Explore the allure of period dramas with captivating scenes, exquisite costume designs, and emotionally rich narratives. In this curated list, we delve into the top 10 period films that masterfully blend stunning visuals with profound emotional depth. Let's dive into these cinematic treasures 👇
IMDb: 6.5
Summary: Adapted from Antonia Fraser's bestselling book, Sophia Coppola's film focuses on the drama of Marie Antoinette, one of history's most famous female figures and the Queen of France. Young Austrian queen Marie Antoinette was married to the French king due to the political and social conditions of the time, facing various challenges in her new life. With an indifferent and uninvolved husband, the young queen finds herself amidst various political intrigues and maneuvers under the grandeur of Versailles palace. Seeking a way to navigate the unusual circumstances, the film portrays a unique portrait of Marie Antoinette, exploring her humanity in extraordinary situations.
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn
Director: Sofia Coppola
IMDb: 6.6
Summary: 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' tells the story of Lady Chatterley, born into a life of wealth and privilege, who marries a man who falls in love with her as an adult. As her love for her husband diminishes over time in their marriage, Lady Chatterley finds true love in a man who works as a caretaker on her estate. Desiring a happy life with her beloved, Lady Chatterley defies all conventions to live life on her own terms.
Cast: Emma Corrin, Jack O'Connell, Matthew Duckett
Director: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
IMDb: 6.6
Summary: Set in Imperial Russia in 1874, aristocrat Anna Karenina travels from Saint Petersburg to Moscow to save her brother Prince Oblonsky's marriage to his lover's servant. Anna Karenina has a cold marriage with her husband, Count Alexei Karenin, and they have a son. Anna meets cavalry officer Count Vronsky at the train station and they are drawn to each other. Soon, she learns that Vronsky will propose to Dolly's young sister Kitty. Anna resolves her sister's infidelity issue and Kitty invites her to a ball. However, Anna and Vronsky dance at the ball, drawing attention from conservative society. A tragic love affair begins for Anna Karenina.
Cast: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Director: Joe Wright
IMDb: 6.7
Summary: Intelligent, wealthy, and single Emma Woodhouse is content with her life and feels no need for marriage or meddling in others' love lives. Her favorite pastime is meddling in others' relationships. Ignoring all warnings from her close friend Mr. Knightley, she tries to find a suitable match for Harriet Smith, whom she has taken under her wing as her ward. However, her carefully laid plans backfire, leading to unexpected consequences.
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor
Director: Autumn De Wilde
IMDb: 6.8
Summary: 'Emily' portrays the life of Emily Bronte, one of the world's most famous, mysterious, and captivating writers who died at the age of 30. The world expects Emily Bronte not to share her feelings, thoughts, dreams, to be obedient, and not to express her ideas. However, Emily wants to live boldly, to make her voice heard. The film focuses on rebellious and whimsical Emily, who finds her voice, writes the literary classic 'Wuthering Heights,' explores her complex and passionate sisterhood with Charlotte and Anne, her forbidden and painful love for Weightman, and her fascination with her rebellious sister.
Cast: Emma Mackey, Fionn Whitehead, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Director: Frances O'Connor
IMDb: 7.2
Summary: 'The Age of Innocence' tells the story of a lawyer in New York's high society at the beginning of the 20th century, whose ordinary life is turned upside down when he meets his cousin, Countess Olenska, despite being engaged to May Welland. Initially, Newland supports the Countess, who is separated from her disgraced husband. However, he soon finds a kindred spirit in the Countess and falls in love with her.
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Ryder
Director: Martin Scorsese
IMDb: 7.3
Summary: Carol, maintaining her beauty in middle age, leads a life in 1950s New York that many American women admire; she is a prominent figure in society. Despite being married, she wants a divorce from her husband to gain custody of her daughter. Therese, on the other hand, is a young woman searching for her path early in life. Working as a shop assistant in a boutique, she spends her days in an ordinary manner. These two women from different worlds meet in a luxury boutique in Manhattan. Carol is struck by Therese's beauty as soon as she sees her. Spending Thanksgiving alone, Carol invites Therese on a spontaneous road trip to unknown places. The two women fall in love with each other during this journey. However, America is still in 1952, and Carol's society does not accept this forbidden love.
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler
Director: Todd Haynes
IMDb: 7.3
Summary: After a troubled childhood, Jane Eyre decides to venture into the world to become a governess. While happily living in her new role at Thornfield Hall, she meets the dark, cold, and rude owner of the house, Mr. Edward Rochester. A close friendship develops between Jane and her employer, and she soon realizes she is in love with him. Happiness seems to have found Jane at last, but Mr. Rochester's terrible secret could destroy everything forever.
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell
Director: Cary Fukunaga
IMDb: 7.4
Summary: Reynolds Woodcock, a renowned dressmaker at the heart of British fashion, and his sister Cyril own a famous tailoring workshop. Living his life by befriending and drawing inspiration from women, Reynolds continues as a confirmed bachelor. However, when Alma, a young and determined woman, enters his life, everything changes. Alma catches Reynolds's attention and soon becomes his muse. Reynolds's controlled and orderly life is turned upside down when love knocks on the door.
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
IMDb: 7.5
Summary: 'The Favourite' narrates the power struggle between Lady Sarah, Queen Anne's right hand, and Abigail, a newly arrived servant at the palace. In early 18th century England, amidst war with the French, the palace is consumed with duck races and pineapple feasts. Queen Anne's health is failing, and her advisor, the Duchess of Marlborough Sarah Churchill, manages the country in her place while also attending to her health and mood. When new servant Abigail impresses Lady Sarah and gains her trust, she finds an opportunity to return to her aristocratic roots. As Sarah's political duties become burdensome, Abigail sides with the queen and becomes her confidante. This friendship allows Abigail to fulfill her ambitions without any obstacles in her way.
Cast: Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos