15 Historical Dramas that Capture the Pride and Prejudice Vibe

1. Emma (2020)

This isn't your run-of-the-mill matchmaker story. Set in Regency-era England, Emma Woodhouse thinks she's pretty darn good at setting up her friends. However, her attempts to find a suitor for her friend Harriet go hilariously wrong. And amidst all this matchmaking chaos, could it be that Emma herself is oblivious to her own romantic prospects? Gwyneth Paltrow and Anya Taylor-Joy have both brought Emma to life, but the 2020 version? It's got all the aesthetics and wit one needs!

2. Becoming Jane (2007)

Ever wondered about the love life of the author who gave us Pride and Prejudice? This one is about Jane Austen herself. Young Jane is a budding writer, and society expects her to marry for money. However, when she meets Tom Lefroy, an Irish lawyer, there's a chemistry that can't be denied. But can love conquer all, especially in 18th-century England? Worth a watch, if not for the romance, then surely for Anne Hathaway's portrayal of Austen.

3. Sense and Sensibility (1995)

It's tough being a woman in 19th-century England, more so if you're financially dependent. When the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, face financial ruin after their father's death, they're also tangled in the web of love. Elinor's stoic demeanor contrasts Marianne's impulsive nature, but both sisters share a journey to find love amidst hardship. Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Kate Winslet? That's a star-studded affair you don't want to miss.

4. North and South (2004)

The title might remind you of the Civil War, but this is all English. Margaret Hale's world is turned topsy-turvy when she moves from rural southern England to the industrial north. Enter John Thornton, a self-made mill owner. Sparks fly (not all romantic!) as Margaret clashes with Thornton over his treatment of his workers. The tension, the chemistry, the English backdrop – what's not to love?

5. Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)

A female protagonist ahead of her times, a trio of suitors, and a pastoral English setting – this one ticks all the boxes. Bathsheba Everdene is an independent woman who inherits a farm and is determined to run it herself. Queue in three different men: Gabriel Oak, a shepherd; Frank Troy, a dashing soldier; and William Boldwood, a mature bachelor. Who will win her heart? Carey Mulligan shines bright in this one, playing the role of Bathsheba.

6. A Room with a View (1985)

Travel with Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman, as she ventures from the restrained culture of Edwardian-era England to the lush and romantic landscapes of Italy. It's here she meets the passionate George Emerson. But back in England, she's engaged to the super uptight Cecil. It's a classic battle between what's expected and where the heart truly lies. The Tuscan countryside in this? Absolutely dreamy.

7. Duchess (2008)

Here's the thing about the 18th century – it's all about titles and heirs. Georgiana Spencer, the Duchess of Devonshire, learns this the hard way. She's stuck in a loveless marriage with the Duke, who only wants a male heir. Enter Charles Grey, a rising politician, and suddenly, life's got a lot more complicated. Kudos to Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes who make the historical feel personal.

8. The Age of Innocence (1993)

Set in the high society of 1870s New York, this isn't your typical English tale, but it's got all the feels. Newland Archer is all set to marry the lovely May Welland. But when he meets her exotic cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, there's undeniable attraction. It's a tale of forbidden love, societal norms, and brilliant hats (no, really!). And with Martin Scorsese at the helm, it's a visual delight.

9. Wuthering Heights (2011)

You know when people say 'love that consumes you'? This is it. Heathcliff, an orphan, is taken in by the Earnshaw family and forms a deep bond with his foster sister, Catherine. But as they grow up, class differences pull them apart. Catherine marries another, and Heathcliff's love turns to revenge. It's wild, intense, and set against the rugged moors of England, capturing raw passion like no other.

10. Anna Karenina (2012)

Now, let's step out of England for a bit and dive into 19th-century Russia. Anna is a noblewoman married to a government official, Alexei. But when she meets the dashing Count Vronsky, she's swept off her feet. As you'd guess, society isn't kind to a woman in love with a man who's not her husband. Lavish costumes, grand sets, and Keira Knightley in the lead role? Truly, what's not to adore?

11. Little Women (2019)

The March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – navigate life in post-Civil War America. With dreams bigger than the societal norms of their time, each sister has her own journey of love, loss, and ambition. Jo's pursuit of writing, Amy's artistic endeavors, Meg's domestic life, and Beth's musical talent make for a tapestry of tales. And Timothée Chalamet as Laurie? Say no more.

12. Jane Eyre (2011)

Orphaned and mistreated in her childhood, Jane Eyre becomes a governess and finds herself in the mysterious Thornfield Hall. There she meets the brooding and enigmatic Mr. Rochester. A bond forms, but Thornfield and Rochester hold secrets that could shatter their chances at love. Dark, gothic, but oh-so-romantic, this tale proves love isn't always about sunlit meadows.

13. The Young Victoria (2009)

Dive into the life of Queen Victoria in her early reign. Beyond the politics, it's the heartwarming tale of her relationship with Prince Albert. Amidst power struggles, they find a partnership based on mutual respect and love. And to think they were first cousins! Ah, royal families. Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend make this historical tale feel fresh and intimate.

14. Mansfield Park (1999)

Fanny Price, sent to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park, is the classic poor relation. But as she grows, so does her love for her cousin Edmund. When the Crawfords, Henry and Mary, enter the scene, attractions are tested, and scandals arise. Fanny, though often overlooked, has a moral compass that shines bright in a world of privilege.

15. War & Peace (2016)

Based on Tolstoy's epic, this isn't just about battles but the lives and loves of five aristocratic families during the Napoleonic Wars. Pierre, Andrei, and Natasha are at the heart of it all – navigating societal expectations, personal dreams, and of course, tumultuous relationships. The series might be a commitment, but it's like binge-watching the 19th-century Russian version of a soap opera. Totally worth it!