Looking for the best historical series to binge on Netflix? We’ve curated a list of top-rated historical dramas—from royal courts to war-torn eras—complete with trailers, ratings, and cast highlights.
Ripper Street (2012–2016)
Genre: Historical Crime Drama
Rating: 93% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: Matthew Macfadyen, Jerome Flynn, Adam Rothenberg
Set in post-Ripper London, this BBC series follows Detective Inspector Edmund Reid and his team as they navigate the criminal underworld of Whitechapel. Gritty, gripping, and full of atmospheric dread.
The Crown: Season 4 (2020)
Genre: Historical Drama, Political Biopic
Rating: 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: Olivia Colman, Emma Corrin, Gillian Anderson, Josh O’Connor
This season explores the reign of Queen Elizabeth II in the 1980s, spotlighting the arrival of Lady Diana and Margaret Thatcher. A beautifully shot look at political power, media pressure, and personal battles inside Buckingham Palace.
Alias Grace (2017)
Genre: Historical Thriller, Psychological Drama
Rating: 99% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: Sarah Gadon, Edward Holcroft, Zachary Levi
Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, this miniseries follows Grace Marks, a domestic servant in 19th-century Canada accused of murder. A psychiatrist tries to uncover the truth behind her conviction in this haunting psychological tale.
Cable Girls (2017–2020)
Genre: Historical Romance, Feminist Drama
Rating: 7.6 on IMDb
Starring: Blanca Suárez, Ana Fernández, Nadia de Santiago, Maggie Civantos
Set in 1920s Madrid, this Spanish-language series follows four women navigating love, ambition, and workplace revolution at a national phone company. A feminist period drama with vintage style and heart.
Marco Polo (2014–2016)
Genre: Epic Historical Adventure
Rating: 8.0 on IMDb
Starring: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, Joan Chen
Step into 13th-century Mongolia as young explorer Marco Polo becomes entangled in the intrigues of Kublai Khan’s court. Rich visuals, massive sets, and sweeping battle scenes make this Netflix Original a grand spectacle.
Reign (2013–2017)
Genre: Historical Romance, Political Drama
Rating: 7.4 on IMDb
Starring: Adelaide Kane, Toby Regbo, Megan Follows
This CW series follows Mary, Queen of Scots, as she navigates power struggles, marriage alliances, and supernatural threats in the French court. Though stylized and anachronistic, it’s a visually striking blend of teen drama and royal intrigue.
Call the Midwife (2012– )
Genre: Period Medical Drama
Rating: 8.6 on IMDb
Starring: Jessica Raine, Jenny Agutter, Helen George
Set in post-war East London, this long-running BBC drama chronicles the lives of midwives and nuns delivering babies in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. Based on true stories, it offers heartfelt, grounded storytelling with social commentary.
Barbarians (2020– )
Genre: Historical War Drama
Rating: 7.2 on IMDb
Starring: Laurence Rupp, Jeanne Goursaud, David Schütter
This German-language Netflix Original dramatizes the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, where Germanic tribes united against Roman occupation. Expect fierce battles, tribal politics, and a slow-burn storyline rooted in ancient history.
Kingdom (2019–2020)
Genre: Historical Horror, Political Thriller
Rating: 96% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong
In Joseon-era Korea, a mysterious plague resurrects the dead and sparks political chaos. Crown Prince Lee Chang investigates the outbreak while facing betrayal and uncovering palace secrets in this critically acclaimed Korean thriller.
Vikings (2013–2020)
Genre: Historical Action, Norse Epic
Rating: 93% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig
Follow Ragnar Lothbrok and his warrior descendants as they raid, conquer, and clash with rival kingdoms across Europe. This series blends Norse mythology, family legacy, and brutal warfare in a compelling epic saga.
Outlander (2014– )
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Romantic Drama
Rating: 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a World War II nurse mysteriously transported to 18th-century Scotland. Torn between two centuries and two loves, Claire becomes entangled in political uprisings and personal passion in this time-travel epic based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels.
Announcement: Outlander Season 7 release details
High Seas (2019–2020)
Genre: Historical Mystery, Spanish Drama
Rating: 6.8 on IMDb
Starring: Ivana Baquero, Alejandra Onieva, Jon Kortajarena
Set aboard a luxury ship traveling from Spain to Brazil in the 1940s, this Spanish-language thriller follows two sisters uncovering dark family secrets amid a series of mysterious deaths. Expect twists, style, and seafaring suspense.
Ophelia (2018)
Genre: Historical Romance, Shakespeare Reimagined
Rating: 62% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: Daisy Ridley, Naomi Watts, Clive Owen
This feminist take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet tells the story from Ophelia’s point of view. In a world of betrayal and war, she must choose between love and survival. Lush visuals and a bold perspective make this period piece stand out.
Bridgerton (2020– )
Genre: Period Romance, High Society Drama
Rating: 82% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Nicola Coughlan
Set in Regency-era London, Bridgerton follows the lavish lives of aristocrats navigating romance, status, and scandal. Narrated by the mysterious Lady Whistledown, it’s a stylish and steamy drama with dazzling costumes and diverse characters.
Versailles (2015–2018)
Genre: Historical Political Drama
Rating: 80% on Rotten Tomatoes
Starring: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan
This French-produced drama depicts the rise of Louis XIV as he builds the Palace of Versailles to consolidate power and tame the nobility. Lavish sets, political scheming, and personal ambition drive this high-stakes court drama.
My Country: The New Age (2019)
Genre: Historical War Drama
Rating: 8.3 on IMDb
Starring: Yang Se-jong, Woo Do-hwan, Kim Seol-hyun
Set during the turbulent transition from the Goryeo to the Joseon dynasty in Korea, this epic saga follows two childhood friends turned enemies as they fight for their ideals and survival. Visually stunning with masterful battle choreography and emotional depth.
The King’s Affection (2021)
Genre: Historical Romance, Gender-Bending Drama
Rating: 7.9 on IMDb
Starring: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon-su
In Joseon-era Korea, a royal daughter assumes her dead twin brother’s identity to survive in the palace. As she becomes crown prince, she must hide her gender, rule with strength, and guard her heart. A powerful tale of identity and forbidden love.
Historical Roasts (2019)
Genre: Comedy, Historical Satire
Rating: 6.7 on IMDb
Starring: Jeff Ross, Bob Saget, Jaleel White
This comedy roast show parodies historical icons like Lincoln and Cleopatra, mixing dark humor with facts. Hosted by Jeff Ross, it’s irreverent, educational, and hilariously inappropriate — best enjoyed if you know your history.
Dracula Untold (2014)
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Action Horror
Rating: 6.2 on IMDb
Starring: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Gadon
Before he became the infamous vampire, Vlad the Impaler was a prince who sought power to protect his family and kingdom from the Ottoman army. This dark origin story blends real history with supernatural myth for a fast-paced Gothic thriller.
