When in the mood for love, there is almost nothing better than curling up and watching a romantic period piece. The love in these films somehow seem more dramatic, more swoon-worthy and more romantic. The costumes, set designs and musical themes make these even more irresistible to the hopeless romantic. This post compiles a list of some of the most amazing romantic period pieces in almost ever genre. I hope this helps you find your new comfort watch.
This post is all about romantic period piece film and television for the hopeless romantic!
Movies
1. Jane Eyre (2011)
While there are several film and TV versions of the this classic novel, this Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender iteration has something extra magical. Jane Eyre, the titular character, is a shy governess that goes to work for a mysterious-and handsome- Mr. Rochester. This period piece has all of the romantic antics that you could hope for: longing glances, sweeping shots and a battle of wits between our hero and heroine. There are some surprising twists (if you haven’t read the book of course), but it’s the superb acting that really elevates this romance.
2. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is one of literatures most famous. And Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadden bring all of that sizzling enemies-to-lovers energy to the screen. Pride & Prejudice also has more than one romance to fawn over. Even more, it offers beautiful landscape shots, stunning musical score and multiple romantic declarations. What more could you want?
3. The Notebook (2004)
Perhaps one of the most popular romantic period pieces of the last few decades, this film is essential to the list. Set mostly in the 1940s, The Notebook follows Allie and Noah as they fall in love, are separated and then cross paths again. Allie, the rich girl visiting for the summer, and Noah, the local boy couldn’t be more different, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. Come for the Allie’s stunning outfits, stay for the genuine romance.
4. Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
This Thomas Harding adaptation is the exact kind of will they/won’t they that makes for the best drama. The story centers around Bathsheba a headstrong heroine, and Gabriel, a quiet hero. They meet when working on neighboring farms, and despite their palpable chemistry and romantic tension, don’t make it easy for the audience. It is a wandering road that keeps these two coming back in each others lives.
5. Australia (2008)
This film is the definition of a romantic epic. Set in Australia on the cusp of World War II, this drama follows Lady Sarah Ashley, who leaves England to make her cheating husband come back from his Australian cattle ranch, Faraway Downs, only to find out that he has been murdered. The romance begins as soon as Hugh Jackman’s “Drover” enters the scene. This story also deals with a very tragic historical treatment of Australia’s indigenous people, the Aboriginals. But ultimately, this film has everything that makes and epic an epic: beautiful sweeping locations, heart-racing action scenes, a vicious villain, absolutely gorgeous protagonists, and an awe inspiring journey. Come for the sexiest Hugh Jackman, stay for the beautiful Baz Lurhman masterpiece.
6. The Young Victoria (2009)
This film is a bit of a surprise. What could have been a slow story about the upbringing and rise to the the throne of Queen Victoria, is actually a stunning depiction of the romance between Victoria and Albert. Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend have palpable chemistry in this film that makes this story all the more enjoyable.
7. Brooklyn (2015)
The incomparable Saoirse Ronan is at the helm of this darling romantic period piece set in 1950’s Brooklyn. When Irish young woman Eilis immigrates to Brooklyn, New York, she quickly begins a romance with a local Italian American boy. But when she is called back to Ireland, she is faced with the choice between two countries and what her life could be like in either. If you’re a sucker for mid century fashion like I am, the costuming in this movie alone is enough to make you swoon.
8. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008)
If you’re looking for a heart-filled, glamorous, wild ride, this movie is the one for you. Frances McDormand plays a woman down on her luck in England on the cusp of World War II. In looking for a new job she stumbles into a role as a social secretary for young socialite Amy Adams. While this is definitely a love story between two torn apart lovers, this is also very much a love story between the two women who grow and learn a great deal from each other in just one day.
9. Titanic (1997)
If you haven’t seen this movie (or at least parts on TV), I’m shocked. But, I would be even more shocked if you didn’t at least know the story of the Titanic. But either way, this is another epic very much deserving of a new watch or rewatch. This film weaves the tragedy of the historical event, with the beauty of a fictional romance. The chemistry between Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio is amazing (hence the several films they’ve done together since), and the story itself in complex and moving. This movie is know for so many romantic quotes and images for a reason.
10. Water for Elephants (2011)
Is there anything more romantic than the notion of running off to join the circus? It’s a cliche for a reason. And in this romantic period piece, Robert Pattinson’s character does just that. He becomes the veterinarian for a traveling circus and quickly falls in love with two of the shows main performers, an elephant named Rosie, and Reese Witherspoon’s character Marlena. Based on the best selling novel of the same name, this film gives you all the escapism and drama that the circus brought to depression-era America.
11. The Painted Veil (2006)
When an ill-suited newlywed couple move to a remote village in China having a Cholera epidemic, they are forced to re-examine their relationship. This film is a moving story about falling in love in the most unlikely of places. The settings and costuming are absolutely beautiful. And Naomi Watts and Edward Norton give incredible performances, and it is definitely a tear-jerker.
12. Little women (2019)
This latest iteration of the classic novel is filled with so many different depictions of love: first love, unrequited love, family love and true love. Though familial love is the most prominent in the story, there are several professions of love that have the potential to leave you in tears. There also isn’t a much better depiction of a feminist in love than Jo March, and Saoirse Ronan could not play it any better if she tried. This is definitely a romantic period piece from the voice of a woman at the helm.
13. Atonement (2007)
Warning: watch this movie only if you are prepared to be wrecked by it. This movie is filled with sweeping romance, agonizing misunderstandings and all the drama and devastation of a war romance. James McAvoy and Keira Knightly have electric chemistry, and do a tidy job of ripping your hearts out in this film. And Soairse Ronan begins her stunning romantic period piece career in this film. Absolutely worth the watch, just don’t forget the tissues.
14. A walk in the clouds (1995)
Expecting nothing less from the dreamy Keanu Reeves, this 1940’s romance is quite lovely. When a soldier returns from World War II he becomes a traveling chocolate salesman. And on his travels he meets a young woman returning home to her family’s vineyards, pregnant. In an attempt to protect the woman from her disapproving parents, he agrees to pretend to be her husband. This movie is simple, charming, and the sweeping vineyard views are absolutely beautiful.
15. The Theory of Everything (2014)
This romantic period piece is based on the true story of June and Stephen Hawking. Upon meeting at University, the young couple falls in love, but things get complicated when Stephen is diagnosed with motor neuron disease. The couple sticks together as he comes to terms with his diagnosis at the same time as he develops his thesis. There is something inherently magical about this film, and Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones give spectacular performances.
16. Dirty Dancing (1987)
Some may not want to consider this a period piece, but this 1980’s film is set in during 1960’s upstate New York, so I think it fits the bill. When young and sheltered Baby Houseman meets Johnny Castle, her safe world opens up to a world of dirty dancing. When it comes to romance, this one takes the cake for me (and I’m not just talking about Patrick Swayze being almost singlehandedly responsible for my sexual awakening). This is the classic story of two worlds colliding and also has some of the best music of any soundtrack. You’ll have the time of your life with this one.
17. Sense and Sensibility
This Jane Austen romance was brought to life on the big screen by screenwriter and lead Emma Thompson, and director And Lee. This is the exact sort of tangled web of romance you would expect from a Jane Austen classic. Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and the charming Hugh Jackman are at the helm of this period romance. And as always with a truly good regency piece, the sets are enchanting.
18. Legends of the Fall
This movie is a familial epic, centered around the lives of three brothers, their father, and the woman that becomes a part of each of their lives. If Brad Pitt at his ABSOLUTE prime isn’t enough to entice you to watch this, the story and setting should be. But be prepared, this isn’t an uplifting period romance, its a pretty devastating one. Curl up with a box of tissues and enjoy the sweeping Montana views and the heart wrenching performances by this stellar cast.
TELEVISION
19. Bridgerton (2020-)
Based on a romantic book series, this Netflix romantic period piece took the world by story a few years ago. This series is a much sexier, more modern take on the genre (courtesy of Shondaland), and came as a very welcome change to audiences everywhere. Each season centers on the romance of one of the eight adult children of the Bridgerton family in regency London. They’re funny, sexy and sweet, and feature a voice cameo from the queen herself, Julia Andrews as Lady Whistledown.
20. Downton Abbey (2011-2016)
This BBC/PBS show is truly EPIC. It centers around the Earl of Grantham and his family, as well as the servants that maintain the family estate. The show kicks off with the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and the impact it has one the heir of the family estate. This show continues throughout the 1910-1920’s and comes with all the beautiful trappings of the time: the setting, the costuming, and the romance. There are countless romances of all different varieties to satisfy any hopeless romantic. And don’t forget to follow up your binge watching with the two feature length films that followed.
21. Outlander (2014-)
This epic romantic period piece is actually a double period piece, taking place in both the 1940’s and the 1700’s. Right after the end of World War II, Claire and her husband head to the Scottish Highlands for a holiday. While there, Claire stumbles upon a mystical stone circle and is transported back in time to the Highlands on the cusp of rebellion. While there she meets and falls in love with a Scottish man and is swept up into clan life. This series spans decades and will satisfy both your romanticism and make for a steamy watch.
22. The Gilded Age (2022-)
This newer show on HBO has only had one season, but it made quite a splash. It is in a world not often seen in film and television, the titular Gilded Age of New York in the 1880s. It centers on two families, one of old family money, and one of new money, and the ways in which they interact in society. The settings and costumes are absolutely beautiful, and there are plenty of clearly blossoming romances to keep any hopeless romantic yearning to watch more.
23. The Great (2020-2023)
Decidedly different than the average period piece, this series starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult is absolutely amazing. It’s hilarious, clever, a bit deranged, beautiful, and irresistible, much like its lead characters. This offbeat comedy is a take on Catherine the Great as she becomes the empress of Russia alongside the emperor Peter. The sets and costumes are unique and stunning, but it is truly the spectacular acting that makes this show stellar. And the romances in this show are surprising and titillating enough for any romantic.
24. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023)
This show is fun, funny, energetic, and iconic. With the breakneck and speed that one would expect from an Amy Sherman-Palladino show (the creator of Gilmore Girls), this show features a 1950’s housewife that plunges into the New York comic scene after finding out her husband is leaving her for another woman. Rachel Brosnahan is stellar as the fast talking comedienne Midge. The ensemble cast is also a huge source of laughs. And for the newly single Midge, the romantic options, and career possibilities seem endless.
25. Hollywood (2020)
This Netflix limited series follows an ensemble of characters, both fully fictional and some based on actual people, as they navigate their road to success in the 1940’s Hollywood studio system. This show has all the glitz and glamour and mystique that comes to mind when thinking of Golden Age Hollywood, but gives the history a new modern twist. It is cheeky, fun, heartfelt and inspiring.
This post was all about amazing romantic period piece film and television.
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