From Royalty to Rebels: The 10 Best Historical Dramas to Watch Now

 Historical dramas have been a staple in entertainment for decades, captivating audiences with their blend of fact and fiction. From epic battles to forbidden love affairs, these dramas transport viewers to another time and place, allowing them to experience the rich tapestry of human history.

One of the most popular sub-genres of historical dramas is the royalty-centered drama, which focuses on the lives and loves of kings, queens, and other members of the nobility. These dramas provide a glimpse into the opulence and extravagance of royal life, as well as the political intrigue and power struggles that often accompanied it.

However, there are also historical dramas that focus on the lives of ordinary people, such as rebels, soldiers, and revolutionaries. These dramas tell the stories of those who fought for justice and freedom, often in the face of overwhelming odds.

Whether they are focused on royalty or rebels, historical dramas have the power to transport us to another time and place, allowing us to experience the triumphs and tragedies of the past. Here are the 10 best historical dramas to watch now, each one offering a unique perspective on human history and the forces that shaped it.

1. Bridgerton
2. The Crown
3. The Queen's Gambit
4. Vikings
5. The Last Kingdom
6. Outlander
7. The Terror
8. Peaky Blinders
9. The Spanish Princess
10. The Great

1. Bridgerton:

Set in the Regency era of England, Bridgerton follows the lives and loves of the aristocratic Bridgerton family and their peers. The show centers around the debut season of Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter of the family, as she navigates the complexities of society and falls in love with the brooding Duke of Hastings.

• The show has gained immense popularity for its diverse casting and inclusion of modern music in its soundtrack.
• Bridgerton is based on the bestselling novel series by Julia Quinn.
• The show has been renewed for a second season, with production currently underway.

2. The Crown:

A Netflix original, The Crown chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, from her ascension to the throne in 1952 to the present day. The show delves into the personal and political challenges that the Queen has faced during her reign, as well as her relationships with her family, friends, and advisors.

• The show has won numerous awards, including several Emmys and Golden Globes.
• Each season covers a different decade of the Queen's reign, with different actors portraying the main characters as they age.
• The Crown has been praised for its attention to detail and accuracy in its portrayal of historical events.

3. The Queen's Gambit:

Based on the novel by Walter Tevis, The Queen's Gambit tells the story of a young orphan named Beth Harmon who discovers a talent for chess and becomes a prodigy in the male-dominated world of competitive chess. The show explores Beth's struggles with addiction and the challenges she faces as she rises to the top of the chess world.

• The show has been praised for its portrayal of mental health and addiction.
• The Queen's Gambit has sparked a renewed interest in chess, with sales of chess sets and books increasing significantly following the show's release.
• The show has been nominated for numerous awards, including several Golden Globes and Emmys.

4. Vikings:

Vikings follows the legendary Viking warrior Ragnar Lothbrok and his family as they raid and explore new lands in the 9th century. The show explores themes of power, loyalty, and family, as well as the clash of cultures between the Vikings and the Christians.

• Vikings is known for its intense battle scenes and graphic violence.
• The show has been praised for its strong female characters, including Lagertha, a shieldmaiden and former wife of Ragnar.

5. The Last Kingdom:

Based on the novel series by Bernard Cornwell, The Last Kingdom tells the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon-born warrior who is raised by Vikings and must choose between his loyalties to his birthright and his adoptive family. The show explores the complex relationships between the Saxons and the Vikings during the 9th and 10th centuries in England.

• The Last Kingdom has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of both the Saxons and the Vikings, avoiding simplistic portrayals of good and evil.
• The Last Kingdom is known for its thrilling battle scenes and complex character relationships.

6. Outlander:

Based on the bestselling novel series by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who travels back in time to 18th century Scotland, where she falls in love with the dashing Highlander Jamie Fraser. The show explores themes of love, loss, and survival, as well as the political turmoil of the time.

• Outlander has been praised for its strong female lead, played by Caitriona Balfe, and its accurate portrayal of historical events.
• Outlander has a dedicated fanbase and has spawned several spin-off novels and merchandise.

7. The Terror:

Based on the true story of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition in the 19th century, The Terror tells the story of a group of British sailors who are trapped in the Arctic ice and must battle not only the harsh conditions but also a supernatural creature that is stalking them. The show explores themes of survival, fear, and the human psyche.

• The Terror has been praised for its atmospheric setting and its blend of history and horror.
• The Terror is known for its strong performances, particularly by Jared Harris and Ciarán Hinds.

8. Peaky Blinders:

Set in the aftermath of World War I in Birmingham, England, Peaky Blinders follows the exploits of the Shelby family, a notorious gang of criminals who run the city's underworld. The show explores themes of power, corruption, and family loyalty, as well as the political upheaval of the time.

• Peaky Blinders has been praised for its stylish visuals and strong performances, particularly by Cillian Murphy as the lead character, Tommy Shelby.
• Peaky Blinders has inspired a range of merchandise, including clothing and accessories.

9. The Spanish Princess:

A Starz original, The Spanish Princess tells the story of Catherine of Aragon, the Spanish princess who became the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. The show explores Catherine's journey to England and her struggle to establish herself as queen, as well as her relationships with Henry and other key historical figures.

• The Spanish Princess has been praised for its strong performances, particularly by Charlotte Hope as Catherine.
• The show has been renewed for a spin-off series, titled The Spanish Queen, which will focus on Catherine's daughter, Queen Mary I.
• The Spanish Princess has been noted for its attention to historical accuracy and its portrayal of female empowerment.

10. The Great:

A Hulu original, The Great is a satirical comedy-drama loosely based on the life of Catherine the Great of Russia. The show explores Catherine's rise to power and her relationships with her husband, Emperor Peter III, and other members of the royal court.

• The Great has been praised for its witty writing and strong performances, particularly by Elle Fanning as Catherine and Nicholas Hoult as Peter.
• The Great has been noted for its creative liberties with historical events, but has been praised for its themes of female empowerment and resistance against oppression.

And that concludes our list of the 10 best historical dramas to watch now. Whether you are a fan of royal intrigue, epic battles, or passionate romances, there is something on this list for everyone.

These shows not only provide an entertaining escape into the past, but they also offer a glimpse into the events, people, and cultures that have shaped our world today. From the regal splendor of The Crown to the gritty underworld of Peaky Blinders, each of these dramas has something unique to offer.

We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your next binge-watch session. And who knows, maybe you'll even learn a thing or two about history along the way.

So grab some popcorn, settle in, and transport yourself to a bygone era with one of these top historical dramas.