If you’re a fan of the elegance and romance of period dramas like “Pride & Prejudice,” Netflix has a collection of captivating films that will transport you back in time to eras of grandeur and passion. From forbidden love affairs to aristocratic scandals, these movies capture the essence of historical romance with their lush settings and compelling characters.
Persuasion (2022)
Eight years after Anne Elliot was persuaded not to marry a dashing man of humble origins, they meet again. Will she seize her second chance at true love? Starring Dakota Johnson, Cosmo Jarvis, and Nikki Amuka-Bird, this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel is a poignant tale of love, regret, and redemption.
Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)
Glitz and glamour abound as the Crawleys and their beloved staff film a silent movie at Downton and embark on new adventures in the south of France. Nathalie Baye, Hugh Bonneville, and Laura Carmichael lead an ensemble cast in this continuation of the beloved television series, offering fans another delightful glimpse into the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family.
Mr. Malcolm’s List (2022)
In this charming comedy, a young woman rebuffed by London’s most selective bachelor enlists her childhood friend to assume the role of his ideal mate — solely to break his heart. Starring Freida Pinto, Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, this film is a witty and romantic romp through Regency-era matchmaking.
Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction (2023)
Appointed to teach the Grand Duchess’s timid son the intricacies of seduction, a love connoisseur finds himself in a scandal — and a romance of his own. Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Sidse Babett Knudsen, and Alice Bier Zandén star in this comedic period piece filled with mistaken identities and amorous entanglements.
Anna Karenina (2012)
In the 19th century, a married Russian aristocrat enters into a forbidden love affair with the well-heeled Count Vronsky. Keira Knightley, Jude Law, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson bring Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel to life in this sumptuous adaptation filled with passion, intrigue, and societal scandal.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)
Unhappily married aristocrat Lady Chatterley begins a torrid affair — and falls deeply in love — with the gamekeeper on her husband’s country estate. Emma Corrin, Jack O’Connell, and Matthew Duckett star in this sensual and provocative tale of forbidden desire and emotional liberation.
The Favourite (2018)
As an ailing, erratic Queen Anne loses her grip on a kingdom at war, her closest confidant tangles with a wily young rival for the ruler’s affections. Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz deliver powerhouse performances in this darkly comedic exploration of power, politics, and passion in the court of Queen Anne.
Silver Skates (2020)
On the frozen rivers and canals of St. Petersburg, a petty thief on skates warms the heart of an aristocrat’s daughter as forces try to keep them apart. Fedor Fedotov, Sonya Priss, and Yury Borisov star in this sweeping romance set against the backdrop of imperial Russia, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and star-crossed love.
Lady J (2019)
When her romance with a lustful marquis takes an unwelcome turn, a wealthy widow concocts a scheme to get revenge — with help from a younger woman. Cécile De France, Édouard Baer, and Alice Isaaz lead an ensemble cast in this witty and stylish period drama filled with humor, heartache, and unexpected alliances.
Dance of the Forty One (2021)
A gay congressman marries the Mexican president’s daughter but cavorts with a young man at a secret club. And then scandal hits. Based on a true story, Alfonso Herrera, Emiliano Zurita, and Mabel Cadena star in this riveting drama that explores love, politics, and the consequences of living in a society bound by strict social conventions.
