Love Bridgeton & Sad It's Over? Here Are 10 Period Dramas To Watch Instead

We are suckers for a Jane Austen adaptation and while the internet was on the fence whether this one was worth the watch, we actually quite liked it. We know it lacked the heart-wrenching, tear-inducing emotional tendencies we love Austen for but all in all, it was an easy watch with a stellar performance by Dakota Johnson in the lead. It revolves around Anne (played by Jonson) and how her strong-headed personality deals with the return of her ex-lover, an arrival that sends her not-so-happening world for a toss.

You can always trust Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period dramas to be a work of art, and the most recent jewel in his crown, Heeramandi was nothing short of it. Bhansali's first venture in the OTT space— the cinematography, the direction, the songs, the costumes and the exorbitant sets, all contribute to making this Netflix show a must-watch! The storyline isn't as strong as Bhansali's previous work but the engaging performances by (most of) the cast more than makes up for that. Th beauty of it lies in the adab (or mannerisms) showcased and spotlighted from the long foregone era. 

Now, there's the emotionally-distressing Jane Austen adaption we are talking about! Pride & Prejudice may or may not be every little girl's introduction to the British romance of the golden days. Elizabeth has a soul as deep as the ocean that yearns for someone who reaches the depths of it while Mr. Darcy is a distant soul who's a little too proud but softens to the unusual fumes that burn between him and Elizabeth. The casting, flow of the story and compelling performances make this one a failproof comfort pick for a crying sesh.

There's chasing in the name of romance, chatter about social status and flaunting of wealth and emotions, all aspects we loved about Bridgerton! Visually this film is incredibly stunning with great attention to detail. Be it the grand sets to the vintage clothing, everything's spot on! We love how the storyline develops little by little, and keeps you completely hooked to your screens with how mesmerising everything appears.

We love a feisty female protagonist who fights her way through and never backs down from causing a brawl. The story is one of love at first sight but nothing conventional. Elisabeth is strong-willed, not manipulable an thus, not ready to bow to the rules of being an Empress. Romance, secret lovers, passion, deceit and power tussles make for a potent concoction and 'The Empress' hooks instantly. The end does kind of leave you bothered since it's not a happy ending, but other than that, it's a thrilling watch for sure. 

Mind you, this is for the series and not the films. Let's all agree that the British know how to do period drama better than anyone and this is no exception. You'll be captivated immediately and hours will go by before you realize you have made an all-nighter in front of your screens because of how intriguing it is. It is commendable how each character stands out but the equations between them make for a rock-solid and super convincing plot.

You will either fangirl over this Hailee Steinfeld starrer show or either hate it by the end of it, there's no in-between. It's historical but accessible in the sense it doesn't feel like a boring history retelling. It's poignant but laugh out loud funny. It teaches you something about humanity without being too in your face. It connects you to a bygone era in a way that's rich, not a recollection of facts and names you won't remember post switching off the TV.

The OG romantic drama that made us all fall in love with the idea of love with a hint of history. Based on the historical alliance between India's greatest Mughal emperor and a Rajput Hindu princess, Ashutosh Gowariker (director) frames  his film on the Shakespearean framework of palace intrigue with its internal secrets, back-biting staff, sour step mothers and a couple fighting against all odds.

Only Greta Gerwig could have done justice to this! This one is a wonderful movie from every aspect. It has a powerful story, superb acting and beautiful costumes and design. Moreover, it seems like you are flipping the pages of a painting book. Every scene looks like a beautiful canvas with the storyline being the paint. The main difference between this adaptation and its predecessors is the stream of consciousness adopted, which could of course be a Greta Gerwig touch.

Of course, we had to include another Jane Austen adaptation cause why not? This latest movie adaptation of her book is a beautiful, gorgeous and entertaining re-make that should easily please Austen fans old and new as it looks phenomenal and keeps you hooked. Its cast, led by Anya Taylor-Joy is extremely great. Emma's script is adapted by novelist Eleanor Catton and manages to capture much of Austen's comedic nuances, translating it elegantly to the screen. The result is a stylish and supremely watchable movie adaptation.