The Best Period Drama Review Collection on the Internet

Here at The Silver Petticoat Review, we love period and costume dramas. And since we do so many personalized period drama reviews on this site, we created a helpful collection for those looking for their next costume drama to watch. And it’s all sorted by time period!

Over time, this archive of period reviews will grow continually and become a valuable resource for everyone looking for period dramas to swoon over (because we all need a little more Thornton and Darcy in our lives).

While our separate period drama category will include everything related to period drama (such as news, lists, and romantic moments), our period drama review collection will be devoted entirely to individual reviews. The reviews will contain romantic ratings as well as content notes.

Furthermore, we split up and categorized the reviews into historical eras to assist you in your next choice! If you prefer the Victorian to the Elizabethan Era, you’ll know where to click, as each era now has its own section! We apologize in advance for our limited number of Ancient Period Dramas.

We look forward to reviewing more soon.

Good luck with your next period drama choice! But first, if you’re looking for a good recommendation, we suggest a look at Autumn’s Top 50 romantic period drama list. Just consider the publication date (we hope to update it soon)!

SEE: The 50 Best Romantic Period Dramas of All Time

Period Drama Review Archives: Sorted By Historical Era

CLICK ON THE TIME PERIOD OF INTEREST!

ANCIENT PERIOD DRAMAS (3600 B.C. – 500 A.D.)
THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (500-1500)
THE RENAISSANCE AND ELIZABETHAN ERAS (1400-1603)
THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1603 -1750)
THE GEORGIAN AND REGENCY ERAS (1750-1820)
PRE-VICTORIAN AND THE VICTORIAN ERA (1820-1901)
THE EDWARDIAN PERIOD (1901-1914)
WWI, THE ROARING 20S, THROUGH WWII (1914-1945)
POST-WWII (1946-1991)
FANTASY & OTHER COSTUME DRAMA REVIEWS

ANCIENT PERIOD DRAMAS (3600 B.C. – 500 A.D.)

Ancient Period Drama Reviews (3600 B.C – 500 A.D.) Shows a collage of period dramas with Quo Vadis movie poster in the center. — *Photo Credit: Tristan and Isolde (20th Century Fox), Pompeii (Lionsgate/Sony Pictures), Quo Vadis (MGM), Mulan (Disney), King Arthur (Touchstone), and Cleopatra (20th Century Fox)*

Ancient period dramas cover several periods and eras around the world, starting around 3600 B.C. with the Bronze Age and ending with the fall of several large empires, such as the Roman Empire, around 500 A.D.

Throughout these few thousand years, you will see the Dynasties of China, Ancient Greece, the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, Mesopotamia, the start of the Dark Age, and many more.

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THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD (500-1500)

The Medieval Period, also known as the Middle Ages, covers several periods and eras around the world. It began around 500 A.D. with the fall of the Roman Empire and ended with the start of the Renaissance.

Several events marked this change, such as the invention of the printing press, the end of the Hundred Years’ War, Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America in 1492, and more.

Aside from the more familiar European timelines from the Medieval Times, our period drama reviews also include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Some of China’s dynasties include the Tang Dynasty (618-906) and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

As for the Korean dynasties, you may come across the Goryeo Period (918-1392) and the start of the very long Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). But this is just scratching the surface.

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THE RENAISSANCE AND ELIZABETHAN ERAS (1400-1603)

Technically, the Renaissance period began in Italy in the 14th century. For organizational purposes, we begin the Renaissance era of period dramas at the turn of the century. It should also be noted that there will be a crossover between this period and Medieval Times.

For those interested, the word renaissance means rebirth. It is a rebirth of the arts, a step away from the Dark Ages and a step closer to the modern world. A great example of this time period, for instance, would be any films about the Tudors.

Moreover, in the midst of this renaissance, Queen Elizabeth became the Queen of England. The Golden Age of her reign was between 1558 and 1603. The timeline of the Elizabethan Era helped us find a good stopping point for our archives, as it is rather unclear exactly when the Renaissance would have ended. This era also marks the start of American History. Thus, some reviews may also cover Early America, a huge time for exploration.

Outside of the European and American worlds, our Renaissance period drama reviews include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Look for Chinese dramas set during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Then there are the Korean dynasties. You may come across dramas set during the middle of the very long Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). But this is just scratching the surface.

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THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1603 -1750)

The Baroque Period began with Queen Elizabeth’s death in 1603 and ended in 1750 with the death of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. While the Baroque era technically focuses on a particular period of music, we believe it is also a great way to distinguish the changing of times.

This particular era also covers early American History. Thus, some reviews may include Early America, the Mayflower Compact, Salem Witches, and the majority of America’s Colonial Period before the rising of a revolution.

Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Keep an eye out for Chinese dramas set during the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Later period dramas are set during the beginning of the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty (1644-1912). Then there are the Korean dynasties. You may come across dramas set during the middle of the very long Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

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THE GEORGIAN AND REGENCY ERAS (1750-1820)

Technically, the Georgian Period began in 1714 and ended in 1830 at the start of the Victorian Era, but we organized the timeline so as not to overlap with the Baroque Period.

We also decided to end the Georgian timeline with the famous sub-period, the Regency Era, when Jane Austen first published her novels. The Regency Era began in 1811 and ended in 1820. This is the page for you if you want Jane Austen adaptations!

The Georgian and Regency Eras also takes place during several large wars and revolutions. Any period drama reviews about The American Revolution or The French Revolution will be found here. Aside from revolutions, the Napoleonic Wars were set during the Georgian Period. So, you may see dramas about the French invasion of Russia as well.

Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews once again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Keep an eye out for Chinese period dramas set during the middle of the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty (1644-1912). Then there are the Korean dynasties. You may come across dramas set during the middle of the very long Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

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PRE-VICTORIAN AND THE VICTORIAN ERA (1820-1901)

The Victorian Era began in 1837 with the start of Queen Victoria’s reign and ended in 1901 with her death. Because the Regency Era ended in 1820, we decided to lump the post Regency era together with the Victorian Period.

For those who love everything Victorian in literature, fashion, and period dramas, this is the perfect page for you! Overall, some of the most romantic period dramas can be found within this technological age. You will discover Brontë adaptations as well as Charles Dickens and even the swoony North and South starring Richard Armitage.

Aside from the European Victorian Era, you will see large moments in American history such as the Civil War, the Wild West, and the Gilded Age (1870-1900) which marked a huge economic growth for the United States after the Civil War.

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THE EDWARDIAN PERIOD (1901-1914)

The Edwardian Period began in 1901 with Queen Victoria’s death. King Edward VII took the throne and reigned until he died in 1910. The remainder of the years were pre-World War I.

Aside from the typical idyllic garden parties seen in period dramas, the Edwardian Period has a few historical moments that stand out. Think Women’s Suffrage and Titanic. If you love season one of Downton Abbey, Titanic, or Road to Avonlea, then the Edwardian Period may be for you!

Outside the European and American Edwardian world, our period drama reviews include historical dramas set in Asian countries. For instance, watch Chinese period dramas set between 1904 and 1914. During this time, you will see the fall of China’s old order. Meanwhile, in Korea, period dramas during the Edwardian Period will feature the start of the Japanese Colonial Rule (1910 to 1945).

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WWI, THE ROARING 20S, THROUGH WWII (1914-1945)

1914 until 1945 Period Dramas include several periods meshed into one and truly represent a change to the modern world. From WWI (that includes several countries internationally), the Roaring Twenties, and the Great Depression to the end of World War II in 1945, you will discover a myriad number of period dramas that reflect these huge world changes.

More than any other period, WWI onwards touched on revolutions within several countries. This was also a huge time for occupations. Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. Watch for Chinese and Japanese period dramas set between 1914 and 1945.

During this time, you will see the rise of communism and both countries’ involvement in world wars. Meanwhile, in Korea, period dramas during WWI and WWII feature most of the Japanese Colonial Rule (1910 to 1945). Of course, this is barely scratching the surface. Within these timelines, the Silver Petticoat Review Collection incorporates period dramas from all over the world.

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POST-WWII (1946-1991)

Post World War II Period Drama Review Archives (1946-1991). Photo shows a collage of period drama posters and a pink background — Photo Credits: Labor Day (Paramount Pictures), The Crown (Netflix), Brooklyn (Fox Searchlight), Down with Love (20th Century Fox), Hidden Figures (Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation), and Loving (Focus Features)

Post-WWII, from 1945 onwards, includes several decades of change. From the greasers of the 1950s, the space race, the Cold War, the flower power of the 1960s, and the Vietnam War to the world that has become increasingly more modern thanks to increasing technology, there is a vast selection of period dramas to choose from. Consider Call the Midwife, A Place to Call Home, and Down With Love.

While most of these post-WWII dramas focus on the ’50s and ’60s, we also decided to include dramas set during the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s as they have become period pieces.

Outside of the European and American world, our period drama reviews again include historical dramas set in Asian countries. During this time in China, you will see a Civil War and the start of the People’s Republic of China. Meanwhile, period dramas post-WWII in Korea will feature The Korean War and much more. This list is, of course, barely scratching the surface. Within these timelines, the Silver Petticoat Review Archives incorporates period dramas from all over the world.

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FANTASY & OTHER COSTUME DRAMA REVIEWS

“Fantasy film is a genre that incorporates imaginative and fantastic themes. These themes usually involve magic, supernatural events, or fantasy worlds. Although it is its own distinct genre, these films can overlap into the horror and science fiction genres.” – The Script Lab

When you think of fantasy costume dramas, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars come to mind. But there are also sub-genres like Steampunk that have a Victorian setting. Many movies include magic but take place during recognizable historical moments. Because of this, our period drama review collection sorts these historical fantasies into the eras in which they occur and onto this section.

This section also includes everything left over, such as fantasy and sci-fi costume films without a historical setting. We also include period dramas that take place in several periods (unless the film is ‘mostly’ in one era).

Then there are the others, the movies that feel like they belong. Because Austenland totally deserves a place on this page!

Similar to the other historical eras, The Silver Petticoat Review Collection incorporates costume dramas from all over the world.

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Top Photo Credit: Far From the Madding Crowd (Focus Features), Titanic (20th Century Fox), Poldark (BBC), North and South (BBC), Downton Abbey (ITV), and Pride and Prejudice (BBC)

Period Drama Reviews: A Collection Sorted by Time Period

RELATED: 100+ of the Best British Period Dramas of All Time to Watch

SEE: The 50 Best Romantic Period Dramas of All Time

Period Drama Review Archives: Sorted By Historical Era

CLICK ON THE TIME PERIOD OF INTEREST!

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