I love romantic period classic films and TV shows. Especially those with good acting, that is well written and historically accurate. Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey have been extremely popular (and for good reason) and are two of my favorites. For those just discovering this amazing genre or for those wishing to find more, I’ve created this list of similar productions.
The following shows are entertaining, well written, well acted, and have been loved over time! The great thing with this list is that if you love one of these films/series, you will most likely love all of them!
Note: If there is more than one film that I love of a certain title I have ordered them in my first choice, 2nd, and 3rd.
Oh by the way- there are now way more than 21 movies because I’ve had some awesome suggestions from wonderful readers of what to add and new movies have hit the theaters. I’ll continue adding more, so please pin or bookmark for more.
1. Pride and Prejudice DVD Version Only- I adore this version as it is perfectly casted, well filmed, and wonderfully scripted. It strives to remain true to the novel and quotes hundreds of lines from it verbatim. I just adore this film!
Pride and Prejudice 2nd favorite DVD Version, (Also Available on Netflix)- This version is also very well scripted and stays true to Austen’s novel. Although older it is definetly an amazing film.
Pride and Prejudice 3rd favorite DVD Version and Instant Amazon Access– I love the cinematography and many of the characters casted in this version. I don’t care for the rushed feel it has (it tries to cover so much in so little time). I also don’t care for some of the script and word variations that they changed from the novel (I assume they did this to make it easier for viewers to understand).
2. Sense and Sensibility DVD Version, Amazon Instant Video, and Also Available on Netflix- I love the acting, the cast, the script, the cinematography, etc. All in all this version stays true to the original novel and was supremely executed.
Sense and Sensibility 2nd Favorite DVD Version only- Another great option to an all time favorite novel. This production is so good I feel it almost ties with the Emma Thompson version mentioned above. I love the casting, scripting, and the set! I especially love how they took a bit more time to develop a relationship with Marianne and the Colonel.
3. The Paradise DVD Version, Amazon Instant Video, and (Season 1 and 2). This series pleasantly surprised me. The plot, characters, and time period are captivating. It is clean, romantic, and a fun series to watch. I was hooked from episode 1!
4. The Young Victoria DVD Version, and Amazon Instant Video– I adore this film! Rupert Friend does an EXCELLENT job playing the quiet, reserved, in love, and respectable Albert. Emily Blunt is a wonderful Victoria and shows the depth of her commitment to the throne, her love for Albert, and how it must have been quite difficult to balance it all. I can’t recommend this film more highly!
5. Downton Abbey (DVD and Instant Access)- Most people are aware of how wonderful this series is. I will note for parents of children and teens that there are a few adult scenes throughout the seasons. If you Google which series have inappropriate scenes I’m sure you can find and avoid them.
Downton Abbey (Movie, 2019) – Downton Abbey, returns as a spectacular motion picture, with the beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff preparing for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England unleashes scandal, romance, and intrigue that leaves the future of Downton hanging in the balance. I thought Julianne Fellows did such a wonderful job at executing this film. He tied up so many loose ends so well, I really love it!
Downton Abbey 2022: A New Era- A great production that ties up a lot of the loose ends left from the previous movie. I loved it.
6. Emma (Amazon Instant Access), and DVD Version– The BBC version is by far my favorite! I feel that Emma, Mr. Knightly, and many of the other characters are perfectly casted. I love how this version remains so true to the book and is also light and fun!
Emma 2020 is my second favorite the BBC version is still a favorite. Its story follows Emma Woodhouse, a young woman who interferes in the love lives of her friends. This was very well casted.
Emma 3rd Favorite Version– I had never seen this, until now. Emma with Kate Beckinsale was a great suggestion from a commenter below. I thoroughly enjoyed this version!
Emma 4th Favorite DVD version, Amazon Instant Access. This is another great production. It is shorter than the BBC version so it is not as true to the novel, but has great acting and some wonderful scenes.
7. Miss Potter DVD version and Amazon Instant Access– This is another film that pleasantly surprised me. It is based on the life of Beatrix Potter, author of the famous Peter Rabbit book. I was so captivated by how fun, quirky, and different this film is. It’s so refreshing to have a romance with imagination and so much life!
Belgravia is an entertaining series based in the Victorian age. It was well-produced and entertaining. I loved the historical accuracy, costumes, set, and mentions of afternoon tea. I highly recommend it.
8. North and South DVD version, Amazon Instant Access, and also Available on Netflix.- North & South is a wonderful romantic drama. It is a bit heavier because the plot is thick with politics, business ventures, and centers on a woman who is more head strong than the time period allowed for. It is a definite favorite!
9. Jane Eyre 2011– My favorite version of an all-time classic. I really liked the development of Jane’s past in this version and the connection she had with Mr. Rochester. It felt very organic and real.
Jane Eyre 2nd favorite- Wonderfully done and is an all time classic favorite.
Jane Eyre 3rd favorite this version has very good reviews out of the many Jane Eyre’s that have been done before. It is very well.
Jane Eyre 4th Favorite Version DVD version only- I love this version because of the connection between Jane and Mr. Rochester. They really capture the relationship and the difficulties surrounding their love wonderfully.
Honestly, all of the aforementioned Jane Eyre movies are excellent!
10. Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown DVD Version, Amazon Instant Video. I was truly not expecting to like this film but was caught off guard. It is very well done and strives to remain true to both Queen Victoria and the man many believe was her second true love. I love how clean and proper this film depicts their relationship.
11. Persuasion DVD Version and Amazon Instant Access– Persuasion is another one of my favorite Austen novels. This first version does a great job of portraying the heartbreak, the betrayal, and the love that endures through all of the opinions and attempted persuasions.
Persuasion 2nd Favorite DVD Version- I just viewed this version and adored it! It was such a wonderfully done film! I’d recommend viewing them both!
Wives and Daughters DVD Version, also Available on Netflix- This is a different sort of series that is very entertaining and has a lot going on. I found it to be very fun to watch and wonderfully done!
Northanger Abbey DVD Only- This version is very good. I love the scripting, love story, and characters.
Belle Amazon Version– This period piece is extremely moving and was just released. I have rarely bought a movie on its release date but I HAD to buy this! It is based on a true story and has a lot of accurate historical drama which I feel men will relate well to. It isn’t just a chick flick. It is a definite 5-star movie!
Mansfield Park DVD Version, Amazon Instant Access. Many Austen purists think that Mansfield Park has never been depicted correctly on film. I do love this newest version. I feel it displays the drama, relationships, and difficulties very well while not straying too far from the novel.
2nd favorite Mansfield Park 1999 version as well as this newer version but it is worth the watch (beware there is nudity in it).
The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain DVD Version, Amazon Instant Video– This was another film I was half expecting not to like. It proved me wrong. It’s witty, fun, based on a true story, and romantic. I enjoyed watching this light-hearted film.
Anne of Green Gables DVD version. This is the most amazing film! I love the romance(s) happening, the humor, wit, and adventure. I never get tired of watching this… and I’ve seen it a few more times than I’d like to admit. It’s another MUST SEE!
Anne of Avonlea aka Anne of Green Gables The Sequel. Such a wonderful production and stays close to the novel.
Many comments I have read on Amazon say not to watch Anne of Green Gables the Continuing Story (part 3 in this series)…as it will ruin this wonderfully done series. But multiple comments below say it is wonderful. I’m planning on watching it and update this when I do.
Larkrise to Candleford – (Amazon and Amazon Prime) This is a recent discovery of mine (thanks to the comments and a good friend who confirmed it was worth the watch). I really like this series. It is fun, a great script, and a great cast. I haven’t seen it all yet as there are many episodes. I found it on Amazon Instant Prime.
Austenland– Available in DVD and Instant Access on Amazon This is an amazingly funny film. Although I should warn that unlike most of these other films, there is quite a bit of ‘adult humor’. That said if you are an adult and are a big fan of these other films you may just like it. It’s a great film with an excellent balance between romance and humor. I’ve seen it a few times and honestly can’t wait to see it again!
Far From The Madding Crowd– After it was over the man behind me in the theater said, “That is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time!”. I also really loved the storyline. I recommend it.
Death Comes to Pemberly– Another AMAZING production! It is a British novel by P.D. James that continues Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with a murder mystery. It is excellent. I highly recommend it. And thank you to those who suggested it in the comment section! I found it on the Apple TV area where you can purchase the T.V. series (it was not in the movie section). You can also find it on Amazon Instant Watch here. Sometimes it is on Netflix.
Little Women (2019 film) is an outstanding film! I have heard it is the seventh film adaptation of the 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott and it was incredibly good. It is a must-see!
Little Women 2nd favorite. This film is fantastic the actors and actresses are very talented. The story line is engaging. I love this film!
Miss Scarlet and the Duke Seasons 1 and 2 – If you like Masterpiece Theater, or Victorian period pieces and mysteries, then you’ll love this new series. The dialog is witty and humorous in parts, great costumes have historical relevance with regard to Scotland Yard, and the attitudes of the day, along with the filming in Dublin, this series is fun and well done.
Little Dorrit – The cast in this series was delightful. The humor was tamed and clever. Eddie Marsan (Mr. Pancks) was pretty brilliant. Matthew Macfadyen was also good despite Arthur being such a bland character written seemingly as a plot device to accommodate the story of Amy Dorrit. But overall, it was a well-made series.
Poldark– This is an AMAZING MUST-SEE series! Finally, a truly romantic show that showcases the main characters in married life. I love romances that end with a kiss. But I love them, even more, when the marriage is the highlight of the show. As the series progresses, it does get a bit more soap opera-ish and there are a few sex scenes. I felt that the series finishes very strongly.
Victoria by Masterpiece- Although, ‘The Young Victoria’ is a hard one to compete with, this comes as a close second. This series is excellent. Great acting, costumes, and plot. You can buy it on Amazon or watch it on PBS.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – This is one of my favorite shows! It shows the power of human connection, literacy, and survival. It centers on the German Occupation of the English Isle of Guernsey. Interestingly enough, my 4th great-grandfather, Francis Kerby lived on the Isle of Jersey right next to Guernsey so this show had great insight into the landscape and type of small-island lifestyle my ancestors may have lived on. In 2022 I got to visit Guernsey which was so fun. Even if your ancestors aren’t from these isles, it still is a must-watch! Available on Netflix and also in Amazon.
Dr. Thorne– An excellent story written by Anthony Trollope and directed by Julianne Fellows who directed Pride and Prejudice.
Around the World in 80 Days- This is an amazing series based on an even better book. I loved both the book and the series, they both are so different in particulars it is worth it to watch and read both. It was a very good production.
Daniel Denronda- Wonderful story filled with completely opposite lifestyles and romance. I really enjoyed it! It’s been a while since I’ve first watched it, but I remember really liking it because it had a different and refreshing plot. I’m excited to see it again!
Love & Friendship. Based on Jane Austen’s Lady Susan novel. I really enjoyed this movie. The great acting, plot, and well-done book-to-film conversion.
The Making of a Lady– I really liked this show. It starts out light and interesting and gets a little darker, thrilling, and gothic. I was not expecting the plot twist! It was engaging from start to finish. It’s fantastic! UPDATE- It’s now on Netflix.
Somewhere in Time– Get swept away by one of the most beloved romances ever in this powerful story of a writer (Christopher Reeve) who sacrifices his life in the present to find love in the past.
Seyit and Sura – This is a great period piece based on the aristocracy in Russia. Just get past the first few episodes of occasional slowness and it becomes a very well-produced romantic series about real characters that lived in Russia and Istanbul long ago. I found it on Netflix.
Sanditon is an unfinished Jane Austen novel. However, Masterpiece has done an excellent job at its casting and storytelling. It’s a little edgier than most of Austen’s but I’ve really enjoyed it and hope they get to do a second season. Update- the second season it much more “Austen” than the first, I really enjoyed it!
Another classic to-screen adaptation by Masterpiece is the Howards End. They did supremely well at remaining true to the book. While not my favorite ‘romance’, I really enjoyed it. The empathy and strength of Margaret really are moving.
War and Peace BBC – important note: there are a lot of war/gory scenes and a lot of implied promiscuity. However, this was an incredibly well-done series. If you focus on the themes of growth, forgiveness, repentance, selflessness, and true love, this will become a favorite. I now want to read Tolstoy’s famous novel as I was impressed by the deeply rooted truths weaved throughout this series of what really produces happiness in life.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall– I loved this movie. It was moving, had great character development, and an excellent plot.
Woman in White– I read this book by Wilkie Collins and it was one of my favorite books! The series is really good as well.
The Gran Hotel– This is a Spanish series (subtitles in English) very similar to Downton Abbey. Great acting, a great set, and an engaging romantic plot tied into an engaging murder mystery plot. Much like Downton Abbey there are a few PG-13 and rated R scenes. There are about 42 episodes and maybe 10 have nudity, sex, rape, or violence—but no homosexuality. The first episodes of the first series have the majority of these scenes.
Unlike Downton Abbey, many of the characters (most of them) are dishonest at heart but by the end, many get better. Despite this, I have loved the plot, characters, and acting. It had so many amazing reviews that I decided to view it. I’m almost done and have really enjoyed it. Beware there are tons of episodes and it is very addicting and I couldn’t even look away from the screen. I never knew how often I did that until I started watching this series. You have to stare at the screen to catch it all (unless you speak Spanish). I found it on Netflix but you can find it on Amazon here
Dark Angel – DVD Version, Amazon Instant Video, and also available on PBS.Excellent acting job by all. Outstanding period settings; I would guess soberingly realistic. This is based on a real person who poisoned multiple people. Just a heads up, this one is a bit disturbing. To see Joanne Joan Froggatt’s facial expressions change so subtly was chilling. Excellent acting performance by her, and by all the cast.
Chevalier– About a prodigy in France whose talent for music and composition rivaled famous classical composers, unfortunately, much of his work was destroyed. Just an aside this has some immorality/sex scenes.
Listed below are productions from a slightly different era but are just as good…
Far and Away– Follows an Irishman immigrating to America. The adventure and romance are intense. I’ve adored it since I was a young girl. This is a must see!
The Magic of Ordinary Days DVD Version- This is one of my all time favorite films EVER! It is set in America during WWII so it is a bit different than a lot of these other films. But it is such a touching and romantic story of second chances, true love, and respect. I had to include it.
Atlantic Crossing– This is an excellent Masterpiece series about Princess Martha and FDR during WWII.
The Secret Garden I absolutely adore this film. It’s a bit of a different type of romance—but it is romantic in the sense of excitement, mystery, etc. I was hooked as a little girl and still love it today.
Finding Neverland– This is also a different kind of romantic film. Think romance of imagination and friendship while watching. It is completely captivating and such a beautiful film!
Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken– This is another American Era Film (takes place during the depression) and highlights a ‘true story’ of a women who was daring, strong, and overcame difficult obstacles. I had to include it. It’s another must see!
Sweet Land. I really enjoyed this film. It made such an impression on me, that here a few years later, I vividly remember many scenes. It’s an American Era film that depicts just how tough farming, and falling in love can be.
Ever After DVD Amazon Instant Video– ‘The true story of Cinderella”. It is such an incredibly done film. It has a great balance of sadness, humor, and romance. If you haven’t seen it, I would definitely recommend it!
Merlin (DVD & Instant Versions). The series is based on the legend of Merlin and King Arthur and his sword. The neighbor girl told me about it so I began watching and was HOOKED. I will say that the first episode or two are maybe a tad bit cheesy, so just get through the first 3 episodes and you will never regret watching it! My only qualms with this series are how they ended it. Although I would have ended it much different it is most definitely worth watching. Great romance, adventure, and plot.
The Princess Bride DVD Version and Amazon Instant Video– This film has stood the test of time. It has been around for over 25 years and is still very popular and well liked. It is a wonderful story of “TRUE LOVE” and the adventure that is sometimes required to attain it.
The Count of Monte Cristo DVD Version, Amazon Instant Video– A wonderfully romantic and adventurous film. There is something so incredible about the acting, plot, and story line that captivates me each time I watch this. There are a few violent scenes and a sex scene or two are implied. This is an all-time favorite among both men and women. If you want to watch any show from this list with a male who doesn’t appreciate chick flicks, this is (or Belle) are excellent choices!
Cinderella 2015– Will soon be out on DVD. I just saw this and I liked it a lot. The characters are all fantastic actors. It dwelt on the happy times Cinderella had more than the negative (which is a breath of fresh air). There is a wonderful message that encourages the viewer to be more kind, courageous and forgiving. It does have a much different feel than the rest of these period pieces. It has a very ‘magical’ feel to the film —almost as if they were in a fairyland of some kind. I liked it!
Honorable Mentions:
Pride and Prejudice a Latter Day Comedy- This is a fun clean spin-off of Pride and Prejudice’s original storyline in the modern day time. I really like this show. It is light, fun, and clean.
Kate and Leopold– A fun romantic comedy. Leopold comes from a different era and time travels into the modern day. I quite liked it!
MiddleMarch DVD Version, Amazon Instant Video, Also Available on Netflix. Although this film has really great reviews it is so horribly grainy and has such a bad resolution it landed in honorable mention. I began watching it, and plan on finishing, it is just hard to watch because of the resolution.
Under the Greenwood Tree– Amazon here also available on Netflix. This is a great period piece with a fun story line. It’s in honorable mention because it is just not as high caliber production and the others. It is well worth the watch if you love period pieces.
Becoming Jane DVD Version and Amazon Instant Video– As an admirer of Jane Austen’s life and works I was a bit let down by this film. Hence, the reason why it landed in the honorable mentions. I really love the costumes, cinematography, and some of the characters. Yet, Jane Austen was so perceptive (as shown in all of her works) I highly doubt she would have ever fallen in love with someone so obviously fake as they depicted in the film. I wished they had done more justice to her obvious strengths of observation and perceptiveness of character. It’s a good show, just not an accurate depiction of Austen.
When Calls the Heart– I enjoy this series. Season 1 is now on Netflix. Season 2 via Amazon. It starts off a little low budget and cheesy but the acting and plot get better with each episode!
Miss Austen Regrets– Although Miss Austen is better than Becoming Jane, I still wasn’t 100% convinced of Austen’s character portrayal. It is an excellent watch though.
Lost in Austen– DVD and Instant Access Versions, also available on Hulu or Netflix DVD ship to home version.
UPDATE- I viewed this series. Not every film/series is going to be a good fit for everyone and unfortunately, this wasn’t a fit for me (or my sister who also viewed it). There were a lot of ‘nails-on-the-chalk-board-moments’ in this film.
They take the Pride and Prejudice story line and twist it up so much there is no right from wrong, down from up, and it gets very scattered and disorganized. I had a hard time making it through the series and didn’t love the way it ended. There are some crude jokes, comments, and remarks which I didn’t find too offensive but they are there so I thought I’d warn future viewers!
That said, it may be a winner for a lot of people (as the reviews and a few comments below imply).
The Importance of Being Earnest DVD Version, Amazon Instant Video– Light, witty, humorous, fun. This film puts a new spin on English romance.
Sensts and Sensibility- Available on Netflix and Amazon Instant and DVD
This is a totally fun low-budget modern day Sense and Sensibility. I never know what to expect with low-budget films, but this one turned out to be worth the watch.
An Ideal Husband found on Amazon here– This is a fun, witty, and light-hearted film. I enjoyed it. The reason why its in honorable mention is just because it sometimes seems a little ‘off’ on historical accuracy in my opinion. But I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sara Plain and Tall (Amazon)– My mom told me about this film and said that she really likes it. I vaguely remember seeing it years ago. After I view it I will move it up out of honorable mentions if I love it too.
Christy– Granted it has been awhile and I need to re-watch this movie. But I can remember it didn’t really leave much of an impression on me… hence the honorable mention.
Wuthering Heights– The novel was okay. The movie okay. Most people either love or hate the plot. Without giving everything away, I’ll just say that Wuthering Heights just makes me kind of sad. I know that many who love this genre adore it though so I’m adding it. It’s definitely worth a watch to see what your thoughts are.
Call the Midwife– Again, not my favorite, many I’ve talked to love this series. I thought I’d add it to the honorable mention list.
A Room With a View– I enjoyed this film. There is a long scene of nudity when the three men go to bathe (just fyi) the rest is very clean. The reason it is in honorable mentions is that in my opinion, the romance was not as developed as it should’ve been. Now on Netflix.
Great Expectations– I really enjoyed this movie. There are some violent scenes but overall it is very clean. Great story-one of my favorite Dicken’s. There is another version that many like and can be found here as well.
Gaslight- A disturbingly accurate portrayal of what it is like to be married to a narcissist.
Love Comes Softly– This is a bit of a tear jerker. It tells the stories of women in the pioneer days, the trials and tribulations that they experience. I’d give it 3.5 out of 5 stars because at times the acting is not the best (besides Katherine Heigl-she was excellent). Overall, I’d recommend it! I can’t wait to view the rest of the series which you can find here or on Netflix DVD service plan. UPDATE- I’ve started to view the rest of the series (the next two movies). I’ve liked the plots but the acting and low budget sets are a bit cheesy and I just couldn’t get through the rest of the series.
The War Bride 2001 – This is an old movie but never tire of it. It is about the British who were sent to Canada while their husbands were in the war. They did not know their husband’s families and were outsiders. They had pinache and developed compassion for each other, learning to cope. When the husbands came home they did not know each other as they had married on a whim on a weekend. But they too learned to cope. Very good casting and true to life. Very heartwarming and unique.
I also want to ask if you know any shows/TV series that fit this quality and genre of entertainment that aren’t on the list, PLEASE list them below so I can check them out!
Productions that I did not like:
I’ve debated back and forth about putting the shows up that I have seen and do not wish to add to this list. I think I will because many keep mentioning them in the comments.
CURRENTLY ON MY LIST TO WATCH
I’m watching and adding movies you’ve suggested as quickly as a blogging mom of two can. Here are the movies I have pulled from the comment section below and that are on my list to watch. I will add as I view and approve them:
Tenko (British female prisoners of war in Japan)
A place to call home (post-WW2 Australian drama)
Cranford
Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend.
Bleak House
Little Dorrit with Claire Foy
The Winslow Boy (1999)
The remains of the day
THE TURN OF THE SCREW
THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE
SILAS MARNER
LORNA DOONE
HE KNEW HE WAS RIGHT
THE BARCHESTER CHRONICLES
THE WAY WE LIVE NOW
THE PALLISERS
LITTLE DORRIT
POLLYANNA
THE MILL ON THE FLOSS
WASHINGTON SQUARE
LADY WINDEMERE’S FAN
THE WOMAN IN WHITE
SHAKESPEARE RETOLD SERIES…
CATHERINE COOKSON’S THE CINDER PATH.
Horseman on the Roof (Juliette Binoche & Olivier Martinez)
The Crimson Field
The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant (Romola Garai)
Dear Frankie (Gerard Butler)
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Huge thank you for blogging this! I have been looking all over for movies that are like P&P/ Masterpiece films, but I have had no such luck! It’s great to see that there still are some classy romance movies out there.
Thanks again!!
Willow- You are welcome, I hope you enjoy them! Check back if you have any reviews or input to add!
What an excellent list of movies….thanks so much.
I saw The Painted Veil on your list of must watch. I have to say that is one of my favorite movies of all times. When you first start watching you may want to shut it off after the first half hour, DON’T!! It gets not only good but great. There are a couple of nude parts but nothing nasty or tasteless. That is all I will say I don’t want to spoil it for you. All I will say is it is one of the best love and so true stories that I have watched in a long time and may I say I have watched it many times after I just can’t get enough. And also thank you for the list. I have watched a lot of the ones on it but there are quite a few I haven’t. P.S. Colin Firths Pride and Prejudice is also irreplaceable, I don’t care how many of them they make there will never be one as good. Happy Watching.
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
Have you tried “The Abduction Club?” 🙂
I haven’t but I’ll check it out.
Hi Anita. Have you seen a film called “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour – beautiful!
I have, I need to add it. Thanks!
Add Firelight to the list! It’s aboit the love of a mother and has a happy ending.
Thanks for the suggestion. Will check it out!
I agree:) Have to say Love sense and sense ability with Emma Thompson and although the newest pride and prejudice is okay personally like the older one with Lawrence Oliver alot better;) Also like Emma Jeremy northern ie one of first tv crushes;) downtown Abby- although is well acted/done has some mature themes that definitely should be considered guest..
The second Persuasion that you mentioned is much better (in my opinion) because I feel they cast it much more acurately than the other. Plus I really love how they managed to capture the true feel of the novel without making Anne a simpering snob. I highly encourage you to watch it as quickly as possible! It’s fantastic!
Stephanie- Okay you have me convinced! I’ll order it now and watch it 🙂
Thank you for blogging this list. I’ve seen almost all of the movies you have listed. And are excited to see the ones I haven’t. I love romantic, clean movies and I think you made an awesome list.
I grew up watching old movies and am disappointed that now days they have to add sence that aren’t needed.
Thanks again!
Tairah- You are so welcome. Check back and let me know how you like the ones you’ve never seen! Yes, finding clean and quality entertainment is getting much harder!
The Inheritance
Amy- Sweet, thanks for the suggestion, I did view this film. It is not my favorite. I couldn’t really get over the acting and the film resolution. But I can see how many would love it because it is endearing and has a good plot.
Is it quite bad that I have seen all of these! Romantic film addict maybe… definitely a jane austen addict! Thanks anita
Vanessa- Not bad at all. If they were garbage shows then maybe. But these are really awesome, amazing, and uplifting shows 🙂 something to be proud of for sure!
Have you seen Austenland, starring Keri Russell? I think it would fit in well with these others. My sister, mother, and I all adored it. Give it a watch, it’s really clever and funny, but also so appropriately “Austen”.
Dianne- I LOVE AUSTENLAND! I really can’t believe I forgot it. I’ll add that and another few I’ve thought of since. Thanks!
Then you need to add Lost in Austen to the list. It’s on Hulu right now and has been on Netflix in the past and probably on Amazon.
I watched it and added it to the honorable mentions. I personally didn’t love it because it messed up P&P story line so much but I can see how many who love these other films may love it. Thanks for the suggestion!
Love this. Thank You. I would add Howard’s End and Room with a View. Both with a lovely Helena Bonham Carter. Howard’s End with Emma Thompson in her Oscar winning role. I also love the adaption of Jane Eïre with Michael Fassbender. And I would add Wuthering Heights with Severin adaptions to pick from.
Mimi- Thanks so much! I’ll look into those and add them once I view them. thank you again for the suggestions. I’m always excited to see more quality entertainment!
I also love A Room with a View and Howard’s End. They were my favourites during high school/ college! I don’t agree that the love story in A Room with a Vies was not played out enough- the whole movie was about their love story, IMO!
In any case, thank you for the recommendations about similar movies- I’m excited to watch!
Thank you so much for this! I refer back to it often whenever I need a clean girl show. (which is all the time!) One of my very favorites is Lost in Austen. The time period is a little different in the fact that its about a modern girl who ends up in the Pride and Prejudice story, but it is witty and funny and I fall in love with it every time I watch it. I know at one time you could watch it on Netflix, however that was a few years ago.
Thanks so much for the kind comment. I’m so glad you refer back to it often. I added Lost in Austen to Honorable mentions as it isn’t my favorite but many would like it. Thanks!!
There is a movie on netflix called the royal affair I loved.I too love all these types of movies. u should watch it! And the duchess with Keira knightly!! One of my faves!
Aimee- I haven’t seen a royal affair because it is rated R. I try not to watch R rated movies. The duchess looks interesting… looks like you are a Keira Knightly fan. I’m not the biggest fan of her myself… but everyone has their own favorites. Thanks for the comment.
Hi, thank you very much for this list. I’m going to watch and enjoy some pieces I didn’t watch yet.Also can recommend Emma with Kate Beckinsale.For me and my mum it’s the best one of all three emma movies.
Tanya- I’ll have to watch it. I honestly haven’t heard of it so thank you very much for the suggestion!
Have you seen Cranford, Daniel Deronda, Under the Greenwood Tree or Sweet Land? Also, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, although I haven’t actually seen the movie, but the book was lovely
I have seen Daniel Deronda and I did like it. It’s a great suggestion. I haven’t seen the others but I’ll look into them. thanks!
I was looking for a media sort of present for a friend who’s a big fan of pride and prejudice, you made it very easy!
Many thanks 🙂
You’re welcome! I’m sure she will love most any of these!
You missed 3 written by Pamela Aidan An assembly such as this .Duty and Desire. and These Three Remain .All 3 are Mr Darcy’s story of how he and Elizabeth met and the change he went through to win her heart .They are beautifully written and follow the story Jane Austen origionally wrote.
Are these movies or books that you are referring to? They sound interesting either way.
Anita thank you so much for putting together this list. I just found it on Pinterest. I agree with many of your selections and I am excited to view the ones I haven’t watched.
Have you seen pride and prejudice a latter day comedy? 2003 Director: Andrew Black, Stars: Kam Heskin, Orlando Seale. Not at an adaptation from the book. But a sweet clean romance that parrallels the original plot, a bit like Austinland.
It one of my favorites when i want something light, fun.
Laurel- I have and I love it. thanks for reminding me. I will add it!
i found this on pintrest toooooo
I have seen most of the titles from your list and will defenately watch the ones I haven’t! Personally, I would add ‘The remains of the day’ with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, I really love the subdued emotions an underlaying feelings!
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll have to check it out!
Wonderful list! Thank you! I have to second the Cranford recommendation, and also suggest the warm and light-hearted yet moving Lark Rise to Candleford series. Happy viewing!
Thank you Julianna- I’ll have to check and view the Lark Rise to Candleford! I appreciate it!
Love the list–only one or two I haven’t seen yet! I’m always on the lookout for these types of films. You might check out Under the Greenwood Tree, and the series Larkrise to Candleford. Both excellent in my opinion. Oh, and Cranford! Thanks for the list!
Thanks so much for the recommendations! I’ll check them out. /)
If you have not already, please give Jane Austen Book Club a try. It’s a great film.
Elizabeth- Thanks for the idea, I definitely will!- Anita
Not movies but HIGHLY recommend youtube the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. One of the best adaptations that brings P&P into modern times. it will suck you in!! It is all finished so you can watch it all in its entirety. I had watched about 84 episodes over a weekend and then was dying to have to wait for the new episodes to come out! There are 100 episodes but each one averages 4-6 minutes. So so good!!! There also is a great adaptation of Emma Emma approved from the same company(Pemberly digital) also on youtube.
Bridget- Cool! I’ve never heard of this, I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
Good list! How about adding The Way We Live Now ? – its got a love story running through it with plenty of humor and drama, too! =)
I’ll have to check it out! Thanks 🙂
I’ll check it out thanks for the suggestion!
Great list! Just an FYI, for what it’s worth — the rank in the army used for one of the officer in Sense and Sensibility is “
Thanks… that’s one tough word to spell. I fixed it 🙂
How about “An Ideal Husband”? Minnie Driver. Rupert Everett. Julianne Moore. Cate Blanchett. Lovely.
Added, I did really like that show. Thanks!
Loved your list. You should really check out Sweet Land. It was wonderful. Also the Christy series with Kelli Martin was great. My grandmother eve loved it and she doesn’t care for movies. Closer to that period is Room with a View, 2008 version is lovely.
Thanks for the suggestions! I will check them out!
Take a look at The Winslow Boy (1999). An excellent story and a very captivating cast. Clean, well written, not action packed, but very engaging. Nice little romance woven through it. Takes place in the early 1900s.
Thanks Sharon, I’ll have to check it out!
Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend (I personally prefer the 2001 version with Keely Hawes, but the Jane Seymour one is pretty good too) and Bleak House 2005.
There’s also Little Women 1994 version. (I watched the 1949 version with Elizabeth Taylor as Beth when I was a kid, but can’t remember enough to say how great it was.)
And finally, Finding Neverland with Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp was amazing.
Thanks! I’ll have to rematch a few of these (I haven’t seen them forever) and watch the Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend.
HI…APPRECIATE THE TROUBLE YOU HAVE TAKEN TO LIST OUT THESE BEAUTIFUL MOVIES….I HAVE SEEN ALMOST ALL IN THE LIST, EXCEPT ‘….ORDINARY DAYS’…HADN’T HEARD OF IT EVEN BEFORE YOUR LIST….WILL WATCH IT SOON….THERE A NUMBER OF GOOD, CLEAN ONES THAT CAN BE INCLUDED…WHEN YOU HAVE TIME, CHECK THESE OUT…THEY ARE NOT NUMBERED IN ANY PARTICULAR ORDER…
1. LADIES IN LAVENDER
2. THE TURN OF THE SCREW
3. WUTHERING HEIGHTS …A NUMBER OF VERSIONS ARE OUT THERE!
4. THE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL
5. THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE
6. SILAS MARNER
7. LORNA DOONE
8. HE KNEW HE WAS RIGHT
9. THE BARCHESTER CHRONICLES
10. THE WAY WE LIVE NOW
11. THE PALLISERS
12. LITTLE DORRIT
13. POLLYANNA
14. THE MILL ON THE FLOSS
15. WASHINGTON SQUARE
16. MISS.AUSTEN REGRETS
17. LADY WINDEMERE’S FAN
18. THE WOMAN IN WHITE
19. SHAKESPEARE RETOLD SERIES…
20. CATHERINE COOKSON’S THE CINDER PATH.
NOW, I HAVE A HUGE COLLECTION OF PERIOD AND LITERARY ( NOVELS AND CLASSICS MADE INTO MOVIES AND SERIALS ) DRAMAS…BUT I THINK I HAVE GIVEN YOU A LONG LIST AS IT IS…YOU CAN GOOGLE FOR THEM ;)…HOPE YOU HAVE FUN WATCHING THESE…
TAKE CARE!
Thanks for the list! I’ll do some research and check them out.
Little Dorrit(200) TV series was very good. Cranford is another brilliant series about a village in 1840s – it’s a perfect example of attitudes at the times
Kate and Leopold was a nice romantic movie. Not sure if you have seen it or wish to put it in your list. :O)
Yes I love this movie, I’ll have to add it!
Have you seen The Moth? It was based on a Catherine Cookson novel and I believe it was made for TV in 1997. It is one Of my favorites. I have seen and enjoyed most of the movies that you have listed here.
I haven’t I’ll have to check it out!
Have you seen Grand Hotel? It is so good, I can’t stop watching it! It’s sort of a spanish Downton Abbey but honestly, it has kept my attention a lot more. I just found it on Netflix over the last couple of weeks, and now I’m hooked!
Sounds awesome! I’ll check it out, thanks!
Please check out “Love comes Softly” and the entire series. Also the recent Hallmark series “When calls the Heart”. I really enjoyed these! “A Little Princess” (not the Shirley Temple one – although I am a Shirley T. fan) and “The Secret Garden”. Thank you for your list, as I plan on watching those that I have not.
its such a disappointed that there is no synopis of the movie you recomended
It took a LOT of time just to gather the information on this post (and watch many movies that have made the list since posting it). If you would like further information on these films, please click on the links to Amazon and read the synopsis’ you are interested in there.
Thanks so much for compiling this list. I’ve only seen a few. Have you tried The Duchess. I love it. It’s currently on Netflix if you haven’t.
I haven’t. I’ll see if I can check it out.
I love your list! I have also seen most of these movies and I’m looking forward to seeing the ones I haven’t. I also wanted to recommend Little Dorrit with Claire Foy and Great Expectations with Gillian Anderson. I’m sure there are other versions of these books but these are very well done. I hope you enjoy them too. Thanks again for the list!
Any movie or series adaption of Janette Oke is a winner. Try watching any of the following:
Love comes softly
when calls the heart (watch the movie then the series)
also if you want a different version of Pride and Prejudice. try watching Bride and Prejudice, its very funny, modern and has a culture twist. one of my favorites.
but here’s the best idea. go on over to the Hallmark channels website, they have a huge selection of clean movies that will pull at your heart strings. I found Cedar Cove there, it’s one of my top series now (Andie MacDowell stars as the lead actress).
enjoy 🙂
I am a fan of some of the Catherine Cookson novels that have been made into movies, though the film and/or sound quality is poor in some. My favorite of them is “The Moth,” with Juliette Aubrey and Jack Davenport.
The 1983 Jane Eyre has the best Mr. Rochester. Timothy Dalton is gruff, plotting, and vulnerable. He captures the rapid emotional swings of Mr. Rochester perfectly. Zelah Clarke’s Jane is a little bland, but Dalton carries the flick wonderfully. Definitely worth watching.Better than any of the other adaptations I have seen…and yes, I’ve read the book about 25 times.
Thanks Jody, wow 25 times! That’s so cool 🙂 I’ve read P&P about 5 and I thought that was a lot. I love to re-read books.
Although I haven’t seen the 1983 Jane Eyre with Timothy Dalton, Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester in the newest adaption certainly does “transfix me quite” with his incredible acting talent, dashing good looks,…and his eyes and voice! Auh, irresistible! He reveals his mysterious “tale of woe” in a brilliant way.
I’ll have to watch it! Thank you!
Hi! Have you watched BBC’s Call the Midwife? There are several seasons on Netflix and it’s amazing!
Sarah- I have a weak stomach and couldn’t handle the graphic nature of call the midwife. But I have friends who love it… it may have also been that I tried watching it while pregnant. I know a lot of people who love it.
Just stumbled on your blog and this awesome list. Call the Midwife was one of the few things that got me through my first pregnancy!
Awesome! I’m glad you liked it. Many of my friends love it, so I included it.
Two more! – I think you might like Joe Wright’s “Atonement” and “Anna Karenina.” Both star Keira Knightley (I have mixed feelings about her acting), but they have really beautiful cinematography.
Firstly, thank you for posting this listing. It’s been most helpful. I normally go through moods where I binge watch ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and ‘Mansfield Park’ and the like, but I generally end up watching the same stuff over and over. This helped me out a bunch.
Also, in my personal opinion, ‘Lost in Austen’ is best described as a FanFiction with an Original Character insert. I don’t discourage anyone from trying it for themselves, but I agree with you. I skipped through some of it because I just couldn’t handle it.
OOOH my gosh, I so happy you took the time to make this blog!!! I love Jane Austen type movies and i am thrilled to seee that there are still many clean romances!!
Rachel- You’re welcome, I’m so glad you found it!!
Maybe it’s been mentioned in comments already but I enjoyed The White Queen very much, a tv series not movie. Thanks for the list, especially appreciated the information on where to get it as well, that has my playlist stocked up for a wee while 🙂
great thanks! Ill have to check it out.
I just watched Belle and absolutely loved it. I’m much more of a horror-and-comedy girl, but I do get in moods where I need to watch some good old happy-ending romance. I adore P&P (Colin Firth version), Magic of Ordinary Days, and Belle. Tbh most period romances leave me a little cold.
Awesome! Thanks for leaving a review.
wow such a wonderful list.I love such classic type movies and a great fan of Jane austen..I love ever after from the list and already watched so many times..Great work anita.keep it up
Thanks ishi! I try to add any I find along the way… and will continue to do so.
Here are a few I watched recently that I think you may enjoy. All on netflix by the way.
The Buccaneers – Four sisters shunned as “new money” by elitist New York society travel to London to look for husbands, where they’re courted by numerous suitors.
Death Comes to Pemberly – Adapted from P.D. James’s sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the tale continues as Elizabeth and Darcy celebrate six years of marriage.
From Time to Time – When Tolly returns to his family’s ancestral home to visit his grandmother, he manages to travel through time to uncover the mansion’s secrets.
Thanks for your recommendations!
Thanks for this post!
Recent watches I really loved or liked:
Bomb Girls
Mr. Selfridge ****
The Paradise ****
Doc Martin
Mildred Pierce (Kate Winslet version)****
Last Tango in Halifax
Call the Midwife
The Forsyte Saga **
Land Girls
The Winds of War **
War and Remembrance **
Thanks. Not to be contentious but I really hated Mr. Selfridge it was so dirty-everyone sleeping with everyone and the fact that he was so unloyal to his wife and such a gambler, etc. It was so hard for me to watch so I skipped to the last episode and was just as disappointment. The Forsyte Saga was super depressing. Call the midwife was a bit too graphic for me. Loved The Paradise and I need to try the others. Thanks for the suggestions!
What a great line-up! I enjoyed reviewing my favorites & there are a few suggestions that are new to me. Thanks so much!
Warmly, Michelle
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy them!
Great list. A fun one is Cranford! Judi Dench is amazing (as always) and it’s a super fun made for TV series. Highly highly recommend. It’s way up there on my list and I’m a fan of more than two thirds of these (the other ones I haven’t seen)! …so I’m thinking we have very similar taste.
Thanks! I’ll check it out!
Thank you so much for this list! I joined a BookReader’s club on FB and someone had mentioned a “sequel” to Sense and Sensibility called Willoughby’s Return and I absolutely loved it! Well of course it made me want to read Sense and Sensibility and then see the movie…and well, you can figure it out from there! So I Googled other movies like P&P and S&S and came across your website! I plan on watching this whole list (I’ve probably seen about 75% so far). So thank you for this! I look forward to watching these!
Yay! Thank you I’ll check Willoughby’s Return out and weigh in and add it afterwards! Thanks.
Little women is a great movie too!
Thanks! I’ll add it.
Hi Anita! I too love a good clean movie with nothing too risque…I’ve seen every film on this list except The Magic of Ordinary Days, and heartily second them. I came across a new and delightful film (new to me, anyway) recently which you will LOVE if this list is any indication…”The Abduction Club”
Also, have you seen the new Poldark series? There are a couple of pg-13 rated scenes, but they’re fairly short. Or Death Comes To Pemberley? Good luck!
I have not but thank you for the suggestions! I’ll check them out.
Great list! Have seen them all 🙂
Because you seem to like these types of movies maybe you can name the title of a Movie that I have forgotten? It´s been nagging me for weeks now..
I Think it´s set in the 1900th Century, it is a costume Movie. It´s about a Young woman who marries a man she didn´t know Before (arranged). She moves in with him. They sleep in seperate bedrooms but she looks at him through a sort of crack in the wall late at night. One night she decides to walk in to his bedroom and sleep with him.
In the end she is poisoned (the servants guilty?) and she is lying in her bed with the man sitting next to her. But then she Wakes up and the man says something like: “I wanted you to know that I love you, afraid that you wouldn´t get to know that”.
And in the end I Think you could see their future Children run around in the house (skipped in time).
I Think he traveled for business. He had an office with maps I Think.
And maybe these servants who poisoned her were from antoher country. I Think the Young woman helped them and gave them jobs in their home.
Perhaps it´s a tricky one but I would be so happy if you, or someone out there, could tell me the title! 🙂
“The Making of a Lady” is a 2012 television film based on the 1901 novel “The Making of a Marchioness” by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Thank you for the suggestion! I’ll give it a watch.
What a great list! I liked “Death Comes to Pemberley”. I would also add the 2015 “Cinderella” to this list! So charming, and totally clean. 🙂
Thank you! I’m so excited to see the new Cinderella. I never did get to view it. I think it comes out soon and I’ll add it after I watch that and death comes to Pemberley. Thanks!
You must see the bbc original Mansfield Park, the one done about the same time as the Colin Firth P&P. By far the most accurate and well done. The others are in no way close to the story or worthy of claiming the name of austin.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll check it out!
Poldark is the best RomDram I have ever seen! The main chacters are so real and so appealing! Kudos to Masrerpiece and PBS. If you doon’t know who Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson are now you will soon. Perfect!
Great list! What a great range, too.
I would recommend Heidi, the miniseries by Disney, I think in the mid-90s. Jason Robards, the adorable Noley Thornton and a beautiful setting. Clara isn’t portrayed extraordinarily well, but overall it is a great one and appropriate for children, too.
Also, Much Ado About Nothing. The 1993 version directed by Kenneth Brannaugh and Emma Thompson. Again, beautiful film. Many well-known actors and actresses are cast. Nearly clean apart from a handful of brief scenes. Overall a fun movie and a different era than most of these as it’s a Shakespeare play, obviously. But it’s set in Tuscany and worth the watch just for that.
Thank you I’ll add them to my must-watch list.
I hope you’ve seen Much Ado About Nothing (1993) by now, if not… watch it right away! I have very little doubt that you will adore it since we seem to agree very much on what we like and don’t like.
We’re about due for another Pride and Prejudice remake though… it doesn’t seem like it, but the one with Keira Knightley came out 11 years ago. The BBC series was in 1995… the one before that was in the early 80’s…
Yup, chop chop, another remake is overdue. Although I enjoyed the 2005 version as well as Keira Knightley, it felt rushed and I don’t like it when they cut out some of the characters… besides, for some reason Pride and Prejudice is one of the few books you could remake over and over, and many the fans will clamor for more.
Although I did forget about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies… I didn’t get a chance to see it in theaters, but c’mon that’s like saying Clueless could replace an actual Emma remake. Many people still don’t know what Clueless was based on, nor 10 Things I Hate About You. Since you have Scents and Sensibility on here, you could probably add Clueless and 10 Things I Hate About You as well 😉 Should probably include Prada to Nada on that as well as a Sense and Sensibility inspired film.
thanks! Great tips. You are right about P&P Zombies. I couldn’t bring myself to watch that and probably never will. I’ll leave your comment here for those interested in other movies like: Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Prada to Nada. Truthfully, I should probably just take Scents and Sensibility down—it’s bit out of place! I’ll check out Much Ado about nothing though.
Hope to hear from you again!
I don’t think I saw Tess of Duberville on any of the lists. It has a Jane Eyre sadness.
Yes, and no really happy ending. I have seen it and was thoroughly depressed afterward. That is why it is not on the list. But a great recommendation for those who want a sad movie to watch.
Oh yes, Lost in Austen was horrible in my opinion. It totally ruined the story of Darcy and Elizabeth. I find so many things it that story so unlikable. Austenland is much better, but I have a love and hate relationship with that 2013 movie. Jane Austen Book Club is probably what I liked most that was inspired by Jane Austen. It captured a lot of what the 6 books were in one movie though it isn’t a period movie. Clueless too does a good interpretation of Emma.
I would recommend The Bletchley Circle if you liked Death in Pemberley. I’ve loved both seasons so far and look forward to its continuation.
The Duchess- I would and would not recommend. Lol The acting is superb as well as the story, but it’s also a bit heart breaking especially knowing that it is inspired by true events.
Also another love and hate movie for me is, Atonement. I’m a bit of a Keira Knightley fan, so I tried this movie for that reason.
Thank you. I’ll put the Bletchley Circle on my list. I did see The Duchess and I agree, it was filmed really well but it was too heartbreaking! Since I’m highlighting clean movies I won’t put the Duchess one on the list because it is really disturbing at times. Thanks again!
You should definitely check out:
Miss fisher’s murder mysteries (1920s Australian drama)
The house of elliott (1920s, following the famous fashion house)
Tenko (British female prisoners of war in Japan)
A place to call home (post-WW2 Australian drama)
Interesting thanks I’ll add these to my watch list.
Hello!
I just wanted to say that this is a great list! I haven’t seen them all, but I certainly have found many I would like to see.
I just wanted to add that you may want to see From Prada to Nada? It’s based on Sense & Sensibility with a modern setting, I found it to be a nice movie to watch. Only if you are interested of course c:
Thank you for the list and I hope you have a lovely day.
Thanks. Yes I do believe I have seen from Prada to Nada, It was pretty good. I may add it. The makeup was the worst thing I’ve seen though, but the movie was good. Thanks for the suggestion.
I’m really grateful for this list. I have got many of them. I also have some suggestions.
Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca (1995 I think)with Emilia Fox. A mystery to be solved.
Bright Star (setting would be from 1818)
One that I love but might be a little girly is Penelope (it has more of a fantastic nature)
Gone with the wind (a classic)
A musical? The Phantom of the Opera (with Gérard Butler and Emmy Rossum)
Another film I love is “The Holiday”(the story portrayed by Kate Winslet and Jack Black)
Another classic… Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I hope I’ve been helpful…. And thanks again!
And also the series of Miss Marple have interesting romantic stories… Like ‘ the Moving FInger’ and ‘4.50 from Paddington ‘
I really enjoy the ‘a knight’s tale’ movie which is funny, has beautiful quotes and is romantic.
Other options of clean, nice films are ‘love by the book’, ‘ love’s enduring promise’, ‘flipped’, and ‘a walk to remember ‘
Have you watched ‘ the jane austen book club ‘?it is very nice.
And the last I remember is ‘ these foolish things’ (one of the ‘ will she make the right choice?’kind…)
My husband and I just finished watching the Barchester Chronicles and we both loved it. The film quality left a little to be desired, but the story and the actors made up for any deficit. We rented it from the library and I’ve been trying to find it to buy but I am not having much luck. Thanks for this list.
You’re welcome. I’ll have to check the Barchester Chronicles out.
I am surprised Outlander isn’t on this list. It is amazing and so well done.
I’ll give it a watch. Thanks!
Wow! so thankful for this list!! thank you!!! I have to suggest one TV show!! If you loved downtown abbey and poldark, then you will absolutely LOVE outlander!!!! based on the novels by diana gabaldon. It was so well done, the acting was amazing. The first episode was a little boring but it just got better! not to mention a sexy scotsmen. SO worth your while!. although i will warn there is alot of nudity and rape as was common back in those times I guess. But the story is lovely. I just fast forward the crude parts, you can tell when its coming.
Thanks so much! I’ll add it to the list!
other recommendations
atonement
amazing grace
vanity fair
tristan and Isolde
dangerous beauty
The Scandalous Lady W
tess of the d’urbervilles 2008 (tv series)
effie gray 2014
the invisible woman
a little chaos
madam bovary
Ooooh Tristan and Isolde is a good one… Vanity Fair as well.
Dreaming Of Joseph Lees is a intense love story with great sadness. Loved it.
Firelight 1998 is another worthwhile love story with hardship and depth.
Thanks from Brazil! ^^ I really loved your tips! I saw many movies and series from your list and your comments were perfect indeed!;) I hadn’t no idea about some productions that i read and now I will looking for these fantastic histories! Thank you so much! <3
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoy the list!!
The sequel to Little Women, Little Men (1998), was well done also, although I saw it in grade school more than a decade ago!
I love these suggestions. I’ve seen (and fallen in love with) quite a few of them, and some of your suggestions didn’t look good, but now I’ll have to check them out. Word of warning: I haven’t seen Howard’s End yet, but the book was a little depressing (more along the lines of a Thomas Hardy novel but not quite as bad).
Amy- Thanks so much I’ll add Little Men to my list of things to watch. Thanks for the warning on Howard’s end. I really don’t love depressing movies. Enjoy!
I love this list! Thanks for putting it together. Found you on Pinterest! A movie I suggest is “Our Mutual Friend” by Dickens–excellent.
Thanks Elsa! I’ll check out Our Mutual Friend- I’m excited!
Have you watched “somewhere in time” I think you would really like it, the music especially is beautiful
I did many many years ago (probably over 20) I’ll watch it again and add it. I remember quite liking it. Thanks for reminding me.
Are you kidding…who does this??? Okay…I guess you are expecting me to say something horrible from that start…but I’m not…I loved it!!!
This is an awesome list…I’ve just be getting into watching Netflix and while looking for some suggestions online re period movies/series I stumbled over your blog. Thank you so much for all the great info. I set many up on my wish list…Netflix and Amazon Prime. Can’t wait to get started! Thx!
HAHA at first I was like uh oh hear comes a rude comment! Then I was pleasantly surprised. I’m so glad that you like this list! I hope you enjoy these period pieces!
Great list! Thank-you for sharing, I will certainly check out a few of these I had not heard of before… I thought I ought to mention a mini-series from 1995 called “The Buccaneers” starring Carla Gugino and Mira Sorvino. It is about young American women sent to London for the debutante season in order to find eligible husbands with titles. I enjoyed it because of the era in which it is set, and the Austen-esque theme of the quest to find a husband.
Oh I did see that one. It was entertaining and well acted, but I didn’t love how the director added the homosexuality and the rape which wasn’t in the books. I did like a lot of it but overall it was a bit of a blah for me. Thanks for sharing though, I’ll add it to the blog post. I’m sure many will like it.
What a great list! Thank you! The tv mini series Great Expectations is also quite good! A little slow going at first but I really enjoyed it. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1949720/
Thank you soooooooooooo much for this wonderful list. I am obsessed with romantic movies such as pride and prejudice. I will be checking out the paradise very soon. God bless you!!!
Yay! a girl after my own heart. Haha. I love them too. Enjoy!
Thank you for the list and also thanks to everyone who commented! A film I would add (I didn´t see it anywhere here) is Casanova with Heath Ledger. I almost didn´t see it as I´m not a big fan of womanizers and I thought it would have a bad ending. But then I really, really loved it and got my happy ending and all. Romantic, funny, strong female lead and audio visually beautiful. I was expecting A knight´s Tale to be great too but was really disappointed in that one: hated the music and thought he ended up with the wrong girl in the film…
Awesome list! Seen most of them myself, unfortunately. Here are a few others to add to your list:
Outlander (season 1) a new series as of this year is amazing and I’, sure you will love
Wolf Hall another series I’ve heard good, but I have not seen yet.
Monarch of the Glen and older series that’s good too.
Thanks for the list. Watched Far From the Madding Crowd and I LOVED it!
Oh good!! I’m so glad. I loved it too.
Great website! I’m also a big fan of a lot of period pieces and have seen almost all you have listed but was actually surprised that Tess of the D’urbervilles didn’t make the list. There are 3 versions out and all are pretty good each in their own way. The story is by Thomas Hardy. Also see if u get all movies by Catherine Cookson. They kinda hard to find but all I’ve seen so far are pretty good. Then there’s Hazard of Hearts with a very young Helena Bonham Carter. It’s a nice one with a very good looking leading man.
Tenho imensa pena que alguns destes filmes e séries não sejam legendados em português ou que não haja da zona 2.Adorava ter a série Chrity.Tenho Anne of Green Gables, mas sem ser legendado.Tenho alguns destes filmes, mas a maioria não consigo arranjar.Gostei muito de ver esta lista.
Loved your list! I’ve written down all the suggestions you’ve made that I haven’t seen. One I did not see on your list is Berkley Square – a series about Edwardian era nannies – very well done – I purchased the DVD’s from the BBC Canada site
awesome I’ll check it out. Thanks!
I disagree with the comment about the 3rd part of the Anne of Green Gables series. The 3 Megan Follows movies (Anne of Green Gables, A of GG Sequel and The Continuing Story) are all great, and the 3rd ends very sweetly!
Okay you convinced me. I’ll give it a watch and then update the article afterwards with my own opinion on it. Thanks for your input!
I totally agree Anne of Green Gables The Continuing Story is just as beautiful as the rest, (my opinion), it just borders close to a war film while still incorporating some of the same feel as the previous films. This is a beautiful list Anita, thank you very much I usually watch these films during my vacations from University. I enjoy them, every once and a while I rewatch my favorite ones because they are so good, while giving a shot to new ones. Thanks and God Bless you.
You’re welcome Ash. Thanks for the good review on Anne of Green Gables the continuing story. I’m going to give it a watch and update the article afterwards. I hope some of these new ones that you haven’t seen yet become other favorites of yours!
REBECCA!
The Hitchcock version with OLIVIER and Joan Fontaine please…their meeting and short courtship amazing acting…her insecurity increasing with each incident seeming to confirm her inadequacy and failure…what a great production!
Thanks for the recommendation on “Poldark” and “Far from the madding crowd”. This last one was a masterpiece, the patience and all the other qualities portrayed from the point of view of a man was tremendous. Just a few minutes back finished a movie from 2015 called “Brooklyn”. I’m still digesting if I liked it, loved it or so-so, but still, you should give it a look.
Keep us posted, I regularly come back to this page to see whats new. Thanks very much!
I LOVED Brooklyn!! I can’t believe I forgot to add it. I have a few Irish ancestors and many from Europe. It was very touching and just so well done. My husband who is 100% Navajo and has no European ancestors LOVED it too. Thanks again for the tip and for stopping by. And yes I totally loved both Poldark and Far from the madding crowd. I’m glad you did too 🙂
Looking back I think I liked it a lot. Maybe the only mayor issue I had *SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT**SPOILER ALERT* ….. is that she wasn’t true to herself and led the Irish guy to wrong conclusions, and of course Rose’s death. But besides that loved the scenery, the Italian kid and his fast-talking-tempo, and the time traveling ride it gives.
I noticed you have “The Time in Between”. Excellent series, I watched it on “drama fever.com”. Its mainly for kdrama fanatics like me that cannot just conform with the limited romantic period movies. This site is free and people can stream tv shows in many languages.
Thank you! Yes I agree with your review on it. I disliked those parts too. But I think she was partly confused as to what her heart wanted, until she was reminded. 🙂 I’m so glad you liked “The Time in Between” as well! Thanks for the tip on where I can watch more of these.
you should watch/add to the list North and South 2004
It’s on the list but thank you for mentioning it again-its a great one.
It’s not a period piece, but definitely unique and has amazing love story. The original Beauty and the Beast with Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman. No nudity, it aired on CBS, its clean but has some violence sometimes. Also liked Titanic. Even the nudity scene was classy….
The Four Feathers (Starring Heath Ledger)
Somewhere in Time
I love love love Downton Abbey ( I see you have that on your list)
I also love Reign– but its def PG13 Costumes are amazing.
The King’s Speech (Not a romance movie, but a dang good movie)
The Book Thief (Again– not romantic, but period piece during WWII and incredible cast, really well done but very sad. The romance here, is her love of books and the family that take her in.)
Thank you for the great suggestions!
according to your advice .I watched Poldark,Brooklyn
and I can’t tell how much I loved them.keep up your good work. I really loved this list.thank you so much
best regards from Saudi Arabia
Oh I’m so glad! Thank you for your feedback 🙂 I’ll keep up adding to this list!
I’ve watched and love most of the films on your list. I would recommend adding The Paradise to your list of “to watch”. You’ll love it. It is available on netflix in Canada.. not sure about the US.
Oh I do have it on my list. Season 1 and 2 were fantastic! I’m sad they ended it.
Not sure where my brain was when I posted but I see now that it is on the list! Thank you for keeping this list up – it has been a wonderful resource for a couple films I didn’t know existed. 🙂
Oh that is totally okay there are a ton of films on it. You’re welcome, please continue to stop by!
A Little Chaos… I saw it being recommended above, if it hasn’t already hit your list. Loved Far From Madding Crowd, Austenland, Downton Abbey… a fun list.
Thank you I’ll make sure to add it!
Great list! I noticed the lack of musicals, but here are some classics that are well done: The Scarlet Pimpernel, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and of course, Sound of Music.
Thank you, yes I really do not like musicals haha. I think I was scarred when my grandma made me watch a bunch as a kid! Thanks for your list.
Also, Oliver Twist (2005) is a well done drama, though romance is not a central theme to the plot. It is pg-13 due to a few disturbing scenes and is an overall intense movie, but high school students and older would get a lot out of it.
Another historical drama that doesn’t really dive into romance full force but is still amazing (in my opinion) is Elephant Man. It’s based on a true story and teaches compassion. Again, there are disturbing scenes and the man central to the plot does have a severe dis figuration that takes time to get used to. Those mature enough to watch it can get a lot out of it, though.
Thank you for these suggestions!
Have you seen Lady Jane? Excellent historical romance featuring young, talented Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes (of Princess Bride fame).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091374/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Jane_Grey
No I haven’t but thank you for the recommendation! It looks awesome 🙂
Admirers of this movie list may also be interested in the 1993 TV Mini-Series “Lady Chatterley” (an adaptation of D. H. Lawrence’s legendary novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover; it stars Joely Richardson and Sean Bean and it’s sooo good!)…
Other movies that I don’t think have been honorably mentioned yet are: the newest version of Madame Bovary (starring Paul Giamatti and Mia Wasikowska), Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (the 1992 version with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche), and A Dangerous Method (with Keira Knightley and Michael Fassbender). I thought Wasikowska and Fassbender were fabulous together in the newest Jane Eyre. Keira Knightley was great in Atonement and Pride & Prejudice as well, and I think James McAvoy gave great performances in Becoming Jane and Atonement.
I’m so happy that I’ve found this movie list…Thank you for sharing! I have been finding many of them on Netflix!
You’re welcome! Thanks for the suggestions!
Thank you for this list! It is nice to see a list that is true to the idea, without wandering too far off. 🙂
I don’t agree with some of your preferences, but that’s natural – we aren’t all the same 🙂
I for one enjoyed The Forsyte Saga immensely in spite of the dark themes and “immorality” (I suppose that is also a personal opinion to some extent)
House of Elliott doesn’t fit this list, even though it is a period drama series… Upstairs, Downstairs might be better
I suppose Vanity Fair, Aristocrats and Anna Karenina are off the list, too, because of immorality and darkness, though I think many interested in romantic period dramas are also interested of these.
You could give Catherine Cookson filmatisations a try.
I have seen the majority of the movies mentioned in this post but here are a few that can be added:
The Painted Veil (Naomi Watts & Edward Norten)
Horseman on the Roof (Juliette Binoche & Olivier Martinez)
The Crimson Field
The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant (Romola Garai)
Dear Frankie (Gerard Butler)
Thank you for the additional list. I’ll add it to my must watch.
Thank you so much for blogging all those wonderful series and films. You have truly enlightened me and opened me the doors of great romances of all times. I was totally against to romantic movies until I watched ‘Pride and Prejudice’ Oh my… What a great emptiness I had in my life and had no idea what so ever. Please keep blogging and informing us with the new series.
Haha, I know right!?! It is a beautiful world to delve into. I’m so glad you found it. Thanks for the comment.
Any chance you can point me to a list like this, where the movies based on true stories are listed 🙂
This has been a massive help…now to decide what to watch tonight….
hmm I don’t know of one. There are only a few on this list based on true stories. I wish you the best in finding one. Maybe that will be a sequel I put together 🙂
Hi your blog was solo helpful for me!!! You should add the dressmaker to your list as well. It’s not a master piece but it has something in it. Anna Karenina as well….
Thank you! I’ll add the Dressmaker thank you for the suggestion!
OMG! Amazing Blog! Can’t imagine to find people who like the same novels and movies!
You’re welcome. I’m glad you found it too! It’s so fun to find other great movies in this genre for sure!
The New World Is one of my favorites. The story of Pocohontas. A great love story!!!
Thank you for your list! I’ve been able to add a lot of movies to my watch list now. I still have yet to watch Brooklyn. The book was rather disappointing, but a good friend of mine told me I would love the movie much better. I didn’t see it on your watchlist or in the comments, but Testament of Youth is a MUST SEE!! It is beautifully filmed you could watch it for that reason alone, but the true story based on Vera Brittain’s memoir is so moving.
Great comment thank you! I’ll add Testament of Youth to the watch list!
I LOVED “A Little Chaos” and “A Promise”, both Alan Rickman in his last years. I have not read the comments to know if anyone has recommended them to you. I was addicted to “The Grand Hotel” and “The Time In Between.” My family joked that I was watching my “telanovelas”. Also, I noticed “Dear Frankie” on someone’s list, and I recently enjoyed Emily Mortimer in “Leonie” although, it was filled with adultery and bitter moments. Thank you, thank you for your list, and everyone else who has commented. Being home ill always gets a little better with a good movie.
Great suggestions Kristi! Try Velvet on Netflix if you like the Grand Hotel. I’m in the beginning phases of it. Thanks again and get well soon.
Oh, Yes, Velvet, I did enjoy it! As I read the comments I noticed “The Holiday” – yes, although sexual situations, not nudity, Jack Black at his best!
I saw “Monarch of the Glen” recommended, very good, although I did have to turn on the CC because I couldn’t always catch their Scottish accents.
An interesting little film, Possession 2002, Gwyneth Paltrow and Aaron Eckhardt, again adult situations, but nothing offensive if I remember.
Find me some more like The Paradise, Gran Hotel, The Time In Between, and Velvet.
You mentioned being squeamish, don’t do “Crimson Field”, it is graphic.
I also recommend ‘Ladies in Lavender” if you haven’t seen it yet.
Good Call on “The Magic of Ordinary Days”, one of my Hallmark favorites.
This is a really lovely list. I thought some people may be interested in what costume dramas are out there with the actors from Downton Abbey, so I put together a list of over 100 period dramas with the Downton Abbey cast. http://www.willowandthatch.com/costume-dramas-like-downton-abbey/
Great list, Thanks!
This list was great and had a few new ones for me! i love period films. I would also suggest Amazing Grace with Ioan Gruffud (about the ending of slavery in England), The Scarlet Pimpernel with Jane Seymour set during the Reign of Terror in France but don’t let that dissuade you, its a sweet love story and Thoroughly Modern Millie is a hilarious musical with Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore. All clean and wonderful.
I also really like the Horatio Hornblower series with Ioan Gruffud (i’m a fan of his) and the Sharpe series with Sean Bean. These are war movies set during the Napoleonic War. The series Turn, set during the American Revolution is great. They’re a bit more gritty and have less romance but well worth watching, especially if you have to compromise with a guy one night on what to watch.
Murdoch Mysteries is a turn of the century mystery series, Foyle’s War a WWII mystery series and The Hour is about the BBC in England in the 60’s. i’m in Canada so I’m not sure what you don’t get on American netflix but these are all worth watching if you like period mysteries.
Gone with the Wind is a must see at least once in everyone’s life time. its such a classic, but if you don’t like old movies, you’ll have a hard time watching it.
Fun Shakespeare (not historically accurate except they were written in the 16th century) – I love Twelfth Night with Helena Bonam Carter and Much Ado About Nothing with Kenneth Branagh and A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Michelle Pfieffer is good. all use Shakespeare’s original language, so if you’re not familiar with it, you will be wishing subtitles were available.
But can i just say i think the kiss at the end of North and South is the best kiss scene of all time. i don’t know what others think, but i always melt when i see it!
Happy watching.
Thank you! I love all of these suggestions and your comments!
Thank you for the list!! I’m sure you’ve seen them by now, but please watch Bleak House and Little Dorrit. They are so wonderful! I also really liked a little chaos, although I don’t like the 5 second boob shot in it, its such a touching movie. I hope movie people make more of these types of historical romances!
Thank you for your suggestions!
I think the movie “Far and Away” with Tom Cruise is a very romantic and fun movie to watch. I think just one nudity part..but its short and shows I think his butt. Also Australia was a good movie I thought as well.
Yes I love it too!
North and South is beautiful and Mr. Thornton ♥♥♥
Yes it is I adore the series!!
Shadowlands Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger
Thank you from France ! My favs are Becoming Jane and North and South, and I was looking for others and your list is perfect 😀
xo
You’re welcome! Enjoy!!
Really enjoyed your list but I can’t believe you left off the classic version of Pride & Prejudice with Greer Garson and Lawrence Olivier. A much lighter version than the contemporary ones but wonderful! Thanks for all your suggestions!
Cool! thanks for the suggestion!
The painted veil is one of my all time favorites. Another good one is the True Women mini series with Angelina Jolie (very early in her career) and annabeth Gish.
LOOOVED Cranford, as well as it’s sequel Return to Cranford. My girls and I just re-watched them not too long ago. Thank you so much for the warnings that you include with your opinions about the movies/series. I am pretty picky about bedroom scenes/sensuality so it’s nice to have a forewarning.
you’re very welcome! Thank you for your kind comment 🙂
You much watch bleak house and Little dorrit.
Little dorrit features mathew macfayden so it’s a great injection of some pride and prejudice (my all time favourite movie).
Edwin Drood (BBC version)
Wuthering Heights (with Juliette Binoche)
Love almost all of your top movies/series. Watched Crimson field, didn’t engage me as much as I thought it would. Some how it felt like they were trying too hard. Didn’t see it on the list, but I loved Home Fires! Completely took me by surprised. I expected to not like it at all, but it was wonderful. Some of the Downton Abbey cast is in this series. It lasted 2 seasons before it was cancelled for no reason and we were left with a major cliffhanger. the first season is on Amazon Prime. I didn’t like Becoming Jane either. LOVED the old Persuasion and Ever After, will watch them over and over and never get tired of them.
Thanks for stopping by.
I wanted to thank you for all the time and effort you went through to put this list together! We have the same taste in movies and although I had seen quite a few on your list, there was so many that I hadn’t. I found your list a few months ago, right after my younger brother passed away unexpectedly. I have spent the last few months watching all the movies on this list (I even watched the ones I had seen again!) it was such a much needed distraction and gave me something to look forward to. I loved them all. So thank you ever so much!
For one to add- “Doctor Thorne” on Amazon was really cute, same creator as Downton Abbey.
Hey Anita,
I really love your list. I think you should add The Age of Innocence starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeifer..
The Sound of Music isn’t a period drama of course, but it’s a really good romance.
I’m so glad you liked it.
Thank you for compiling this most excellent list.
You should add Foyle’s War and Doctor Thorne to the 2016 updated list. Oh yes, and Endeavor and Inspector Lewis.
You’re welcome John! Thanks for the suggestion.
YOu definitely need to give Horatio Hornblower a try and I just watched A Hazard of Hearts adapted from a Barbara Cartland Book. Good, if a bit short for the amount of plot and character development there could have been.
Oh my, I love your list! Thank you for taking the time to compile it! I also don’t like watching rated r or morally questionable movies, and I am so glad to find a list that I can trust! :). I have seen many of these and love them, especially North and South, my favorite (though I didn’t enjoy the boucher story line). I can’t think of any other older British period pieces not on your list, but I recently saw “Populaire” a French film set in the 1950s, it was so cute! There is only one sex scene and I just fast forwarded. I also really enjoyed the romantic comedy “Miss Pettigrew lives for a day” set in england, beginning of world war II. It does have some sexual humor/promiscuity, and one nude scene (man’s backside) but to me it was still so enjoyable, I was able to look past it the same way I did with Austenland 🙂
Meesh- I’m so glad you like the list! Thanks for stopping by.
Great list.
I think Bridget Jones diary can also fit into it.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for making this list and for all the great comments. I love great clean romances with wisdom or humor and your list is the best I’ve found. I’ve watched so many of these but can’t wait to start on the others.
I would highly recommend “Love Among the Ruins” with Katherine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier directed by George Cukor. It’s on You Tube. Lovely.
Also the “Jane Eyre” with George C.Scott and Susannah York is beautiful -I’d watch it just for the music alone but it’s also very well done.
Janine- You’re welcome! I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by.
Try watching ‘Scarlet and Black’produced by BBC in 1993. It is not an easy film to watch, and you might consider it immoral – Julien Sorel, the main character seduces women to rise in society – but the actors’ work is excellent, and it is a great drama, done very well.
ive only just stumbled across this list and have to say i adore you for making this ive seen most of the items on the list but i still managed to find some gems which i hadnt seen before <3 that being said reading your comments on "becoming jane" although i dont think that anne hathaway depicted jane in the most realistic way i dont think its an unrealistic portrayal as its the true story of jane austen and how she fell for him and had to choose to leave him it doesnt broadcast her as the perceptive woman she became but thats what happened in her life before she became the woman we all know today
I love this list! Here’s another recommendation: Christy (not the tv show… but the movies. There are at least two of them). The movies follow the TV show but can also be stand alone movies. Many people I know like the movies a lot better than the TV series.
Thank you!
All I have to say is “Gone with the Wind” is amazing lots of romance and drama a total classic
This list is awesome!! Thanks so much for it. I couldn’t find, and therefore I wish to suggest, “Cold Comfort Farm” a 1995 tv movie with Kate Beckinsale. It’s set in 1930’s and I loved it. You should easily find it on Dvd on Amazon.
Thank you!
Anita, I am truly grateful to you for your generosity and hard work in publishing this list of some amazingly beautiful movies.
Thank again.
Kind regards
Thank you!
Hi, I really like your list of movies, thank you very much, I’m looking for one I saw recently but I do not remember what it’s called, it’s the 1800’s where a rich girl escapes from her house, I think by the window and I think with a guy and goes to live in a hotel with him, in that hotel I think live dancers, she gets to work plucking birds or something I do not remeber and he fight in a bar for money, they share the room, sorry for my English, try to translate it… thank you again for your list, I love this type of movies, I hope you help me with the name of the movie, I did not finish seeing her, thanks.
far and away
Great list! I second the addition of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Frances McDormand is amazing as the title character and you can’t go wrong with Ciaran Hinds.
All in all, it is a good solution to get a sense of how and
why true” movies diverge from reality.
Thanks for this list! Many I haven’t seen yet. My suggestion and one of my all time favorites is The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, 1947 version with Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison
One that you may want to consider that is not on this list is “Bright Star”–it’s the story of John Keats who died at 25 from TB and his first love of whom much of his poetry is inspired from.
If you liked Downton Abbey, then you’d like Julian Fellowes earlier work “Gosford Park”… thank you for this list Anita! Enjoyed seeing many of my own faves and seeing new ones, I’ll put on my own “to watch” list… 😀
Hope thiese were not mentioned. I just found them and LOVED them.
Dr. Thorne on amazon (free if prime) 4 episodes total. Then I found a new Northanger Abbey with Felicity Jones (from Rogue one). It’s so good, but different from the other Northanger abbey, I think. I haven’t seen it in a while. Also on amaon instant video I believe.
Thank you Tara! I’ll look into them.
Mrs. Pettigrew Lives For a Day and An Education are great movies! Not during this era of films but so good!
My all time favorite is The Lost Valentine. It’s a Hallmark with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Betty White. I hope you like it! 🙂
Great suggestion! I’ll add it to the list.
I loved, loved, loved it!
So if anyone wants to take a peek at similar style brilliant Korean dramas (all can be found with English subtitles) I can recommend…
The Princesses’ Man,
The Moon embracing the sun,
Queen In Hyun’s Man
Dramafever and Myasiantv are good sites to watch them on.
Thank you!
Not sure if this is still up to date, but if you still haven’t watched Dr. Thorne… do it now!! 😀 I just watched it on Amazon and LOVED it. Really clean, very romantic. Also very interesting to hear Julian Fellowes’ interpretation of the character development and themes of redemption. Just lovely.
I also just finished Z: The Beginning of Everything and it was fun to get wrapped up in a totally different time period. NOT a clean, heartwarming story– but a much more realistic view of changing values and ideals.
Finally, THANK YOU for posting (and updating!!) such a comprehensive list. What a blessing to stumble upon such a great collection! <3
Also, I would add Love & Friendship (based on Austen’s “Lady Susan”) and the Netflix original The Crown to this list!
I actually added both of these. I’ve seen Love and Friendship and really liked it! I’m also already far enough into the Crown to recommend it. Thank you Kari!
You’re welcome! I’ll add Dr. Thorne to the list. Thank you for the kind comment 🙂 I’m glad you found it.
Hi Anita!
I love this list, its given me so much material. Thankyou!!
I just finished watching ‘North and South’ (1885) with Patrick Swayze, it’s a tv show with very long episodes, it ran for three seasons and is based on the relationships between two families during the civil war that happened in America. The first two seasons are really excellent. My mum and I binged them in like two days. I feel like this series gets forgotten, but the cinematography and the costumes and the soundtrack and the acting were just beautiful.
Looking at your list, I think you would enjoy it.
Thank you for sharing. I added it to the list!
I love Catherine Cooksons books and some of the movies made from them are great. Please check them out.
Amazing list! Thank you for publishing it! I recently watched, and enjoyed immensely, the French 2014 version of Beauty and the Beast. It’s got a lot of fantasy elements but I still think it fits with the period romance feel of this list.
Thanks for stopping by!
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My husband and I have seen most of these…this is a great list. There are some great Dickens movies you might try…we love bleak house, Martin chuzzlewit, little dorrit, David Copperfield, Nicholas nicklebey ..there are so many! Thanks for compliling
I’m so glad you liked it.
Hei Thanks a lot!Such a great list (next to my all time fav: Pride & Prejudice), I watched some of your recommendations and am now hooked at Poldark – even though season 2 was a bit hard sometime (I had to cry some tears 🙂 …) – lets see what season 3 brings on…
You must see Gosford Park with Dame Maggie Smith, it’s one of my favorites! Thanks for this list as well, I’ve seen many of these movies and have added new ones to my list.
Thanks so much for this list! I’ve been keeping track of romantic period films for a long time and yet there are still some I’ve missed here (though you also have all my favorites).
There’s a 1998 BBC series called Berkeley Square about three nannies that is really just perfect for fans of Downtown (except for the fact that there’s no second season, so the ending is abrupt). Sadly though, I don’t think it’s streaming anywhere right now!
https://www.amazon.com/Berkeley-Square-Victoria-Smurfit/dp/B00004W5P5
Mindy, You’re welcome! I’ll have to check the Berkeley Square out.
Great list! Pinning and checking some of these out. You should also check out “The Love Letter”from Hallmark Hall of Fame It has Jennifer Jason Leigh and Campbell Scott.
I’ll check this out. Thanks!
Thank you for this list, I found a few more movies to watch that I enjoyed. Also I will suggest PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES I just loved it, it really livens up the original story, and I’ve always felt that when Elizabeth and Darcy argue they should just be fighting. lol. =)
Haha! I’ll have to check it out!!! Thanks 🙂
I haven’t actually seen Downton Abbey or Pride and Predjudice.. or most of these movies haha! It’s a great lst to help those who love that genre though and I am sure many will find it helpful.
– Jackie (Organised Mum Life)
Hi Anita! I just came across this list and absolutely LOVE it!!! I have seen many of these and completely agree with your opinions in everything! One absolutely incredible movie that I failed to see in any list or in any of the comments is the great movie The Scarlet Pimpernell with Jane Seymore. It is fantastic and you would love it! You’ve probably seen it but I have to mention it because it is a period classic romance and must be on your list!
Thanks for the suggestion. Will check it out!
Hi Anita,
Here is another one that is based on the turn of the 20th century that I thought was fantastic!
The Illusionist 2010 with Edward Norton and Jessica Beal. Maybe this could be added to your list!
Love your list!
Thanks for the suggestion. Will check it out!
I know this list is old and probably not even looked at or maintained anymore, that said I have to add a movie anyway…. Or try to… Swept from the Sea, 1997…. If you haven’t seen it a must see. Heartbreaking but beautiful.
Should really watch 1949, “The Heiress.” Better than Washington Square.
You should watch Dr. Quinn
Medicine Women (Amazon Prime)
You should try Catherine Cookson’s The Girl. This movie is in my top 5 favorites.
One of my all time favorite period movies is Charlotte Gray with Cate Blanchett. Excellent quality and a sweet ending : ) Another period piece that I couldn’t stop watching on Netflix is Seyit and Sura and is loosely based on a true story!
Ok–I know this post is about 5 years old, but I do have another suggestion I think you would LOVE, book made into a movie on Netflix–The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. What a great one!! Set in 1940s in England and one of the Channel Islands called Gurnsey.
Great lists and summaries but, you must must MUST add “The Durrells in Corfu”
I don’t know if I’ve missed it, but if I havn’t I would recommend Parade’s End with Benedict Cumberbatch! It’s another BBC mini series I believe.
That moment when you have read the books and realize what is gonna happen😉😉
500 days of summer is one the best cinematically great ‘romance’ movies ever!! it’s the only one you’ll ever have to see trust me babes
Hi,
thank you for this list… it is great! I started watching “A Place to Call Home” a couple of weeks ago. I watched the first 5 or 6 episodes of Season 1. Then stopped. While definitely interesting to know about the times during and after WWII in Australia, it became very soap-opera like. Several characters, to me, are not portrayed accurately for 1946… for 2020, yes. I really don’t think a woman in 1946 would enter a “men’s only” bar and threatened to beat up another man.. today, probably, but not then. There are other things in the writing/plot line that were disappointing.. not really adhering to what was REALLY the norm in 1946.. instead inserting what is our society’s norms in 2020 and placing them into the plot line. Sad. Could have been a great series.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you like the list!
I LOVE THIS LIST!!!
An additional I feel you MUST add is “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”. Wonderful 2018 film set in the immediate post WW2 era. Heartfelt characters and a sweet, adorable romance.
Thank you!!!! I cannot believe I forgot this one! I love this show and it reminds me of my great great great great grandfather who was a painter, clock maker, and poet. He lived on the isle of Jersey which is right next to this isle. Wow thanks for the reminder!!
I know this post is from a while back but I needed to recommend The Thorn Bird, one if my all time favorite movies (series/sagas). It’s very long but good, hope you like it!
Thank you for the suggestion, I’ll check it out!
I’m a man and I love romantic movies, it’s not a secret.
Hi Anita! After so many years I keep coming back to your page as reference on such amazing movies! I saw you added Sanditon, what a jewel! Such a shame there is no talk about making Season 2 after how Season 1 ended; I hope we get a surprise some day.
I just wanted to pop here and share some movies I think you would like. I read your page from top to bottom but I’m not sure if I didn’t catch these amazing masterpieces. So OUTLANDER series is a must. The last time we spoke you mentioned you have some Scottish ancestors so if you have any curiosity on some of their customs and history, this is for you. It has its mature rated moments but other than that Is going to get a grip in you. Its a good quarantine binge watch series with 5 seasons to devour. Then there is my latest discovery in THE LOST HUSBAND, its not solely romantic but very family oriented and shows how some country folks have this wonderful way of living in spite of their hardships.
I noticed you have A LITTLE CAOS in you to watch list. I highly recommend it. It was a nice surprise… you might see that Kate Winslet is a little off on some scenes but I later discovered she was pregnant during the time.
I hope you enjoy these little pearls if you haven’t yet. If you have, let me know your thoughts. Wish you well
Thanks for these suggestions! I’ll add them to my list. I’ve recently watched quite a few newer ones and some on the list and I’ll add those to the main body of the blog post tomorrow, so check back! Also, good news, Sanditon has been renewed for a second season-YAY.
Hopefully, they do Jane Austen justice in this second season.
Thanks!
Anyone else recommend for “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”. Also great!
Thank you much Anita! Covid and Netflix with you list picked!
Thanks for your list film. They are worth a look. Will watch it.
I loved both Bletchley Circle and the North and South series with Patrick Swayze. Enjoy!
Thank you from France ! My favs are Becoming Jane and North and South, and I was looking for others and your list is perfect 😀
I was looking for others and your list is perfect
I LOVE ROMANTIC PERIOD CLASSIC FILMS AND TV SHOWS
Thanks for sharing the post. Need to spend two weeks to finish the list.
Thank you for the suggestions. I love it. You can try check out Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I really love the twist.
I am not sure I’ll love it, but I’ll watch the preview and see if I think I can stomach it haha… I’m not a huge fan of scary movies or zombies 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion for others though!
I would recommend Nicholas Nickleby from the Dickens novel as an excellent British period drama. It is a very uplifting film and the main character is wonderful.
Also, Amazing Grace is based on the true story of Wilbur Wilberforce’s fight against slavery in Britain and is quite romantic , also.
Thank you, I’ll add it to the list.
If you liked “Somewhere in Time”, you must watch “The Love Letter” from 1998. It’s so romantic. *sigh*
And a few more recommendations …
Far From The Madding Crowd
Out Of Africa
The English Patient
Outlander, The Series
And, of course, “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina”.
I have not added any classics from 1930s to 1970s, however among those are some of the most captivating romances ever seen on the silver screen. To name just one: “Portrait of Jennie”. You would absolutely love it!
Enjoy!
I have Far from the madding Crowd on here. I love it. I also should have war and peace and Anna Karenina. If not, I’ll be sure to add them. I currently am working to add a few others as well.
I’ll check out your other suggestions. Thanks!
I notice that Ondine is not on your list. If you haven’t seen it you’re in for a treat. It stars Colin Farrell and keeps you wondering if it’s real or a fantasy almost to the end. Thank you for this wonderful list!
Thank you, I’ll add it to the list!!
Currently watching Lark Rise to Candleford. It is SOOO GOOD!!!
A good list for all the movie buffs out there.
Thank you and thanks for stopping by! I love this list of shows and am constantly adding more.
The War Bride is a favorite of mine!
I will add it to the list, thanks for the suggestion!
Nice Content Thanks for sharing
Thanks for stopping by
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