30 Period Drama Movies That'll Sweep You Off Your Feet (2024)

It is a universally acknowledged truth that everyone who has read some of Jane Austen's most popular works is very likely familiar with Joe Wright's stunning period piece, . But what makes The Handmaiden, a totally different period piece, just as good and arguably one of the best period movies out there?

Aside from the incredible scenarios, top-notch costume designs, and emotional background music, period dramas — particularly those classified as romances — are well known for their protagonists' intense longing stares and words of affection. The perfect usage of these elements, among others, helps to make a few period drama movies stand out more than others. From Marie Antoinette to Portrait of a Lady on Fire, these are the most spell-binding films of the genre, ranked from least to most bewitching.

30 'Wuthering Heights' (2011)

Directed by Andrea Arnold

Andrea Arnold’s Wuthering Heights, based on Emily Brontë's iconic 1847 classic novel of the same name, sees a poor boy (played by James Howson and Solomon Glave) rescued from poverty and taken in by the Earnshaw family. There, he develops an intense relationship with his young foster sister, Cathy (Kaya Scodelario and Shannon Beer).

Featuring beautiful natural landscapes and intense close-ups, Wuthering Heights fully immerses audiences in its narrative, which ultimately makes it an even more epic and appealing viewing. However, the amazing acting performances are undoubtedly a stand-out, as the lead actors fully embody their characters and help perfectly bring the story to life. Although a flawed period film, Arnold’s picture is an entertaining, visually beautiful film guaranteed to keep boredom at bay. A Wuthering Heights remake starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie is in the works.

Wuthering Heights

Not Rated

Drama

Romance

Release Date

September 6, 2011

Director

Andrea Arnold

Cast

Kaya Scodelario , James Howson , Solomon Glave , Shannon Beer , Steve Evets , Oliver Milburn , Paul Hilton , Simone Jackson , Lee Shaw , James Northcote , Amy Wren , Nichola Burley , Adam Lock , Eve Coverley , Jonny Powell , Emma Ropner , Richard Guy , Michael Hughes , Paul Murphy

Runtime

124 Minutes

Watch on Peacock

29 'Persuasion' (2007)

Directed by Adrian Shergold

This BBC adaptation by Roger Michell is a must-see for Jane Austen enthusiasts as it stays true to the novel’s tone and brings its premise to life vividly. The film follows Anne Elliot (Sally Hawkins), who is “past prime” for marriage after being rejected by Frederick’s snobby parents 8 years ago. Although both have seemingly moved on, they meet again in Bath after his return as a Royal Navy captain. The question is: will feelings arise?

Persuasion benefits greatly from its stunning photography and musical scores, receiving positive feedback from critics and audiences alike (unlike the newer adaptation starring Dakota Johnson). Persuasion mainly highlights the power of love and how it endures over the years and the consequences of decisions made in the past. Furthermore, this compelling picture also accurately examines the restraints of social class at such a period and pays great attention to detail in costumes and settings.

Persuasion

PG

Drama

Romance

Release Date

January 13, 2008

Director

Adrian Shergold

Cast

Sally Hawkins , Rupert Penry-Jones , Alice Krige , Tobias Menzies , Anthony Stewart Head , Julia Davis , Michael Fenton , Mary Stockley

Runtime

93 Minutes

Watch on Peacock

28 'Lady Macbeth' (2016)

Directed by William Oldroyd

Starring Florence Pugh in her breakout lead role and based on the novella Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District by Nikolai Leskov — inspired by William Shakespeare’s Macbeth — this 2016 dark romance set in 19th-century rural England follows a young bride who has been sold into marriages as she discovers a desire within herself after starting an affair with a worker (Cosmo Jarvis).

Although quiet, William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth is intense, combining historical detail with visual elegance, fully drawing audiences into its world. Pugh’s performance is crucial to the story and undoubtedly incredible as expected, but the visuals are arguably the strongest aspect, as each shot is meticulously composed, inviting viewers into Katherine’s world. The way Lady Macbeth challenges traditional narratives when it comes to female-centric period dramas is also worth noting.

Lady Macbeth

R

Drama

Release Date

December 12, 2016

Director

William Oldroyd

Cast

Cosmo Jarvis , Florence Pugh , Paul Hilton , Naomi Ackie , Christopher Fairbank , Golda Rosheuvel , Anton Palmer , Rebecca Manley , Fleur Houdijk , Cliff Burnett , David Kirkbride , Bill Fellows , Nicholas Lumley , Raymond Finn , Ian Conningham , Finn Burridge , Jack Robertson , Kema Sikazwe , Elliot Sinclair , Andrew Davis , Alan Billingham , Bailey Palmer

Runtime

86 minutes

Watch on Starz

27 'Belle' (2013)

Directed by Amma Asante

Gugu Mbatha-Raw brings the biracial daughter of Royal Navy Captain Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode) to life in this engaging Amma Asante period drama. Dido Elizabeth Belle is raised by aristocratic Great-uncle Lord William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) in 18th century England.

Exploring themes of race, justice, love, and identity, Belle offers audiences a sneak peek inside the refined, restrictive world of British society in the 18th century while telling the true story of the mixed-race daughter of an enslaved woman and a British officer. Anchored by its captivating cinematography helping add dimension to the story and a strong central female protagonist, it makes for a great pick for anyone who enjoys period pieces with underlying messages of resilience and social justice.

Belle

PG

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Release Date

May 1, 2013

Director

Amma Asante

Cast

Gugu Mbatha-Raw , Tom Wilkinson , Sam Reid , Emily Watson , Sarah Gadon , Miranda Richardson , Penelope Wilton , Tom Felton , James Norton , Matthew Goode , Alex Jennings , James Northcote , Alan McKenna , Lauren Julien-Box , Andrew Woodall , Daniel Wilde , Natasha Williams , Cara Jenkins , Bethany Mary-James

Runtime

105 Minutes

Main Genre

Drama

26 'Downton Abbey' (2019)

Directed by Michael Engler

Based on the beloved TV series of the same name, the 2019 spin-off Downtown Abbey has understandably captured the attention of many. In the movie, the Crawleys and their servants prepare to host King George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary (Geraldine James) at Downtown Abbey.

Although not as great as the source material, Downtown Abbey’s nostalgic value is enough to get fans of the series to watch it. Through its beautiful visual style, the show captures the magnificence of the Downtown Abbey estate, expanding the show’s worldbuilding and fully immersing audiences in its period era. All in all, the Michael Engler film manages to capture and maintain the show’s essence, resonating with fans of the series and captivating new audiences alike.

Downton Abbey

PG

Drama

Romance

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Release Date

September 12, 2019

Director

Michael Engler

Cast

Matthew Goode , Maggie Smith , Michelle Dockery , Tuppence Middleton , Elizabeth McGovern , Allen Leech

Runtime

122 minutes

25 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' (2022)

Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre

Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre's Lady Chatterley's Lover is a romantic drama film that tells the story of an aristocrat (Emma Corrin) who is unhappy with her marriage. Eventually, she starts a passionate relationship with the gamekeeper (Jack O'Connell) of her husband's country estate.

An enthralling watch through and through, this 2022 film provides audiences with a good amount of yearning and longing, like many other films in the genre. Depicting the captivating relationship between the two leads (who share incredible chemistry), Lady Chatterley's Lover is an intense love story guaranteed to linger in the audience's heads even after the credits roll even if hardly a masterpiece.

Lady Chatterley's Lover

History

Romance

Drama

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Not available

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Release Date

November 25, 2022

Director

Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre

Cast

Emma Corrin , Jack O'Connell , Ella Hunt

Runtime

2 hr 7 min

24 'Colette' (2018)

Directed by Wash Westmoreland

Telling the true story of the real-life French author, played by the period drama queen herself (Keira Knightley), Colette sheds light on how the writer was pushed by her husband to write novels under his name. Upon their success, she challenges gender norms and engages in a battle to make her talents known.

Audiences who are enthusiastic about pretty period drama settings are likely to enjoy Colette, as it intriguingly captures the luxury and beauty of the turn-of-the-century Parisian literary and social scenes. Not only are the lush costumes and beautifully designed interiors able to transport the audience to the period, but it also entertains them throughout, especially as it touches on issues of gender, identity, and artistic freedom in such changing times.

Colette

R

Biography

Drama

History

Romance

Release Date

September 21, 2018

Director

Wash Westmoreland

Cast

Keira Knightley , Fiona Shaw , Dominic West , Robert Pugh , Sloan Thompson , Arabella Weir , Máté Haumann , Ray Panthaki , Al Weaver , Virág Bárány , Dickie Beau , Kylie Watt , Janine Harouni , Jake Graf , Joe Geary , Rebecca Root , Julian Wadham

Runtime

112 Minutes

Watch on Amazon Prime

23 'Emily' (2022)

Directed by Frances O'Connor

Filled with excitement and inspiration, Emma Mackey-led drama introduces audiences to the life of the iconic English writer Emily Brontë, who died soon, at age 30. The film presents a new vision of the author's life, showcasing the misfit's remarkable journey from being a girl to transforming into a confident woman.

Emily, which serves as a love letter to the late writer, is not a flawless period piece. However, it is assuredly a bewitching one. The amazing acting from Mackey, who delivers a tour de force performance as the lead protagonist, as well as the great costumes, are also big standouts in this Frances O'Connor film.

Emily

R

Biography

Drama

Romance

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Release Date

February 17, 2023

Director

Frances O'Connor

Cast

Emma Mackey , Fionn Whitehead , Oliver Jackson-Cohen , Alexandra Dowling , Amelia Gething , Gemma Jones

Runtime

130 minutes

22 'Far From the Madding Crowd' (2015)

Directed by Thomas Vinterberg

Based on Thomas Hardy’s 1874 novel, Far From the Madding Crowd is, too, a great addition to this list mostly for its stunning shots and how faithful it is to the source material. The story focuses on an independent woman played by Carey Mulligan who inherits her uncle’s farm and attracts different suitors. In the meantime, she embarks on an intriguing journey of self-discovery.

Shedding light on independence versus relationship, the dynamics of social class, and love among other themes, Far From the Madding Crowd is guaranteed to provide viewers with a memorable time in front of the screen — especially for those who can relate with its protagonist in one way or another. Mulligan’s performance is certainly a huge standout, though all the technicalities in the film deserve their flowers.

Far from the Madding Crowd

PG-13

Drama

Romance

Release Date

May 1, 2015

Director

Thomas Vinterberg

Cast

Carey Mulligan , Matthias Schoenaerts , Tilly Vosburgh , Mark Wingett , Dorian Lough , Sam Phillips

Runtime

119 Minutes

Rent on Apple TV

21 'Bright Star' (2009)

Directed by Jane Campion

Directed by the talented and Academy Award-winning director Jane Campion, the absorbing and emotionally powerful Bright Star is based on the last three years of the life of poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw), chronicling his romance with Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Its title is based on the poem Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art.

Bright Star is overall an excellent pick when it comes to the period drama genre, providing viewers with a stunning portrayal of the 19th century and an absorbing narrative that will certainly appeal to fans of both period films and classic literature. Not only does Bright Star provide accurate insight into the life of the late poet, but it also encompasses an enthralling and moving central love story.

Bright Star

PG

Where to Watch

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Release Date

November 5, 2009

Director

Jane Campion

Cast

Ben Whishaw , Abbie Cornish , Kerry Fox , Paul Schneider , Edie Martin , Thomas Brodie-Sangster

Runtime

119 minutes

Main Genre

Biography

20 'Anna Karenina' (2012)

Directed by Joe Wright

Starring Knightley in one of her most memorable roles, Joe Wright's take on Anna Karenina is based on the great and original classic by Leo Tolstoy, which follows the extramarital affair between the titular character Anna and dashing cavalry officer Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, played by Aaron Taylor Johnson, that scandalized the Russian high society.

Many aspects make this romantic period drama stand out for the bunch, and the exquisiteness of its source material certainly helps its case. Elevated by a convincing central performance by the talented period queen Knightley, Anna Karenina is passionate, enchanting, and beautifully filmed with stunning visuals presented throughout; some would even rank it as one of Joe Wright's most memorable movies (though not necessarily his best), even if the film is arguably not as great as the novel.

Anna Karenina

pg

Drama

Romance

Release Date

October 6, 2012

Director

joe wright

Cast

Keira Knightley , Jude Law , Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Runtime

130minutes

Rent on Apple TV

19 'Maurice' (1987)

Directed by James Ivory

James Ivory's Maurice follows a young man (Hugh Grant) who, after being rejected by his love, finds himself trapped by Edwardian society's oppressiveness and attempts to come to terms with his identity and sexuality. Eventually, two English school chums then find themselves falling for each other in Cambridge.

Maurice is a beautiful '80s period film with outstanding music, ultimately resulting in a nice production of a compelling and brave novel. On top of that, the movie's relaxing ambiance and atmosphere are contrasted by the tension between the characters, making viewers' hearts melt. Surely, Maurice is an underrated film that's just as poignant today, which is why it is certainly worth the while, even if often overlooked.

Maurice

R

Drama

Romance

Where to Watch

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Not available

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Release Date

October 13, 1987

Director

James Ivory

Cast

James Wilby , Hugh Grant , Rupert Graves , Denholm Elliott , Simon Callow , Ben Kingsley

Runtime

140 minutes

18 'Sense and Sensibility' (1995)

Directed by Ang Lee

A Jane Austen novel that was adapted to film, Sense and Sensibility explores the story of the three daughters Elinor (Dame Emma Thompson), Marianne (Kate Winslet), and Margaret (Emilie François), who are left in straitened circumstances after the death of their father, Mr. Dashwood (Tom Wilkison). The two are polar opposites, which enables them to keep each other in line and support one another through death, love, and friendship.

The 1995 feature is definitely a romantic take on the novel, making for a refreshing one while analyzing sisterhood and love. Beautifully written by the talented Emma Thompson, the film's screenplay (which remains truthful to the original novel) and the acting performances it features complement each other very well. Of course, this could only result in a fascinating adaptation of Sense and Sensibility that manages to capture everyone's hearts.

Sense and Sensibility

PG

Drama

Romance

Comedy

Where to Watch

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Not available

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Release Date

December 13, 1995

Director

Ang Lee

Cast

Emma Thompson , Alan Rickman , Kate Winslet , Hugh Grant

Runtime

136 minutes

17 'Emma.' (2020)

Directed by Autumn De Wilde

Emma Woodhouse, played to perfection by Anya Taylor-Joy, is a seemingly selfish, rich, and pretty young woman who, though well-intentioned, can not help meddle in her friends' love lives. Set in Highbury, England, during the early 19th century, the film centers on intelligent Emma's life and her matchmaking abilities.

With a dashing vision and style, Emma. is regarded as one of the best period piece movies and makes for a very well-executed period film with a beautiful framework, delighting the audience with its comical storytelling and even with the little twist of a less likable Austen female protagonist. On that note, Austen herself famously said, "I'm going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." Emma.'s captivating love story (perfect for friends-to-lovers trope enthusiasts) revolves around the protagonist's bond with George Knightley (Johnny Flynn), who helps the character flourish into the best version of herself.

Emma.

PG

Comedy

Drama

Romance

Where to Watch

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Release Date

February 13, 2020

Director

Autumn de Wilde

16 'Jane Eyre' (2011)

Directed by Cary Fukunaga

Mia Wasikowska perfectly brings the titular classic literature character to life in this Cary Joji Fukunaga movie adapted from Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel of the same name. Also starring Michael Fassbender as the abrupt Mr. Edward Rochester, Jane Eyre illustrates the young governess's story after she was hired by the mysterious man. Happy with her new position at Thornfield Hall, Jane finds herself falling for the cold Rochester. But is his terrible secret a threat to their relationship?

Gloomy, slightly eerie, and ever charming, Jane Eyre is a movie period drama enthusiasts definitely do not want to miss; it is the perfect pick for those into romantic tales without all the clichés, anchored by two wonderful performances that help bring its memorable narrative to life. Even if not at the top of its game, Cary Joji Fukunaga's movie is essential.

Jane Eyre

PG-13

Drama

Romance

Release Date

April 22, 2011

Director

Cary Joji Fukunaga

Cast

Mia Wasikowska , Michael Fassbender , Jamie Bell , Su Elliot , Holliday Grainger , Tamzin Merchant , judi dench

Runtime

120 Minutes

Rent on Apple TV

15 'Marie Antoinette' (2006)

Directed by Sofia Coppola

Directed by Sofia Coppola, Marie Antoinette is a visually stunning masterpiece. Starring Kirsten Dunst in the lead role, the 2006 film seamlessly blends historical accuracy with fictional elements and tells the doomed story of the young and ill-fated titular Queen of France.

Its pastel-colored aesthetic is sure to captivate audiences and provide a feast for the eyes. On top of all the technical aspects that make the aesthetically pleasing film an entertaining one, this extravagant period piece also delivers a solid and intriguing premise as it analyzes how lonely it can sometimes be to be a teenage girl in an adult world, something that Coppola manages to do wonderfully. While Marie Antoinette may not be everyone's cup of tea due to its fictionalized elements, it is undoubtedly worth checking for its visuals alone.

Marie Antoinette

PG-13

Biography

Drama

History

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Release Date

May 24, 2006

Director

Sofia Coppola

Cast

Kirsten Dunst , Jason Schwartzman , Judy Davis , Rip Torn , Rose Byrne , Asia Argento

Runtime

123 minutes

14 'Cold War' (2018)

Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski

Set in the 1950s and gorgeously shot in black-and-white, Cold War sees two people of two different backgrounds develop an intimate relationship against the backdrop of communist Poland. At the film's center is a music director, played by Tomasz Kot, who falls in love with a singer named Zula (Joanna Kulig) and attempts to persuade her to flee to France.

Loosely inspired by the lives of director Pawlikowski's parents, this international movie undoubtedly deserves a spot on this list for its amazing approach to themes of nationalism while providing audiences with an honestly beautiful love story that knows no borders. Kulig and Kot are impeccable in their roles, and the film has earned a few accolades, including three Oscar nominations for Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director and Best Cinematography.

Cold War

R

Drama

Romance

Where to Watch

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Release Date

June 8, 2018

Director

Pawel Pawlikowski

Cast

Joanna Kulig , Tomasz Kot , Borys Szyc , Agata Kulesza , Cédric Kahn , Jeanne Balibar

Runtime

88 minutes

13 'Moulin Rouge!' (2001)

Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Baz Luhrmann is known for lush cinematography in movies and Moulin Rouge! does not disappoint in the slightest. With a unique visual style and an engaging premise, the musical drama is set in 1899 Paris and centers around a young poet, played by Ewan McGregor, who falls for a cabaret actress at the Moulin Rouge, played by Nicole Kidman.

Dealing with themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of artistic expression, Luhrmann's lavish movie is a landmark in the director's filmography for several reasons. Its vibrant storytelling will not leave anyone indifferent — particularly those who enjoy well-executed musicals that are also period dramas. Furthermore, Moulin Rouge! features strong performances from those involved, adding emotional depth to its three-dimensional characters.

Moulin Rouge!

PG-13

Musical

Drama

Romance

Where to Watch

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Not available

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Release Date

June 1, 2001

Director

Baz Luhrmann

Cast

Nicole Kidman , Ewan McGregor , John Leguizamo , Jim Broadbent , Richard Roxburgh , Garry McDonald

Runtime

127 Minutes

12 'Carol' (2015)

Directed by Todd Haynes

Starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett in two of their most memorable roles, the captivating romantic drama Carol, which is set in the 1950s, centers on the spellbinding relationship and forbidden affair between an aspiring female photographer and an older, wealthy woman.

Based on Patricia Highsmith's touching 1952 romance novel The Price of Salt, Todd Haynes' memorable feature is an incredible character study that features extraordinary acting, alluring cinematography, and an enchanting narrative, even if quite heartbreaking at times. Carol perfectly handles the mature themes of love and identity, as well as friendship and unhappy marriages. While the acclaimed film may not be to everyone's taste due to its devastating narrative, it is certainly worth checking, especially if one is into incredibly heartbreaking romance movies.

Carol

R

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Release Date

November 20, 2015

Director

Todd Haynes

Cast

Kyle Chandler , Jake Lacy , Sarah Paulson , Rooney Mara , Cate Blanchett , Cory Michael Smith

Runtime

119 minutes

Main Genre

Drama

11 'The Sound of Music' (1965)

Directed by Robert Wise

It's not for no reason that The Sound of Music endures a beloved classic these days and ranks 40th place in the American Film Institute's best movies of all time. The story centers around a young girl sent by her convent to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer.

Enduring a timeless picture after all these years, the Best Picture winner The Sound of Music has rightfully earned the attention of many — especially musical-obsessed moviegoers — and cemented itself as one of the best period dramas of all time. In addition to its memorable dance sequences and soundtrack, The Sound of Music features one of Julie Andrews' best acting performances and earned her an Academy Award.

The Sound of Music

G

Biography

Drama

Musical

Where to Watch

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Release Date

April 1, 1965

Director

Robert Wise

Cast

Julie Andrews , Christopher Plummer , Eleanor Parker , Richard Haydn , Peggy Wood , Charmian Carr

Runtime

172 minutes