Poldark is officially over (for now, anyway), so it’s disappointing that we don’t have another season to look forward to.
Still, more books in the Poldark series exist to adapt, so to find out what happens next, you can always read the books or hope that the show returns to our small screens again in the years to come.
Until that day, here are thirty-five other period dramas that will hopefully fill the void of that Poldark addiction. I know I can’t be the only one obsessed with the sweeping romance, Aidan Turner’s abs (kidding, but he does go shirtless quite a bit), and soapy plot twists…
If you haven’t seen Poldark yet, you can find out more about this brilliant series by reading our review.
WHERE TO WATCH
To make this list useful, I’ve included places (as of March 2023) to watch movies and series like Poldark in the U.S. Availability changes daily.
(To watch Poldark, stream it on Prime Video, PBS Passport, and PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. You can also buy it digitally or on DVD.)
MOVIES AND SHOWS LIKE POLDARK TO WATCH
(In No Particular Order)
#1: The Musketeers (2014-2016)
Why You Should Watch: This one is all about the entertainment factor. The Musketeers offers romance, action, and several hot period drama men!
Yes, watch this for Santiago Cabrera as the romantic Aramis. I know I do…Aidan Turner has some competition!
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, Prime Video, Roku Channel, Crackle, Pluto TV, and the CW Seed. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#2: Poldark (1975-1977) & (1996)
Why You Should Watch: Wondering what to watch after Poldark? Well, there’s no better way to fill that Poldark addiction than actually watching Poldark!
First, binge the entire adaptation from 1975. And then watch the 1996 TV movie featuring Ioan Gruffudd (I’m curious why there are such low ratings). It’s time to decide which one you like best.
Content Note: NR but TV-14-like.
Where to Watch (1975): Stream on Acorn TV, Acorn TV on Amazon, Hoopla, or buy on Digital or DVD.
Where to Watch (1996): Buy on Digital (Amazon Video) or DVD; stream on Britbox Amazon Channel, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Plex.
#3: Horatio Hornblower (1998-2003)
Why You Should Watch: With eight epic television films, there are a lot of heroic tales to love! It’s also a similar time period to Poldark if you’re seeking a Georgian costume drama. Plus, there’s Ioan Gruffudd again. Who doesn’t love Ioan?
Content Note: NR but feels TV-14.
Where to Watch: Buy on DVD.
#4: Wuthering Heights (1939), (1970) & (1992)
Why You Should Watch: While Emily Bronte wrote Wuthering Heights during the Victorian Era, the story takes place in the late 1700s. Besides the time period, Wuthering Heights is revolutionary in the evolution of our Byronic Hero of the broody variety.
And Ross Poldark comes from that lineage. He’s not a villain like Heathcliff, but he’s undoubtedly dark and similar in many ways, prone to violent outbursts and moodiness. Plus, there’s the smoldering.
Over the years, there have been several Wuthering Heights adaptations, but these three stand out. Laurence Olivier’s version is worth watching if you love classic romance.
RELATED: 200 of the Best Gothic Romance Movies and TV Shows – Period Drama Style
Meanwhile, the 1992 adaptation is one of the closest to the book’s plot. However, the Timothy Dalton 1970 adaptation gives the best Heathcliff performance. I also see comparisons in the way Dalton and Turner interpret Byronic Heroes. It’s why I’m convinced Turner is destined for the role of Heathcliff. Please, can someone make this happen?
On a side note, if you’re looking for a soapy adaptation to satisfy that Poldark addiction, you can also check out the 2009 version starring Tom Hardy.
Content Note: The 1939 adaptation is NR but feels PG, while the 1970 version is rated G, and the 1992 version is PG.
Where to Watch (1939): Stream on Prime Video, Kanopy, Watch TCM, and Plex. Rent/buy on Digital or DVD. Also, check TCM listings, as they occasionally air this one.
Where to Watch (1970): Stream on Prime Video, Roku, Hoopla, Tubi, and Plex. Buy on DVD and Digital.
Where to Watch (1992): Stream on Paramount+, Kanopy, and Pluto TV. You can rent/buy on Digital or DVD.
#5: Jane Eyre (1983) & (2006)
Why You Should Watch: Speaking of the Brontes, Charlotte’s Jane Eyre also revolutionized the Byronic Hero. While I love several adaptations of my favorite book, these two versions capture the spirit of the novel best.
Again, Timothy Dalton is brilliant as a Byronic Hero. Meanwhile, it’s Ruth Wilson from the 2006 version who truly embodies the essence of Jane. However, both Janes and Rochesters are fantastic.
For more adaptations of Jane Eyre, see our detailed list.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch (1983): Stream on Britbox, Britbox on Amazon, and Plex. Buy on DVD.
Where to Watch (2006): Stream on Hulu, Britbox, Britbox on Amazon, and Crackle. Buy on Digital and DVD.
#6: Wolf Hall (2015)
Photo: BBC/Company Worldwide
Why You Should Watch: If you’re looking for another excellent period drama with fabulous British actors, I highly recommend Wolf Hall about Henry VIII and his various wives. (All without being explicit.)
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream on Hoopla and PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital and DVD.
#7: Victoria (2016-)
Why You Should Watch: For those who love watching period dramas about royals, I highly suggest Victoria. The romances will have you swooning in no time.
RELATED: 30 Amazing Movies and Shows Like Victoria to Watch
You may also enjoy the drama if you like shows about the class structures with an Upstairs/Downstairs vibe. Overall, the filmmaking styles of Victoria and Poldark are comparable, so if you like Poldark, you’ll enjoy Victoria.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, Prime Video, and PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#8: Reign (2013-2017)
Why You Should Watch: Reign is far from accurate, but who cares? This Mary Queen of Scots historical fantasy series is just so darn entertaining.
Plus, Megan Follows IS hilarious as Catherine de Medici. Not to mention, several romances will steal your heart.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream on the CW app and the CW Seed. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#9: Jamestown (2017-2019)
Why You Should Watch: Look, Jamestown isn’t my favorite period drama of all time, but if you’re looking for something in a pinch, watch Jamestown. There’s a lot of intrigues to hold your interest with good actors.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, and Amazon’s Freevee. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#10: Turn: Washington’s Spies (2014-2017)
Why You Should Watch: It’s time to go to America on a similar if slightly earlier timeline as Poldark.
The writing about the first American spy ring during the American War of Independence is excellent—a great choice if you find yourself rooting for Poldark’s various causes. Jane Austen fans will love seeing their very own Mr. Tilney (J.J. Feild) on the screen.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream on AMC+. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#11: Les Miserables (1998)
Why You Should Watch: Most of you have probably seen the Hugh Jackman musical by now, but have you seen the book’s 1998 adaptation? While quite a bit gets cut out, I appreciate the quiet and tender romance of the film.
It stars Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Claire Danes, Hans Matheson, and Uma Thurman. And on a side note, George’s obsession with Ross has always reminded me of Javert’s obsession. He never gives up.
After watching this movie, you should also check out the brilliant 2018 miniseries starring Dominic West, David Oyelowo, and Olivia Colman.
Content Note: PG-13
Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max. Rent/Buy on Digital or DVD.
#12: Ordeal by Innocence (2018)
Why You Should Watch: Perhaps you’re missing Eleanor Tomlinson on your small screen. May I suggest an Agatha Christie period mystery starring our favorite Demelza?
Content Note: TV-MA
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime. Buy on DVD.
#13: And Then There Were None (2015)
Why You Should Watch: After finishing Ordeal by Innocence, take a look at another mystery: And Then There Were None. This time it stars Aidan Turner in a mysterious role. Sometimes, watching films with our favorite actors helps with that Poldark craving!
Content Note: NR – but fluctuates between feeling TV-14 to TV-MA.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hoopla, Acorn TV, and Acorn TV Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#14: Vanity Fair (2018)
Why You Should Watch: I recommend Vanity Fair for Elizabeth fans who understand why she chooses money over love. I mean, she’s no Becky Sharp!
Content Note: 13+
Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video. Buy on DVD.
#15: The War of the Worlds (2018)
Why You Should Watch: This period adaptation of the Sci-Fi HG Wells classic stars Eleanor Tomlinson!
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock, AMC+, Roku, Tubi, Crackle, and Pluto TV. Buy on DVD.
#16: The Woman in White (2018)
Why You Should Watch: Wilkie Collins’ Gothic detective story’s latest adaptation exceeded my expectations. A gripping adaptation with two lovely female characters to root for!
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Stream on PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#17: The Paradise (2012-2013)
Why You Should Watch: If you’re dying for a period drama romance about an ambitious young woman, look no further than the very likable television series The Paradise. I still miss this one! For Poldark fans, you’ll love seeing Ruby Bentall in season one.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video, Britbox, or Britbox Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#18: Far From the Madding Crowd (2015)
Photo: Fox Searchlight
Why You Should Watch: While the setting is Victorian England, the story deals with similar themes of betrayal, love, and loss, as seen in Poldark.
And suppose you’re looking for a romantic hero without Ross Poldark’s deep flaws. In that case, I recommend you check out this beautiful adaptation of a classic novel and breathe in the loveliness that is Gabriel Oak.
Content Note: PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent/buy Far From the Madding Crowd on Digital or DVD.
#19: Lorna Doone (2000)
Why You Should Watch: Like Poldark, the setting plays a vital role in Lorna Doone, as does the theme of classism.
Then there’s the star-crossed romance of forbidden love, revenge, and importance placed on two family names who despise one another—a must-see for all fans needing something to satisfy their Poldark obsession.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox or buy on Digital/DVD.
#20: Amazing Grace (2006)
Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Why You Should Watch: Ross Poldark is always up for a good cause. Therefore, if you love movies about characters fighting for all that is just and true, look no further than this gorgeous period piece about William Wilberforce and his fight to end the slave trade.
Plus, Ioan Gruffudd and Romola Garai’s romantic chemistry is terrific. The film also stars period favorites like Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon, Ciaran Hinds, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Content Note: PG
Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Digital or DVD.
#21: Belle (2013)
Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Why You Should Watch: Belle is an underrated romantic period drama set in the sameish Poldark time period.
Like Amazing Grace, the film focuses on abolishing slavery and fighting for a good cause. It also happens to be a gorgeous old-fashioned romance as well. An absolutely lovely film that I highly recommend.
Content Note: PG
Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max or Rent/Buy on Digital or DVD.
#22: Lark Rise to Candleford (2008-2011)
Why You Should Watch: Poldark can get pretty dark sometimes, so you may need an uplifting break from all the tragedy. Lark Rise should fit the bill perfectly.
Watch this one when you want to feel warm inside. You can also be on the lookout for a younger Ruby Bentall in a delightful and funny role.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, or buy on Digital or DVD.
#23: Little Dorrit (2008)
Photo: BBC/WGBH Boston
Why You Should Watch: Little Dorrit is one of the best British miniseries out there. It has a fantastic script with a fabulous cast, including Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen. The romance is good too!
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, or buy on Digital or DVD.
#24: Bleak House (2005)
Why You Should Watch: A will takes front and center in this excellent period drama, adapted from a Charles Dickens novel. If you haven’t seen Bleak House, now’s a perfect time!
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, or Hulu. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#25: Mercy Street (2016-2017)
Why You Should Watch: If you love the medical side of things and everything Dr. Enys, you should give the American period drama Mercy Street a chance!
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream on Freevee, PBS Passport, or PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#26: Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
Why You Should Watch: What better time to revisit our favorite characters from upstairs and downstairs? Downton Abbey is a classic to watch time and time again.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, Prime Video, Peacock, PBS Passport, or Roku. Buy on Digital or DVD.
#27: My Cousin Rachel (2017)
Why You Should Watch: If you love Poldark for the gorgeous Cornwall setting, you should also look at this Gothic period film.
Content Note: PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent/buy on Digital or DVD.
#28: Becoming Jane (2007)
Why You Should Watch: After watching every Jane Austen adaptation (well worth your time), look at this lovely movie about Jane Austen’s romance with Tom Lefroy.
While completely fictionalized, Becoming Jane will have you swooning almost as much as one of Jane’s novels.
Content Note: PG
Where to Watch: Paramount+, Hoopla, or Pluto TV. Rent/buy on Digital or DVD.
#29: Sanditon (2019-2023)
Why You Should Watch: The romance is just as good as the love stories in Poldark – at least in the first season of Sanditon. The second season is not quite as strong – but still gorgeous and entertaining with a fun love triangle.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: PBS Passport or the PBS Masterpiece Amazon channel. You can also buy on Digital and DVD.
#30: Belgravia (2020)
Why You Should Watch: If you’re looking for a quick miniseries to binge, Belgravia is a great choice. There are only six episodes in total and no cliffhanger. The story has romance, interesting female characters, and good writing from Julian Fellowes.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Belgravia is available on DVD or MGM+.
#31: Beecham House (2019)
Why You Should Watch: Tom Bateman is a young and upcoming star to watch out for. He has Aidan Turner’s star potential. You should also watch for the diverse cast, beautiful costumes and scenery, and delightful love stories.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream Beecham House on the PBS Masterpiece Amazon channel. You can also buy it on Digital and DVD.
#32: Anne with an E (2017-2020)
Why You Should Watch Anne with an E: While I was tough on this period drama adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, it grew on me over time.
The dark Romanticism of the series and the gorgeous opening credits should appeal to Poldark fans. It’s loosely based on the book series by L.M. Montgomery about a young girl coming of age.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix. Buy on Digital (Amazon) or DVD.
#33: The English Game (2020)
Why You Should Watch: Julian Fellowes does it again with this British period drama series.
You won’t miss this fantastic show with excellent writing, swoony leading men, fabulous female characters, emotional plot twists, and more. It’s perfect for fans of historical drama.
Content Note: TV-14
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix.
#34: Cursed (2020)
Why You Should Watch: It’s a fun historical fantasy romance about a young King Arthur with some great actors! You’ll also recognize Sofia Oxenham from Poldark.
Content Note: TV-MA for violence and sensuality.
Where to Watch: Stream Cursed on Netflix.
#35: North and South (2004)
Why You Should Watch: If nothing helps with your Poldark addiction, there’s always North and South, based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell. You can never go wrong with Richard Armitage’s smolders. Sigh.
RELATED: Why the BBC Period Drama ‘North and South’ Matters
Daniela Denby-Ashe, Brendan Coyle, Lesley Manville, and more also star in this beautiful period drama.
Content Note: TV-PG
Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox or buy on DVD.
BONUS: EVEN MORE TV SHOWS AND MOVIES LIKE POLDARK
- All Creatures Great and Small
- Around the World in 80 Days
- Beauty and the Beast (1946, 2014, 2017)
- Being Human (TV-MA) – stars Aidan Turner
- Bridgerton (TV-MA)
- Call the Midwife
- The Crown (TV-MA)
- Dalgliesh – for fans of intellectual series
- Death Comes to Pemberley – Eleanor Tomlinson portrays Georgiana Darcy
- Desperate Romantics (TV-MA) – see more Aidan Turner brooding.
- Dickensian
- The Dig
- A Discovery of Witches (TV-MA) – the fantasy romance/time travel series has a swoony love story and a moody Byronic hero leading man.
- Doctor Thorne – stars Harry Richardson
- Dracula (2013)
- Effie Gray
- Emily (2022) (Rated R)
- Emma – numerous adaptations, including the 2009 miniseries.
- The English (TV-MA) – watch for the chemistry between the leads.
- The Essex Serpent – This period drama full of Romanticism also has beautiful scenery.
- The Forsyte Saga
- The Gilded Age (TV-MA) – Harry Richardson stars in this gorgeous period drama from Julian Fellowes.
- Grand Hotel
- Great Expectations – Numerous adaptations
- The Hobbit Trilogy – for obvious reasons!
- Howards End (2017)
- The Illusionist – See a young Eleanor Tomlinson in this period romance
- Jamaica Inn (2014) – Set in Cornwall
- Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
- Leonardo (TV-MA) – stars Aidan Turner
- The Living and the Dead
- Mansfield Park (1999)
- Miss Scarlet and the Duke – If brooding leading men are your jam, look no further…
- Mr. Malcolm’s List
- Mr. Selfridge
- The Nevers (TV-MA) – features Eleanor Tomlinson
- Northanger Abbey (2007)
- Outlander (TV-MA) – Stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in this time travel love story based on the books by Diana Gabaldon.
- Pachinko (TV-MA) – spans decades as Poldark does; it’s a family saga
- The Personal History of David Copperfield
- Persuasion (1995, 2007)
- Pride and Prejudice (1995, 2005)
- Rebecca (1997) – set in Cornwall
- Scholar Who Walks the Night – Kdrama with a broody romantic lead
- Sense and Sensibility (1995, 2008)
- Shadow and Bone
- Spencer (Rated R) – stars Jack Farthing
- The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – features Beatie Edney
- To Walk Invisible
- The Vineyard
- The White Queen and The Spanish Princess (TV-MA)
What period dramas and series similar to Poldark will you watch? Sound off below…
Top Photo: Sanditon (ITV/Red Planet Pictures), Anne with an E (Netflix), Beecham House (ITV/Fremantle), Poldark (BBC), Victoria (ITV), Cursed (Netflix House), and Horatio Hornblower (ITV/Meridian Broadcasting).
(NOTE: This list was first published in 2018 and has been updated for 2023.)
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Outlander is missing from this list!
I liked this list! 🙂 I’m a bit sad that the next season of Poldark will be the last. 🙁 But it is better for it to end when it should and not to drag out and loose the viewers’ interest. I’ve already watched and also recommend Poldark fans to watch:
* Horatio Hornblower;
* Victoria;
* The Paradise;
* Lorna Doone;
* Amazing Grace;
* Lark Rise to Candleford;
* Becoming Jane;
* North and South.
I really enjoyed all those period dramas. The one that really helped me when I missed Poldark (after series (season) 1) was the 8 movies of Horatio Hornblower. 🙂 After watching all 8, I felt I needed to see more and watched the movie Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. (1951)! 🙂
Desperate Romantics is terrific.
Terrific writing on arbitrary topics. Im currently trying to
accomplish something such as what you have here except on
a totally different topic. Thank you for the motivation to
write better content.
Grrr, I have a blog on my website and it sucks. I actually
removed it, but may have to bring it back again. You gave me inspiration!
Keep on writing!
If you miss Poldark, I suggest you read Winston Graham novels of Poldark. Then you can really understand what an awesome job every actor did, how Aidan really became Ross and Eleanor became Demelza, not just those but everyone became what Winston wanted them to be. It is amazing to me their transformation into what W.G. idea of his characters were, Debbie Horsefield, the costumes, Cornwall as the backdrop makeup, accent, the music, directors, producers etc, the research to make it real. I think this was a project where everyone was committed to this excellent drama and it shows in the finished product.
I wish they would continue to finish the other Winston Graham books in the series. No one has ever attempted to do that but the books had so much more to tell.
Maybe they’re waiting for the actors to get older and then they’ll return! We can always hope. 🙂
I’m so happy that Sanditon is on the list!! It’s so good and well done… I hope we get a new season 🙂
I do too!
Great list! Some I will definitely be watching! Horacio Hornblower is one of my all time favorites. Ioan Gruffudd is so good! I also love Little Dorrit, Belle, and North and South! Have you seen Dr. Thorne? Very good series! Ruby Bentall’s mother is in it and plays her character so well!
Thanks for your comment! Yes, we’ve seen Doctor Thorne. I agree, it is a great series!
A great list. I loved Beecham House and wish it would return for more seasons. It was exotic, historical and romantic.
What?! How could you leave Outlander off that list? Wonderful production values for sets, costumes, acting, writing. Hot romance, political intrigue, absolutely fabulous.
I would love to see more of the Trollope novels. Adrien Fellows commentary on his being one of his favorite authors (in the lead in to Dr. Thorne) made me pick up his books on Audible and they are fantastic. Especially those read by Timothy West! Such a talent!
I would too. There are so many excellent classic novels that haven’t even been adapted.