Historians refer to the time period of 1837 through 1901 as the Victorian Era. Long before Taylor Swift, there was Queen Victoria, who ruled over the United Kingdom and Ireland. It’s so easy to wax poetic about that time in history, especially when it comes to fashion. The era featured corsets, lace, and so many petticoats.
If you are looking to get your fix of Victorian fashion, watch one of the 10 films on this list. You can swoon and live vicariously through the characters and their clothes. Period pieces can be so entertaining and educational.
'Crimson Peak'
This 2015 dark, romantic film was directed and co-written by Guillermo del Toro and is a visual masterpiece. The plot centers on Edith Cushing, played by Mia Wasikowska, and her husband, Thomas Sharpe, played by Tom Hiddleston, who move to Sharpe’s family estate, Allerdale Hall. There is more to this haunted house than first meets the eye. Stream this film on Amazon Prime to learn what’s going on beyond the surface.
'The Young Victoria'
It is only fitting to include a movie about the very lady who inspired this era. Queen Victoria reigned for almost 64 years, which at the time was the longest of any monarch. Her great-great-granddaughter, Elizabeth, beat her holding the throne for 70 years. To see the beginning of Victoria’s reign, watch this 2009 film starring Emily Blunt as the title character on Netflix.
More from CafeMom: Lady Louise Windsor Might Follow in Queen Elizabeth's Footsteps & Join the Military
'Pride & Prejudice'
The beloved Jane Austen classic has been adapted numerous times. If you want a long version, work your way through the six-episode 1995 BBC miniseries starring Colin Firth. If you want a shorter option, go with the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley. Both have great costumes and romance.
'The Duchess'
This 2008 film also stars Keira Knightley. This time she tackles the role of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire. This real-life figure was the distant relation of Princess Diana. Georgiana was the original fashionista and socialite of 18th-century England which means the costumes in this film are beautiful.
She was married to William Cavendish, played by Ralph Fiennes, but neither of them are very faithful. See what all the scandal is about by streaming this on Amazon Prime.
'Jane Eyre'
This 2011 Cary Fukunaga film is based on the Charlotte Brontë novel of the same name. It stars Mia Wasikowska as the title character and Michael Fassbender as Edward Fairfax Rochester. After a rough upbringing, Jane falls in love with her gruff employer at Thornfield Hall – but he has a dark secret. View this on Amazon Prime to find out what that secret is.
'The Importance of Being Earnest'
This 2002 film is based on the classic 1895 play of the same name by Oscar Wilde. It stars Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon, and Judi Dench. Two gentlemen use the same fake name to woo two different women. A classic comedy of errors ensues, exploring the true nature of honesty and love. Stream this for free on Pluto TV.
'Sense and Sensibility'
This 1995 film directed by Ang Lee is based on the 1811 novel of the same name by Jane Austen. Emma Thompson not only stars as Elinor Dashwood but she also wrote the screenplay. The Dashwood sisters were once comfortable financially, but when their circumstances change they turn to marriage to secure their futures. Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, and Kate Winslet round out the cast. Stream this period piece on Amazon Prime.
'Emma'
You can never have too much Jane Austen in your life. This 2020 film proves that. Anya Taylor-Joy tackles the title role of Miss Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy young lady who likes to play matchmaker even when she should mind her own business. Watch her find love and happiness for herself as well. The movie is streaming on Netflix.
'Lady Macbeth'
This is a dark, violent film, so don't watch it unless you are in the mood for the macabre. This 2016 film is based on Nikolai Leskov's 1865 novella Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District. Florence Pugh stars as Katherine Lester, a woman trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage to Alexander Lester. That's nothing a little murder and an affair can't fix. Stream this on Hulu.
'Anna Karenina'
Let's travel to Russia for this 2012 film directed by Joe Wright. It's based on the classic Leo Tolstoy novel of the same name and adapted by Tom Stoppard. Keira Knightley stars as the title character, an aristocrat and socialite who falls in love with cavalry officer Count Vronsky, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The only problem is she is married to Alexei Alexandrovich Karenin, played by Jude Law. Find out how the tragedy ends by viewing it on Amazon Prime.
