Thanksgiving is here, and there are many things I love about this time of year. It’s a wonderful chance to spend time with family and friends, bake delicious treats, and cozy up to watch some of my favorite period dramas. There are a few period dramas that I keep revisiting because they bring me so much comfort. So, here are my top six period dramas that I’m thankful for and excited to watch while baking a ton of Christmas cookies this winter. I’d love to hear about the period dramas you’re thankful for too!
Honorable Mention: Pride and Prejudice (PG)
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this classic. I love the Colin Firth A&E version, the 2004 Matthew Macfadyen version, and every other adaptation. Pride and Prejudice is a wonderful story, and each version brings something unique and exciting to the table. I’m grateful for this movie because it helped popularize other period dramas.
6: Patricia Rozema’s Mansfield Park (PG-13)
Although this movie isn’t a faithful adaptation of the novel, I still adore it. Rozema added elements from Jane Austen’s own life and letters, making Frances O’Connor’s Fanny Price a mix of Fanny and Jane herself. This gives her a more active role and makes her relationship with Jonny Lee Miller’s Edmund Bertram more compelling. It’s fun, witty, and I find the characters fascinating.
5: Northanger Abbey (PG)
Starring JJ Feild, Carey Mulligan, William Beck, and Felicity Jones, Northanger Abbey is based on one of my favorite books. This film is filled with clever dialogue and a delightful cast. I appreciate how it delves into Catherine’s daydreams, depicting them in detail. This movie perfectly blends silly and serious elements, and I never get tired of watching it.
4: In the Heart of the Sea (PG-13)
As a tall ship sailor, In the Heart of the Sea really appeals to me. This period drama, based on the true story of the whaling ship Essex, is gripping and features incredible performances by Chris Hemsworth and Benjamin Walker. The realistic sailing scenes, thanks to the cast training on a tall ship, add to its authenticity. It’s an intense movie that I’m thankful for.
3: 1995’s Persuasion (PG)
Persuasion is one of my favorite books, and this 1995 adaptation starring Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root does it justice. The movie features a compelling romance, wonderful characters, and a navy backdrop. Hinds and Root deliver fantastic performances as Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot. It’s a sweet, romantic story with an unconventional couple, making it a beloved movie for me.
2: 2015’s Jane Got a Gun (R)
I love a good western, and Jane Got a Gun is no exception. Despite some production issues and dark moments in the story, it’s a beautiful film about one woman’s deep love for her children. Starring Natalie Portman, Noah Emmerich, Ewan McGregor, and Joel Edgerton, it showcases different kinds of women and strengths. The film features a non-conventional couple, which I adore.
1: BBC’s North and South (TV-PG)
For me, North and South is the ultimate period drama. Based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, this miniseries stars Richard Armitage as John Thornton and Daniela Denby-Ashe as Margaret Hale. It explores the conflict between England’s industrial North and rural South through their relationship. The chemistry between the leads, the costumes, and the music make it an all-time favorite. North and South was my gateway into period dramas, and I’m very thankful for it.
I love watching period dramas while baking or after shoveling snow. A great period drama has a captivating story, beautiful costumes, an excellent soundtrack, and stays true to its historical or literary roots. All six films on this list fit the bill perfectly, and I highly recommend checking them out!
What period dramas are you thankful for? Let me know in the comments!
