If you are a history lover, then one of the best entertainment pleasures that you can have is a really great period drama. The costumes, the language, the accents, the grand stories ... it’s all heaven to someone who is obsessed with the past! However, it’s fair to say that there are a lot of stinkers out there! To stay on the right track, here are fifteen of the best movie costume dramas for history lovers.
1. The Favourite
Where better to start than with the film that produced 2019's Best Actress Oscar winner? Olivia Colman earned her award for playing England’s Queen Anne in this revolutionary period drama about love and loss. It’s as funny as it is historically compelling, and I really think it has changed period dramas forever!
2. Ever after
This is the perfect Sunday evening under the duvet type movie, a movie that enjoys a beautiful historical setting and it essentially Cinderella without the magic! That kind of love story is perfect for costume dramas.
3. Lady Jane
This drama tells the story of Lady Jane Grey, the fifteen year old girl who was Queen of England for nine crazy days in the middle of the Tudor period.
4. Much Ado about Nothing
This is one of William Shakespeare's most bright and breezy plays, one of the best early examples of a romantic comedy. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson are at their old school best!
5. The Scarlet Pimpernel
Even the name of these story evokes images of classic costume drama! It tells the story of an Englishman who wears a disguise to rescue aristocrats who are facing the guillotine during the French Revolution!
6. Sense and Sensibility
Any Jane Austen story makes for a delicious period drama, and Sense And Sensibility is definitely one her best. Plus, it’s always a pleasure to watch the late great Alan Rickman in action.
7. Jane Eyre
The most recent biopic of the legendary writer starring Mia Wasikowska is definitely one of the best yet, and something I particularly love about it is the beautiful score.
8. The Inheritance
This is a film based on as lesser known novella by Little Women author Louisa May Alcott. It is a sweet love story that makes for perfect comfortable period viewing.
9. The Woman in White
If you want something period but a little darker and more atmospheric, then this haunting adaptation of the classic Wilkie Collins Gothic novel is definitely one to watch.
10. Gone with the Wind
Does it really get any better than this? Arguably one of the greatest movies of all time, Gone With The Wind is still as rewarding to watch today as it was back in 1939 when it was released.
11. Little Women
There are plenty of versions of Little Women to choose from, but I happen to have a soft spot for the 1990s adaptation starring Winona Ryder. It’s a story every girl and woman should watch at some point!
12. Pride and Prejudice
When I think Pride and Prejudice, I think Keira Knightley, so the adaptation from the 2000s is definitely the one that I would recommended choosing to pop on on a rainy Sunday afternoon!
13. The Young Victoria
Emily Blunt gives a great performance as the young Queen Victoria, giving history lovers a glimpse of how she was in her prime, before the classic images of an old, dowdy, mourning monarch took over.
14. Suffragette
With the likes of Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meryl Streep in the mix, this movie about the rise of the Suffragette movement was always going to be a winner!
15. Colette
Keira Knightley loves a period drama, doesn’t she!? Colette was released just at the start of this year, and it tells the story of the iconic French writer whose work was originally published under her husband’s name.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a costume drama?
- A costume drama is a film or TV show set in a specific historical period, featuring elaborate costumes and settings to bring the era to life.
- Why are costume dramas popular with women?
- They often combine romance, rich storytelling, and beautiful visuals, appealing to many women who enjoy history and emotional narratives.
- Can costume dramas teach me about history?
- Yes, while they take creative liberties, costume dramas can offer insight into the customs, social norms, and events of the past.
- Are these movies suitable for all ages?
- Most costume dramas are suitable for teens and adults, but it's good to check the rating for mature content or themes.
- Do costume dramas focus only on European history?
- No, while many are set in Europe, there are costume dramas exploring various cultures and historical periods worldwide.
- What should I look for in a good costume drama?
- Look for detailed costumes, strong historical research, compelling characters, and a captivating story.
- Are romance and drama common in these movies?
- Yes, many costume dramas feature romantic storylines alongside historical events and social conflicts.
- Can I watch costume dramas on streaming platforms?
- Absolutely! Many streaming services offer a great selection of costume dramas for easy viewing.
- Are there any costume dramas based on real historical figures?
- Yes, many of them portray famous historical figures, blending fact with engaging storytelling.
- How can I get the most out of watching costume dramas?
- Enjoy the storytelling, appreciate the period details, and maybe read a bit about the history afterward for deeper understanding.