With the soaring success of the Netflix series 'The Crown', a dramatised chronicle of the life of Queen Elizabeth II, it is understandable that many of us are searching for some more quality period drama to get into. These top ten period dramas are sure to keep you going until the next season of 'The Crown' comes out later this year.
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The Tudors
- 2007 TV Show
- 4/5
Created by the immensely talented Michael Hirst, ‘The Tudors’ is a fantastic historically based series. The series focuses on the early years of the reign of the famous King Henry VIII of England. It tells of Henry’s rise to power, his famous wives and delves into the personal and political dealings of this infamous king. It is important to remember that this is a dramatisation of this period and not strictly fact. However, the series is brilliantly written and Johnathon Rhys Meyers shows his talent in his portrayal of King Henry VIII. As the many awards this series has won would suggest, ‘The Tudors’ is an incredibly well made series that is highly engaging and well worth a watch.
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Belle
- 2013 Movie
- 4.1/5
‘Belle’ is a 2013 British period drama directed by Amma Asante and inspired by the life of Dido Belle Lindsay. Born illegitimately to a British Royal Navy Officer and an African slave in the West Indies, Belle is brought by her father back to his family’s estate in England to be raised by his uncle and aunt as his legitimate child. Facing racism and discrimination from the English society, Belle tries to navigate who she is and her place in the world, set against the backdrop of England during the movement for the abolition of slavery. ‘Belle’ is a movie that shows the horrors of racism and slavery and the courage it takes to make stand for what is right. Well made and compassionately acted, ‘Belle’ is an understated movie that implores the audience to consider what in their own world they are simply accepting because it is presented as the views of society.
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The King
- 2019 Movie
- 3.7/5
The 2019 historical drama ‘The King’ is based on the plays of William Shakespeare and of course the life of the real King Henry V of England. It tells the story of Henry in his younger years, his rocky road to an undesired kingship and his wars with France. ‘The King’ exemplifies the old adage of ‘heavy is the head that wears the crown,’ as Henry battles to hold together a country and himself when there are enemies on every front. ‘The King’ is a movie that does not shy away from the hardships of ruling and is far from a fairy tale. It is beautifully written to create a story that perfectly balances the light and the dark, creating an engaging portrayal of the triumphs, heartbreaks, victories and defeats of this young king at a tumultuous time in history.
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Turn
- 2014 TV Show
- 3.7/5
‘Turn: Washington’s Spies’ is based on the incredible true story of the Culper Spy Ring that operated under George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. Part spy thriller, part drama, ‘Turn’ is full of twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. An immensely well crafted and clever series, ‘Turn’ is perfectly paced and brilliantly acted to bring to life these extraordinary true characters. Delving into the complexities of the Revolutionary War, the series shows heroes and villains on both sides of the battlefront. The cast, led by the talented Jamie Bell, all play their roles to perfection, creating complex characters that the audience can connect with. ‘Turn: Washington’s Spies’ is a fascinating and brilliantly executed series that I would highly recommend.
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Mary Queen Of Scots
- 2018 Movie
- 3.6/5
‘Mary Queen of Scots’, based on the life of the real Scottish Queen Mary is a must watch for anyone with an interest in historical Britain. This stunning film tells Mary’s return to Scotland and her crown, finding a country that is rife with betrayal, ambition, and often unwelcoming to this young queen. A large focus of the movie is based around Mary’s relationship with her cousin, the famous Queen Elizabeth the First of England. Starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan, this is a beautifully acted film that works to portray these two women that history has branded as enemies, in an honest and compassionate light. ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ is cleverly written to urge the audience not to vilify its characters but to understand them, providing a movie experience that is at times heartbreaking, moving and inspiring as it tells the story of these incredible women.
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The Young Victoria
- 2009 Movie
- 4.6/5
‘The Young Victoria’ starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend and Paul Bettany is a period drama that tells the story of the early years and reign of Queen Victoria of England. It is a film that shows the weight of royalty and the sacrifices that were made for the good of the people. The film beautifully portrays the strength of this young queen during her first turbulent years in power while also focusing on her relationship with Prince Albert. Far from a simple romance movie, ‘The Young Victoria’ is captivating in its complexity, and acted in a way that is compassionate to the real life experience of this remarkable woman, this is one movie that deserves its place in the top ten period dramas.
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Outlander
- 2014 TV Show
- 4.2/5
Part science fiction, part period piece ‘Outlander’ follows the story of Claire, a World War Two nurse who accidently time travels back to 18th century Scotland. Becoming embroiled in the politics of the Jacobite rebellion and stuck in the past, Claire learns how to survive in this new time, finding love, heartache, betrayal and adventure. Torn between the past and the future, Claire must decide what she is willing to give up and just where here home truly is. This immensely popular series follows the Outlander book series by Diana Gabaldon and is now in its fourth season, cleverly blending together different genres, ‘Outlander’ is a well-crafted and intriguing series.
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The Last Kingdom
- 2015 TV Show
- 4.3/5
Following the book series of the same name by Bernard Cornwall, ‘The Last Kingdom’ is a riveting tale set during the reign of King Alfred of England. After his father is killed in battle, young Uhtred, heir to the kingdom of Bebbanburg, is captured by the Danes and raised as one of their own. After a brutal attack on his family years later, Uhtred seeks the help of Alfred the Great of England. As the story of these two men become entangled and their loyalties put to the test, they fight for their honour, families and dreams of the England they wish to create. Blending fact and fiction together, ‘The Last Kingdom’ creates a captivating and exciting story line while maintaining its believability. It is well acted and seamlessly mixes action with moments of real heart. A definite must watch in the period drama genre.
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Medici
- 2016 TV Show
- 3.7/5
This Netflix series follows three generations of the incredible Medici family in fifteenth century Florence. A family that helped shape the renaissance and celebrated art and culture in Italy, the ‘Medici’ series is a must watch. With a phenomenal cast including Richard Madden, Daniel Sharman and Sean Bean this series is brilliantly acted. Filmed in Tuscany and including celebrated works by famous artists that the Medici’s were involved with including Sandro Botticelli, Donatello and Leonardo DaVinci, this series is visually stunning. Full of drama, suspense, love and betrayal, the Medici family were one of the great families of Italy, and this TV series is well worth your time.
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Vikings
- 2013 TV Show
- 4.1/5
Inspired by the Viking legends of Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons. It tells the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, an ambitious farmer who becomes one of the greatest heroes of his time. Exploring West to reach England, Ragnar and his family establish new lands, dynasties and alliances, start and end wars and face betrayal, murder, love and adventure at every turn. An incredibly well acted show all members of the cast play their parts to perfection, bringing to life these legendary characters. ‘Vikings’ is a series that will have you on the edge of your seat, blending drama and adventure to make a truly memorable and captivating show. ‘Vikings’ is a definite must watch series for any lover of historical fiction.
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