Take a step back in time with some of the best historical dramas streaming on Netflix in 2024. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed Viking sagas, royal court intrigue, or gripping tales set during pivotal moments in history, Netflix offers a vast array of period dramas to suit every taste. From ancient civilizations to post-World War conflicts, these shows not only transport viewers to bygone eras but also provide fascinating insights into history. Below, we’ve curated the top historical dramas that are available to stream on Netflix, keeping you entertained for hours.
Please note, the list below reflects content available in the US Netflix library, though availability may vary by region. However, many of these historical dramas should be accessible to audiences worldwide.
Top 15 historical dramas to watch in 2024
1. Vikings: Valhalla
Seasons: 2 | Episodes: 16
Binge Time: 791 Minutes (13 Hours)
Cast: David Oakes, Sam Corlett, Leo Suter
This historical drama is the highly anticipated sequel to the popular series Vikings. Vikings: Valhalla is set 100 years after the original show, following the adventures of the legendary Viking explorer Leif Erikson. While not known for its historical accuracy, Valhalla captivates viewers with its intense drama and action, portraying Viking culture during a time of great upheaval. If you’re into ancient seafaring and Norse mythology, this one’s for you!
2. Barbarians
Seasons: 2 | Episodes: 12
Binge Time: 569 Minutes (9.5 Hours)
Cast: Laurence Rupp, Jeanne Goursaud, David Schütter
Set during the Roman Empire, Barbarians brings to life the epic Battle of Teutoburg Forest, where Germanic tribes unite to resist Roman expansion. This German Netflix original is a gripping historical drama that captures the struggle between two worlds—Rome’s military might and the fierce independence of the Germanic tribes. The story is centered on an officer torn between his loyalty to Rome and his people.
3. Black Sails
Seasons: 4 | Episodes: 38
Binge Time: 2,027 Minutes (33.8 Hours)
Cast: Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Luke Arnold
Set in the 1700s, Black Sails is a thrilling pirate drama set 20 years before the events of the famous novel “Treasure Island.” This action-packed historical drama follows the adventures of Captain Flint and his crew as they fight for control of New Providence Island. Combining historical characters with a rich fictional narrative, Black Sails explores the golden age of piracy and the struggle for survival in a lawless world.
4. The Empress
Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 6
Binge Time: 339 Minutes (5.7 Hours)
Cast: Svenja Jung, Melika Foroutan, Philip Froissant
A German-language drama, The Empress follows the life of Elisabeth Wittelsbach, the Empress of Austria. Marrying into royalty at the age of sixteen, Elisabeth must learn to navigate the treacherous politics of the Austrian court. With lush period settings and opulent costumes, this historical drama delves into the life of one of Europe’s most fascinating royal figures and promises more seasons ahead.
5. Marco Polo
Seasons: 2 | Episodes: 20
Binge Time: 1,097 Minutes (18 Hours)
Cast: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, Joan Chen
This ambitious Netflix original recounts the epic journey of the famous Italian explorer, Marco Polo. Set during the height of the Mongol Empire, Marco Polo immerses viewers in a world of exotic locales, political intrigue, and Kublai Khan’s reign. While it only lasted two seasons, this historical drama is beloved for its cinematic visuals and sweeping scope.
6. Call the Midwife
Seasons: 12 | Episodes: 109
Binge Time: 5,774 Minutes (96 Hours)
Cast: Vanessa Redgrave, Laura Main, Jenny Agutter
One of the longest-running period dramas on Netflix, Call the Midwife is set in 1950s London and follows a group of nurse midwives who serve in the impoverished East End. Known for its emotional depth and heartwarming storylines, the series touches on important social issues of the era while offering a nostalgic glimpse into post-war Britain.
7. Warrior
Seasons: 3 | Episodes: 30
Binge Time: 1,497 Minutes (25 Hours)
Cast: Andrew Koji, Olivia Cheng, Jason Tobin
Set in the late 1800s, Warrior is a martial arts period drama that explores the violent world of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Following the story of Ah Sahm, a Chinese immigrant and martial arts prodigy, Warrior features intense fight scenes and drama as Ah Sahm becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld. With martial arts choreography inspired by Bruce Lee, this series is perfect for action fans who also enjoy historical dramas.
8. Vikings
Seasons: 6 | Episodes: 93
Binge Time: 4,058 Minutes (67.6 Hours)
Cast: Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig, Travis Fimmel
Another Viking epic, the original Vikings series is set during the Viking Age and follows the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons as they embark on raids across Europe. While historical accuracy is often sacrificed for the sake of drama, Vikings remains a gripping and entertaining exploration of Viking culture and warfare.
9. Anne with an E
Seasons: 3 | Episodes: 27
Binge Time: 1,056 Minutes (17.6 Hours)
Cast: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson
Based on the classic novel “Anne of Green Gables,” Anne with an E is a heartwarming and visually stunning historical drama set in the late 19th century. The series follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, a young orphan girl with a vivid imagination who brings joy and chaos to her new home in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
10. Godless
Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 7
Binge Time: 452 Minutes (7.5 Hours)
Cast: Jack O’Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy
A gripping Western drama, Godless is set in the 1880s in the American Wild West. The story follows Roy Goode, a fugitive on the run from a dangerous outlaw gang, as he seeks refuge in a town inhabited almost entirely by women. Despite being a miniseries, Godless has earned widespread praise for its storytelling and its portrayal of frontier life.
11. Outlander
Seasons: 6 | Episodes: 75
Binge Time: 4,289 Minutes (71.5 Hours)
Cast: Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Richard Rankin
This romantic historical drama blends fantasy and history as it follows Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who is mysteriously transported back to 18th-century Scotland. There, she finds herself entangled in the Jacobite risings and forced into a marriage with a dashing Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser. Outlander’s sweeping historical narrative and rich character development make it a must-watch for fans of both history and romance.
12. The Last Kingdom
Seasons: 5 | Episodes: 46
Binge Time: 2,538 Minutes (42.3 Hours)
Cast: Alexander Dreymon, Emily Cox, David Dawson
Based on Bernard Cornwell’s beloved “Saxon Stories” novels, The Last Kingdom is set in the tumultuous period of early medieval England. The series follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman raised by Vikings, as he embarks on a quest to reclaim his ancestral home. With intense battle scenes and a captivating storyline, this historical drama is one of Netflix’s most popular offerings.
13. Peaky Blinders
Seasons: 6 | Episodes: 36
Binge Time: 2,063 Minutes (34.4 Hours)
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory
Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, Peaky Blinders tells the story of Tommy Shelby, a war hero turned crime lord. With its stylish cinematography, gripping plot, and memorable performances, this historical crime drama has become one of Netflix’s most iconic series. Fans of period pieces with a darker edge will be hooked.
14. Mindhunter
Seasons: 2 | Episodes: 19
Binge Time: 1,021 Minutes (17.1 Hours)
Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
While not a traditional historical drama, Mindhunter explores the early days of criminal psychology and the birth of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in the late 1970s. Based on true events, this series is a fascinating look into the minds of notorious serial killers and the pioneering agents who sought to understand them.
15. The Crown
Seasons: 5 | Episodes: 50
Binge Time: 2,750 Minutes (45.8 Hours)
Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton
One of the most critically acclaimed historical dramas on Netflix, The Crown offers a behind-the-scenes look at the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, from her early days on the throne to modern times. With meticulous attention to detail, The Crown has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the British royal family and the turbulent events of the 20th century.
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