Romantic Period Drama Movies to Watch on Netflix Part 2

As promised, it’s time to share part 2 of the Romantic Period Films that are just waiting to be discovered in those secret corners of Netflix (it’s fascinating to me that several of these films never make it into my recommendation lists). As stated last week, the selected period films will not include the titles with excessive graphic content (no Rated R films made Part 2). That being said, adult content can still be found in several of these titles so be sure to do your own research. You should also be aware that movies can expire at any time. So, let’s get started (and don’t forget to check out Part 1 for more recommendations as well as the TV edition).

25 Period Dramas to Watch on Netflix (TV Shows and Miniseries Edition)

Romantic Period Films to Watch on Netflix Part 1

Romantic Period Drama Movies on Netflix Part 2

(No Particular Order)

#1: Cheerful Weather for a Wedding (2012)

With a wonderful cast in tow (Felicity Jones and Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern), this is a romantic comedy that promises to be an enjoyable couple of hours (I haven’t seen it yet). The story is about a woman about to get married when her ex-love shows up.

#2: Before the Rains (2007)

During 1930s India, a married Englishman falls for his housekeeper. While I don’t know a lot about this film and I’m not too big on adultery stories, it stars Linus Roache and Jennifer Ehle (Pride and Prejudice) so I plan to tune in eventually. Make sure to share your own thoughts on this one.

#3: Days of Heaven (1978)

Considered a Terrence Malick masterpiece and starring Richard Gere, the story is about a young couple pretending to be brother and sister. When the “sister” marries someone else for money (a scheme that both are in on) because they think their boss only has a year to live, things go terribly wrong when their predictions don’t go as planned. Even though I haven’t seen this one, I can assure you that if you want something more fast-paced, you should make sure to skip this one. I’m not sure how romantic it will be either. It is highly rated over on IMDB.

#4: King Arthur (2004)

Yes, the film needed at least one more script rewrite to figure out just who the protagonist actually was (Arthur or Lancelot), but overall I enjoyed this “realistic” adaptation about the story of King Arthur. Mostly, I find this one worth it for Ioan Gruffudd as Lancelot. Elsewhere, you can find the Director’s Cut version which makes the film a little more coherent (that version does contain more violence, however).

#5: Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

It’s the 1950s and back then women were merely expected to find a husband. But then at Wellesley College, an unorthodox teacher (Julia Roberts) arrives to shake up the women’s ambitions. This is a good (not great) movie with a wonderful cast of female characters.

#6: Romeo & Juliet (2013)

I’ve seen several ‘Romeo and Juliet’ adaptations over the years as I love to see how the director and writer interpret Shakespeare’s classic love story. Through the grapevine, however, I heard that this version doesn’t exactly use Shakespeare’s words. Still, I’m intrigued to give it a chance despite this odd choice. This Romeo & Juliet is on my own list to check out soon.

#7: The Cat’s Meow (2001)

A witty historical fiction period piece based on a mysterious murder that happened on William Randolph Hearst’s boat. With several fantastic actors on board like Kirsten Dunst, Edward Herrmann, Cary Elwes, and Joanna Lumley, this one is a whole lot of fun.

#8: Country Life (1994)

A melancholy period drama set in Australia, Country Life stars Sam Neill and is on my own list to check out. The reviews are rather mixed so I would love to hear everyone else’s thoughts on this one.

#9: Morning Glory (1994)

Set in the 1940’s and with the late Christopher Reeve at the helm, this is a romantic drama about a woman who takes in an ex-con and gives him a second chance.

#10: Talk of Angels (1998)

Prior to the Spanish Civil War, an Irish governess finds herself falling for a married man. It’s about the political unrest in both Spain and Ireland.