Best tv shows like The Borgias
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Set in 15th century Italy at the height of the Renaissance, The Borgias chronicles the corrupt rise of patriarch Rodrigo Borgia to the papacy, where he proceeds to commit every sin in the book to amass and retain power, influence and enormous wealth for himself and his family.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 53000
Genere: Crime, Drama, History, Romance
Country: USA, Hungary, Ireland, Canada
Duration: 50 min
Plot tags: serious, clever, captivating, epic, costume drama, historical drama, realistic, stylized, political, period piece
Best tv shows and movies like The Borgias (2011):
Similar in 79%
Tut (2015)
Plot Summary:
Explores the drama of power, political back-stabbing, war and murder and chronicles King Tut's rise to glory, his efforts to rule a chaotic empire and the enigma surrounding his death.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: Canada
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, historical drama, tense, thought provoking, erotic, sexy, political
Similar in 85%
The Magnificent Century: Kosem (2015)
Plot Summary:
Anastasia a young Greek woman in Ahmed I's harem takes on the name 'Kosem' (leader, pioneer). In a world of men, she rules of the Ottoman Empire through her sons and grandson.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: Turkey
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: emotional, captivating, stylized, historical drama, realistic, period drama
Similar in 78%
Aristocrats (1999)
Plot Summary:
Based on a true story, Aristocrats draws back the curtain on an 18th century English family near the summit of society, revealing a tapestry of romance, prejudice, infidelity, and revolution.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK, Ireland, USA
Duration: 300 min
Plot tags: period piece, captivating, serious, historical drama, realistic, stylized, costume drama, romantic drama, historical romance, period drama
Similar in 75%
Domina (2021)
Plot Summary:
Domina follows Livia’s journey from a naïve young girl whose world crumbles in the wake of Julius Caesar’s assassination, to Rome’s most powerful and influential Empress, driven by a deep desire to avenge her father and secure power for her sons. Livia and her peers navigate their way through a brutal society by means of strategy, conspiracy, seduction and murder. This is a visceral and authentic family saga, grounded in historical accuracy and bringing to life the incredible true stories of the women who would create one of the most enduring and fascinating dynasties of all time.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK, Italy
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: historical drama, social documentary, period drama
Similar in 89%
The Hollow Crown (2012)
Plot Summary:
The Hollow Crown is a series of British television films featuring William Shakespeare's History Plays. The first Season is an adaptation of Shakespeare's second historical tetralogy, the Henriad: Richard II, Henry IV, Part I and Henry IV, Part II (treated as one film in two parts in the series) and Henry V. The Second Season is subtitled "The Wars of the Roses" as a reference to its scope. It is based on Shakespeare's first tetralogy: Henry VI: Part I, Henry VI: Part II, Henry VI: Part III (treated as two films in the series) and Richard III.
IMDB Rating: 8.2
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama, History, War
Country: UK
Duration: 150 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, historical drama, epic, stylized, harsh, costume drama, funny, political, anthology
Similar in 78%
The Other Boleyn Girl (2003)
Plot Summary:
Based on the controversial novel by Philippa Gregory, "The Other Boleyn Girl" is a fictionalised account of the life of Lady Mary Boleyn (Natascha McElhone) who becomes mistress to England's king, Henry VIII (Jared Harris), before being ousted by her younger sister, Anne (Jodhi May.) Mary leaves the Court to marry a commoner, but returns when Anne embarks on a reckless policy to save herself from ruin.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Romance, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, sexy, period drama
Similar in 75%
Madame De Pompadour: The King's Favourite (2006)
Plot Summary:
Jeanne Poisson, the headstrong, ambitious, witty and erudite, catches the eye and heart of French King Louis XV at a costumed ball. She masters the art of seduction well enough to become accepted even by the Queen, corpulent mother of ten. As a sensibly chosen Royal 'favorite' mistress she is soon ennobled Marquise of Pompadour to facilitate her introduction at court. The immature dauphin (crown prince) proves a bitter and unrelenting enemy, joined by his imposed Saxon bride, and his sister at her deathbed. Although friends at court help Pompadour return, her health gives way.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 225
Genere: History, Romance
Country: Switzerland, France, Belgium
Duration: 192 min
Plot tags: sentimental, atmospheric, realistic, stylized, intense, weird
Similar in 85%
The Borgia (2006)
Plot Summary:
A portrait of the bloody dynasty that spawned a pope, Alexander VI, as well as the role model for Machiavelli's "The Prince," his son Cesare Borgia, and a legend of femme duplicity, daughter Lucrezia Borgia.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, History
Country: Spain, Italy
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, disturbing, historical drama, costume drama, serious
Similar in 82%
I, Claudius (1976)
Plot Summary:
Tracing the lives of several Roman emperors, this is an epic of ruthless ambition, shocking debauchery and murderous intrigue set in one of history's most fascinating eras. Bearing witness to the saga is Claudius, whose stutter and limp have marked him a fool - yet whom prophecies have foretold will one day rule Rome.
IMDB Rating: 8.8
IMDB Votes: 19000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 669 min
Plot tags: costume drama, political thriller, historical drama, clever, epic, spiritual, political, controversial, mind blowing, dark comedy
Similar in 84%
Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire (2006)
Plot Summary:
Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire is a 2006 BBC One docudrama series, with each episode looking at a different key turning point in the history of the Roman Empire.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Documentary, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 59 min
Plot tags: captivating, epic, realistic, serious, historical drama, educational, mythical, period drama
Similar in 75%
Medici (2016)
Plot Summary:
The story of the Medici family of Florence, their ascent from simple merchants to power brokers sparking an economic and cultural revolution. Along the way, they also accrue a long list of powerful enemies.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 22000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
Country: Italy, UK, France
Duration: 1314 min
Plot tags: political thriller, historical drama, exciting, atmospheric, suspense, realistic, enigmatic, period piece, erotic, sensual
Similar in 86%
Versailles (2015)
Plot Summary:
The story of a young Louis XIV on his journey to become the most powerful monarch in Europe, from his battles with the fronde through his development into the Sun King. Historical and fictional characters guide us in a world of betrayal and political maneuvering, revealing Versailles in all its glory and brutality.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 18000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance, War
Country: France, Canada
Duration: 52 min
Plot tags: captivating, costume drama, historical drama, realistic, serious, political, period piece, erotic, educational, sensual
Similar in 84%
The White Princess (2017)
Plot Summary:
The story of Elizabeth of York, the White Queen's daughter, and her marriage to the Lancaster victor, Henry VII. Based on the Philippa Gregory book of the same name.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 15000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance, War
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: costume drama, historical drama, stylized, atmospheric, captivating, disturbing, exciting, anime, period piece, period drama
Similar in 86%
Elizabeth I (2005)
Plot Summary:
HBO miniseries about the the public and private lives of the later years of Queen Elizabeth I.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 223 min
Plot tags: historical drama, costume drama, sincere, realistic, serious, captivating, emotional, stylized, political, educational
Similar in 82%
Borgia (2011)
Plot Summary:
Borgia is a French-German-Czech historical drama television series created by Tom Fontana. The show recounts the Borgia family's rise to power and subsequent domination of the Papal States during the Renaissance. Borgia debuted in Italy via Sky Italia on 10 July 2011, and in North America via Netflix on 2 October 2011. It was since renewed for a second season, which premiered on Canal+ on March 18, 2013. Season 3 is currently in Pre-Production, and will be the end of the series.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: France, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic
Duration: 52 min
Plot tags: family saga, rough, captivating, realistic, epic, ambiguous ending, political, historical drama, erotic, costume drama
Similar in 79%
The Pillars of the Earth (2010)
Plot Summary:
The Pillars of the Earth is an eight-part 2010 TV miniseries, adapted from Ken Follett's novel of the same name.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 33000
Genere: Drama, Romance, Thriller, War
Country: Germany, Canada, UK, Hungary
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: captivating, atmospheric, costume drama, historical drama, realistic, unusual plot structure, intense, visually appealing, serious, dramatic
Similar in 81%
The Spanish Princess (2019)
Plot Summary:
The beautiful Spanish princess, Catherine of Aragon, navigates the royal lineage of England with an eye on the throne.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 55 min
Plot tags: historical drama, costume drama, exciting, tense, captivating, suspense, suspenseful, sexy, period drama, beautiful
Similar in 83%
The Tudors (2007)
Plot Summary:
The Tudors is a history-based drama series following the young, vibrant King Henry VIII, a competitive and lustful monarch who navigates the intrigues of the English court and the human heart with equal vigor and justifiable suspicion.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 80000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance, War
Country: Ireland, Canada, USA, UK
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: stylized, captivating, serious, historical drama, soap opera, realistic, sexual, costume drama, period piece, sexy
Similar in 76%
The Virgin Queen (2005)
Plot Summary:
The Virgin Queen explores the full sweep of Elizabeth's life: from her days of fear as a potential victim of her sister's terror; through her great love affair with Robert Dudley; into her years of triumph over the Armada; and finally her old age and her last, enigmatic relationship with her young protégé, the Earl of Essex.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 237 min
Plot tags: serious, historical drama, factual, touching, political, period piece, costume drama, realistic, sincere, period drama
Similar in 88%
The White Queen (2013)
Plot Summary:
Set against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, the series is the story of the women caught up in the protracted conflict for the throne of England.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 31000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance, War
Country: UK, France
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: historical drama, captivating, stylized, serious, costume drama, erotic, political, suspense, period piece, fairy tale
Similar in 90%
Reign (2013)
Plot Summary:
Mary, Queen of Scots, faces political and sexual intrigue in the treacherous world of the French court.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 53000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 42 min
Plot tags: sexy, stylized, serious, historical drama, costume drama, tense, suspenseful, realistic, period piece, erotic
Similar in 88%
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Plot Summary:
A sumptuous and sensual tale of intrigue, romance and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in European history: two beautiful sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry VIII.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 119000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: romantic, sexy, costume drama, period piece, stylized, atmospheric, factual, historical drama, sexual, sad
Similar in 86%
Wolf Hall (2015)
Plot Summary:
England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the King dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years and marry Anne Boleyn. The Pope and most of Europe oppose him. Into this impass steps Thomas Cromwell: a wholly original man, a charmer, and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people, and implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph?.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 360 min
Plot tags: historical drama, serious, captivating, period piece, costume drama, stylized, suspense, factual, political, educational
Similar in 80%
Da Vinci's Demons (2013)
Plot Summary:
The series follows the "untold" story of Leonardo Da Vinci: the genius during his early years in Renaissance Florence. As a 25-year old artist, inventor, swordsman, lover, dreamer and idealist, he struggles to live within the confines of his own reality and time as he begins to not only see the future, but invent it.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 79000
Genere: Adventure, Biography, Drama, Fantasy, History, Mystery, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: exciting, intellectual, captivating, witty, serious, erotic, sexy, costume drama, christian film, thought provoking
Similar in 76%
Rome (2005)
Plot Summary:
A down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans set in the last days of the Roman Republic.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
IMDB Votes: 182000
Genere: Action, Drama, Romance, War
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 1193 min
Plot tags: epic, exciting, historical drama, period piece, stylized, captivating, sexual, costume drama, erotic, dramatic
Similar in 82%
Spartacus (2010)
Plot Summary:
Spartacus is an American television series inspired by the historical figure of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who from 73 to 71 BCE led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic departing from Capua.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
IMDB Votes: 253000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Biography, Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 55 min
Plot tags: epic, sexy, sexual, exciting, stylized, heroic, realistic, historical drama, mythical, erotic
Similar in 77%
Ray Donovan (2013)
Plot Summary:
Set in the sprawling mecca of the rich and famous, Ray Donovan does the dirty work for LA's top power players, and makes their problems disappear. His father's unexpected release from prison sets off a chain of events that shakes the Donovan family to its core.
IMDB Rating: 8.3
IMDB Votes: 92000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, clever, tense, stylized, realistic, crime drama, erotic, neo noir, dramatic
Similar in 79%
Vikings (2013)
Plot Summary:
Vikings follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age. The series tells the sagas of Ragnar's band of Viking brothers and his family, as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. As well as being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods. Legend has it that he was a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
IMDB Votes: 568000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, Romance, War
Country: Ireland, Canada
Duration: 44 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, exciting, heroic, captivating, historical drama, breathtaking, epic, costume drama, mythical, period piece
Similar in 88%
Game of Thrones (2011)
Plot Summary:
Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.
IMDB Rating: 9.2
IMDB Votes: 22000000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA, UK
Duration: 4189 min
Plot tags: epic, captivating, atmospheric, dramatic, stylized, breathtaking, serious, exciting, sexual, heroic
Similar in 77%
Peaky Blinders (2013)
Plot Summary:
A gangster family epic set in 1919 Birmingham, England and centered on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby, who means to move up in the world.
IMDB Rating: 8.8
IMDB Votes: 621000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 2109 min
Plot tags: serious, atmospheric, tense, stylized, captivating, clever, suspenseful, rough, historical drama, realistic