Netflix currently hosts some amazing period drama TV shows around the world. Below, we take you through our absolute favorite period dramas on Netflix, either the English language series or some of the best international period dramas currently available.
For more long-term drama lists of multiple streaming services, our friends at Willow and Thatch are the perfect resource for this genre.
Note: This list should mostly cover global releases but we have found that the titles are only available in limited areas.
Best English-Language Drama Performances on Netflix
Downton Abbey
Netflix availability: Global Licensed Series
Available Seasons: 6 (52 episodes)
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Brown Findley, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coil
The best-selling drama series of the last decade or two is the Downton Abbey, a British series that aired on ITV in the UK and PBS in the US.
The series follows an aristocratic family and drama of the 1900s. It tracks the biggest events in history such as the Spanish pandemic, the First World War and the sinking of the Titanic.
The show dropped on Netflix worldwide in 2021 and immediately saw its popularity. Some areas are also currently airing a follow-up movie released in 2019.
The Crown
Netflix availability: Global Netflix Original
Available Seasons: 4 Seasons (40 episodes)
Cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby, Eileen Atkins, Olivia Coleman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Daniels
Netflix Award Darling, The crown, Probably one of the most luxurious period theatrical productions in history.
The series stretched for decades through the reign of the current Emperor of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Crown As we enter another new era for Queen Elizabeth it currently has its third type of cast changes. It has been renewed for season 5, ending in 2022 and the sixth and final season is likely to be released in 2023.
English game
Netflix availability: Global Netflix Original
Available Seasons: Limited Series (6 episodes)
Cast: Edward Holcroft, Kevin Guthrie, Charlotte Hope, Niamh Walsh
Sticking with the covering of what those strange Brits did in the 20th year, we move on English game It covers what a modern football game looks like.
Although the subject is probably limited, even if you are not a football superfan, costumes and writing will definitely overwhelm you.
Comes from the Julian Fellows behind the series Downton Abbey We performed a little while ago.
Versace
Netflix availability: Select Netflix regions including US, Spain, India, Italy, Latin American and Asia.
Available Seasons: 3
Cast: George Blogden, Alexander Vlahos, Tig Runyan, Stuart Bowman, Amira Kaser
There may be an argument for including this period drama in the international section due to the huge multilingual show airing in many countries around the world.
The series covers what happened when the French aristocracy (upper class) began to rebel against the monarchy, returning in 1667. Although it did not maintain its quality throughout the series (Season 3 dropped significantly) it was still a lovely watch.
Bridgeton
Netflix availability: Global Netflix Original
Available Seasons: Season 1 (8 episodes)
Cast: Adjova Ando, Lorraine Ashbourne, Jonathan Bailey, Ruby Barker, Sabrina Bartlett, Harriet Kines, Bessie Carter
The Regency-era drama is currently labeled the most-watched series on Netflix in the first 28 days of its release and follows the aristocracy. Bridgeton Family.
Although it is woven inside and outside of real-world events and contains real-world statistics, the series is in “alternative history”.
The series is based on the book by Julia Quinn and is based on Netflix by Chris Van Dyson and Shonda Rhymes.
Season 2 is on the way to spin-offs and more have already been confirmed.
Rule
Netflix availability: United States only
Available Seasons: 4 Seasons (78 episodes)
Cast: Adelaide Kane, Megan Fallows, Torrens Combs, Toby Regbo, Janessa Grant
This period drama was originally aired on the CW and seeks to tell the story of Mary the Queen of Scots.
Unfortunately, there are a few other flaws that have been demonstrated by the performances on The CW, but the episode still receives good reviews on Count and IMDB, which is definitely one to at least try.
Rule Never on Netflix. In fact, according to our calculations, there is only time until September 2022 to see you.
Queen’s Gambit
Netflix availability: Global Netflix Original
Available Seasons: Limited Series (7 episodes)
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Isla Johnston, Christian Seidel, Rebecca Root, Chloe Pirry
Wrapping up our English language period drama series list as one of the most decorated limited series in Netflix history.
Starring Anna Taylor-Joy, we follow the journey of a little girl into the world of competitive chess. It was wonderfully produced and topped our best limited range list on Netflix.
Best International Period Drama Series on Netflix
Nutta sea
Netflix availability: Global Netflix Original
Available Seasons: 3 (22 episodes available)
Cast: Ivana Bacquero, Alejandra Oniva, Joan Cortazarena, Eloy Azoran
Language: Spanish
Many of the Spanish period dramas that have hit Netflix over the years include a series of deaths in a mystery thriller luxury ocean liner called High Seas. It was set in the late 1940s and enjoyed worldwide.
The fourth season on Netflix is planned but canceled, but it will not affect your ability to complete and enjoy the series because it will end with a strong enough ending.
Babylon Berlin
Netflix availability: Netflix US, Canada & Australia
Available Seasons: 3 Seasons (28 episodes)
Cast: Volker Brooch, Liv Lisa Fries, Peter Kurt, Matthias Brandt, Leonie Benesch
Language: German
Babylon Berlin is not only a great period drama, it is also one of the most underestimated international titles on Netflix right now.
Set in Germany during the Weimar Republic in the late 1920s, the series follows a police inspector on assignments in Cologne.
The series is set to premiere its fourth season anytime in 2022.
