Love period dramas? Here are 4 period films to watch on Netflix right now

Period pieces are a great way to set your current reality to the side for a while and engage with an era in which the locations, fashions, and even the style of speech are notably different from the modern day. And, while there are plenty of television shows that offer the same thing, sometimes it can be even more enticing to drop into a nice, fully-wrapped story for an hour or two before re-emerging into your own contemporary setting.

So, whether you love diving into the tumultuous World War II and post-war eras or you prefer something a little more Victorian, there is bound to be something on this list that catches your eye. As a brief note, while there are plenty of period dramas that deal with dark, difficult themes that are undoubtedly important to engage with, this list largely focuses on feel-good films designed for a light, thoughtful escape from reality.

Victoria & Abdul

Released in 2017, this film is still a highlight in the period drama genre. It is supported by the powerhouse that is Judi Dench, the incredibly balanced and nuanced performance of Ali Fazal, and a period-appropriate, captivating script. While keeping things humorous and enjoyable, it does not shy away from the fact that The British Empire served as a daunting, cruel presence behind its colonies at the time, even using visuals such as a large wall map of the empire in the first scene to underline that idea.

The movie also never misses an opportunity to use a witty turn of phrase to point out the irony of the British point of view at the time, such as the queen's dressers altering Indian clothing to make it look more "authentic." Overall, however, the film's intention seems to be to impress upon its audience how injustice, prejudice, and oppression can be confronted through open-mindedness and a strong will—even if one is not the Queen of England.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society is a quaint, heartfelt story set against the aftermath of World War II that feels rather like a hometown hug. Based on the novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows and produced by the team who created The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, this film features a delightfully quirky cast of characters who, almost, manage to rival the stunning scenery of the island of Guernsey.

Perfect for both lovers of literature and those interested in the period following World War II, the film does not shy away from the highs, lows, and slopes in between of life in such a difficult and unpredictable time. However, it does manage to leave a warm impression on its audience by focusing on the laughs, generosity, and shared values that bring people together during hard periods.

Operation Mincemeat

In contrast to many mid-war films, Operation Mincemeat focuses on the slow, methodical, determined pace of life led by those working behind the scenes for the ultimate victory of their country. It cleverly weaves in the personal relationships, hopes, and fears of each character, binding them to the outcome of their mission and adding an undeniably human element to the cold calculations of espionage.

Featuring a star-studded British cast including Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen, Kelly Macdonald, and Penelope Wilton, it also includes a sort of narrator-esc role—that of Ian Fleming. Played by Johnny Flynn, Fleming's imagined voiceover makes use of the script's poetic, far-reaching tone and ultimately serves as a bridge between the smaller world of the character’s inner lives and the global goal towards which they all strive.

The Pale Blue Eye

Looking for something a little more mysterious? The Pale Blue Eye is a fantastic period film following a detective (Christian Bale) looking into the death of a young military man in the mid-1800s. While certainly much darker than the preceding films on this list, The Pale Blue Eye is absolutely a period must-watch and may even leave you with a sense of relief and alignment, depending on how you view the ending.

Either way, Harry Melling's standout performance as a young Edgar Allan Poe and the striking wintry blue visuals leave a lasting impression long after the final credits have rolled. And it may even show you how people living at an entirely different age to our own, and in extreme circumstances, valued many of the same priorities that we hold close today—love, family, respect, and remembrance.

So, the next time you're in the mood for something a little antique, why not try out some or all of the films on this list for your next movie night? You may just find your new favorite period piece and learn a little something about the past while you're at it. And, if you find yourself exhausting this list, then there are plenty of underrated foreign language TV shows on Netflix that feature period settings from all over the world for you to explore, too.

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