Need a good period film to watch? Here are 20 romantic period pieces to choose from for your next girls’ movie night!
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 Your Next 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!)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!)
For a darker, atmospheric pick, watch this haunting adaptation of Wilkie Collins’s classic Gothic novel.
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.
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(:
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.
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.
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.
This romance for horse lovers takes place in the Australian outback, 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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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*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
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!
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!
“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!
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!
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?
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!
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!