Period Drama Reviews: A Collection Sorted by Time Period

The best period drama review collection on the internet. The photo shows a collage of period dramas with a pink background.

At The Silver Petticoat Review, period dramas are our passion, especially the romantic ones (with a lowercase or capital “R”). Whether a drama features a brooding Victorian hero or a whirlwind Regency courtship, we’ve spent years celebrating these stories and helping fellow fans discover new favorites.

This archive is our carefully curated collection of period drama reviews. Reviews are written by us, Amber and Autumn Topping, or selected from past contributors whose perspectives align with our standards. If a review appears here, it has our approval and reflects our point of view – or at least makes a fair argument.

We’re actively expanding this section with fresh reviews to keep it current and reflective of what we believe makes period dramas worth watching.

Romantic Period Dramas (with a capital R)

While we cover all kinds of period dramas, our hearts belong to Romantic ones, those influenced by the spirit of Romanticism. These are historical tales steeped in emotion, imagination, beauty, and a touch of the sublime. They romanticize the past (even when aiming for historical realism), focusing on human connection, inner conflict, and idealized settings, ranging from pastoral countrysides and moody Gothic estates to cozy village life.

Romantic Period Dramas deserve their own place in the genre, and we’re here to champion them.

Period Drama Review Archives – Curated by Era

Here, you’ll find reviews organized by historical era, helping you match stories to your mood and aesthetic, whether you’re craving a swoony Georgian romance, an epic Edwardian drama with glamorous costumes, or a lesser-known gem from the Medieval period.

Note: Some entries don’t have full reviews yet, but we’ve included them as recommended titles worth discovering. These lists evolve as we update, revisit, and add new content.

For period drama content beyond reviews (including lists, romantic moments, and news), check out our full Period Drama Category.

Need a quick recommendation? Start with one of our reader favorites:

EXPLORE PERIOD DRAMAS BY HISTORICAL ERA

Jump to a time period of interest:

ANCIENT PERIOD DRAMAS (3600 B.C. – 500 A.D.)

Ancient Period Drama Reviews (3600 B.C – 500 A.D.) Shows a collage of period dramas with Quo Vadis movie poster in the center.
Photo Credit: Tristan and Isolde (20th Century Fox), Pompeii (Lionsgate/Sony Pictures), Quo Vadis (MGM), Mulan (Disney), King Arthur (Touchstone), and Cleopatra (20th Century Fox)

Ancient period dramas span several periods and eras worldwide, beginning around 3600 B.C. with the Bronze Age and concluding with the fall of large empires, such as the Roman Empire, around 500 A.D.

Throughout these few thousand years, you will see the Dynasties of China, Ancient Greece, the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, Mesopotamia, the start of the Dark Ages, and much more.

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE ANCIENT ERA TO WATCH

While we haven’t published full reviews for these titles (yet!), they’re still worth checking out if you love this era.

  • Atlantis
  • Ben Hur
  • The Chosen
  • I, Claudius
  • Gladiator
  • The Passion of the Christ
  • The Robe
  • Spartacus
  • The Ten Commandments
  • Troy
  • Xena: Warrior Princess

THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (500-1500)

The Medieval Period (500-1500) Period Drama Reviews; Shows a collage of period dramas with a pink background
Photo Credits: Goblin (tvN), First Knight (Columbia), A Knight’s Tale (Columbia), Ophelia (IFC), Scarlet Heart Ryeo (NBC Universal/SBS), and Robin and Marian (Columbia Pictures)

The Medieval Period, also known as the Middle Ages, encompasses several distinct periods and eras worldwide. It began around 500 A.D. with the fall of the Roman Empire and ended with the start of the Renaissance.

Several significant events marked this change, including the invention of the printing press, the end of the Hundred Years’ War, Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America in 1492, and others.

Aside from the more familiar European timelines from the Middle Ages, our period drama reviews also include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Some notable dynasties in China include the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Regarding the Korean dynasties, you may encounter the Goryeo Period (918-1392) and the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). But this is just scratching the surface.

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE MEDIEVAL ERA TO WATCH

  • Braveheart
  • Dracula Untold
  • The Lion in Winter
  • House of Flying Daggers
  • Robin Hood

THE RENAISSANCE AND ELIZABETHAN ERAS (1400-1603)

The Renaissance and Elizabethan Era (1400-1603) Period Drama Reviews. Picture shows a collage of period drama posters like Reign with a pink background.
Photo Credits of Renaissance Era: Ever After (20th Century Fox), Wolf Hall (BBC), Reign (CBS/Warner Bros), Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen (BBC), The Princess’s Man (KBS), Much Ado About Nothing (Samuel Goldwyn Company).

Technically, the Renaissance period began in Italy in the 14th century. For organizational purposes, we begin the Renaissance era of period dramas at the turn of the century. It should also be noted that there will be a crossover between this period and Medieval Times.

For those interested, the word “Renaissance” means “rebirth.” It is a rebirth of the arts, a step away from the Dark Ages, and a step closer to the modern world. A great example of this time period, for instance, would be any films about the Tudors.

Moreover, during this renaissance, Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne of England. The Golden Age of her reign spanned from 1558 to 1603. The timeline of the Elizabethan Era helped us find a good stopping point for our archives, as it is rather unclear exactly when the Renaissance would have ended. This era also marks the start of American History. Thus, some reviews may also cover Early America, a period of significant exploration.

Outside of the European and American worlds, our Renaissance period drama reviews include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Look for Chinese dramas set during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Then there are the Korean dynasties. You may come across dramas set during the middle of the very long Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). But this is just scratching the surface.

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE ERA TO WATCH

  • Elizabeth
  • Ivanhoe
  • The Merchant of Venice
  • The Other Boleyn Girl

THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1603 -1750)

The Baroque Period Drama Reviews (1603 -1750). Photo shows a collage of period dramas and a pink background.
Photo Credit: The Musketeers (BBC), A Little Chaos (BBC Films), Girl with a Pearl Earring (Pathé, Lionsgate), Pirates of the Caribbean (Disney), The Man in Iron Mask (United Artists Corporation), and The Lady and the Highwayman (Gainsborough Pictures).

The Baroque Period began with Queen Elizabeth’s death in 1603 and ended in 1750 with the death of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. While the Baroque era technically focuses on a particular period of music, we believe it is also a great way to distinguish the changing of times.

This particular era also covers early American History. Thus, some reviews may include Early America, the Mayflower Compact, the Salem Witch Trials, and the majority of America’s Colonial Period before the rise of the Revolution.

Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Keep an eye out for Chinese dramas set during the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Later period dramas are set during the beginning of the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty (1644-1912). Then there are the Korean dynasties. You may come across dramas set during the middle of the very long Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE BAROQUE PERIOD TO WATCH

  • New World
  • The Scarlet Letter
  • The Three Musketeers

THE GEORGIAN AND REGENCY ERAS (1750-1820)

The Georgian and Regency Eras (1750-1820) Period Drama Reviews. Photo shows a collage of period dramas with a pink background.
Photo Credits: Marie Antoinette (Columbia), Pride and Prejudice (BBC), Poldark (BBC), Belle (Fox Searchlight), War and Peace (BBC/ A&E), and Northanger Abbey (ITV).

Technically, the Georgian Period began in 1714 and ended in 1830, at the start of the Victorian Era; however, we have organized the timeline to avoid overlapping with the Baroque Period.

We also decided to conclude the Georgian timeline with the famous sub-period, the Regency Era, during which Jane Austen first published her novels. The Regency Era spanned from 1811 to 1820. This is the page for you if you’re interested in Jane Austen adaptations!

The Georgian and Regency Eras also coincided with several large wars and revolutions. Reviews of period dramas about the American Revolution or the French Revolution can be found here. Aside from the revolutions, the Napoleonic Wars took place during the Georgian Period. You may also see dramas about the French invasion of Russia.

Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews once again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Keep an eye out for Chinese period dramas set during the middle of the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty (1644-1912). Then there are the Korean dynasties. You may come across dramas set during the middle of the very long Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE GEORGIAN/REGENCY ERA TO WATCH

  • Amadeus
  • Amazing Grace
  • That Hamilton Woman
  • Hans Christian Andersen: My Life as a Fairy Tale
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
  • Tale of Two Cities

PRE-VICTORIAN AND THE VICTORIAN ERA (1820-1901)

Pre-Victorian and the Victorian Era (1820-1901) Period Drama Reviews. Picture shows a collage of period dramas and a pink background.
Photo Credits: Far From the Madding Crowd (Fox Searchlight), The Young Victoria (Momentum Pictures), North and South (BBC), Gone With the Wind (MGM), Little Dorrit (BBC), and Jane Eyre (BBC).

The Victorian Era began in 1837 with the accession of Queen Victoria and ended in 1901 with her death. Since the Regency Era ended in 1820, we decided to combine the post-Regency era with the Victorian Period.

For those who love everything Victorian in literature, fashion, and period dramas, this is the perfect page for you! Overall, some of the most romantic period dramas can be found within this technological age. You will also discover Brontë adaptations, Charles Dickens adaptations, and the swoony North and South, starring Richard Armitage.

Aside from the European Victorian Era, you will see significant moments in American history, such as the Civil War, the Wild West, and the Gilded Age (1870-1900), which marked a period of substantial economic growth for the United States.

Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews once again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Keep an eye out for Chinese period dramas set during the middle of the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty (1644-1912). Then there are the Korean dynasties. You may come across dramas set during the middle of the very long Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE VICTORIAN ERA TO WATCH

THE EDWARDIAN PERIOD (1901-1914)

The Edwardian Period Drama Reviews (1901-1914). Photo shows a collage of period dramas and a pink background.
Photo Credits of Edwardian Era: When Calls the Heart (Hallmark Media), Lovebird (Kanal D and Tims Productions), Titanic (20th Century Fox), Downton Abbey (ITV), A Room with A View (Cinecom), and Grand Hotel (Sky).

The Edwardian Period began in 1901 with Queen Victoria’s death. King Edward VII ascended the throne and reigned until his death in 1910. The remaining years were pre-World War I.

Aside from the typical idyllic garden parties seen in period dramas, the Edwardian Period has a few historical moments that stand out. Think Women’s Suffrage and Titanic. If you love season one of Downton Abbey, Titanic, or Road to Avonlea, then the Edwardian Period may be for you!

Outside the European and American Edwardian world, our period drama reviews include historical dramas set in Asian countries. For instance, watch Chinese period dramas set between 1904 and 1914. During this time, you will see the fall of China’s old order. Meanwhile, in Korea, period dramas during the Edwardian Period will feature the start of the Japanese Colonial Rule (1910 to 1945).

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE EDWARDIAN ERA TO WATCH

  • Houdini & Doyle
  • Oklahoma!

WWI, THE ROARING 20S, THROUGH WWII (1914-1945)

WWI, the Roaring 20s, through WWII Period Drama Reviews (1914-1945). Photo shows collage of period dramas and a pink background.
Photo Credit: Memoirs of a Geisha (Sony Pictures Releasing), The Mummy (Universal Pictures), Testament of Youth (Lionsgate), Wonder Woman (Warner Bros.), Kurt Seyit and Sura (Ay Yapım), and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (Acorn TV/ABC)

The period from 1914 to 1945 encompasses several distinct periods that are intertwined, truly representing a significant transformation in the modern world. From WWI (which involved several countries internationally), the Roaring Twenties, and the Great Depression to the end of World War II in 1945, you will discover a myriad of period dramas that reflect these major world changes.

More than any other period, the period of WWI onwards saw revolutions in several countries. This was also a huge time for occupations. Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Watch for Chinese and Japanese period dramas set between 1914 and 1945.

During this period, you will witness the rise of communism and the involvement of both countries in World War II. Meanwhile, in Korea, period dramas set during World War I and World War II feature most of the Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-1945). Of course, this is barely scratching the surface. Within these timelines, the Silver Petticoat Review Collection features period dramas from around the world.

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE WORLD WAR ERAS TO WATCH

POST-WWII (1946-1991)

Post World War II Period Drama Review Archives (1946-1991). Photo shows a collage of period drama posters and a pink background
Photo Credits: Labor Day (Paramount Pictures), The Crown (Netflix), Brooklyn (Fox Searchlight), Down with Love (20th Century Fox), Hidden Figures (Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation), and Loving (Focus Features)

Post-World War II, from 1945 onwards, encompasses several decades of change. From the greasers of the 1950s to the space race, the Cold War, the flower power of the 1960s, the Vietnam War, and the world that has become increasingly modern thanks to advancing technology, there is a vast selection of period dramas to choose from. Consider Call the Midwife, A Place to Call Home, and Down With Love.

While most of these post-WWII dramas focus on the 1950s and 1960s, we have also decided to include dramas set during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, as they have become period pieces. 

Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. During this time in China, you will see a Civil War and the start of the People’s Republic of China. Meanwhile, post-WWII period dramas in Korea will feature the Korean War and more. This list is, of course, barely scratching the surface. Within these timelines, the Silver Petticoat Review Archives features period dramas from around the world.

REVIEWS:

EVEN MORE PERIOD DRAMAS FROM THE POST-WWII ERA TO WATCH

  • The Astronaut Wives Club
  • Man From U.N.C.L.E.
  • Mr. Holmes

FANTASY & OTHER COSTUME DRAMA REVIEWS

Fantasy & Other Costume Drama Reviews
Photo Credits: Labyrinth (Columbia/ Tri-Star), I am Dragon (4Digital Media/ Bazelevs Production), The Lord of the Rings (New Line Cinema), Forever (ABC), The Wheel of Time (Amazon), and Arang and the Magistrate (MBC).

“Fantasy film is a genre that incorporates imaginative and fantastic themes. These themes usually involve magic, supernatural events, or fantasy worlds. Although it is its own distinct genre, these films can overlap into the horror and science fiction genres.” – The Script Lab

When you think of fantasy costume dramas, The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars come to mind. However, there are also sub-genres, such as Steampunk, that feature a Victorian setting. Many movies include magic but take place during recognizable historical moments. Because of this, our period drama review collection categorizes these historical fantasies by the eras in which they occur and places them in this section.

This section also includes everything left over, such as fantasy and sci-fi costume films without a historical setting. We also include period dramas set across several eras (unless the film is ‘mostly’ in one era).

Then there are the others, the movies that feel like they belong. Because Austenland totally deserves a place on this page!

Similar to other historical eras, the Silver Petticoat Review Collection features costume dramas from around the world.

REVIEWS:

Top Photo Credit: Far From the Madding Crowd (Focus Features), Titanic (20th Century Fox), Poldark (BBC), North and South (BBC), Downton Abbey (ITV), and Pride and Prejudice (BBC)

For more guides, see Modern Romanticism 101,  Romantic Living 101, and Old-Fashioned Romance 101.