SOME FAVORITE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE LAST TEN YEARS
We’ve established, pretty well I would say, how very much we love period drama in this space. In ten years, I haven’t perhaps reviewed them as much (because I often contributed them to Silver Petticoat when I wrote for them), but still, the period drama genre is, without question, a nostalgic favorite of mine. Today as this anniversary month ends, I’m walking through some of my favorite period dramas from the last ten years. Because there are more than just a few.
LIST | 10 YEAR BLOGGING ANNIVERSARY: SOME OF MY FAVORITE ROMANCE MOVIES FROM HALLMARK
SOME FAVORITE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE LAST TEN YEARS #GOODMOVIES #ROMANCE #ROMANCENERD #PERIODRAMA #DOWNTONABBEY Share on XNot too long ago, I filmed a video to talk about some of my most favorite period dramas, so today I’m going to put some of those down in written form as part of this ten year anniversary celebration. Mostly I’m going to talk about feature films rather than series because I’ll save those for another video and post. So, with all of the information out of the way, let’s take a look.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE LAST TEN YEARS
1: BELGRAVIA
Another mini-series but I’m including it because I think this is always intended to be a one and done kind of production. From Downton Abbey’s creator, I thought this one was sweet. Super romance-y but with hints of mystery, too. (TV-14)
2: BROOKLYN
Based on the novel of the same name, this is a charming coming-of-age drama about a girl who leaves Ireland because all she thinks she wants isn’t available to her. It’s mostly good and for some reason it really made an impression on me. (PG-13 for sexual content)
3: DOWNTON ABBEY (2019)
After the end of the magnificent ITV series, the creators and cast of the much loved series Downton Abbey gifted fans with a feature film. While I did enjoy how the series ends, it’s always nice to catch up with characters, this film allows for that in pretty ways. (PG)
4: ENOLA HOMES (2020)
I mean, this one is just, pure and simple, fun! I love the sass of Enola (Sherlock’s little sister) and the fact that we also get to see the Brother Holmes, too. (TV-14) Find streaming on Netflix
5: GUERNSEY (2019)
One of the best movies I’ve seen! So heart-warming and romantic, which is something the film adaptation ups in comparison with the novel. (TV-14) Find to stream on Netflix
6: THE IMITATION GAME (2014)
I saw this one more recently than most people, but do think it’s good. It’s intense in some ways, but the superb cast and based on a true story script make it stand out. The plot follows the origins of code breaking, and in may respects, the creation of the very first computer. (PG-13)
7: JANE EYRE (2011)
This is a really pretty version of Jane Eyre. While I’m not sure it’s ultimately my most favorite, it is lovely and quite picturesque. (PG-13)
8: JERICHO (2016)
This one is technically a “series” but since it never got renewed episodes, I’m including it here. It’s a darker story than my normal comfort viewing, but it’s really pretty good and lush and romantic. All things I’m here for. (TV-14)
9: LADIES IN BLACK (2018)
This little Aussie film is all kinds of delightful. I love its warmth, charm and the characters, and just that it’s “different” than most period drama I watch. (PG-13)
10: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN (2016)
How well I liked this movie surprised me like nothing else. I remember I went into it wanting to see it but also expecting not to love it because of story. Meaning I anticipated a kind of crude hero and possibly cheesy interpretations of Tarzan. While there is likely some sappiness (it’s been too long since I saw it), I remember being very much impressed by how everything plays out. (PG-13)
11: REBECCA (2020)
Ok, so I know I’m more alone than majority in this as I saw many didn’t like this version. From what I know of the story, I feel like it made the characters more human than most stories and from what I read of the book (I haven’t finished it). Either way, part of it could just be that I got caught up in the gothic romance, too! (TV-14 for sexual content and thematic elements.) Find streaming on Netflix
12: WAR & PEACE (2016)
This is perhaps THE biggest surprise on my list. I do not like dark period drama or dark movies in general. However this mini-series is all kinds of lovely. I appreciate the lighter start to give us the stark contrast and help us see these characters struggles as more real. Plus, the entire series (which isn’t a traditional seasonal series) is just beautiful to look at with its costumes and a talented cast. (TV-14)
MORE I ENJOY: Beauty and the Beast (2015); Beauty and the Beast (2017 Disney); Doctor Thorne (2016); Jane Eyre (2006, because I saw this one in more recent years); Little Women (BBC 2018); and perhaps more I’m missing.
What about you? Have you seen any of these? Did you like or dislike them? Did you enjoy one for any particular reason? Which ones do you think I haven’t seen that I still must see? Comment all of your thoughts below!
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Hmm…I feel like I’m sensing a bit of a Lily James theme here. Lol!
My but you’re quite observant. ;)
In all seriousness, I think I noticed this too after I’d put the list together. It didn’t really “hit” me while writing it, but later, I was like, “hmm… lots of Lily James headliners here.” :D I think some people don’t really like her, but I guess I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen her play in. :)
I still need to watch Brooklyn and Guernsey, and adding Imitation Game to my watch list!
Both are good. “Brooklyn” is more adult than ‘Guernsey’ and “The Imitation Game” (while adult in certain aspects) is just an interesting WWII story. :)