Shows and Movies Like Sanditon
Sanditon, based on Jane Austen’s unfinished manuscript and adapted by Pride and Prejudice screenwriter Andrew Davies, premiered on ITV in August 2019 and on PBS Masterpiece in the US in January 2020. Despite its romantic appeal, it was canceled after just one season. However, thanks to the SaveSanditon campaign, the show will return for two more seasons, albeit without Theo James.
While waiting for the show to come back on TV, here’s a list of movies and shows similar to Sanditon that you can enjoy in the meantime:
35 Movies and TV Shows Like Sanditon
1. Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar (2019)
– Why Watch: Dive into a fictional tale of Agatha Christie experiencing romance and mystery on an archaeological dig in Iraq, featuring Crystal Clarke from Sanditon.
– Watch on: PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, or purchase digitally or on DVD.
2. Becoming Jane (2007)
– Why Watch: This biographical romance of young Jane Austen and her love interest Tom Lefroy is bittersweet and highly romantic.
– Watch on: Paramount+. Available for rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
3. Beecham House (2019)
– Why Watch: Leo Suter stars in this Masterpiece drama about John Beecham, who arrives at a Delhi mansion with a mixed-race baby and many secrets. It’s stylish and dramatic.
– Watch on: PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel and PBS Passport. Available on Digital and DVD.
4. Belle (2013)
– Why Watch: Follow the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race woman raised by aristocrats, as she battles racism and falls in love.
– Watch on: HBO Max. Available for rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
5. Bleak House (2005)
– Why Watch: This adaptation of Dickens’ story about Victorian legal injustices features a large cast and memorable performances.
– Watch on: Hulu, BritBox, BritBox Amazon channel. Available on Digital/DVD.
6. Cranford (2007)
– Why Watch: Set in the 1840s, this series follows the lives of women in a small town, showcasing strong community bonds.
– Watch on: BritBox, BritBox Amazon channel. Available on Digital and DVD.
7. Daniel Deronda (2002)
– Why Watch: Andrew Davies’ adaptation of George Eliot’s novel includes captivating love stories with an ending that may polarize viewers.
– Watch on: Hulu, BritBox, BritBox Amazon channel. Available on Digital and DVD.
8. Dear Frankie (2004)
– Why Watch: A heartwarming film by Andrea Gibb about a woman who hires a man to pretend to be her son’s father, featuring a subtle love story.
– Watch on: Pluto TV, Hoopla. Available for rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
9. Dickensian (2015)
– Why Watch: Combines characters from various Dickens novels into a single story. Justin Long, one of Sanditon’s writers, contributed to this series.
– Watch on: BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, and Hoopla. Available on Digital and DVD.
10. The Divergent Series (2014-2016)
– Why Watch: Featuring Sanditon’s Theo James, this action-packed dystopian series offers a mix of romance and adventure.
– Watch on: HBO Max. Available for rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
11. Downton Abbey (2010)
– Why Watch: Follow the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, with memorable characters and romantic plotlines. Theo James makes a guest appearance.
– Watch on: Prime Video, BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, Peacock, Roku, and PBS Passport. Available on Digital and DVD.
12. The Four Feathers (2002)
– Why Watch: Kris Marshall stars in this period romance about a British officer regaining his honor after being branded a coward.
– Watch on: Prime Video, Paramount+, and EPIX. Available for rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
13. Last Tango in Halifax (2012)
– Why Watch: Anne Reid stars in this romantic dramedy about long-lost lovers reuniting in their later years.
– Watch on: Netflix. Available for purchase on Digital and DVD.
14. Little Dorrit (2008)
– Why Watch: Andrew Davies’ adaptation of Dickens’ novel, starring Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen, features a story of perseverance and romance.
– Watch on: BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, Pluto TV. Available on Digital and DVD.
15. The Living and the Dead (2016)
– Why Watch: A supernatural period horror series starring Charlotte Spencer about a couple uncovering eerie happenings on their new farm.
– Watch on: Available for purchase on Digital and DVD.
16. Love & Friendship (2016)
– Why Watch: This Jane Austen adaptation follows the scheming Lady Susan as she seeks advantageous marriages.
– Watch on: Prime Video. Available on DVD.
17. Mansfield Park (1999)
– Why Watch: This Jane Austen adaptation had some controversial changes but remains a witty, heartfelt film.
– Watch on: STARZ. Available for purchase on Digital and DVD.
18. Medici (2016)
– Why Watch: Rose Williams appears in this series about the powerful Medici family in Renaissance Italy.
– Watch on: Netflix or available on DVD.
19. The Merchant of Venice (2004)
– Why Watch: This Shakespeare adaptation features Kris Marshall and tells a romantic tale with a bit of gender disguise.
– Watch on: Tubi. Available for rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
20. Misbehaviour (2020)
– Why Watch: Inspired by the Women’s Liberation Movement, this film tells the story of the 1970 Miss World pageant disruption.
– Watch on: STARZ. Available for rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
21. Mr. Selfridge (2013)
– Why Watch: Andrew Davies created this series about the founder of Selfridge’s department store, featuring romance and intrigue.
– Watch on: PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, PBS Passport. Available on Digital or DVD.
22. Northanger Abbey (2007)
– Why Watch: This Jane Austen adaptation follows Catherine Morland, an adventurous young woman who loves Gothic novels.
– Watch on: Hoopla, Kanopy. Available on DVD.
23. Ordeal by Innocence (2018)
– Why Watch: Crystal Clarke co-stars in this Agatha Christie miniseries about a murder mystery with a stellar cast.
– Watch on: Prime Video or available on DVD.
24. Our Zoo (2014)
– Why Watch: This series, featuring Anne Reid, follows the true story of the family that established Chester Zoo in the 1930s.
– Watch on: Hoopla.
25. Persuasion (2007)
– Why Watch: This Jane Austen adaptation features a powerful romance between Anne and Captain Wentworth, set by the seaside like Sanditon.
– Watch on: BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel. Available on DVD.
26. Poldark (2015)
– Why Watch: This romantic period drama follows Ross Poldark’s return from the Revolutionary War, featuring similar themes to Sanditon.
– Watch on: Prime Video, PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Available on Digital and DVD.
27. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
– Why Watch: This beloved adaptation by Andrew Davies, featuring Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, shares similarities with Sanditon.
– Watch on: BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, Hulu, BYU TV, Passionflix. Available on Digital and DVD.
28. Reign (2013)
– Why Watch: A historical fantasy series with Rose Williams, featuring romantic and intriguing plotlines.
– Watch on: Netflix with ads and CW Seed. Available on Digital and DVD.
29. Room at the Top (2012)
– Why Watch: Theo James stars in this drama about a man torn between two women.
– Watch on: Available on DVD.
30. The Secret Scripture (2016)
– Why Watch: Rooney Mara and Vanessa Redgrave star in this romantic drama about a woman uncovering secrets through her diary.
– Watch on: STARZ, Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV. Available for rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
31. Sense and Sensibility (2008)
– Why Watch: Another Andrew Davies adaptation, this miniseries tells the story of two sisters who must navigate life and love after losing their father.
– Watch on: BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, Crackle, Pluto TV, Hulu. Available on Digital and DVD.
32. Upstairs Downstairs (2010)
– Why Watch: A remake involving a family and their servants in 1930s London, with a cast including Anne Reid.
– Watch on: BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, Hulu. Available on Digital and DVD.
33. Vanity Fair (2018)
– Why Watch: This adaptation follows the ultimate social climber Becky Sharp, with a similar feel to Sanditon.
– Watch on: Prime Video. Available on DVD.
34. Victoria (2016)
– Why Watch: The series follows young Queen Victoria’s life, with a central love story and romanticism akin to Sanditon.
– Watch on: Prime Video, PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Available on Digital and DVD.
35. Wives and Daughters (1999)
– Why Watch: Andrew Davies’ adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel about a young woman dealing with family and love.
– Watch on: Available on DVD.
What movies or shows like Sanditon are you excited to check out? Feel free to share your recommendations!
