Period dramas are among some of Britain’s most beloved TV series and films. Often featuring a combination of interesting historical context and a steamy romance, the genre has become a fan favourite. Streaming platform Netflix is not unaware of this and has a huge range of period pieces for you to choose from – and I have selected some of my favourites. From Jane Austen adaptations to takes on Shakespeare, these are the best period dramas on Netflix.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
The film tells the story of a woman, Lady Chatterley who has fallen out of love with her husband following a war injury, who then decides to pursue a torrid affair with the gamekeeper on their estate and begins to uncover her own internal biases. Emma Corrin and Jack O’Connell star in this period romance based on the book by D. H. Lawrence.
Poldark
Poldark is a historical series that follows Ross Poldark as he makes his return from the American Revolutionary War to find his father dead, his estate in ruins and his lover engaged to another man. The series watches him slowly but steadily, attempt to rebuild his life with all sorts of trials and tribulations in his way. Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson star in the series directed by Debbie Horsfield.
Pride and Predjudice
Starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as her romantic interest Mr Darcy, Joe Wright’s first feature film was a commercial success. Knightley received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her part. It’s talented cast included the late Donald Sutherland (Mr Bennet), Rosamund Pike (Jane Bennet), Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennet), Judi Dench (Lady Catherine de Bourgh) and Rupert Friend (George Wickham).
The King
The King is a 2019 historical drama film adapted from Shakespeare’s Henriad. It focuses on the reign of King Henry V of England and follows Hal (Timothée Chalamet), who plays the wayward prince who becomes forced to embrace his royal destiny and fulfill his role as king after his father’s death. He navigates palace politics, the emotional ties of his past life and war. The film also stars Sean Harris, Lily-Rose Depp, Robert Pattinson and Ben Mendelsohn.