69 Historical Period Dramas

Quasimodo, the hunchback bellringer of Notre Dame, develops feelings for Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy dancer. The archdeacon, Quasimodo's guardian, and a street poet also fall in love with her. However, Esmeralda is in love with a soldier. When a crowd…

During the American Civil War and Reconstruction, the spoiled daughter of a Georgia plantation owner unexpectedly finds passion and self-discovery as she becomes involved with a cynical businessman. The film tells a story of romance set against a backdrop of…

As she nears the end of her life, Emma looks back on her experiences, recalling her childhood and the years she spent living in Nauvoo.

This film adapts the popular stage musical, which itself is based on Victor Hugo's 19th-century French novel. Jean Valjean, who served a prison sentence for stealing bread, is relentlessly pursued by Police Inspector Javert. Their ongoing chase dominates their lives,…

In Yorkshire, a poor orphan named Heathcliff is adopted by the wealthy Earnshaw family and comes to live at Wuthering Heights. His arrival changes the lives of everyone there. A powerful connection develops between Heathcliff and his foster sister, Cathy,…

In early 19th-century Yorkshire, the Earnshaws are a family shaped by the hardships and joys of farm life. Mr. Earnshaw returns from the city with Heathcliff, a mysterious, poor boy who immediately clashes with his son Hindley, who resents the…

Ann, a young governess, arrives at a country house to care for two orphans, Miles and Flora. Shortly after she begins her work, Miles is expelled from school. While she grows fond of him, Ann suspects darker reasons behind his…

This is an adaptation of a Shakespeare play, originally broadcast on British television for school audiences.

Dido Elizabeth Bell, born out of wedlock to a Royal Navy admiral and of mixed race, becomes a key figure in the movement to end slavery in England.

After her mother's execution, Moll is sent to a nunnery. However, her life takes a turn when she is abused by a priest and is forced to flee to the streets of London as a teenager. She becomes a prostitute…

In Florence, Lucy Honeychurch and her chaperone Charlotte Bartlett find their hotel rooms lack a view. Guests Mr. And Mrs. Emerson offer to help, and meeting them may profoundly alter Lucy's life. However, upon returning to England, the impact of…

In the idyllic English village of Gladbury, an old legend persists: every 25 years, an angel visits the local candlemaker and blesses a single candle, granting a miracle on Christmas Eve to whoever lights it. But in 1890, as electricity…

During the French Revolution, a secret English nobleman, known as The Scarlet Pimpernel, risks everything to save French aristocrats from the guillotine. He lives openly as Sir Percy Blakeney, using his wit and cleverness to avoid capture while carrying out…

This historical adventure follows the brave knight Ivanhoe as he journeys to bring peace and justice to medieval England. Inspired by Sir Walter Scott's classic story, the film explores themes of chivalry, loyalty, and patriotism. Ivanhoe joins forces with Robin…

This stark drama follows three friends in post-World War I America as their lives diverge amidst crime, business, and complicated relationships. Lloyd Hart, a former lawyer, becomes entangled in illegal activities while defending his childhood friend Eddie Bartlett, now a…

With Caesar gone, General Mark Antony is now leading the defense of Rome alongside his allies. But amidst the chaos of a fractured empire, Antony and Egyptian Queen Cleopatra develop a passionate love affair. This intense devotion ultimately clashes with…

Orphan Pip learns from lawyer Mr. Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor is funding his transformation into a gentleman. He is reunited with his childhood guardian, Miss Havisham, and Estella, the beautiful but emotionally distant woman he once loved. Pip discovers…

Set in early 1800s England, the determined and calculating orphan Rebecca Sharp climbs the social ladder, rising from a governess to prominence within high society.

To Walk Invisible explores the lives of the Brontë sisters, highlighting their journey from a modest background to becoming celebrated novelists. The film recounts how these exceptional women overcame societal limitations to create some of the most important works in…

To escape her complicated history in 1930s New York, glamorous divorcee Mrs. Stella Erlynne travels to the sunny Amalfi Coast in Italy. Her arrival attracts attention from the wealthy visitors. Based on Oscar Wilde's play "Lady Windemere's Fan."

A painter develops feelings for a married woman when he's hired to paint her portrait. Hoping for a shared future, they both invest in the volatile tulip market.

A landscape gardener is hired by the renowned architect Le Nôtre to build the magnificent gardens at the Palace of Versailles. While working together on the palace, the gardener and Le Nôtre develop a connection, navigating the complexities and rivalries…

Les Misérables is one of the most popular musicals globally, having been seen by over 120 million people. Celebrating its 35th year in London's West End, Cameron Mackintosh presented a spectacular sold-out concert version at the Gielgud Theatre with an…

This is the story of Marie Antoinette, the famous French queen. It follows her life from her arranged marriage to Louis XVI at just fifteen years old, through her early reign as queen at nineteen, and finally to the events…

This historical adventure follows Aramis, Athos, and Porthos as they reunite with D'Artagnan. The formidable swordsmen haven't fought together in a while, but King Louis XIV's oppressive rule forces them to come back together. Driven by his hunger for power,…

Edmond Dantés's hopes for a happy life and marriage to Mercedes are destroyed when his friend Fernand betrays him. Following 13 years of imprisonment, Dantés escapes with the aid of another prisoner and meticulously plans his revenge, skillfully gaining a…

In Victorian England, the strong-willed Bathsheba Everdene finds herself pursued by three very different men: Gabriel Oak, a diligent young sheep farmer; Frank Troy, a charming but impulsive Sergeant; and William Boldwood, a wealthy and established bachelor.

Set in early 1800s England, the determined and calculating orphan Rebecca Sharp climbs the social ladder, rising from a governess to a prominent figure in British high society.

This drama follows a young peasant girl who believes her family is connected to a wealthy estate nearby. Her father sends her to investigate their shared history, leading her into a world of privilege and class division. Her hopes are…

Anne Elliot lives with her wealthy but snobbish family as they face financial ruin. Anne is a woman with forward-thinking ideas. Her life changes when Frederick Wentworth, a man she previously rejected, returns. Anne must decide whether to remain focused…

In 19th-century Hawaii, Princess Ka'iulani, raised in England, is committed to protecting her people from powerful American businessmen. Sent to England as a child by her father, she returns to Hawaii as a political force, fighting to keep her throne…

At fourteen, Joseph Smith received a profound spiritual answer that set him on an inspired path. He translated the ancient Book of Mormon and reestablished the gospel of Jesus Christ. Driven by Joseph's strong leadership and courage, many people moved…

A compassionate housemaid finds herself captivated by two sides of the same man: a respected doctor known for his kindness, and a mysterious figure consumed by darkness. Torn between these contrasting personas – Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – she…

Set in 19th-century Siam, the film follows Anna Loenowens, a determined Welsh widow who becomes governess and English tutor to King Mongkut's many wives and children. As Anna navigates the complexities of the royal court, she clashes with the King…

This touching film explores the love story of Tom and Sophie, whose different social classes create obstacles for their relationship. Though deeply in love and connected, they face challenges from societal expectations and class differences. As they struggle with these…

Teenage Victoria, the sole heir to the English throne, finds herself navigating complex family politics. Her mother pressures her to sign a document granting regency powers, while her Belgian uncle plots a marriage between Victoria and Prince Albert, a union…

From Victor Hugo's nineteenth-century novel to Tom Hooper's acclaimed film, *Les Misérables* has achieved remarkable success across multiple platforms. This documentary charts the captivating evolution of Hugo's enduring story, from its literary origins to its adaptations for stage and screen,…

In the Yorkshire moors of late 18th-century England, young Heathcliff is taken in by Mr. Earnshaw at Wuthering Heights, a remote farm. He grows up with a consuming and destructive passion for his foster sister, Cathy, a love that is…

This is a lush story of secrets, love, and deceit, unfolding during a pivotal period in European history. Two stunning sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, are caught in a rivalry for the affection of King Henry VIII, a man known…

England, 1021. Rob Cole, a boy from a poor mining town, dreams of becoming a doctor to fight disease and death. His difficult journey to gain knowledge, filled with hardship and sacrifice, takes him to Isfahan, Persia, where he encounters…

Cyrano de Bergerac is a story about a celebrated swordsman and poet whose confidence is hurt by his prominent nose, making it difficult for him to express his feelings for his cousin Roxane. Unable to confess his love directly, Cyrano…

A new headmaster arrives at a traditional English boarding school with a plan to improve the disruptive student body. He faces challenges in changing the students' behavior, who are constantly intimidated by a powerful bully.

Greg Wise and Keeley Hawes star in this adaptation of Wilkie Collins' groundbreaking mystery, the first detective novel. In 1799, John Herncastle stole the Moonstone, a sacred diamond belonging to the Moon God, from its shrine. Legend says the stone…

In 19th century Siam, a remarkable romance blossoms between the King and Anna Leonowens, a widowed British school teacher. During the 1860s, their unexpected love story explores passion, cultural differences, and personal change. Anna comes to the Royal Palace to…

Facing financial hardship, young Jane Austen is expected by her parents to marry Lady Gresham's wealthy nephew. However, Jane realizes this marriage would stifle her spirit and artistic identity. She develops a connection with Tom Lefroy, an engaging but impoverished…

This adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic novel tells a story of passion and destruction in 19th-century England. The independent and captivating Bathsheba Everdene becomes involved with three men, and her impulsive personality leads her into a complicated situation filled with…

The Stratford Festival's 1993 production of Romeo and Juliet features Megan Porter (known for Anne of Green Gables) and Antoni Cimolino (Stratford Festival Artistic Director) in Shakespeare's timeless love story. The play centers on Romeo and Juliet, whose families, the…

A public scandal and financial difficulties threaten the Crawley family's reputation. The entire household faces the possibility of social ruin. The Crawleys must adapt to change as the staff prepares for a new era with the next generation taking over…

In Imperial Russia, Anna Karenin travels to Moscow to see her brother. There, she encounters the captivating cavalry officer Vronsky and is instantly drawn to him. However, pursuing a relationship of this nature poses a severe threat to a woman's…

In medieval England, Sir Ivanhoe, a celebrated knight returning from the Crusades, finds his homeland ruled by Prince John. While King Richard is away, Prince John and his allies have taken control, plunging the country into turmoil. Ivanhoe becomes entangled…

In post-Civil War America, four sisters navigate the complexities of growing up.

The Crawley family travels to the south of France to investigate the secrets surrounding the Dowager Countess’s recently acquired villa. At the same time, a Hollywood director hopes to film his new movie at Downton Abbey.

Macbeth, a Scottish warrior in the 11th century, makes a risky decision to seize the throne. His wife, Lady Macbeth, a dominant force in their lives, encourages him. He quickly descends into wickedness as he pursues power.

In 1858, Charles Darwin fights to publish his groundbreaking, yet highly controversial, theory. At the same time, he and his wife Emma grapple with a devastating family loss.

This documentary appears on the 2005 Warner Brothers DVD release of the film *The Roaring Twenties* (1939).

In 1830s northern England, Riah Millican, a widow with three children, becomes housekeeper to Percival Miller, a withdrawn former teacher. Miller gifts Riah a black velvet gown and educates her children. However, when Riah learns the reason behind his generosity,…

This drama-documentary explores the life of Jane Austen. Anna Chancellor, a distant relative of the author, uncovers the woman behind the novels through readings and reconstructions. The film includes location footage of Austen's homes in Steventon and Chawton, as well…

Set in 19th-century France, the story follows Emma Bovary, a beautiful woman married to a doctor in a small town. She seeks to improve her social standing through affairs outside of her marriage.

This film explores the enigmatic connection between Victorian art critic John Ruskin and his young wife, Effie Gray.

Lady Booby, known as Belle, the spirited wife of Sir Thomas Booby, becomes infatuated with Joseph Andrews, a kind and intelligent village man and pupil of Parson Adams. She hires him as their footman, even though Joseph is in love…

This is a ghost story that connects two different time periods. Thirteen-year-old Tolly discovers he can mysteriously move between them, launching him on an adventure that reveals long-hidden family secrets.

This is the story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, an 18th-century aristocrat who faced public scorn for her lavish lifestyle and involvement in politics.

Following a difficult childhood, Jane Eyre becomes a governess. She finds contentment at Thornfield Hall, where she meets Mr. Rochester, the estate's reserved and intense master. A close friendship develops between Jane and her employer, and Jane falls in love…

A retired man rediscovers a diary he kept as a thirteen-year-old in 1900. The entries spark a flood of recollections, allowing him to reconstruct the details of his forgotten childhood.

The Crawleys and their dedicated household staff brace themselves for a pivotal moment. A visit from the King and Queen of England promises to spark scandal, romance, and political complications, threatening the future of Downton Abbey.

The film explores love, passion, and complicated relationships through a story within a story. Anna, a successful actress, stars with Mike in a period drama about the forbidden romance between Sarah and Charles. The intense script sparks an off-screen romance…

Set in the mid-1800s, this story follows an Irish couple who risk everything for a new life in Oklahoma, drawn by the land giveaway. They face hardship crossing the Atlantic and then struggle to survive the harsh conditions of a…