The 28 Best Period Dramas of All Time: Movies & TV Series

The 28 Best Period Dramas That Will Transport You Back in Time

Period dramas are often unfairly pigeonholed. For some, the phrase conjures images of stiff corsets, slow-moving carriage rides, and an excessive amount of earnest staring out of rain-streaked windows. But look past the lace and you will find that these journeys back in time offer far more than a simple costume change. They are enduring human stories told with a cinematic flair that never goes out of style.

In an era of fleeting digital trends, the best period dramas prove that whether you are in Regency England, the Tudor court, or wartime France, the core of the human experience—love, loss, ambition, and the weight of societal expectations—remains remarkably consistent. If you are looking to gift someone who appreciates a story well-told, or if you simply want to curate your own cozy nights in, a period drama is the perfect starting point.

While streaming is convenient, there is something uniquely thoughtful about gifting physical media. A Criterion Collection edition or a 4K anniversary box set feels substantial; it is a permanent addition to a library that does not disappear when a licensing agreement ends. Here are 28 definitive period dramas categorized to help you find the perfect match for any history lover.

Regency Romance and Georgian Elegance

These stories are defined by the sharp wit of the drawing room and the unspoken desires simmering beneath polite conversation.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen bring a grounded, muddy, and breathtakingly romantic energy to Jane Austen’s classic. Gift Pairing: A Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia candle to evoke the scent of a lush country estate. Format: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray provides stunning clarity of the English countryside.
Emma. (2020) A candy-colored, stylized take on Austen's matchmaker, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy. It is as sharp as it is beautiful. Gift Pairing: A box of Ladurée macarons to match the film’s pastel palette.
Persuasion (1995) Often cited by purists as the most authentic Austen adaptation, this version captures the quiet ache of lost love perfectly. Format: Look for the Sony Pictures Classics DVD for the best archival quality.
Sense and Sensibility (1995) Emma Thompson’s Oscar-winning screenplay and Ang Lee’s direction make this an essential piece of the genre.
Sanditon Based on Austen’s unfinished novel, this series leans into the burgeoning seaside resort culture with a modern, spirited edge.
Bridgerton While it leans into the "fantastical" side of history, its influence on modern period aesthetics is undeniable. Gift Pairing: The official Bridgerton tea collection from The Republic of Tea.

The Gilded Age and Victorian Society

This category explores the rigid class structures of the 19th and early 20th centuries, where "new money" clashed with "old blood."

Downton Abbey The ultimate "upstairs-downstairs" saga. Its exploration of social change across two world wars makes it endlessly watchable. Gift Pairing: A Wedgwood fine bone china teapot. Format: The Complete Series Blu-ray Limited Edition is a must-have for fans.
The Gilded Age Julian Fellowes moves his keen eye to 1880s New York City, where the industrial titans are breaking into the inner circles of the elite.
Little Women (2019) Greta Gerwig’s non-linear adaptation feels incredibly modern while remaining deeply respectful of the March sisters' individual ambitions. Gift Pairing: A leather-bound journal and a classic Parker fountain pen.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire A masterclass in the "female gaze," this French film about an artist and her subject is visually arresting and emotionally devastating. Gift Pairing: A high-quality linen-bound sketchbook and professional charcoals. Format: The Criterion Collection edition features a stunning 4K digital master.
The Age of Innocence Martin Scorsese’s take on Edith Wharton’s New York is a lavish, stifling look at a society that destroys anything it cannot control.
Great Expectations (1946) David Lean’s classic remains the gold standard for Dickensian atmosphere. It is haunting, beautiful, and timeless.

Wartime Epics and 20th Century Sagas

These titles use the backdrop of global conflict to heighten the stakes of personal drama.

Atonement A story of a single lie and its decades-long ripple effect. The cinematography and the iconic green dress are legendary. Gift Pairing: A vintage-style typewriter for the aspiring writer.
The English Patient A sweeping, desert-set epic that explores love and identity during World War II. It is grand filmmaking at its most ambitious.
Testament of Youth Alicia Vikander delivers a powerhouse performance as Vera Brittain, navigating the horrors of WWI from a female perspective.
Cold War A monochrome masterpiece from Poland following two lovers across Europe over several decades. It is short, sharp, and haunting. Format: The Criterion Collection Blu-ray is essential for appreciating the stunning black-and-white cinematography.
1917 While more of a thriller, its commitment to historical detail and the "single shot" technique makes it an immersive period experience.
Dunkirk Christopher Nolan’s triptych of land, sea, and air is a visceral look at one of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century.

Royals and Political Power

From the Tudors to the Windsors, these stories explore the heavy burden of the crown.

The Crown A fascinating look at the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite the creative liberties, its production values are the peak of modern television. Gift Pairing: A crystal whiskey decanter set for a touch of palace luxury.
The Favourite Olivia Colman is magnificent as Queen Anne in this darkly comedic, surreal take on the power struggles within the royal court.
Marie Antoinette (2006) Sofia Coppola’s rock-and-roll take on the French Revolution is a sensory feast of fashion and isolation. Gift Pairing: A bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne.
Wolf Hall This BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s novels is the smartest, most nuanced portrayal of Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII ever filmed.
The Great A "mostly true" story of Catherine the Great. It is profane, hilarious, and brilliantly acted by Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult.

Global Perspectives and Stylized History

Broadening the scope beyond Western Europe reveals some of the most compelling narratives in the genre.

Shōgun (2024) A monumental achievement in production design and storytelling, exploring the political machinations of feudal Japan. Gift Pairing: A high-end Japanese tea ceremony set or a cast-iron tetsubin.
Pachinko An epic multi-generational saga that follows a Korean family through their migration to Japan. It is deeply moving and visually lush.
Memoirs of a Geisha While not without its controversies, the film remains a landmark for its stunning costume design and evocative atmosphere.
Cyrano (2021) A musical adaptation of the classic tale, filmed in the gorgeous baroque town of Noto, Sicily. It is a feast for the ears and eyes.
Roma Alfonso Cuarón’s semi-autobiographical take on 1970s Mexico City is a profound tribute to the domestic workers who hold families together. Format: The Criterion Collection edition includes a 108nd-minute documentary on the making of the film.

The Verdict: Why These Stories Matter

Period dramas, at their best, are more than just historical reenactments. They are windows into the human condition. They offer us a chance to reflect on how far we have come—and how much we have stayed the same.

When choosing a title for yourself or as a gift, look for the substance beneath the silk. The best pieces aren't just about the past; they are about the enduring power of the human spirit. Whether you choose the wit of Austen or the grit of Shōgun, you are gifting a piece of timeless storytelling. In a world that moves at breakneck speed, these deliberate, rich narratives offer a welcome, and often profound, escape.