35 Best Historical Dramas to Stream on Amazon Prime

Historical dramas about Amazon Prime Video are a phenomenal form of escapism. This subgenre of drama can harken back to any era viewers want, taking viewers to Victorian-era England, the United States during the Civil War, or even around the world to the ancient empires of China. Whether fans want to see drama, history, or just incredible performances, costumes, and makeup, Prime Video has outstanding films that fit the bill. These shows range from quiet romances to violent epics, from recent history to the distant past.but regardless of the time period, Amazon Prime serves its subscribers.

With one of the largest catalogs of movies and TV series ever, it can often be difficult to find the best Prime Video series to watch, with some requiring additional subscriptions to PBS Masterpiece and others available on the Freevee sub-service (which is free to watch on Prime Video, but not limited to a subscription plan.). From Britanniaancient Roman history and Downton Abbey timeline in the early 1900s Grantchesterthrilling 50s detective mysteries, there’s a period drama for everyone on Prime Video.

35

The Chosen (2017–present)

Judea in the 1st century

The Chosen One is a historical drama series for people with more religious tastes. This series is the first in history follows the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and is mainly about his travels, the people he meets, and the followers he meets along the way.. Jonathan Rumi plays the role of Jesus. The Chosen One was a huge success, mainly due to the fact that it was a crowdfunded series and became one of the most successful crowdfunded TV shows in history (via Wall Street Journal).

The show currently has four seasons, all of which are available to watch for anyone with a Prime Video membership. In the first season, Jesus calls his disciples to follow him and performs his first miracles. The second told about the Sermon on the Mount and the possible traitor Judas Iscariot. In the third season, he walked on water and disturbed the governing bodies, and in the fourth season, King Herod ordered the execution of John the Baptist and the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem.

Each season consists of eight episodes and a Christmas special. As of 2024, there were 200 million viewers and 770 million episode views (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution). He has also received several awards from Movieguide, K-Love Fan, GMA Dove and the Museum of Bible Ceremonies.

34

My Lady Jane (2024)

Alternative England of the 16th century.

In 2024, Prime Video released a new historical fantasy-romance series. My Lady Jane. The series was created exclusively for Prime Video and stars Emily Bader as Lady Jane Grey. In real life, Jane was an English noblewoman who laid claim to the throne of England and Ireland for nine days in 1553 before Bloody Mary executed her when she was still a teenager. However this A fantasy series set in an alternate England where Eethians exist – people who can take the form of animals..

My Lady Jane The first season had eight episodes, but Amazon canceled it. However, despite its cancellation, it was a huge success among fans of the genre. Even Game of Thrones Creator George R.R. Martin shared a petition to save the show following Amazon’s decision. “Knowing her talents, I wasn’t surprised that My Lady Jane was so much fun.” Martin wrote before accepting the petition.”Gotta love the fans. I wish them good luck. Jane deserved more than nine days or eight episodes..” (by using People).

33

Beecham House (2019)

1795 New Delhi

Released in 2019, Beecham House was named “Delhi Downton Abbey» by fans. The action takes place in 1795. John Beecham (Tom Bateman) is a former East India Company soldier who “decided to make the house my refuge“Very similar to Downton Abbey, The show focuses on the lives of a family and their loved ones as historical events take place around them..

The time frame shows Delhi just before the British ruled the area in the 19th century, and it follows John Beecham as he buys a mansion and starts life with his family. However, his past with the East India Company always threatens to ruin his life and jeopardize the safety of his family. The show’s producer Gurinder Chadha was also responsible for Bend like Beckham And Bride and Prejudice. The series lasted six episodes and ended on a cliffhanger.

32

Enemy at the Door (1978–1980)

Europe in World War II

The enemy is at the door is a television drama about World War II that aired from 1978 to 1980. The series lasted two seasons. followed the German occupation of Guernsey during World War II. and was made by London Weekend Television for ITV. The show depicted the conflict between the Germans and the islanders, represented by local doctor Philip Martel (Bernard Horsfall). The Germans were represented by Major Dieter Richter (Alfred Burke), a peacetime academician, and two villainous SS colleagues.

The series ultimately played out as a drama, with the islanders trying to make a better life for themselves despite the German occupation of their home. There were 26 episodes in total, but The enemy is at the door was canceled without any real resolution to the story, and the Germans are still occupying the island. The enemy is at the door received positive reviews, with critics praising its nuance in showing how two warring sides work together in a harsh situation.

31

Walking Invisible: The Brontë Sisters (2019)

The Bronte family in England, 1840s.

The Brontë family was a 19th-century literary family that included three sisters who became famous poets and writers. They are responsible for some of the greatest masterpieces of their era. Charlotte Brontë wrote Jane Eyrewritten by Emily Brontë Wuthering Heightsand Anne Brontë wrote Tenant of Wildfell Hall. BBC One series Walking Invisible: The Bronte Sisters tells their story, with the title referring to the fact that they wrote their famous novels, but Charlotte did not reveal their identities until two of them died.

Since 1845 Walk invisible follows the sisters as they begin submitting their novels for possible publication and find success while their life at home leaves much to be desired. The series consisted of two episodes, but for the most part was the same length as a regular film. It is presented on Prime Video as a two-part series, with each episode lasting an hour. Walk invisible has an impressive 83% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

30

Indian Doctor (2010)

1963 South Wales Mining Village

Indian doctor It was originally a five-part series released on BBC One in 2010 and is now available for Prime Video subscribers to rediscover. In the series, Sanjeev Bhaskar plays Dr. Prem Sharma. titular Indian doctor who finds work in a South Wales mining village. He and his wife Kamini Sharma (Aisha Dharker) move to the village only to experience a major culture clash when he realizes that the mining manager has ignored safety issues, putting workers in danger.

The series is based on the true story of Prem Subberwal, an NHS doctor in a Welsh village who realized the difficulties in doing his job due to his limited understanding of the Welsh accent and the various colloquialisms people used with it. The first season was so popular that Indian doctor returned two years later for a second season and ended with three seasons and 15 episodes. However, only the first season is available on Prime Video, and the other two seasons require the Acorns TV add-on.

29

Jamestown (2017)

The first English settlers in 1619.

Created by the same company as Downton Abbeyhistorical epic drama series Jamestown tells the story of the first English settlers who settled in their new home in the New World in 1619. The main roles are given to a group of women who are destined to marry the men of Jamestown.including three who are a little more free-spirited than the rest. Naomi Buttrick, Sophie Rundle and Niamh Walsh lead the cast as three free-spirited women: Jocelyn, Alice and Verity.

Jamestown It premiered in 2017 and lasted three seasons and 24 episodes. This mainly followed three women who either married those to whom they were betrothed or found their own way in the New World. It also showed how Jamestown had given way to democracy and distanced itself from the English government. Critics compared it to “expensive soap opera“, but it still received positive reviews as a funny show with a strong portrayal of women, despite the era it represents.

28

Luoyang (2021)

Zhou Dynasty in China

Luoyang is Chinese historical drama about three people from different social classes who work together to solve a mystery during the Zhou Dynasty.. As these people search for answers, they realize there is more to the situation than they ever expected and stumble upon a major conspiracy. It all begins when Wu Xiyue (Victoria Song), a palace guard, realizes that informants are being killed upon arrival in Luoyang, despite the Empress (Yong Mei) encouraging informants to come to her.

The plot of the series has many unexpected twists, it is not only about solving the mystery, but also about the relationships between the three people investigating this case. There are 39 episodes in total, each lasting around 40 minutes, so it’s a big series to get into, and they’re all available to stream on Prime Video.

27

Village (2013)

Derbyshire early 20th century

Village is a 2013 BBC series created by Peter Moffat, a British playwright. the story is based on his grandfather and great-grandfather, who were shepherds in Tidesmuir.. The BBC series is set in a Derbyshire village in the early 20th century. The BBC series tells the story of Burt Middleton, with five actors playing him at different points in his life, from childhood to old age. His alcoholic farmer father and mother Grace also play a large role.

The series is the antithesis of a historical drama. Downton Abbey

The series is the antithesis of a historical drama. Downton Abbey. Although this series is about the rich and their blue-collar servants, it tells the story through the eyes of a working class family. The series has two seasons and 12 episodes on Prime Video and begins in 1914. The first season received positive reviews, but the second faltered somewhat as it became a bit more light-hearted and marked the end of the series.

26

Dream of Splendor (2022)

Northern Song Dynasty of China

Dream of splendor is a historical drama set in China during the Northern Song Dynasty. Based on the drama by Guan Hanqing. The series follows Zhao Pan-Er, the owner of a famous tea shop in Qian Tang.. She supported her lover for three years while he prepared to take the imperial examination, and he promised to marry her as soon as he passed it. When she finds out that her fiancé has agreed to marry someone else, she goes looking for him and discovers the truth.

Along the way, she meets several other people and experiences wild moments in their lives. She meets a commander accused of a crime. She meets a woman who was tricked into marriage only to be raped, and a woman driven to attempt suicide after heartbreak. This experience helps transform Zhao Pan-Er into a strong woman who finally finds her place in the world. Dream of splendor won the award for Outstanding Television Series at the China TV Drama Selection Awards.

25

The Tom Jones Story: Foundling (1997)

England 1700s

The Story of Tom Jones, Foundling Henry Fielding is considered by many to be one of the greatest novels ever written. It has received many adaptations over the years, and Prime Video has a 1997 period drama that is one of the more interesting ones. In the story Tom Jones is a charming man who is born into poverty and ends up heading to London. when he falls in love with his neighbor’s daughter Sofia.

The cast of this five-part series is incredible. Max Beesley plays Tom Jones and Samantha Mathis plays Sophia in this version of the story. The film also stars James D’Arcy, Peter Capaldi and John Sessions. The series originally aired on the BBC and won three BAFTA awards, including Best Costume Design, Best Makeup/Hairstyling and Best Original Television Music (Jim Parker).

24

Rebel Princess (2021)

Ancient China

Rebel Princess is a historical drama set in the fictional Cheng Dynasty. tells a story involving the imperial family and noble clans of the region.. The clans have been fighting for years without caring about the people, but two childhood love-sick children (Zhang Ziyi and Tony Yang) have a chance to change the future, but not without many obstacles and obstacles.

The series has 10 episodes available to stream on Prime Video and follows these young characters as they set out to change their kingdom for the good of the people. It is noteworthy that Rebel Princess This is the first time Chinese film star Zhang Ziyi has worked on television. Although there were complaints at the beginning of the series about Ziya playing a teenager, it was a huge success and fans gave it an 8.1 rating on IMDb.

23

Dickens (2015)

Victorian London

As the name suggests, this The British historical drama follows the lives of Charles Dickens’ characters.. The series ran for one season and featured 20 episodes, featuring many of Dickens’s characters in a story set in Victorian London. There is also a mystery like Inspector Bucket (Bleak House) investigates the murder of Ebenezer Scrooge’s partner, Jacob Marley (A Christmas Carol).

Created by Tony Jordan (EastEnders), he also brought characters from “Great Expectations”, “Oliver Twist”, “The Old Curiosity Shop”, “Our Mutual Friend”, “Barnaby Ridge”, “Martin Chusslevit”, “The Pickwick Papers”, “Hard Times”, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, And Dombey and son. Critics praised the series for its creative use of older characters in the story, which also added some Agatha Christie influences into the mix. Episodes are also only 30 minutes each, so they can be watched quickly on Prime Video.

22

Duchess of Duke Street (1976)

London at the end of the 19th century.

Duchess of Duke Street is a 1976 BBC historical drama series starring Gemma Jones as Louise Leighton Trotter, also known as the Duchess. Louise is a woman who starts out as a maid but then works hard to become a chef and eventually the owner of the upscale Bentinck Hotel. in London. The story itself is based on the real-life journey of Rose Lewis (known as the Duchess of Jermyn Street), who managed the Cavendish Hotel in London.

Without a BritBox subscription, you can only watch the first season of The Duchess of Duke Street.

The series, of which only the first season is available for viewing with a Prime Video subscription, had a total of two seasons: 15 in the first and 16 in the second. It even ends with Louise allowing the woman to write her autobiography, which is hinted to be the basis for this series. The series was also a success in America: it aired on PBS and was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series in 1980.

21

Wish Me Luck (1988)

World War II

Wish me luck is a war drama about British women who worked undercover as secret agents during World War II. Originally broadcast on ITV from 1988 to 1990, the series ran for three seasons and 23 episodes to tell its story. General, Wish me luck great watch like it showcases strong women coping with extreme conditions during war.. Additionally, the main organization they worked for was based on the real-life Special Operations Executive formed in Great Britain in 1940.

Much of the dialogue is actually copied from Nancy Wake’s autobiography. White mouse.

The first two seasons were based on the missions of real-life SOE agent Nancy Wake (starring fictional recruits Liz Granger/Celeste and Matty Firman/Aimee), and much of the dialogue was actually taken verbatim from Nancy Wake’s autobiography. White mouse. Shirley Henderson (ur.Bridget Jones’s Diary, Harry Potter franchise) made one of its first television appearances in the third season.

20

Ming Dynasty (2019)

Ming Dynasty in China

Ming Dynasty is a historical drama dedicated to the titular era in Chinese history. The story itself centers on Empress Sun, the empress consort of the Xuande Emperor, and is loosely based on the novel. Chronicle of six eras Lianjing Zhuyi. The series follows two young women whose families were executed. after a successful rebellion against the Jianwen Emperor.

One daughter is adopted and becomes a maid in the Imperial Palace, while the other is adopted by a general loyal to the previous emperor. The two women then grow up differently, which creates a lot of drama as the series showcases this era through their personal lives. The series was a huge success both in China and around the world, and was eventually nominated for awards at both the 26th Shanghai Television Festival and the 30th China TV Golden Eagle Awards.

19

Lilly (1978)

England 1860s

Lilly is an old Prime Video drama originally produced by ITV in 1978. The series follows Lilly Langtry (Francesca Annis), a girl raised with her brothers who grows up to be an independent thinker. This fact often puts her at odds with those around her, including her father and later her many wealthy suitors. Along the way Lily meets and falls in love with real figures of the era, including Oscar Wilde and the Prince of Wales.

Annis first played Lily in the 1975 ATV series. Edward the Seventh.

Annis first played Lily in the 1975 ATV series. Edward the Seventh. The series, consisting of only 13 episodes, tells the story of her coming of age from a difficult childhood to becoming a famous actress. Annis received critical praise for the role, winning the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in 1979. The series itself received two different BAFTA awards (the second for best makeup).

18

Mercy Street (2016)

American Civil War

Amazon Prime Video presents the first season of the American Civil War period drama. Mersey Street available for streaming. The series follows two volunteer nurses from opposite sides of the war who work at Mansion House Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia. What’s happening a hospital drama series in which a Southern family’s hospital is transformed into a Union military hospital, causing much disagreement and disagreement among staff and patients.

Only the first season is available on Prime Video.

The first season did end on a cliffhanger after a failed assassination attempt, so for fans who want to see more Mersey Street after the first season, Prime Video offered it along with a subscription to PBC Masterpiece. There are only two seasons, each with six episodes. The series received mostly positive reviews as a period hospital drama, with praise noted for its production values.

17

ANZAC Girls (2014)

Western Front in World War I

ANZAC Girls – Australian historical drama. It is a six-part, one-season series telling… true stories of nurses who served overseas on the Western Front during the First World War. The show follows the women who worked in the Australian Army Nursing Service. Nurses not only have to do their job, but also witness cruelty and heroism during this terrible war.

It is based on a novel Other ANZACs Peter Rhys.

It is based on a novel Other ANZACs Peter Rees, as well as period research using diaries, letters, historical documents and photographs. The book was actually re-released under the title of the TV show as a tie-in to the fans. ANZAC Girls was critically acclaimed and was a huge success upon release. He has received several Australian film awards: AWGIE Awards, ACS State Awards, ASSG Awards and AACTA Awards.

16

Paradise (2013–2014)

1875 England

Paradise is a British historical drama on Prime Video, produced by BBC Studios and Masterpiece. Based on the novel Au Bonheur des Dames by the author Emile Zola, the series moves the action from France to England in 1875 and tells the story of the people who work, shop and trade in England’s very first upscale department store (called “Paradise”), following their lives and loves.

The series ran for two seasons and 16 episodes and follows a new young woman in town (Joanna Vanderham) who attracts the attention of the widowed owner of The Paradise (Emun Elliott), putting her at odds with the other women who have their eye on her. to him. The series was popular over two seasons, with a critic rating of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience rating of 82%.