It’s not hard to be obsessed with Bridgerton. It’s officially Netflix’s most-streamed show having been viewed by 82 million households in less than twenty-eight days!
The raunchy Regency drama that dropped on Christmas Day is a dazzling show of love, lust, wealth and scandal. So, it’s not surprising that since its release the demand for period dramas has been on the rise. While we wait for Season 2 of Bridgerton, we’ve put together a list of fabulous films and TV shows that’ll give you your period drama fix.
1. The Great (2020-Present)
Credit: Hulu
Read more: Has Bridgerton Been Cancelled By Netflix? Will There Be A Season 2?
This new drama is a hilariously modern take on the rise of Catherine the Great. Elle Fanning stars as the young empress who is set to become Russia’s longest-serving female monarch, but only after she overthrows her idiotic husband Peter (Nicholas Hoult).
While it is highly fictionalised, The Great is a fun satirical comedy about a woman’s resolve to make changes in a dangerous and backward world so this series is not to be missed!
Stream on All 4 or Hulu.
2. Rebecca (2020)
Credit: Netflix
After a whirlwind romance in Monte Carlo, a young lady’s maid (Lily James) finds herself the new bride of handsome widower Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer). She tries desperately to settle into her new life at Maxim’s lavish English estate but finds she cannot escape the ghost of her husband’s first wife, Rebecca.
Long-buried secrets are about to be uncovered in this gripping psychological thriller.
Stream on Netflix.
3. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
Credit: Netflix
This Netflix miniseries was nearly thirty years in the making and, like Bridgerton, it was an instant success.
The Queen’s Gambit follows the life of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), an orphaned girl who demonstrates a remarkable affinity for chess. She thrives in a world dominated by men and her genius is undisputed, but the road to grandmaster isn’t easy for Beth who is struggling with addiction and loss.
Stream on Netflix.
4. Emma (2020)
Credit: Working Title Films
Read more: Bridgerton Is Set To Become One Of Netflix’s Biggest Hits Ever
In this fun Regency romance, Emma Woodhouse must navigate romantic mismatches and miscommunication when she interferes in her friends’ love lives.
This entertaining satire of social class is a dazzling reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved novel about finding true love with an equal partner. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Emma and is joined on screen by Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy, Miranda Hart and Josh O’Connor.
Stream on Amazon.
5. Dickinson (2019-Present)
Credit: Apple TV Plus
Dickinson is an extremely dramatised show about American poet Emily Dickinson who is played by Hailee Steinfeld.
The series chronicles Emily’s life as a young woman and budding writer in the nineteenth century while exploring the constraints of society, gender and family from a modern perspective. Rejected by society, Emily does everything she can to rebel against conventional norms, including pushing back against her family’s efforts to find her a male suitor.
Dickinson is perfect for Bridgerton fans looking for a darker romantic series.
Stream on Apple TV+.
6. Little Women (2019)
Credit: Columbia Pictures
Read more: Bridgerton Season 2 Officially Renewed By Netflix
Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen play the head-strong March sisters in this timeless coming-of-age drama that also stars Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep.
The March sisters determine to live life by their own rules. As they navigate relationships, independence, love and happiness these sisters shock society and prove that anything is possible when you follow your heart – and your dreams.
Stream on Amazon.
7. The Favourite (2019)
Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) must govern England, manage Queen Anne’s (Olivia Coleman) ill health and stave off war with France. Enter Abigail (Emma Stone), an ambitious young servant eager to gain employment in the Queen’s court. Seizing the opportunity to return to her aristocratic roots, Abigail begins competing with Sarah for the position of court favourite.
As absurd as it is hilarious, this eighteenth-century romp is perfect for your next movie night.
Stream on Amazon.
8 Harlots (2017-2019)
Credit: ITV
Set in London a few years before Bridgerton, Harlots follows hardworking business-woman Margaret Wells as she tries to balance owning a brothel and raising her four daughters. Religious protests, police raids and a snotty rival threaten Margaret’s livelihood, but she’s determined to provide her daughters with a better future even if it means fighting like hell to make it happen.
Stream on Hulu.
9. The Crown (2016-Present)
Credit: Netflix
Read more: Bridgerton Season 2 Already In The Works Over At Netflix
The Crown is another Netflix sensation and a beloved period drama about the British royal family. It begins with Elizabeth II’s marriage to Philip Mountbatten in 1947 and chronicles the decades that follow. From high-society scandals to an ever-changing political landscape, The Crown serves up every delicious detail of British history and dramatizes the highs and lows of the royal family’s personal lives.
Stream on Netflix.
10. Poldark (2015-2019)
Credit: ITV
Ross Poldark (Aiden Turner) returns to Cornwall after fighting in the American War of Independence to find his family home in ruins and his beloved engaged to his cousin. Not to worry though, he soon finds love with his scullery maid Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson).
Ross and Demelza shun social status in favour of happiness and doing what is right. But this isn’t always an easy path so there’s plenty of dramatic ups and downs to keep you entertained for five seasons.
Stream on Netflix.
11. Reign (2013-2017)
Credit: Netflix
When her life is threatened, teenage monarch Mary Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane) must return to French court to fulfil her arranged marriage to the Dauphin of France (Tobey Rego). But when King Henry (Alan Van Sprang) stalls the marriage alliance Mary’s safety cannot be guaranteed. This young queen must content with political rivalries, deadly plots and an unexpected love triangle in a bid to survive in France.
This captivating historical romance series spans four seasons, and like Bridgerton it features a fantastic soundtrack that melds classic and modern music.
Stream on Netflix.
12. The Great Gatsby (2013)
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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In the spring of 1922, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) befriends the infamous and eccentric billionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). While helping Gatsby reunite with his true love, Nick finds himself compelled to uncover the secrets of Gatsby’s mysterious past.
The Great Gatsby is a show of 1920s decadence and lavish excess. Is also hailed for its jazzy and modern soundtrack.
Stream on Amazon.
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