Period dramas—or movies—hold so much power in offering a much-needed escape from reality. Perhaps it’s the way the drama transports us to a different time period, with aesthetics and outfits that are different from our own. Or perhaps the lavish production settings that further enhance the experience, seamlessly bringing everything together. Whatever the reason it might be, period dramas successfully provide us with endless daydreams and a much-needed distraction.
For our editorial team, we have our own preferences when it comes to period dramas. If you’re looking for recommendations on what to binge-watch this weekend, why not take a look at our top picks for the month?
The Last Kingdom (2015 – 2022)
Dramas filled with unique costumes, epic battles, and intense scenes always serve the best. For Game of Thrones fans, The Last Kingdom will evoke that perfect period drama nostalgia. The show follows the story of Uhtred, who witnessed his family being killed and later was made to choose between his birth country and the people who raised him.
Picked by Aqilah | Watch on Netflix.
Yae no Sakura (2013)
A historical drama that heavily features formidable women during a period of history! Niijima Yae, also recognized as Yamamoto Yaeko, used her skills in gunnery to defend the Aizu Empire in the Boshin War, leading to her being dubbed the “Bakumatsu Joan of Arc.” Following the war, she wed educator Joseph Hardy Neesima, converted to Christianity, and played a pivotal role in establishing Doshisha University alongside Neesima.
Picked by Hanan | Watch on Apple Tv.
Queen Charlotte
If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out big time! Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a historical drama limited series developed by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix. It serves as a prequel spin-off to the popular Netflix series Bridgerton and loosely depicts the ascent of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz to prominence and influence during the late 18th century. For all you hopeless romantic lovers, this is the perfect series to get hooked on.
Picked by Harsheni | Watch on Netflix.
Ertuğrul (2014 – 2019)
Based on a true story predating the establishment of the Great Ottoman Empire. Though the series originally premiered in Turkey in 2014, it wasn’t until 2022 that fans began to appreciate this historical drama. The recent surge in Turkish hype has played a significant role in its newfound success. The plot revolves around the real-life experiences of Ertugrul, the father of Osman I, who later became the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Picked by Aqilah | Watch on YouTube.
Moon Lovers (2016)
Who needs their Alternate Universe fantasy fulfilled? Then you have to binge watch Moon Lovers; a young modern girl named Go Ha Jin who, after a break-up stumbles upon a mysterious eclipse that transports her back in time to the Goryeo era, the reign of Taejo. There, an unexpected romance unfolds. Technically she founds her Knight of Armour from a different era. How dreamy?
Picked by Hanan | Watch on MUBI.
The Great (2020 – Present)
With a tagline, “mostly true story”, this dark-comedy series, which received an Emmy nomination, offers a unique take on Catherine the Great‘s ascent to power in Russia. We only watch this for Elle Fanning’s fashion, to be honest. This drama has all the usual extravagant costumes, grand palaces, and the typical ‘grand dinner’ scenes.
Picked by Aqilah | Watch on Hulu.