Period Dramas on Disney Plus
Disney+ joined the growing list of streaming services a few years ago. Over the last few years, they’ve released dozens of period dramas and historical fantasies within their extensive collection.
So, if you’re wondering just what to watch on this newer streaming service, we’ve got a helpful list of romantic period dramas on Disney Plus for you to check out, from old favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean to underrated dramas like The Rocketeer and even nearly forgotten period gems like Amy. So, grab your remote and enjoy!
I’ve included period films, historical fantasies, and movies/shows similar to period dramas (IE: WandaVision).
Note: I first published this list in 2019 and updated it for 2023. Availability is subject to change at any time.
35 ROMANTIC PERIOD DRAMAS ON DISNEY PLUS
(In No Particular Order)
#1 Aladdin (2019)
Aladdin is a period fantasy musical about the street urchin, Aladdin, and Princess Jasmine as they cross paths with a magic lamp and a genie as they try to defeat a villain.
The live-action retelling of the famous Disney cartoon is full of great musical numbers and an entertaining romance: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, and Naomi Scott star.
#2 Amy (1981)
In the early 20th century, Amy leaves her husband to teach visually and hard-of-hearing students. She helps a few students learn to speak for the first time there. Meanwhile, a Doctor pursues a relationship with her.
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This sweet and uplifting drama is a lovely period drama on Disney+ to watch. And it’s fun to see a young Jenny Agutter (Sister Julienne) of Call the Midwife fame.
#3 Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Beauty and the Beast is a period fantasy (18th Century) remake of the Disney cartoon about a young woman named Belle who is taken prisoner by a man cursed to look like a beast. They begin to fall in love as they spend time together in the cursed castle.
The period drama on Disney+ is all about Belle and the Beast’s romance, and while the feature film is imperfect, it’s still entertaining.
Plus, some great songs highlight their relationship throughout the film. The costumes are also lovely and designed to match the late 1700s. It’s one of the best romance movies on Disney Plus.
#4 Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Three children travel to England During World War II and discover magic when a witch becomes their guardian.
This classic movie is a ton of fun, and it’s full of adventure. So, if you’re in the mood for something whimsical and comical for the entire family, this is what you’re looking for because it’s perfect for younger audiences.
And, yes, there are plenty of cute romantic moments between Miss Price and Mr. Browne!
#5 Captain America (2011)/ Agent Carter (2015)/The Avengers: Endgame (2019)
During World War II, Steve Rogers, an idealistic young man, is given a super-soldier serum transforming him into Captain America.
Steve then goes on missions to end the war while falling in love with Agent Peggy Carter, a woman matching him in intelligence, compassion, and idealism.
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This Marvel movie has the extra fun of being a romantic period drama. And what’s even better is that you can follow the love story of Steve and Peggy through various movies and in the spinoff TV show Agent Carter.
Make sure to watch Avengers: Endgame to see how their love story ends.
#6 The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
In the 1940s, the Pevensie siblings return to the magical land of Narnia. They fight against an evil king to help put Prince Caspian back on the throne where he belongs.
Of course, the young Susan falls in love with Prince Caspian. So, if you’re in the mood for some fantasy and young love, this is a great choice!
#7 Eternals (2021)
Eternals is the latest movie to join the Marvelverse. It follows a race of immortals throughout history (yes, showing various time periods) as they fight to save the Earth and all of humanity from destruction.
A few romances in the film should please the romantics out there – despite this movie just being average overall. Still, the ending leaves room for great potential in a sequel.
#8 The Finest Hours (2016)
The Finest Hours tells the true story of a rescue attempt by the Coast Guard to save sailors on a sinking ship amid a storm in 1952.
With action, adventure, and romance, fans of man vs. nature tales with an engaging love story on the side will love it. Chris Pine stars.
#9 The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Greatest Showman is a period musical about P.T. Barnum, the American showman who founded The Barnum & Bailey Circus, known for attractions like the world’s first three-ring circus.
This movie romanticizes his life into a fabulous musical with catchy songs and plenty of memorable characters.
This period drama is one of Hugh Jackman’s best movies and has a couple of sweet love stories at its center.
#10 Hamilton (2020)
Hamilton is Lin Manuel Miranda’s award-winning musical captured live on Broadway. The musical follows the life of the founding father, Alexander Hamilton, told imaginatively.
If you never had a chance to see it on Broadway, watching it on Disney Plus is the next best thing. Two interesting love stories are in the musical too.
#11 Hello, Dolly! (1969)
Gene Kelly directs this period musical (set in Victorian times) about a matchmaker, Dolly Levi (with Barbra Streisand in the title role), when she travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the “half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder.
Hello, Dolly! is one of Barbra Streisand’s most notable roles, and it has some incredible numbers and is a fine film worth watching.
#12 Hidden Figures (2016)
This period drama tells the true story of three women, including Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), who help NASA launch John Glenn into space in the 1960s.
While the film mainly focuses on the achievements of these amazing women, a love story between Katherine and Captain Jim Johnson, played by the always dreamy Mahershala Ali, adds extra depth to the movie.
Overall, the fascinating history behind these true events and the strong performances make this movie a must-see period drama on Disney Plus.
#13 Into the Woods (2014)
This period fantasy musical takes inspiration from fairy tales and tells the story of a baker and his wife in want of a child. They get their wish, but to keep it, they must go on an adventure where they learn some difficult life lessons.
Into the Woods isn’t your typical romantic musical, but it does show genuine love and even romance between the Baker and his wife as their relationship represents true love.
#14 John Carter (2012)
An American Civil War veteran accidentally transports to another planet only to discover he has new abilities there. He then encounters a princess in need of help.
While it’s not as romantic as its source material and desperately needs a sequel, the romantic build-up and the movie are fun.
#15 The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
Set during the Great Depression, a tomboy sets out on a journey to find her father 2,000 miles away. Along the way, she saves a wolf and shares a cute romance with a fellow traveler.
This underrated drama gives you all the emotions you might expect from a Disney movie. Animal lovers and John Cusack fans will appreciate this period flick.
#16 Jungle Cruise (2021)
Based on the Disneyland ride, the period adventure film takes place in 1916. It follows the adventures of Dr. Lily Houghton as she enlists her brother and a riverboat skipper to search for a mystical tree on the Amazon River. A paranormal romance then ensues between her and the skipper.
If you loved Pirates of the Caribbean and The Mummy, you’ll likely enjoy this movie that premiered last year. It’s a fun film full of adventure and romance.
#17 Lady and the Tramp (2019)
Lady and the Tramp is a live-action remake of the Walt Disney classic set in 1909. The nostalgic tale of love between a Cocker Spaniel and a street mutt is as cute as ever.
#18 Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Set in 1930s London, Mary Poppins Returns is a charming sequel to the Disney classic with Emily Blunt taking over the iconic role. The magical nanny returns a couple of decades later to help the Banks children once again.
And in a cute subplot, a sweet romance develops between Jane Banks and Jack the Lamplighter (played by the charismatic Lin-Manuel Miranda).
#19 Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
If strange and unusual with Tim Burton’s signature directing style is your cup of tea, then you’ll appreciate this film adaptation of the popular teen book about a group of “peculiar” children and teens with abilities.
Most of the film takes place in 1943 (in a time loop) and has a teen romance between the main character, Jake, and the aerokinetic teenager, Emma Bloom.
#20 Mulan (2020)
In another live-action remake of a Disney cartoon, Mulan follows the story of a young Chinese girl with fighting abilities who disguises herself as a man to become a warrior and save her father.
In this version, Mulan also develops a romance with a fellow soldier. While the time period is ambiguous, it looks to occur sometime in ancient China.
#21 NEWSIES (1992)
This cult-favorite musical tells the story of the NYC newsie strike of 1899. Starring Christian Bale as strike leader Jack Kelly, and with an innocent romantic subplot and a happy ending, this Disney movie is the perfect choice for nostalgic ’90s entertainment.
#22 Oklahoma! (1955)
Set in Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th century, the musical follows cowboy Curly McLain as he falls for farm girl Laurey Williams.
Watch this classic romance favorite for the catchy tunes! It’s a nostalgic, feel-good movie with an excellent cast.
#23 Once Upon a Time (2011)/Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (2013)
Are you looking for more fairy-tale fun? Check out the popular ABC series, Once Upon a Time. While it’s set in the modern-day, many past flashbacks occur. It’s a portal fantasy with period fantasy, fairy-tale, and a touch of classic Disney influence.
What’s great about this show is its unabashed optimism. Not to mention the numerous swoony love stories. So, if happy endings are what you’re looking for, look no further than this fun show. It’s one of the best dramas with romance in recent years.
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland is the short-lived TV series spinoff of Once Upon a Time. In Victorian England, Alice jumps down a rabbit hole and discovers a fascinating new world.
Like the original series, Once Upon a Time, it’s unabashedly romantic.
#24 Pirates of the Caribbean Movies
The fan-favorite historical fantasy series continues to entertain. Will Turner, a young blacksmith, teams up with the famous pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, to rescue the woman he loves, Elizabeth, from supernatural pirates.
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But she’s capable of saving herself. A love triangle then plays out. Johnny Depp shines in his iconic role. The original Pirates of the Caribbean movies are some of the best period dramas on this list.
#25 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Besides the odd casting choices for this film, it’s still a fun Disney action flick set in ancient times with an entertaining romance between a fugitive prince and a princess.
#26 The Princess Bride (1987)
This comedy-fantasy set loosely in Medieval Europe in the fictional country of Florin is a modern classic. The swashbuckling hero, Westley, fights off villains to find true love.
The Princess Bride has everything from action to romance to humor, and it all comes together perfectly to create one of the best romance films of all time.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with The Princess Bride if you’re looking for classic romantic movies on Disney Plus to watch.
#27 The Rocketeer (1991)
In this period superhero movie, Cliff, a young pilot, discovers a prototype (built by Howard Hughes) of a powerful jetpack, turning him into a flying superhero in 1938.
Meanwhile, his actress girlfriend, Jenny, runs into trouble with a villainous secret agent, who also happens to be a famous movie star.
Yes, it’s as crazy and as fun as it sounds. Fans of adventure, classic Hollywood, and 1930s swashbuckling romances will love this often-overlooked romantic period drama.
#28 The Sound of Music (1965)
The acclaimed romantic musical (set in 1930s Austria) follows Maria (Julie Andrews), a young woman leaving a convent to become a governess for the wealthy Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a widower with seven children.
To her surprise, she soon falls in love with him. It’s considered one of the best movie musicals for a reason.
#29 The Three Musketeers (1993)
In the 17th century France, the Musketeers went on an adventure to save the King of France.
There’s plenty of romance, so if you’re looking for romantic adventure and an all-star cast, this imperfect but amusing period drama on Disney Plus is worth watching.
#30 Tuck Everlasting (2002)
Winnie, a young woman in the early 19th century, falls in love with Jesse Tuck, an immortal. Based on the award-winning children’s novel, this romantic adaptation is an enjoyable movie starring Alexis Bledel and Jonathan Jackson.
#31 WandaVision (2021)
Technically, WandaVision is not a period drama or even a period fantasy. However, the new series recreates time periods with each episode to represent the style of a classic sitcom from different decades – from the 1950s to the 2000s. So, it looks and feels like a period drama for much of the series, anyway.
The unique Marvelverse show follows the love story of Wanda and Vision as they try to live suburban lives in an ideal sitcom world. But reality and villains threaten to destroy their happy bubble. This was a fantastic show; unfortunately, there won’t be a second season.
#32 Cinderella (1997)
An all-star cast (including Brandy and Whitney Houston) stars in this cult-classic version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
The catchy music, the gorgeous costumes, the hilarious performances, the swoony love story, everything about this version is pure joy to watch.
Other cast members include Bernadette Peters, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander, Victor Garber, Veanne Cox, and Natalie Desselle Reid.
#33 Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
Ever After is arguably the greatest adaptation of Cinderella ever made. More period drama than fantasy, the film begins with Cinderella’s (aka Danielle in the movie) descendant telling the “real” story behind the legend of Cinderella to the Grimm Brothers.
With clever twists on the classic tale, including making Leonardo Da Vinci the fairy godmother, memorable performances, beautiful costumes, a likable, independent heroine, and a love story for the ages, Ever After is a classic movie for the entire family you can watch again and again.
#34 Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991)
Based on a true story, Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken is an inspirational, romantic film that will delight children and adults alike. The story follows Sonora Webster, who dreams of becoming a daredevil horse diver who high dives with horses into a pool of water.
Gabrielle Anwar and Michael Schoeffling star in this underrated romantic period drama.
#35 West Side Story (2021)
Steven Spielberg directed this new take on West Side Story – the classic 1957 musical.
The Romeo and Juliet-like tale comes alive in this story of forbidden star-crossed love amid the rivalry between two gangs. Everything about this remake is spectacular.
The Oscar-winning film is as good as one might expect from Spielberg – reminding the audience of the power movies have to inspire you.
OTHER PERIOD DRAMAS ON DISNEY PLUS (MANY NOT ROMANTIC BUT WONDERFUL!)
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
- Adventures of Bullwhip Green
- The Adventures of Huck Finn (I think I watched this like 20 times as a kid because of my crush on Elijah Wood.)
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (The later seasons use time travel as a device and even include a wonderful time travel romance in the final season.)
- Alice in Wonderland
- Alice Through the Looking Glass
- The Apple Dumpling Gang and Sequel
- Around the World in 80 Days
- Babes in Toyland
- Blackbeard’s Ghost
- The Call of the Wild
- Castaway Cowboy
- A Christmas Carol
- Christopher Robin (one of my favorites!)
- Cruella (starring Emma Stone)
- Darby O Gill and the Little People
- Davy Crockett (2 movies)
- Dumbo
- Emil and the Detectives
- Glory Road
- The Greatest Game Ever Played
- Greyfriars Bobby
- Invincible
- Iron Will
- The Jungle Book (2016)
- A Kid in King Arthur’s Court
- The Kid Who Would Be King
- Liz & Dick
- Loki (time travel)
- Maleficent
- Mark Twain and Me
- Mary Poppins
- Miracle
- Miracle at Midnight
- The Mysterious Benedict Society
- Newsies: The Broadway Musical
- The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen reunite in this sweet movie)
- Old Yeller
- Pete’s Dragon (2 versions)
- Pinocchio
- Pollyanna
- The Prince and the Pauper
- Red Tails
- Remember the Titans (Denzel Washington stars)
- Return to Oz
- The Right Stuff
- Ruby Bridges
- Saving Mr. Banks (starring Emma Thompson)
- Secretariat
- Shipwrecked
- Sign of Zorro
- Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale
- Star Wars Movies & TV Shows (Even though they’re fantasy/sci-fi – the productions are period-influenced – including the brilliant series Andor.)
- The Story of Robin Hood
- Swiss Family Robinson
- Tall Tale
- Those Calloways
- Tom and Huck
- Willow (movies and TV show)
- White Fang
- White Fang 2
Coming Soon:
A Small Light – It is about the heroic true story of Miep Gies – the woman who helped Anne Frank and her family hide. The series premieres on May 2, 2023.
What romantic period dramas on Disney Plus do you plan to check out? Drop a comment below.
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Not really a period drama persay but The Apple Dumpling Gang is pretty good and has a romance.