Back in January 2019, Amazon launched a new streaming service called IMDB Freedive. Recently, this service rebranded itself as IMDB TV and introduced a host of new movies and shows. However, if you enjoy period dramas, it can be tricky to find them as they don’t have their own specific category on IMDB TV. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of the best period dramas currently available for free on the platform.
You can watch IMDB TV directly on their website, via Amazon Fire TV, or through your Amazon Prime Video subscription. Keep in mind, though, that free content means you will have to sit through some commercials.
If you’re a period drama fan looking to save some money, this list is perfect for you. It includes a variety of favorites, ranging from romantic tales and historical war dramas to family sagas and lesser-known gems—there’s something for everyone.
Note: This list is based on the availability of content as of August 2019, and the free availability of these dramas may change over time.
The Best Free Period Dramas on IMDB TV:
1. The Age of Innocence (1993):
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this award-winning romantic period drama stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Winona Ryder. It’s a classic romance that’s both beautiful and memorable.
2. A Knight’s Tale (2001):
This medieval romantic comedy features Heath Ledger as a peasant dreaming of becoming a knight. It’s a delightful mix of chivalry, romance, and humor.
3. A River Runs Through It (1992):
Directed by Robert Redford, this film stars Brad Pitt and tells the story of two brothers growing up in rural Montana with their strict minister father. If you enjoy literary fiction, this movie is for you.
4. An Education (2009):
Set in 1960s London, this coming-of-age story features a standout performance by Carey Mulligan. It explores a young teen’s unsettling romance, meant to be unsettling but is ultimately an excellent period piece.
5. Anthropoid (2016):
This lesser-known WWII drama stars Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan. It recounts the true story of a mission to assassinate one of Hitler’s top commanders.
6. Ashes in the Snow (2018):
Bel Powley stars in this romantic war drama about a teenage girl during the Soviet occupation of the Baltic region. Note: It’s rated R due to some disturbing content.
7. Bye Bye Birdie (1995):
Vanessa Williams and Jason Alexander star in this TV movie adaptation of the famous musical, which was nominated for three Emmys.
8. Charms for the Easy Life (2002):
This charming movie is about three women in North Carolina and stars Gena Rowlands, Mimi Rogers, and Susan May Pratt. It’s based on a popular book.
9. Chasing 3000 (2010):
An indie period drama about two brothers on a road trip in 1972 to see baseball player Roberto Clemente’s 3000th hit, featuring Ray Liotta, Rory Culkin, and Trevor Morgan.
10. Copperhead (2013):
Directed by the filmmaker behind Gettysburg, this Civil War drama depicts a New York family and their town’s conflicting political views.
11. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000):
This groundbreaking action film combines fantasy with unrequited love and features a young Chinese warrior. It won four Academy Awards.
12. Dances with Wolves (1990):
Kevin Costner stars in this epic romance about a Civil War hero stationed on the western frontier. The film won seven Academy Awards.
13. Dracula (1992):
A stunning adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, starring Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins, though Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder struggle with their English accents. Note: It includes some scary, sexual, and violent scenes.
14. Edward and Mrs. Simpson (1978):
This TV miniseries stars Edward Fox and Cynthia Harris and will likely appeal to fans of real-life royal stories.
15. Flyboys (2006):
James Franco stars in this WWI drama about young American men who join the French military and become the first American fighter pilots.
16. George and the Dragon (2004):
A family-friendly historical fantasy featuring James Purefoy, Piper Perabo, Patrick Swayze, and Michael Clarke Duncan.
17. Haven (2001):
Natasha Richardson stars in this emotional true story about Ruth Gruber, a woman who helped bring Holocaust refugees to the United States.
18. The Illusionist (2006):
This captivating film starring Edward Norton mixes magic, romance, and mystery. Highly recommended.
19. The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant (2005):
A big-budget Australian miniseries about an English woman sentenced to Australia who leads a daring escape with fellow convicts. It stars Romola Garai, Alex O’Loughlin, and Jack Davenport. Note: It’s rated TV-MA due to violence and sensitive content.
20. Indochine (1992):
This romantic historical drama, starring Catherine Deneuve and Vincent Perez, focuses on a widowed French woman and her adopted Vietnamese princess both falling for the same French officer. It won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.
21. The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells (2001):
This fun mini-series about H.G. Wells, with a strong time travel element and a love story, makes for excellent entertainment.
22. The Inheritance (1997):
Based on a Louisa May Alcott novel, this sweet romantic period drama is set in Concord, Massachusetts. If you like Jane Austen, you’ll enjoy this wholesome TV movie.
23. The Inquiry (2006):
Set in Rome, this historical Christian movie follows a Roman soldier on a mission to disprove the resurrection of Jesus.
24. Ithaca (2015):
In her directorial debut, Meg Ryan tells the story of a young telegram messenger coming of age in 1942. Tom Hanks makes a heartwarming cameo.
25. Jewel (2001):
Farah Fawcett stars as a mother raising a child with Down syndrome in the 1940s, a time when this was not well-accepted.
This list highlights some of the best free period dramas currently available on IMDB TV, perfect for any fan of the genre.
