Like This Watch That: 20 Period Drama Movies for Bridgerton Fans

We step into a world of opulence, romance, and elegance with these 20 period drama movies for fans of Bridgerton!

We suggest grand historical dramas like “The Favourite”, Marie Antoinette (2006) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), to gripping love stories set against the backdrop of another era like “Brooklyn (2015)”, Suite Française (2014) and Belle (2013).

These films whisk you away to times filled with breathtaking gowns, intricate social customs, and passionate affairs.

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Period Drama Movies for Fans of Bridgerton

1. Jane Eyre (2006)

• Cast: Ruth Wilson, Toby Stephens, Lorraine Ashbourne
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: TV-PG
• IMDb: Jane Eyre (2006) on IMDb

This adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel “Jane Eyre” portrays the journey of a young governess named Jane Eyre. The story unfolds through her experiences at Thornfield Hall, where she encounters the enigmatic Mr. Rochester and unravels secrets that test their relationship.

2. The Favourite (2018)

• Cast: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz
• Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
• Rating: R
• IMDb: The Favourite on IMDb

“The Favourite” presents a darkly comedic look at the reign of Queen Anne in 18th century England, exploring the power struggle between two cousins vying for the monarch’s favor.

3. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

• Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG
• IMDb: Pride and Prejudice (2005) on IMDb

This adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel “Pride and Prejudice” follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates love, societal norms, and misunderstandings in Georgian England.

4. Brooklyn (2015)

• Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: Brooklyn on IMDb

“Brooklyn” tells the tale of a young Irish immigrant, Eilis Lacey, who navigates the challenges of love and homesickness while adjusting to life in 1950s Brooklyn, New York.

5. Marie Antoinette (2006)

• Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: Marie Antoinette (2006) on IMDb

Sofia Coppola’s take on Marie Antoinette’s life presents an unconventional portrayal of the controversial queen amidst the lavishness and complexities of the French court.

6. Emma. (2020)

• Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG
• IMDb: Emma. (2020) on IMDb

“Emma.” offers a delightful adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, following Emma Woodhouse’s matchmaking endeavors and romantic entanglements in Regency era England.

7. Little Women (2019)

• Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG
• IMDb: Little Women (2019) on IMDb

“Little Women” (2019) is a modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel set against the backdrop of the Civil War era. The film follows the lives of the four March sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy as they navigate the challenges of womanhood, love, and personal ambitions.

As they grow and face trials, the sisters find solace in their sisterhood and challenge societal expectations. The film intertwines their individual journeys, joys, heartbreaks, and sacrifices, highlighting their resilience, love for each other, and their pursuit of dreams in a time of societal constraints.

8. The Last Letter to Your Lover (2021)

• Cast: Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, Joe Alwyn
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: TV-MA
• IMDb: The Last Letter to Your Lover on IMDb

Set across two time periods, this romantic drama intertwines the lives of two women connected by love letters. As journalist Ellie discovers a series of passionate letters from the 1960s, she becomes captivated by the forbidden romance they depict and embarks on a journey to uncover their secrets.

9. The Painted Veil (2006)

• Cast: Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: The Painted Veil on IMDb

“The Painted Veil” is a poignant adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham’s novel set in the 1920s. It follows Kitty, a young woman who marries Dr. Walter Fane due to societal pressures rather than love. When the couple moves to rural China, Kitty embarks on a journey of self discovery amidst the backdrop of a cholera epidemic, discovering the true meaning of love, sacrifice, and redemption. As their marriage faces challenges, the film intricately weaves a tale of personal growth and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of a changing world.

10. The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

• Cast: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: The Other Boleyn Girl on IMDb

Based on Philippa Gregory’s novel, this historical drama depicts the rivalry between the Boleyn sisters, Anne and Mary, for the affection of King Henry VIII. Set in Tudor England, the film delves into the political intrigue, power struggles, and personal sacrifices in the pursuit of ambition and survival in the royal court.

11. Atonement (2007)

• Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan
• Genre: Drama, Romance, War
• Rating: R
• IMDb: Atonement on IMDb

Set in pre World War II England, “Atonement” follows the consequences of a young girl’s mistake that changes the lives of a couple, Cecilia and Robbie. It explores themes of love, guilt, and the impact of decisions during a tumultuous period in history.

12. Anna Karenina (2012)

• Cast: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: Anna Karenina on IMDb

Adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel, “Anna Karenina” portrays the tragic affair between the titular character, Anna, and Count Vronsky. The film intricately weaves the complexities of love, societal expectations, and the consequences of passion in Imperial Russia.

13. The Duchess (2008)

• Cast: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: The Duchess on IMDb

“The Duchess” depicts the life of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, and her struggles with marriage, societal expectations, and political pressures in 18th century England’s aristocratic circles.

14. Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)

• Cast: Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: Far from the Madding Crowd on IMDb

This adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel follows Bathsheba Everdene, a headstrong woman, and her relationships with three suitors, exploring love, independence, and the societal constraints of Victorian England.

15. The Invisible Woman (2013)

• Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas
• Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: The Invisible Woman on IMDb

“The Invisible Woman” narrates the secret romantic relationship between Charles Dickens and actress Nelly Ternan, delving into the complexities of love and the societal norms of 19th century England.

16. Belle (2013)

• Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Reid
• Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG
• IMDb: Belle on IMDb

“Belle” is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed race woman raised as an aristocrat in 18th century England. The film explores her challenges navigating societal norms and her influential role in the fight against slavery.

17. The Age of Innocence (1993)

• Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG
• IMDb: The Age of Innocence on IMDb

Set in 19th century New York, “The Age of Innocence” delves into the rigid societal norms and the forbidden love between Newland Archer and Countess Ellen Olenska, challenging the confines of high society.

18. Bright Star (2009)

• Cast: Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Paul Schneider
• Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG
• IMDb: Bright Star on IMDb

This film portrays the poignant love affair between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, capturing their passionate yet tragic relationship amidst the poetic beauty of the Romantic era.

19. Suite Française (2014)

• Cast: Michelle Williams, Kristin Scott Thomas, Matthias Schoenaerts
• Genre: Drama, Romance, War
• Rating: R
• IMDb: Suite Française on IMDb

Set during the German occupation of France in World War II, “Suite Française” tells the story of a romance between a French villager and a German soldier, exploring love and the complexities of war.

20. Lady Macbeth (2016)

• Cast: Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: Lady Macbeth on IMDb

“Lady Macbeth” follows a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage in rural England, exploring her rebellious and ruthless path to freedom and power in a male-dominated society.

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Thanks for reading this article for historical period drama movie inspiration!

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