The 85+ Best Historical Shows On Netflix, Ranked
- Alexander Dreymon, Emily Cox, Timothy Innes
The Last Kingdom, a riveting spectacle of medieval intrigue, follows the trials and tribulations of Uhtred, portrayed by the charismatic Alexander Dreymon, as he navigates the tumultuous landscape of Britain amidst the clashing pursuits of the Saxons and the Danes. The gripping storylines and sumptuous settings plunge viewers headfirst into this bygone era, leaving them obsessed with every nuance of the epic saga.
- Cillian Murphy, Natasha O'Keeffe, Paul Anderson
Peaky Blinders, enthralling enthusiasts of the gritty underworld, deftly captures the 20th-century Birmingham gang scene. The drama centers around Tommy Shelby, grippingly played by Cillian Murphy, whose enigmatic character leaves audiences equal parts enthralled and unnerved. A rollercoaster of tension and betrayals, this show has etched a permanent place in the annals of historical drama series.
More Peaky Blinders- #4 of 108 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #6 of 29 onCurrent British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time
- #109 of 118 onThe 115+ Best Indie TV Shows, Ranked By Fans
- Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton
Outlander, a smorgasbord of romance, betrayal, and time-travel, delights fans with its mesmerizing tale. Claire Randall, portrayed by the exquisite Caitriona Balfe, finds herself whisked away from her mid-20th-century life to the turmoil-ridden 18th-century Scotland. There, she meets Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan, who inevitably captures her heart - and ours.
More Outlander- Dig Deeper...20 Fascinating Facts From Behind The Scenes Of 'Outlander'
- #16 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #19 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- Anya Taylor-Joy, Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
The Queen's Gambit, a visually stunning masterpiece, unveils the suspenseful life of Beth Harmon, stupendously played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s Cold War era, this drama delves deep into the erstwhile world of chess and unpredictably addictive substance abuse, cementing itself as a genre-defining gem.
- Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville
The Crown, a posh and polished delight for history buffs, presents a glorious reenactment of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Claire Foy and Olivia Colman shoulder the regal responsibility with finesse, immortalizing the emotional turmoil and triumphs lurking behind the gilded palace doors.
- Dustin Hoffman, Guido Caprino, Giorgio Caputo
Medici, a picturesque period drama, is charmingly centered around the cunning and wealth-driven Medici family, power players of the Italian Renaissance. Stellar performances by Richard Madden and Sean Bean entwine viewers in this intoxicating web of politics and passions, leaving them breathless and hungry for more.
More Medici- #14 of 14 onThe Best TV Shows About Ancestry
- #14 of 182 onThe 150+ Best Historical Drama TV Shows
- #18 of 91 onThe 70+ Best Historical Fiction Shows
- Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
Mindhunter bares the dawn of criminal profiling like a sharply honed sword, luring true crime junkies into the depths of psychological warfare. Anchored by the brilliant duo of Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, this groundbreaking drama dissects the twisted minds of notorious serial murderers with chilling precision.
More Mindhunter- Dig Deeper...'Mindhunter' Doesn't Just Portray Real Serial Killers In The Show - The Agents Are Real, Too
- #7 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #14 of 644 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- Laurence Rupp, Attila C. Arpa, David Schütter
Barbarians, a gripping foray into rebellion, is an adrenaline-boosting collision of the Romans and the Germanic tribes at the dawn of the 1st century. Laurence Rupp's mighty Arminius, a figure torn between two worlds, propels this visceral encounter into the annals of television history.
More Barbarians- #395 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #277 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #26 of 44 onThe Best Current Period Piece TV Shows Airing Now
- Jenny Agutter, Annabelle Apsion, Linda Bassett
Call The Midwife sheds light on life in post-World War II London, unfolding through the eyes of midwifery trainee Jenny Lee, embodied by eloquent Jessica Raine. Raw emotion cascades through the picturesque setting of Nonnatus House, making this show an emotional rollercoaster, with viewers hooked at every twist and turn.
More Call The Midwife- #13 of 252 onThe 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
- #5 of 29 onCurrent British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time
- #1 of 76 onThe 70 Best Current Shows About Women
- Sam Corlett, Leo Suter, Frida Gustavsson
Vikings: Valhalla, a gripping continuation of the Vikings saga, explores the aftermath of the original series, maintaining the ruthless intensity and stirring storytelling viewers have come to expect. Fresh characters and bloodthirsty battles extend the legacy, ensuring a steady stream of suspense.
- Jeff Daniels, Michelle Dockery, Jack O'Connell
Godless, an extreme western bloodbath, pits Roy Goode, played by Jack O'Connell, against Jeff Daniels' wicked Frank Griffin. The showdown of these gripping characters unfurls in the town of La Belle, dominated entirely by women. This unique angle and the violent clash of storylines firmly plant Godless as a herculean undertaking.
More Godless- #262 of 645 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #20 of 28 onTV Shows That Make You Feel Like Thomas Shelby
- #65 of 799 onThe 700+ Best Netflix Original Series
- Ben Cartwright, Robert Jack, Susanna Herbert
The Last Czars, a tumultuous ride through the Russian Empire's twilight, brings to life the tragic end of the Romanov dynasty. Dynamic performances by Ben Cartwright and Susanna Herbert as Nicholas II and Alexandra steer this enthralling chronicle with finesse, leaving a lasting and powerful impact on viewers.
More The Last Czars- #456 of 602 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #16 of 42 onThe Best New Limited Series of 2019
- #46 of 46 onThe Best New Historical Drama TV Series of the Last Few Years
- Lorenzo Richelmy, Michelle Yeoh, Benedict Wong
Marco Polo, regaling audiences with the Silk Road's exotic enticements, is a breathtaking tale of adventure and political intrigue. Lorenzo Richelmy's endearing performance as the titular explorer immerses viewers into the heart of the ancient Mongol Empire.
More Marco Polo- #333 of 449 onThe 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
- #7 of 10 onCurrent TV Shows That Are Just Game of Thrones Ripoffs
- #31 of 182 onThe 150+ Best Historical Drama TV Shows
- 14
Versailles
George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh RunyanVersailles unravels in a sumptuous display of decadence, centered around the court of King Louis XIV. George Blagden's enigmatic portrayal of the Sun King pulls back the opulent curtains of France's golden age, revealing a chaos of jealousy, pragmatism, and lust bubbling beneath the surface.
More Versailles - Sarah Gadon, Kerr Logan, Paul Gross
Alias Grace, an engrossing slice of history, unveils its disturbing tale through a fictionalized account of real-life convict Grace Marks. Sarah Gadon's haunting portrayal of Grace raises questions about crimes, morality, and the blurred lines in between, as the story pulls the viewer into its chilling embrace of storytelling.
More Alias Grace- #41 of 182 onThe 150+ Best Historical Drama TV Shows
- #39 of 70 onThe Best Miniseries Of The 2010s
- #9 of 72 onThe 65+ Best Victorian Era Shows, Ranked
- Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie
Bridgerton, a whimsical waltz through Regency-era England, is splendidly orchestrated by Shonda Rhimes and narrated by Julie Andrews. Combining scandal, love, and societal faux pas, this series has proven irresistible to viewers, leaving them eager to don their finest ballroom attire.
More Bridgerton - Amybeth McNulty, R.H. Thomson, Geraldine James
Anne with an E, a modern reimagining of the beloved classic Anne of Green Gables, swoops audiences right into the quaint town of Avonlea. Amybeth McNulty's portrayal of the fiery and spirited Anne Shirley imparts a sense of raw vulnerability and wisdom, burrowing its way into the hearts of those who've ventured into this enchanting tale.
More Anne with an E- #20 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #131 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #107 of 356 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- Landon Liboiron, Jason Momoa, Alun Armstrong
Frontier, an explosive adventure into the fur trade of 18th-century North America, brims with tension and brutality as protagonist Declan Harp, played by the unyielding Jason Momoa, finds himself entangled in a vicious vendetta. The daring narrative of cutthroat rivalries keeps viewers engrossed as history springs to life.
- Buck Braithwaite, Steven Hartley, Jadran MalkovichThe life of Alexander the Great and his burning desire to conquer the world.
- #309 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #47 of 58 onThe Best New Historical Drama TV Series of the Last Few Years
- #127 of 168 onThe Best History TV Shows
- Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Rick GomezBand of Brothers, a gripping World War II miniseries, delves into the harrowing experiences and unwavering camaraderie of Easy Company, a unit of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. With masterful storytelling, the show garnered critical acclaim, earning numerous awards including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries. The ensemble cast skillfully portrays real-life soldiers, such as Major Richard Winters (Damian Lewis) and Captain Lewis Nixon (Ron Livingston), capturing the essence of their valiant struggles and sacrifices. From the treacherous airborne landings in Normandy to the war's bitter end, Band of Brothers remains a poignant tribute to the Greatest Generation's heroism.More Band of Brothers
- #8 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #3 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #5 of 645 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- Kim Hye-soo, Kim Hae-sook, Choi Wonyoung
Under the Queen's Umbrella is a riveting South Korean television series that delves into the world of the elite during the Joseon dynasty, focusing on the unique education methods employed to transform mischievous princes into proper royals. With stellar performances by Kim Hye-soo, Kim Hae-sook, and Choi Won-young, the show has garnered exceptional ratings, becoming a standout hit in the realm of Korean cable television dramas.
- #413 of 676 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #127 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #143 of 327 onThe Best KDramas Of All Time
- Hazal Kaya, Tansu Biçer, Selahattin Pasali
Midnight at the Pera Palace is a captivating Turkish time-travel historical drama series that follows young journalist Esra as she inadvertently travels back to 1919 Istanbul and becomes entangled in an assassination plot targeting Mustafa Kemal. Navigating a world filled with intrigue and danger, Esra must team up with hotel manager Ahmet to preserve the course of Turkey's independence and find her way back to modern times.
- #537 of 676 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #490 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #168 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok
Mr. Sunshine, a sweeping saga set against the vivid tapestry of late 19th-century Korea, spotlights the clash of traditional values and foreign impression. Lee Byung-hun's powerful portrayal of Eugene Choi offers a whirlwind of romance and patriotism, engrossing audiences in this captivating period drama.
More Mr. Sunshine- #58 of 327 onThe Best KDramas Of All Time
- #4 of 168 onThe 150+ Best K-Dramas On Netflix, Ranked
- #13 of 88 onThe Best Historical KDramas Of All Time
- Michelle Jenner, Roberto EnrÃquez, Hugo Silva
The Cook of Castamar, conjuring mouthwatering layers of culinary intrigue and forbidden love, whisks viewers into the kitchen of a Spanish noble family in the 18th century. Through the eyes of the agoraphobic cook, Clara, played by Michelle Jenner, the simmering tensions and tantalizing temptations of the era come to a boil.
More The Cook of Castamar- #129 of 216 onThe Best TV Series Based on Books
- #74 of 182 onThe 150+ Best Historical Drama TV Shows
- #778 of 799 onThe 700+ Best Netflix Original Series
- Cory Michael Smith, Gillian Jacobs, Lucas Englander
Transatlantic is a gripping Netflix miniseries that delves into the heroic endeavors of the Emergency Rescue Committee in 1940, rescuing prominent artists and scholars from the devastating effects of war. Featuring personalities like Hannah Arendt, Marc Chagall, and Peggy Guggenheim, the show entwines an emotional narrative with historical accounts, ensuring an unforgettable journey for its viewers.
More Transatlantic- #370 of 676 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #145 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #529 of 644 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- Audrey Fleurot, Camille Lou, Julie de BonaIn 1914, four women grapple with the consequences of war at home in France.More Women at War
- #609 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #38 of 78 onThe Best New Period Piece TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #142 of 182 onThe 150+ Best Historical Drama TV Shows
- Aitor Luna, Michelle Jenner, Silvia AbascalIn 14th-century Barcelona, a serf's climb to wealth and freedom incurs the disdain of the nobility.More Cathedral of the Sea
- #201 of 216 onThe Best TV Series Based on Books
- #133 of 138 onThe 101 Best Period Piece TV Shows
- #8 of 45 onThe 40+ Best Medieval Shows, Ranked
- Jonathan Roumie, Shahar Isaac, Elizabeth TabishThis drama about the life of Jesus Christ introduces Jesus and the calling of his initial disciples.More The Chosen
- #237 of 676 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #36 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #41 of 58 onThe Best New Historical Drama TV Series of the Last Few Years
- Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan
The Empress is a captivating German historical drama that chronicles the life of the enigmatic Empress Elisabeth of Austria, as she navigates her tumultuous marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph and confronts the intricate power games of Viennese court politics. Devrim Lingnau and Philip Froissant deliver compelling performances, immersing viewers into a world of intrigue, family rivalry, and the battle for self-discovery within the constraints of royal duties.
Rebellious Elisabeth marries Emperor Franz and enters a world of intrigue at the Viennese court.More The Empress- #146 of 676 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #116 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #351 of 644 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- Edward Holcroft, Kevin Guthrie, Charlotte Hope
The English Game, an emotional tribute to the roots of football, delves into the class struggles that helped shape the sport as we know it today. As talent and nobility clash, Edward Holcroft and Kevin Guthrie deliver moving performances, taking viewers along for a passionate tribute to the beautiful game.
More The English Game- #71 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #125 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #15 of 58 onThe Best New Historical Drama TV Series of the Last Few Years