Movies and Shows Like Anne of Green Gables
I’ve been a fan of L.M. Montgomery since I was a child, starting with the brilliant Kevin Sullivan adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. I laughed and cried with Anne and swooned over Gilbert Blythe, convinced that I would marry someone like him someday. Naturally, I had to read the book, and that opened a whole new world to me.
Soon, Emily of New Moon and its sequels became my preferred Montgomery stories, with their touch of the supernatural resonating deeply with me. I’m still hoping for a definitive adaptation of Emily’s story. Road to Avonlea has also been a longtime favorite, showcasing some of the best period dramas and performances on TV.
After watching these shows, I dreamed of visiting the magical Prince Edward Island, which I finally did after finishing grad school—it was everything I hoped for. But I wanted more shows that could give me the same joy Anne of Green Gables gave me.
So, I made a list of must-watch period dramas for those times when you need that Anne fix. This list includes several adaptations of Anne and other feel-good period dramas, perfect for fans of Kevin Sullivan’s work.
Note: The list is mostly alphabetical and starts with the actual Anne adaptations. Availability is for the U.S. and may change. The list, initially published in 2019, has been updated for November 2022.
Without further ado, here are 85 period dramas to watch if you love Anne of Green Gables:
1. Anne of Green Gables (1934)
– Why Anne fans will love it: The lead actress loved her role so much she changed her name to Anne Shirley! A top-selling film of 1934.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Watch TCM (with a cable subscription) or buy on DVD.
2. Anne of Avonlea (1975)
– Why Anne fans will love it: The first Anne of Green Gables movie is lost, but this 1970s mini-series is a lovely alternative.
– Where to Watch: DVD.
3. Anne of Green Gables (1985)
– Why Anne fans will love it: This delightful adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel features stellar performances, humor, and romance.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray.
4. Anne of Avonlea (1987)
– Why Anne fans will love it: This sequel lets us see Anne and Gilbert get their happy ending repeatedly.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray.
5. Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Although not Montgomery’s story, the original cast and a touching WWI plot make it beautiful.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray.
6. Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008)
– Why Anne fans will love it: This Kevin Sullivan production tells Anne’s story from a different angle, with Patricia Hamilton making a cameo.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD/Blu-Ray.
7. L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables (2016)
– Why Anne fans will love them: Newer films that stay true to the original books, for the most part.
– Where to Watch: PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel and Hoopla. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
8. Anne with an E (2017-2020)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Despite a darker tone than the books, this adaptation grew on me thanks to its quality and storytelling.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Buy on Digital (Amazon) or DVD.
9. Alias Grace (2017)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Adapted by Sarah Polley from a Margaret Atwood novel, featuring a captivating story and strong performances.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Buy on DVD.
10. Annie (1982)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Another uplifting tale of an orphan girl with red hair, filled with entertaining songs.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock or Watch TCM. Rent/buy on Digital or DVD.
11. Arthurian Period Dramas
– Why Anne fans will love them: Anne’s fascination with Arthurian romance is explored through many delightful adaptations like Merlin and Excalibur.
– Where to Watch: Merlin is on Netflix, Roku, Tubi, Crackle, Pluto TV, Plex, and Prime Video. Excalibur on Plex. Others available to rent/buy on Digital or DVD.
12. Avonlea (1990-1996)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A sequel to Kevin Sullivan’s Anne series, featuring a mix of new characters and familiar faces.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD.
13. Back to Hannibal (1990)
– Why Anne fans will love it: This Disney sequel features grown-up Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, with Megan Follows as Becky.
– Where to Watch: DVD.
14. Ballet Shoes (2007)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A charming tale of three orphans pursuing their dreams, great for family viewing.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock, Amazon Freevee, Roku, Tubi, Plex, and Crackle. Rent/buy on Digital or DVD.
15. Becoming Jane (2007)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A romanticized biopic of Jane Austen with a touching young female writer’s journey.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Paramount+. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
16. Belle (2013)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Romantic and set in the 18th century, Belle follows an orphan raised by her uncle, depicting societal issues.
– Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
17. Berkeley Square (1998)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Follows three Edwardian nannies, echoing Anne’s teaching experiences.
– Where to Watch: DVD.
18. By Way of the Stars (1992)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A period drama starring cast members from Road to Avonlea.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD.
19. Call the Midwife (2012-)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Touches on friendships and character development, much like Avonlea.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix or Hoopla. New episodes on PBS Passport. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
20. Christy (1994)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Fits the genre of optimistic period dramas, ideal for kindred spirits.
– Where to Watch: DVD.
21. Cinderella (2015)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A beloved tale of an orphan girl with romance and beautiful costumes.
– Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
22. Courage Mountain (1990)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A sequel to Heidi’s story featuring romance and adventure.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Hoopla or Tubi. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
23. Cranford (2008) and Return to Cranford (2010)
– Why Anne fans will love them: These miniseries capture a small-town vibe with strong female characters.
– Where to Watch: Stream on BritBox or BritBox Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital or DVD.
24. Cross Creek (1983)
– Why Anne fans will love it: This biopic follows an author’s love for a place similar to Anne’s love for Green Gables.
– Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
25. Doctor Thorne (2016)
– Why Anne fans will love it: From the creator of Downton Abbey, featuring a girl with mysterious parentage living with her uncle.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video. Buy on Digital or DVD.
26. Downton Abbey (2010-2015; 2019; 2022)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Edwardian period romance with several love stories, perfect for fans of similar eras.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video, Peacock, PBS Passport, BritBox, and Roku. Buy on Digital and DVD.
27. Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993-1998)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Similar themes of romance and well-rounded characters to love.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Pluto TV and Freevee. Buy on Digital and DVD.
28. The Durrells in Corfu (2016-2019)
– Why Anne fans will love it: British humor and interesting family dynamics.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video, PBS Passport, and PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital and DVD.
29. Emily of New Moon (1998-2000)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Despite a rocky start, the show improves and captures key book moments.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Hallmark Movies Now or HMN Amazon Channel. Buy on DVD.
30. The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain (1995)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Funny and romantic, with engaging townsfolk similar to Avonlea.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Hoopla. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
31. Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
– Why Anne fans will love it: An orphan with a sweet romance, featuring a strong lead character.
– Where to Watch: Stream on STARZ. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
32. Far From the Madding Crowd (2015)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Features a steadfast romantic hero akin to Gilbert Blythe.
– Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
33. Finding Neverland (2004)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Captures the imaginative spirit of J.M. Barrie.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Showtime. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
34. A Good Woman (2004)
– Why Anne fans will love it: An underrated film with witty, intelligent dialogue.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Hoopla, Roku, Freevee, Tubi, and Kanopy. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
35. Grand Hotel (2011-2013)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Sweeping romances set in an Edwardian period, ideal for binge-watching.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Pantaya (Spanish only). Buy on DVD.
36. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Old-fashioned romance and a love for books, capturing a similar spirit.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Buy on DVD.
37. Hanako & Anne (2014)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A Japanese period drama about the woman who translated Anne of Green Gables.
– Where to Watch: Look for a DVD copy with subtitles.
38. Heidi (1937)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A Shirley Temple movie about an orphan girl, a must-watch.
– Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
39. Hidden Places (2006)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A charming period romance with a Disney TV movie vibe.
– Where to Watch: Buy on DVD.
40. The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A light-hearted, super funny Edwardian romantic comedy.
– Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
41. Jane Austen Adaptations
– Why Anne fans will love them: From Pride and Prejudice to Northanger Abbey, Austen adaptations are essential for romantics.
– Where to Watch: Various platforms, detailed in our comprehensive Austen guide.
42. Jane Eyre (2006)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A darker orphan story with a passionate romance, highly recommended.
– Where to Watch: Stream on BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, Hulu, Crackle, and Pluto TV. Buy on Digital and DVD.
43. A Jewel in the Palace (2003)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A Korean drama about an orphan girl’s journey.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Viki or buy on DVD.
44. The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A Disney film about a brave teen girl during the Great Depression.
– Where to Watch: Disney+. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
45. Ladies in Lavender (2004)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Explores the lives of older women, with stellar performances by Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.
– Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
46. Lantern Hill (1989)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A lesser-known but excellent L.M. Montgomery adaptation directed by Kevin Sullivan.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD.
47. Lark Rise to Candleford (2008-2011)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Small-town British drama with romance, humor, and engaging characters.
– Where to Watch: Stream on BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital and DVD.
48. The Lightkeepers (2009)
– Why Anne fans will love it: An enjoyable period piece with romance and a Cape Cod setting similar to Prince Edward Island.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Freevee. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
49. Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Beloved family period drama that still resonates.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock and Freevee. Buy on Digital and DVD.
50. Little Men (1998-1999)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A wholesome Canadian drama with heartfelt stories.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock, Prime Video, Roku, Pluto TV, and Vudu. Buy on Digital and DVD.
51. A Little Princess (1995)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A tale of imagination and grace, beautifully directed by Alfonso Cuarón.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Rent/Buy on Digital and DVD.
52. Little Women (1994)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Jo March’s fiery spirit makes her an Anne Shirley-like character.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Freevee and Tubi. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
53. Little Women (2018)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A well-done adaptation with Angela Lansbury as Aunt March.
– Where to Watch: Stream on PBS Passport, Prime Video, and PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital and DVD.
54. Looking for Miracles (1989)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Directed by Kevin Sullivan, this family period drama features young Zachary Bennett.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD.
55. Love Comes Softly Movies (2003-2011)
– Why Anne fans will love them: These charming, heartwarming films are perfect for fans of Anne of Green Gables.
– Where to Watch: Stream the first movie on Hoopla. Buy the collection on DVD.
56. Love on the Land (1999)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Sullivan production with romance and compelling characters.
– Where to Watch: Rent or buy digitally to stream on the Gazebo TV app. Buy on DVD.
57. Pollyanna (2003)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A fabulous British adaptation, perfect for fans of Anne of Green Gables.
– Where to Watch: Stream on PBS Masterpiece Amazon channel and Hoopla. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
58. Polly: Comin’ Home (1990)
– Why Anne fans will love it: An excellent adaptation with a black cast and Broadway-style songs.
– Where to Watch: Buy on DVD.
59. The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Heartwarming period romance for those who love feel-good stories.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Hallmark Movies Now, Hoopla, Pluto TV, and Plex. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
60. The Man from Snowy River (1982)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Romantic period drama with a wholesome story, set in Australia.
– Where to Watch: Stream on STARZ. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
61. Mansfield Park (1999)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Combines Jane Austen’s novel with her life as a writer for a witty narrative.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Hoopla, Pluto TV. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
62. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A magical sequel that makes you feel nostalgic and joyful.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
63. Mercy Street (2016)
– Why Anne fans will love it: Features strong female characters making a difference in a historical setting.
– Where to Watch: Stream on PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, and Freevee. Buy on Digital and DVD.
64. Middlemarch (1994)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A small-town British drama with memorable characters.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox. Buy on DVD.
65. Miss Austen Regrets (2008)
– Why Anne fans will love it: An intelligent biopic about Jane Austen as an aunt and writer.
– Where to Watch: Stream on BritBox, BritBox Amazon channel, Plex, and Crackle. Buy on DVD.
66. Miss Potter (2006)
– Why Anne fans will love it: A biopic of Beatrix Potter with a romantic subplot, delightful for aspiring writers.
– Where to Watch: Stream on Hoopla, Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV, and Plex. Rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
67. The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988)
