Need a good period film to watch? Here are 20 romantic period dramas to choose from for your next girls’ movie night! Although they make good “chick flicks,” all of these movies are good quality, with engaging story lines and memorable characters.
I’m pretty bookish and I certainly don’t advocate spending most of your evenings in front of a TV, but I adore the occasional girls’ movie night! I want–and I’d even say I need–these times to connect with kindred spirits and enjoy good stories (and tea) together.
And by the way, I really do think it has to be tea for girls’ night, if you’re watching a period film. You can have margaritas when you watch the latest chick flick romantic comedy, but for the period films, please do sip tea.
For the next time you plan your own girls’ night, here are 20 period films that are well worth a watch, and may even become a new favourite. I’ve personally watched all of these, and many of you corroborated the suggestions when I asked your opinion on Facebook.
You should know that there are no musicals on this list (I had to draw parameters somewhere!), and no films that weren’t actually period at the time they were made. You also won’t find any long TV series that go for multiple seasons, but do check the times on the following movies and miniseries, because some will probably take you a few different get-togethers to watch.
Also, since this is girls’ night, all of the picks below have romance in them. This explains why one of my absolute favourite period films of all time and space is not on this list.*
Roughly in chronological order, here are
20 Period Films for Girls’ Movie Night
(Click each title to go to the movie’s Amazon listing, if you want to read more reviews! Also, sidenote: If you want to add some of these titles to your permanent collection for free, I recommend earning Amazon gift cards through Swagbucks. Swagbucks is a search engine that randomly gives you “Swag” points when you search for things online. You can redeem the points for all kinds of prizes and gift cards, but I almost always use it for Amazon! You can learn more through my referral link, and when you refer friends you’ll get extra Swagbucks, too!)
1. Ever After
There are certainly some timeline inaccuracies in this, but it’s fun to watch a fairy tale set in a real place and historical setting, rather than an undisclosed fantasy world. This is Cinderella, without magic but with plenty of charm.
2. Lady Jane
This movie takes lots of imaginative liberties with the true story of fifteen-year-old Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for only nine days. I don’t mind the liberties, because it’s a beautiful albeit tragic love story! There is some nudity in this movie, as I recall, but it’s not too scandalous.
3. Much Ado About Nothing
It would be cheeky for me to say that this one has witty dialogue because…well…SHAKESPEARE! Kenneth Branagh knocks it out of the park, of course, and it’s fun to watch the chemistry between him and Emma Thompson, to whom he was married at the time.
4. The Scarlet Pimpernel
This is the story of a brave English nobleman who dons disguises to rescue aristocrats from the Guillotine during the French Revolution. There’s a black-and-white version of this story starring Leslie Howard which is decent, and an uncomfortable version that I recommend you stay away from altogether! If you have qualms about the amazing 1982 version departing from the book, it might relieve you to know that this miniseries actually combines two of Emmuska Orczy’s Pimpernel novels, and that’s where some of the differences emerge!
5. Sense and Sensibility
There’s been a run of very good Jane Austen films and miniseries in the last decade or so, but the 1995 Sense and Sensibility remains a fan favourite that’s near perfection. And, if it’s been a while since you’ve seen it, it’s time to rewatch it to honour Alan Rickman’s passing earlier this year.
6. Jane Eyre
There are several good versions of Jane Eyre, but the recent one with Mia Wasikowska is stunning. And if the piano music in Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice swept you off your feet, you’ll fall hard for this score–Dario Marianelli composed for both films, but this one features the violin.
7. The Inheritance
This is a lesser-known gem of a movie based on a novella that Lousia May Alcott wrote when she was a teenager. It’s a sweet love story and the fact that the plot is somewhat predictable makes it no less enjoyable.
8. Cranford
This is a charming adaptation of an oft-overlooked novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, who wrote the more widely-known North and South*. It’s an episodic, meandering story that takes place in a small English village occupied–and in many ways ruled–primarily by women! It’s funny, and what your mom would call “heartwarming,” and will pull you in quietly but irrevocably. (Note: This miniseries pulls in plots from a few of Gaskell’s short novels, so if you’re wondering why it “adds” to the book, this is why!)
*North and South has a miniseries adaptation that would also be good for a girls’ night, but personally I think it really needs a remake!
9. The Woman in White
For a darker, atmospheric pick, watch this haunting adaptation of Wilkie Collins’s classic Gothic novel.
10. Gone with the Wind
If you watch this movie with your husband he will criticize Scarlett O’Hara mercilessly (and rightfully so!), but if you watch it with your girlfriends you can give her a pass and let yourselves get caught up in the luxury, loss, and melodrama of the Civil War era South.
11. Our Mutual Friend
This long but highly-worth-the-watch adaptation of Dickens’s last completed novel interweaves intrigue, hidden identities, multiples romances, and unforgettable characters with deft BBC skill. The novel is one of my favourites of all time, and I endorse this miniseries adaptation(:
Looking for even more good movie night suggestions? Here are 31 must-watch films from all genres, with a PG-13 rating or lower.
12. Wives and Daughters
This is a Victorian-era drama about an only child who must adjust to life with a new stepmother and stepsister. It’s another Gaskell novel adaptation. I think of it as an Austen-esque romance with a Dickensian setting.
13. Little Women
I can’t imagine a list of period films without Little Women! It was one of the few movies I saw in the theater growing up. It captured my heart then, and stole it every re-watch since.
14. Far From the Madding Crowd
People (like me) who have read Thomas Hardy’s novel agree that this recent adaptation captures the book beautifully. The romances in this story don’t take place in prim parlors and fancy balls–it’s a rural, rough-around-the-edges setting permeated with the wild beauty of the countryside, and those who are the most at home in it are the ones that find lasting love.
15. The Man From Snowy River
This romance for horse lovers takes place in the Australian Snowy Mountains, and tells the story of a cowboy who falls in love with his boss’s daughter. What’s not to love? The movie is a little bit cheesy, but that’s completely excusable for girls’ night!
16. Sarah, Plain and Tall
This is an interesting turn-of-the-century American story about a widowed farmer who places an advertisement for a wife. Sarah Wheaton responds to his ad, and moves out to Kansas to help her new husband raise his son and daughter. There are two sequels to the movie; Skylark is quite good, but I haven’t watched Winter’s End.
17. An Ideal Husband
This adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s play is full of witty dialogue and clever twists. And go check out the cast! Reason enough to watch it, right there!
18. Anne of Green Gables
This story sweeps me off my feet every time I watch it! I’m re-reading the books right now, and I’m struck by how well Kevin Sullivan portrays them in this and the sequel. You get major bonus points if you make Raspberry Cordial to sip while you watch these!
19. Somewhere in Time
This story is quite cheesy, but very sweet and a little haunting at the same time. The corniness will definitely make you giggle at times, but you’ll also swoon at the lovely Anne-of-Green-Gables-era setting and the Mackinac Island scenery.
20. Anastasia
For a classic and intriguing princess story, this one doesn’t disappoint! The costumes are gorgeous, and the acting is top-notch (even if the romance between Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner is a little unusual.) If you’re a fan of the animated movie, you might agree with me that it borrows heavily from this earlier film.
I could watch any of these films at a moment’s notice. Are you curious what my favourite one is, though? It’s the Scarlet Pimpernel. Yes, I think even more so than Anne.
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Want more bookish-themed blog posts? Come join the Tea and Ink Society, a blog and community for the literary woman! I’ll see you over there…
*There is romance in Master and Commander, but it’s not between a man and a woman; it’s the romance of tall ships and high seas.
Since I love the ones that I’ve seen…I’m going to have to check out the ones I haven’t! We have regular ‘Girls Movie Nights’ with themed menus. Pinning this–Great list!
Thank you! I love the ideas on your blog for themed movie nights! I used to live in Georgia, too, by the way–Savannah!
Awesome list. Pride and Prejudice is a must watch!
Wonderful list! I have a few of these to watch. I have watched many already tho. LOVE LOVE LOVE having others that love Period Dramas too. I wonder how many of these are on Youtube (or try your local library, no reason to pay ladies).
Thank you! This is my favourite movie genre. I think a couple of them are on Netflix, like maybe Jane Eyre? Some are harder to come by, but could possibly be interlibrary loaned!
Awe, thank you for linking my raspberry cordial! I didn’t even notice until after I shared the post! 🙂
You’re welcome! Thanks for sharin’!
I loved the Jane Eyre one, it was stunning. Have you seen The Young Victoria? It’s about the love story between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert – oh, I cried. So beautifully done.
No, I haven’t seen that one! Thanks for the recommendation!
The Young Victoria is one of my all-time favorites. Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend (as the good guy), and Paul Bettany! It’s just wonderful.
Paul Bettany. He’s a good actor!
Because I’m from the deep south, Gone with the Wind is my all time favorite, with Somewhere in Time as a close second.
I’m from the deep south, too–Savannah!
Pride and Prejudice and Love Comes Softly
I love the Love Comes Softly movies. The books are even better than the movies.
This movie was good until they kept switching the characters
The young Victoria is one of my favorites– also Jane eyre is my favorite book and masterpiece did an excellent job staying true to book.. Also the new Poldark is WONDERFUL and last but not least is The Count of Monte Cristo with Jim Cavizel- watch !!!!!
Oh yes, Monte Cristo was a good one! I’ll have to check out Poldark. It looked interesting! Jane Eyre was one of the first Victorian novels I ever read!
Somewhere in Time has been my favorite movie since I was a teen…and I’m now 46.
That’s so cool!
I was at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island just after they finished filming Somewhere in Time. Still one of my favorite places and movies and I’m 55!
Oh, how neat!
Mansfield Park and the version of Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightly (if for the music alone)
I just saw a great period piece set in the 40’s with Skeet Ulrich and Keri Russell called “The Magic of Ordinary Days.” It’s on YouTube.
Thanks for the suggestion! I love the P&P with Kiera Knightly. The music is gorgeous, and really the whole movie is! Very satisfying.
I too love ‘The magic of ordinary days’ and had it on my DVR list for months but then we moved and lost a lot of the list so I’m happy to know where I can find it again. I also do love the list and all of the suggestions added by everyone but has anyone mentioned ‘Emma’
With Gwyneth Paltrow?
No, I don’t think anyone has! That’s a great movie. I think that Mr. Knightley does a great job…actually, the whole cast is wonderful!
We love this one also, but have recently discovered the BBC version of Emma and we love it so much more!!
Oh, I love that one, too! The Paltrow one has some wonderful moments and is very solid, but I think that BBC one might actually be closer to the book and capture some things even better.
“Under the Greenwood Tree” is one of my favorite period movies. My daughter’s favorite is “North and South”, by Elizabeth Gaskell. Though long, it is a worthy watch.
I also agree with Sarah, “The Young Victoria” is one of my favorites.
I’ll have to check all of those out! I know they’ve made a lot of good Thomas Hardy adaptations, especially, that I haven’t seen yet!
North and South is one of my absolute favorites!
I love Under the Greenwood Tree too! Not as good as the obvious well-known titles, but still fun to watch. 🙂
I would like to watch that one! Do you mean the one with Keeley Hawes? I’ve liked her in other miniseries–Our Mutual Friend, Wives and Daughters, etc.
We grew up watching The Scarlet Pimpernel! I love it, and I’ve seen every adaptation. So very clever. The book is good, too.
Yes, the book is good! I’m so glad I saw SP when I was young, but that’s allowed me more years of life to re-watch it.
I love period dramas, especially pride & prejudice. Just noted a few of the movies from this post to watch next! Thanks ?
Enjoy!
Have you seen Victoria and Albert? I absolutely love it!
No, but I’ve been hearing good things about it since I published this post! Guess I’d better!
The best movie on them is Young Victoria!! Best movie and i never get tired of watching it!! Also if your a Jane Austin Fan, Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway is fabulous!!!
Thank you for these suggestions, Suzanne!
Thank you for this list. I have watched and love several of these movies. Somewhere in Time is a favorite that my mother and I shared. Brings back so many memories. Lots on here i haven’t seen too. Also, my hubby and I love North and South and broke down and bought the set a while back. Thanks again.
My pleasure! I can’t wait to watch N&S. Seems to be highly regarded!
I haven’t seen many of these, but I love the book of Sarah Plain and Tall. I’ll seek that film out first.
I’m sure you heard they are doing a Anne of Green Gables netflix series?
Sense and Sensibility (1996) with Thompson, Grant and Winslet is my favorite movie of all time. I both sob and rejoice each watch. (Pride and Predudice with Knightly, my second.) “Anne with an E” on Netflix I absolutely loved. Definitely try it!!!! Excited to tackle some of these others listed. After the Olympics of course!!!! Thank you for sharing!
The changes in “Anne with an E” make me uncomfortable, but I wholeheartedly agree on those versions of S&S and P&P being amazing!!
I like Anne with an E but completely agree with you that the changes make me uncomfortable. My daughter is meeting Anne for the first time while watching this show and I keep telling her she needs to read the books or at the very least see the Megan Follows version to get the “real” story.
Exactly! It’s a period piece but not the “real” story!
I agree, Anne with an E may be more accurate on what would have happened to an orphan at that time, but it totally took away all the innocence that the movie with Megan Fellows had. Anne of Green Gables is one of my all time favorites. I love many that you put on this list. While the newer Pride and Prejudice is a good movie, so much was cut out of the story to fit the time. I love the older BBC miniseries they did. Granted it’s really long, but it tells a lot more of the story. 🙂
That is a downside to the newer P&P for sure! Thank goodness for miniseries. They are ideally suited for telling these longer tales…Austen, Bronte, Dickens, etc!
1. The Painted Veil; and 2. Palm Trees in the Snow
Oh my! Palm trees in the snow! Great, unexpected movie! I have also become a fan of Outlander. All of the movies listed here are my favorite genre of movies. I believe I have watched all but 3 of them. It’s on my weekend to do list!
Thanks for this fantastic list! I must add The Duchess with Kiera Knightley, Elizabeth I with Cate Blanchette, Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day-Lewis (such a score) and Outlander! Also, Hester Street. Has anyone else seen that movie? I tried to find it on YouTube, but it is out of circulation for some reason. Absolutely brilliant film.
I just watched the Dr. Thorne series on Amazon Prime and it was excellent. I’m going to be referencing this list since there are a handful I haven’t seen.
Your Gone with the Wind comment made me laugh because in our house my husband loves it (Rhett gives Scarlett what she deserves.) and I refuse to watch it!
Okay, Dr. Thorne. I’ll add that! That’s hilarious about GwtW! I guess Rhett is a good match for her!
Love all the recommendations! So many now to choose from! Thank you!
Here’s one of my faves: Miss Potter with Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. Delightful story of Beatrix Potter!
That is a beautiful movie! I visited Hilltop Farm when I was in England, and it’s just as gorgeous and charming as you’d expect it to be from watching the film!
I have seen over half of these films and made a list to watch the other half. Thank you and I love some of the additional recommends from posts. I will add to it one of my faves: Don Juan with Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando and Faye Dunaway. Romantic comedy.
Thanks for the suggestion! I will add that to my watch list!
Have you seen the movie Belle with Gugu Mbatha Raw? It is an EXCELLENT period piece, and one of my favorite movies overall. I can’t recommend it highly enough! It’s set in England in the 1700s and follows the story of a biracial gentry class female, and focuses on slave ship laws at the beginning of the abolitionist movement. There’s also a sweet love story in the mix.
I haven’t seen it, but I’ve been wanting to! I’m even more interested now, from your review!
Don’t forget Out of Africa…siiiigh….
And Wuthering Heights with Lawrence Olivier….
While we’re at it, On the Waterfront with Brando, the original version of The Women, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and for lighter fare, the Seven Year Itch.
Oh my, I haven’t seen any of those except for Tiffany’s! I’ll have to check them out!
I was delighted to see Scarlet Pimpernel on this list,I completely agree with your take on the versions. I love most of these movies, Wives and Daughters is lovely but Percy Blakeney is my favorite hero and Anne Shirley my favorite heroine.
Have you been watching the Poldark series on PBS? Also on amazon prime. I liked the first season.
No, but people keep telling me to, so I guess I’d better…
Love the list! Can’t wait to start watching! My favourite has to be the 2005 version of pride and prejudice, even though it’s not on the list it is a must watch!
That’s one of my favourites, too, actually! But since I like that adaptation and the Colin Firth one so well, I knew I couldn’t include just one or it would have staunch fans upset one way or another…some people are very down on the 2005 film, for some reason! I think they are both lovely for their own lovely reasons.(:
I love both versions of Pride and prejudice Equally and watch them every so often. I am also a huge fan of Anne of Green Gables and would love to find a copy to purchase.
I have watched most of the movies on the list but am glad for the recommendations.
Thanks for the suggestions! !
My pleasure! I got my Anne series on Amazon.
North & South with Richard Armitage
I’ve vowed to read the book before watching it, but I DEFINITELY want to!
North and South with Richard Armitage is mesmerizing. I faithfully rewatch it at least monthly.
This list is excellent however Gaskell’s “North & South” must be added. Richard Armitage is fantastic! A perfect romantic drama. Also Dicken’s “Little Dorritt” is a favorite period romance of mine that stars P&P’s Matthew McFadden. Check these out, you can thank me later.
I’ll thank you now, too!(; I’m actually reading North and South right now, so that I can FINALLY watch the movie! Everyone’s been raving about it. I must read Little Dorritt, too! So many good books and movies!!
The Heiress is one of my favorites!
That looks very interesting, Steph! I’ll have to check that one out! I just looked it up online and apparently The Heiress won Best Actress…and Aaron Copland wrote the music…so even more reason to watch it!
Love this and can’t wait to watch the ones that I haven’t seen. My 3 all time favorite movies are Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightly), Emma and the Count of Monte Cristo.
I love all of those! So glad to find someone else who enjoys the Keira Knightley version, too! I like the Jennifer Elle one very much, but I thought the Keira Knightley was just gorgeous and satisfying!
Happy to have found this list. A lot of the ones you have listed I watched as a child with my late mother. Scarlet Pimpernel and Inheritance I have always loved!
You should check out Lady and the Highwayman (with a young Hugh Grant), Hazard of Hearts (young Helena Bonam Carter) and my all time fave mini series House of Elliott that I named my own daughter after 😍
Thank you so much for those suggestions! I will check the library for those!
I enjoyed Emma with Romola Garai. Quite a nice, joyful adaptation of the book. On Prime.
I like how you describe it as joyful. I agree! It’s lovely and so well done.
Thank you for including “Lady Jane” – one of my favourites from younger days. Also, you should consider finding Persuasion – another Jane Austen adaptation. Make sure it is the one from 1995 with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds. Smoldering in all the right repressed regency ways – and nice to see it has a great score on rotten tomatoes!
I have seen that version of Persuasion a long time ago, and really enjoyed it! It’s time for a re-watch, although it’s harder to find it than some of the other Jane Austen movies. Thanks for bringing it up!
I can’t wait to check out so many on this list we haven’t seen yet! My favorite must be Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightly though! That’s the most beautiful film I’ve ever seen- on this list though Ever After is next in line for my favorite – just wonderful- always love Drew Barrimore <3
Yes, P&P is simply gorgeous. Such beauty is too rare in films these days!
My favorite movie is #1 on the list. “Ever After” Love, love, love it!
It’s a classic my sisters and I were thrilled to “discover” when we were teenagers. So lovely and storybook, but has a realistic feel to it, too.
Loved the list, it’s been so long since I’ve seen some of these I am now fired up to go watch them again. I loved the old B&W Scarlett Pimpernel, and from this list I think it was my first ever. I’m so glad Cyndi mentioned Miss Potter! And Mandy mentioned Belle.
My list would include Young Victoria, North and South, Pride and Prejudice, and Amazing Grace (about Wilberforce.)
I have not seen Young Victoria. I will have to check that out now, thanks!
It’s not technically period, but The adventures of Baron Muochousain (if I misspelled, hopefully it’s close enough)
Now that’s an interesting one! Kind of an offbeat fairy tale, but I really like it! It’s good food for the imagination.
Fantastic list, thank you! lets not forget The king & I, Anna & the King, Mrs Brown, The Waterfront & Washington Square. Go Periods!!! 😀
Oh, I’ve only seen The King & I out of those! Thanks for the other suggestions!
I love so many of these! Sense and Sensibility is my all-time favourite film. Secretly, Colonel Brandon reminds me of my husband (without the money) and he looks nothing like Alan Rickman! I cry every single time I watch it.
So many of the novels are so long that it’s difficult to condense them to a film, hence the mini-series. My favourite author is Elizabeth Gaskell, I consider her a female Dickens, so I love North and South. I just read and watched Middlemarch and its sensational, although Rufus Sewell is much sexier now he’s older. For something a bit different, Pillars of the Earth. Ooh, and Death Comes to Pemberley.
I haven’t read or watched Middlemarch, but I do want to! I enjoyed Cranford (book and miniseries) and I’ve finally read the wonderful North and South!
Mrs Brown is a fantastic film as is The Young Victoria, both of which I could watch over and over! Correct me if I’m wrong but don’t think anyone’s mentioned Shakespeare in Love – Judi Dench got an Oscar for playing Queen Elizabeth I but was on screen for only seconds. Incorporates Romeo and Juliet story for the romance.
Am sorry but personally I didn’t like the P&P with Kiera Knightley et al – Longbourn wasn’t grand enough and Matthew McFadden wasn’t dominating and commanding enough as Mr Darcy. MInd you, it’s hard to really like any other version once my heart had been set a fluttering by the sight of Colin Firth stripped to the waist taking a swim!!
I haven’t seen either Mrs. Brown or The Young Victoria, so thanks for adding those! Shakespeare in Love is a fun one. I had no idea Judi Dench got an Oscar for that. She’s brilliant, so I shouldn’t be surprised(: I liked Longbourn being more country-ish, but I agree about McFadden not being as commanding–I hadn’t considered that before, but I think you’re right!
It’s quite an old movie (1969) but one of the most accurate historical movies imo….ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS…love it, own it, can recite it at parties lol. Another great costume movie is CATHERINE THE GREAT (with julia ormond..very interesting and great acting) I hate historical movies where the English history is inaccurate so i won’t mention Kate Blanchett’s Elizabeth (although she’s a brilliant actress, there was a gaping error in that movie so i can’t watch it …but if one is not too particular about accuracy then it’s a great movie. If anyone likes old black and white movies…or old 50s movies..The Wicked Lady is brilliant (B&W but has james mason so not too shabby lol) and a little known movie called DIANE with Roger Moore about Catherine de Medici (one of the most fascinating women in French history….i hope this helps on girls movie nights…my two besties refuse to let me pick movies now lol….
ps..i almost forgot about Restoration with Robert Downey Jr. (set in the restoration period of king Charles II) Wuthering Heights with Ralph Fiennes is probably the best version ever and closest to the book. xxxxxx
I have seen that Ralph Fiennes adaptation, and thought it was pretty close as far as WH versions go. I’m glad they included Nelly, for instance, who often seems to get left out even though her perspective is so important in the book.
Thank you SO MUCH for these additions! I hadn’t heard of most of them, and haven’t seen any of them! I will see what I can find at my library…they’re very helpful with tracking stuff down for me(:
I love so many of these! ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’, ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘Our Mutual Friend’, ‘Wives and Daughters’…I’ve seen so many of the them! I’ll definitely make good use of your recommendations! I would add ‘Little Dorrit’ (the version starring Claire Foy), and ‘Bleak House’ (with Carey Mulligan in it) though; both of those are amazing. (:
I cannot figure out what is up with that profile photo! I never put that as my picture…it’s for my sister’s blog… 😕
maybe if I don’t add my blog URL…?
Sorry for these comments. You can delete them–they have nothing to do with your post of course. ):
I’ve seen (and loved!) Bleak House, but haven’t yet watched Little Dorrit. I vowed to read the book first!
Probably a good idea! They are both wonderful.
If you’re up for subtitles, Horseman on the Roof, set in the French Revolution is fantastic
Thanks, I will see if I can hunt that down! I don’t mind subtitles.
Great list and comments from other readers. Man from Snowy River is definitely not set in the Outback though. It’s set in the Snowy Mountains, different climate, landscape, location, etc. The movie is based on a stirring poem by A.B. (Banjo) Paterson. I haven’t seen the movie since I was a kid but it was huge here in Australia when it was released.
Thank you for that correction…I will update the post! And I’ll look up that poem.
Another fabulous Australian period piece is My Brilliant Career (1979) with a young Judy Davis and Sam Neill, directed by Gillian Armstrong, who later directed the Winona Ryder version of Little Women. It’s one of my favorite movies.
Thank you for the recommendation!
Just found your list and know and love many of your choices. I will definitely look into the others. You might want to find and watch an older black and white, 1943, Jane Eyre with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine. This is the one I grew up with that started me reading the Charlotte Bronte books when I was 10 years old … it took me a few readings over the years to properly appreciate the stories.
A tough guy high school friend of mine told me his favorite movie is Somewhere in Time … that he cries every time he watches it.
Thank you, I will check out that version of Jane Eyre! Neat that it hooked you on Bronte. I’m always up for a good black and white classic.
A lot of tough guys–or guys in general–have a soft spot…it’s sweet to see that come out!
Have seen many on the list and some mentioned in the comments section. Since I am a big fan of period dramas, I appreciate the list and comments. I will definitely be watching the ones that I have missed! I have to confess to binge watching Lark Rise to Candleford (4 seasons). Absolutely loved it.
Oh, I really want to watch Lark Rise! I only learned of it in the last few years, but it sounds like it would definitely be my cup of tea!
Love all these suggestions.
Bb
BBC version of Pride and Prejudice is by far the best version. David Rintoul is so much better at “looking down his nose” than Colin Firth, he was way to “nice”. And in the Colin Firth one they had Elizabeth as prettier than Jane and it should have been the other way round. And BBC Mr Colins is brilliantly odious. Also being 4 hours instead of two you get so much more brilliant dialogue
Personally all the one the BBC does are brilliant and better being longer are able to keep truer to the book but I love Emma with Gwenyth as well
Anne of Green Gables is absolute perfection. Sorry but I hate what they did to the new series. Spoilt the whole thing. Megan Follows will always be the only Anne.
And of course I LOVE Man from Snowy River. Music is awesome too
Am glad I stumbled across your list.
Thank you
Glad you enjoyed the list! I’ve seen two BBC versions of Pride and Prejudice…the David Rintoul one and the Colin Firth one. The Colin Firth one is actually very similar to the David Rintoul one, isn’t it? Just a slightly updated version, really. But I do love the 2-hour Matthew MacFadyen one, although it does shorten the book necessarily! I always love to see what the BBC is doing with Austen and Dickens and others, though. There have been some gems!
Loved this list! I would add Pride and Prejudice to it! I will definately watch with tea and buns and cake! Thank you!
yay! So glad you liked it!
Have to say I love a lot of this list. Ever after is still one of my favorites and have watched the old Scarlett pimpernel many many times. I love the classic Anne if Green Gables (the new show is simply horrible- wayy too much creative license and adds way too much nook book material…) love the old b&w pride and prejudice (the new one is okay but not a big fan of Kiera knightly.) Sarah plain and tall is good and absolutely love the man from snowy river. All in all a pretty good list…
Thanks! I haven’t seen any black & white versions of Pride and Prejudice…I’d love to check that out!