmaiden (2016)
Set in South Korea in the 1930s, The Handmaiden is considered a historical psychological thriller, full of suspense and tension. The visually sumptuous film draws inspiration from Victorian England for its costume design.
CJ Entertainment, The Handmaiden (2016)
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)
Céline Sciamma's French film Portrait de la jeune fille en feu is a beautifully told love story set in 18th-century France. With its stunning cinematography, compelling performances, and accurate period detail, Sciamma's film is a must-watch for all those who love period dramas.
Lilies Films, Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Barry Lyndon (1975)
Unlike many other period dramas on this list, Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon is not about a slow-burning romance. Still, it deserves to be watched by those who love period dramas. It is considered a cinematic landmark due to its stunning cinematography and rich, lush aesthetic.
Hawk Films, Barry Lyndon (1975)
Ammonite (2020)
A gentle love story between a paleontologist and a geologist, Ammonite is set in Britain during the 1840s. It features period-appropriate costumes, hairstyles, sets—and stunning performances by Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
The Personal History Of David Copperfield
If you love period dramas but are looking for something a little bit different, The Personal History of David Copperfield is well worth a watch. Writer and director Armando Iannucci puts a fresh and comedic spin on the literary classic while staying true to the mid-19th century era of the novel.
Film4, The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)
Love And Friendship (2016)
Adapted from Jane Austin's 1794 novel, Lady Susan, Love and Friendship is a lush romantic comedy-drama. The film is awash with gorgeous costumes as the widowed Lady Susan (portrayed by Kate Beckinsale) travels from the home of one wealthy friend to another, in an attempt to secure suitable marriage partners for herself and her daughters.
Westerly Films, Love & Friendship (2016)
Gosford Park (2001)
The lavish period drama Gosford Park, set in the 1930s, has an incredible ensemble cast that includes Helen Mirren, Clive Owen, Maggie Smith, and Kristin Scott Thomas. Directed by Robert Altman, the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design.
Capitol Films, Gosford Park (2001)
In The Mood For Love (2000)
Set in 1962 Hong Kong, In the Mood for Love is considered one of the best films of all time. The beautiful, slow love story is noted for the aesthetic it creates by weaving together period-appropriate fashion, music, and architecture.
Jet Tone Films, In The Mood For Love (2000)
Elizabeth (1998)
Set in the mid-1550s, Elizabeth chronicles the early years of Queen Elizabeth I of England. The lavish film launched Cate Blanchett to stardom. Although it doesn't pay strict attention to historical detail, the film is noted for its costume design and makeup.
Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Adapted from a play based on the 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses, the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons chronicles the lavish lifestyles of pre-Revolution Paris. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, it won three, including Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.
Warner Bros., Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
The Leopard (1963)
The Italian language film Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) is considered one of Italy's most important films. The sweeping historical drama, set in the mid-19th century, stars Burt Lancaster as an aging nobleman struggling with the era's social upheaval.
Memoirs Of A Geisha (2005)
The lushly beautiful Memoirs of a Geisha has all the hallmarks of a classic period drama: historically accurate sets, stunning costumes, sweeping cinematography, and a star-crossed romance. Nominated for six Academy Awards, it took home the statuettes for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design.
Columbia, Memoirs Of A Geisha (2005)
A Very Long Engagement (2004)
The French language film A Very Long Engagement is set during World War I. It's a beautifully told story of a woman's search for her missing fiancé, who is feared to have been killed at the front lines. Starring the beloved French actress Audrey Tautou, the film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography.
Warner Bros., A Very Long Engagement (2004)
A Room With A View (1985)
Set in England and Italy during the early 20th century, A Room with a View is a stunning Merchant Ivory production. It has an incredible cast including Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands, Maggie Smith, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Judi Dench. A critical and box office success, it was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three including Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.
Goldcrest Films, A Room With A View (1985)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Widely beloved and considered one of the best period films of all time, The Sound of Music is set in Austria in the 1930s. Highly acclaimed, the film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and claimed five statuettes—including one for Best Picture. However, to be so beloved, the film left out the single darkest detail about the real Maria von Trapp. Unbeknownst to fans of Julia Andrews’ character, the real Von Trapp had an infamously bad temper. The studio execs figured that audiences wouldn’t react well to seeing the harsh truth and decided to make her a warm, loving, and angelic figure in the movie. Safe to say, it was the right call.
