Reelixa Logo

Reelixa

Your source of reviews and news about movies

historical dramas to watch if you love outlander

If you're captivated by Outlander's blend of history, romance, and intense drama, you're in luck. There are many other historical series that can transport you to different eras with compelling stories. Explore this list for your next historical television obsession.

Reign
The Tudors
The Borgias

Stepping into a historical drama is like traveling through time, offering a glimpse into eras vastly different from our own. While Outlander uniquely features time travel, the genre it primarily inhabits — historical fiction filled with romance, conflict, and richly drawn characters — is incredibly popular. These series often delve deep into the political machinations, social customs, and personal struggles of people living through significant historical periods.

Shows like Vikings or The Last Kingdom offer sweeping epics of warfare and survival, showcasing brutal landscapes and fierce loyalties. Others, such as The Crown or Versailles, focus on the intricate lives and power dynamics within royal courts, highlighting the opulence and underlying tension of noble life. Whether it's the grit of ancient Rome, the intricate politics of the Renaissance, or the tumultuous lives of monarchs, historical dramas provide a fascinating window into the past. They remind us that while the settings change, human nature — with its capacity for love, betrayal, ambition, and resilience — remains a constant.

14. Spartacus (2010)

'Spartacus' is a highly stylized and action-packed historical drama based on the life of the famous Thracian gladiator. Known for its graphic violence and distinctive visual style (often compared to the film '300'), the series follows Spartacus's journey from captive to the leader of a major slave rebellion against the Roman Republic. While set in a compelling historical period like Outlander, its tone, focus on gladiatorial combat, and mature themes are quite different. It's a story of rebellion, brotherhood, and survival, with intense action sequences and dramatic character arcs. If you appreciate historical settings but are looking for something far more visceral and action-heavy than Outlander, and enjoy a unique visual flair, 'Spartacus' delivers on brutal entertainment.

Spartacus

13. Knightfall (2017)

Step into the world of the Knights Templar in 'Knightfall', a historical fiction series set during the early 14th century. The show follows the fictional Templar knight Landry du Lauzon, who is searching for the Holy Grail. It blends historical events, like the fall of the Templars, with fictional quests and characters. While it has elements of political intrigue and personal drama, it leans heavily into action and the lore surrounding the Templar order. It shares Outlander's historical setting and a sense of adventure, but is less focused on romance or cultural immersion, centering more on military and religious themes. If you're interested in the history and legends of the Knights Templar and enjoy historical action, 'Knightfall' offers a dramatic take on their final days.

Knightfall

12. Marco Polo (2014)

'Marco polo' takes you on an epic adventure through 13th-century Mongolia and China, following the famous explorer as he becomes a trusted figure in Kublai Khan's court. This series is grand in scale, depicting the vastness of the Mongol Empire and the cultural complexities of the Silk Road era. While it features political intrigue and some romantic elements, its primary focus is on adventure, martial arts, and the clash of cultures. If you enjoy the historical setting and the sense of exploration present in parts of Outlander, but are looking for something with a more action-oriented and East Asian focus, 'Marco polo' offers a visually impressive journey into a less commonly depicted historical period on screen.

Marco Polo

11. Medici: Masters of Florence (2016)

Explore the world of Renaissance Florence and the powerful Medici family in this visually stunning historical drama. The first season focuses on Cosimo de' Medici stepping up to lead the family after his father's death, navigating political enemies and consolidating their power through banking, art, and influence. Subsequent seasons follow different generations. Like Outlander, it's set in a fascinating historical period and explores the intersection of power, family, and legacy. While less focused on romance and adventure, it delves into the political machinations, the patronage of the arts that defined the Renaissance, and the human drama behind the historical figures. The production design is beautiful, showcasing the art and architecture of Florence. It's a great choice if you enjoy historical dramas centered around powerful families and political intrigue.

Medici: Masters of Florence

10. Rome (2005)

Widely praised for its historical accuracy and production value, 'Rome' offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. The series centers on two ordinary soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, whose lives become intertwined with major historical figures like Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra. While it lacks the sweeping romance or time travel of Outlander, it excels at depicting the political intrigue, social customs, and daily life of ancient Rome with incredible detail. It's a story of power, ambition, loyalty, and betrayal on an epic scale, set against the backdrop of a civilization in flux. If you appreciate incredibly detailed historical settings, complex characters, and political drama, 'Rome' is a masterpiece of the genre.

Rome

9. The Last Kingdom (2015)

Set in 9th-century England, 'The last kingdom' follows the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, born a Saxon but raised by Vikings. This series blends historical fact with fiction, much like Outlander, focusing on a protagonist caught between two worlds during a time of great conflict. It's an action-packed historical drama centered around the Viking invasions of England and King Alfred the Great's efforts to unite the separate kingdoms. While it has elements of romance and personal relationships, the core of the story is Uhtred's quest for his birthright and his struggle with his dual identity. The battle sequences are visceral and exciting, and the series does a great job of portraying the political landscape and the cultural clashes of the era. If you like historical adventure with a strong, complex protagonist, 'The last kingdom' is a thrilling ride.

The Last Kingdom

8. Vikings (2013)

Embark on a journey with Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons in 'Vikings', a historical drama that captures the brutal beauty and adventurous spirit of the Norsemen. While it's more focused on raids, exploration, and cultural clashes than on romance like Outlander, it shares a compelling historical setting and a central protagonist's epic journey. The series explores Viking society, their beliefs, and their interactions with other cultures, particularly the Anglo-Saxons in England and the Franks in France. It features intense battles, political power struggles within the Viking world, and explorations into the unknown. Travis Fimmel's portrayal of Ragnar is particularly memorable. If you enjoy the historical adventure and cultural exploration aspects of Outlander, and don't mind a bit more shield-biting action, 'Vikings' offers a fascinating look at this legendary era.

Vikings

7. The Crown (2016)

While 'The crown' covers much more recent history than Outlander, it shares a deep commitment to historical detail, complex character development, and exploring the personal lives of people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. This acclaimed series chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her early life to the present day (across different seasons and cast changes). It offers a fascinating look at the challenges she faced balancing her duty as monarch with her personal life, and the significant historical events that shaped her time on the throne. It's less about sweeping romance or adventure and more about the intricacies of duty, family, and political relationships within the British monarchy. If you enjoy historical dramas that focus on character and the weight of history, 'The crown' is an exceptionally well-made and engrossing series.

The Crown

6. Versailles (2015)

Enter the dazzling and dangerous court of Louis XIV in 'Versailles'. This series focuses on the construction of the famous palace and the Sun King's efforts to consolidate his power by bringing the French nobility under his control. It's a show dripping in opulence, showcasing the elaborate fashion, architecture, and etiquette of 17th-century France. Like Outlander, it features plenty of political maneuvering, secret alliances, and passionate affairs unfolding within a specific historical context. The series captures the tension between the nobility and the crown, as well as the personal dramas playing out behind the gilded facade of court life. If you appreciate detailed historical settings and the intricate dance of power and relationships within them, 'Versailles' offers a captivating glimpse into one of history's most iconic courts.

Versailles

5. The Borgias (2011)

Delve into the scandalous world of the Borgia family, one of history's most notorious dynasties, in this compelling series. Set in Renaissance Italy, 'The borgias' stars Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, and follows his family's ruthless ascent to power through corruption, manipulation, and murder. Like Outlander, it features a richly detailed historical setting and explores complex family dynamics and passionate, often illicit, relationships. The series doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the period and the family's reputation, offering a dramatic look at power, faith, and depravity. The production design is stunning, bringing the beauty and danger of Renaissance Italy to life. It's a fascinating look at a controversial period through the lens of a family whose name became synonymous with corruption.

The Borgias

4. The Tudors (2007)

Step into the opulent and treacherous court of King Henry VIII with 'The tudors'. This series is a feast for the eyes, showcasing the lavish lifestyles and political machinations of 16th-century England. While it centers on the infamous king, the show delves deeply into his many marriages and affairs, offering plenty of intense romantic drama alongside gripping political power struggles. Jonathan Rhys Meyers gives a captivating performance as Henry, portraying him as both a charismatic ruler and a ruthless tyrant. The series is known for its detailed costumes, stunning sets, and dramatic portrayal of historical events like the English Reformation. If you enjoy the historical setting, the political intrigue, and the complex, often scandalous, relationships found in Outlander, 'The tudors' provides a rich and dramatic exploration of one of history's most fascinating periods.

The Tudors

3. Reign (2013)

For fans who love the romance and court intrigue aspects of Outlander, 'Reign' offers a highly entertaining, albeit historically loose, take on the early life of Mary, Queen of Scots. While it takes significant creative liberties with history (don't expect a documentary!), it excels at crafting dramatic relationships, political maneuvering, and lavish period aesthetics. The series follows Mary as she arrives in France as a teenager, betrothed to Prince Francis, and navigates the dangerous French court filled with enemies, allies, and unexpected love. The central relationship between Mary and Francis is a major draw, full of chemistry and drama. It's less gritty historical realism and more historical fantasy soap opera, but if you enjoy the political games, the elaborate costumes, and the focus on a strong central female character and her romantic entanglements, 'Reign' delivers plenty of dramatic flair.

Reign

2. The White Queen (2013)

Dive headfirst into the tumultuous Wars of the Roses with 'The white queen', a historical drama that shares Outlander's fascination with powerful women navigating dangerous times and a hint of the mystical. Based on Philippa Gregory's best-selling novels, the series tells the story of the conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster through the eyes of three different women: Elizabeth Woodville (the White Queen), Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville. It's packed with political intrigue, betrayal, and passionate romances that directly impact the fate of England's throne. What makes it particularly interesting is its perspective, offering a look at history from the women who influenced events from behind the scenes, often using their wit, charm, and even alleged witchcraft. The costumes and sets are gorgeous, transporting you to 15th-century England. If you appreciate Outlander's strong female leads and its blend of historical fact with a touch of the supernatural, 'The white queen' is a must-watch.

The White Queen

1. Poldark (2015)

If you adore Outlander's blend of sweeping historical romance, breathtaking landscapes, and a central relationship you can't help but root for, then 'Poldark' is absolutely essential viewing! Set in the rugged beauty of Cornwall in the late 18th century, just after the American Revolutionary War, it follows Captain Ross Poldark as he returns home to find his world turned upside down. The series masterfully captures the social struggles, the stark contrast between the gentry and the working class, and the challenging life of mining communities. But at its heart is the compelling, often tempestuous, relationship between Ross and Demelza. Their story is full of passion, hardship, and unwavering loyalty, set against a stunning backdrop. The show does an incredible job of bringing this era to life, from the costumes to the coastal scenery. It's a captivating drama that will pull you in from the first episode and keep you invested in the Poldark family's fortunes and trials.

Poldark

More related articles about recommended movies and TV shows