Best tv shows like World Without End
Last updated March 2024
Looking for tv shows like World Without End? Share your expertise to direct others find tv shows and movies you've viewed already that might suit them too. Aid in growing the cohort of people putting forward videos to one another. We welcome your contribution!
Plot Summary:
The English town of Kingsbridge works to survive as the King leads the nation into the Hundred Years' War with France while Europe deals with the outbreak of the Black Death.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Drama, Romance, Thriller
Country: Canada, Germany, UK
Duration: 374 min
Plot tags: epic, tense, realistic, stylized, serious, captivating, suspenseful, costume drama, historical drama, political
Best tv shows and movies like World Without End (2012):
Similar in 84%
Mystery!: Cadfael (1994)
Plot Summary:
Cadfael is the name given to the TV series of The Cadfael Chronicles adaptations produced by British television company ITV Central between 1994 and 1998. The series was broadcast on the ITV network in the UK, and starred Sir Derek Jacobi as the medieval detective.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: UK
Duration: 75 min
Plot tags: detective, serious, historical drama, costume drama, contemplative, atmospheric, realistic, suspenseful, period drama, detective series
Similar in 76%
The Crimson Petal and the White (2011)
Plot Summary:
Follow Sugar into the underbelly of Victorian London seething with vitality, sexuality, ambition and emotion.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 274 min
Plot tags: costume drama, historical drama, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, sexual, psychological thriller, rough, grim
Similar in 76%
Gunpowder (2017)
Plot Summary:
England, 1603. Elizabeth I is dead and King James of Scotland has taken the throne. With the country at war with catholic Spain, English catholics are persecuted and priests caught saying mass are punished with death. Several attempts have already been made on the new king’s life. All so far have failed. But deep in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside a new plot is brewing. A plot that will become legend, and leave a mark on the country that will still be felt over 400 years later.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 59 min
Plot tags: factual, costume drama, historical drama, captivating, suspense, suspenseful, saga, period piece, period drama
Similar in 76%
Cathedral of the Sea (2018)
Plot Summary:
In the 14th century, Barcelona is experiencing one of its most prosperous moments. The city has grown to La Ribera, a fishing district in which the largest Marian temple ever known is built: Santa María del Mar. But the construction runs parallel to Arnau Estanyol, a serf of the land who, fleeing the abuses of The feudal lords of the countryside take refuge in Barcelona.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: Spain
Duration: 55 min
Plot tags: biblical, brutal, suspenseful, depressing, suspense, psychological, captivating, disturbing, gothic, epic
Similar in 83%
The Forsyte Saga (1967)
Plot Summary:
Adaptation from John Galsworthy's novels.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 50 min
Plot tags: family saga, costume drama, stylized, spiritual, historical drama, touching, epic, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 82%
The Devil's Whore (2008)
Plot Summary:
Set between the years 1642 and 1660, "The Devil's Whore" charts the progress of the English Civil War through the eyes of the a 17 year old girl, the fictional Angelica Fanshawe.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Romance, War
Country: UK, South Africa
Duration: 189 min
Plot tags: historical drama, serious, epic, captivating, realistic, stylized, costume drama, political, sitcom, period piece
Similar in 85%
Tess of the D'Urbervilles (2008)
Plot Summary:
Forced by poverty to seek support, the innocent Tess Durbeyfield seeks the help of the D'Urbervilles.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 240 min
Plot tags: sincere, costume drama, clever, period piece, realistic, historical drama, historical romance, talky, fairy tale, period drama
Similar in 80%
Lorna Doone (2000)
Plot Summary:
The year is 1675. England is threatened by religious and political rivalries. King Charles II's Catholic brother, James, is next in line for the throne, but many Protestants put their faith in Charles' illegitimate son, The Duke of Monmouth. On the king's death, conflict is inevitable... Over seven days journey from London, Exmoor is a primitive and lawless area. Here, farmer Jack Ridd lives with his wife Sarah, son John, and two daughters. The only shadow over their simple life is cast by the notorious outlaw family the Doones. The aristocratic Doones were banished from their ancestral lands and now live through looting, theft, and murder. Their brutality is legendary.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 180 min
Plot tags: emotional, realistic, serious, captivating, stylized, period piece, costume drama, historical drama, historical romance, epic
Similar in 78%
The Way We Live Now (2001)
Plot Summary:
The Way We Live Now is a 2001 four-part television adaptation of the Anthony Trollope novel The Way We Live Now. The serial was first broadcast on the BBC and was directed by David Yates, written by Andrew Davies and produced by Nigel Stafford-Clark. David Suchet starred as Auguste Melmotte, with Shirley Henderson as his daughter Marie, Matthew Macfadyen as Sir Felix Carbury, Cillian Murphy as Paul Montague and Miranda Otto as Mrs Hurtle.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 300 min
Plot tags: period piece, serious, costume drama, realistic, captivating, historical drama, witty, biting, romantic drama, suspense
Similar in 84%
Jane Eyre (1983)
Plot Summary:
After living a miserable life with her aunt, orphaned Jane Eyre is sent to Lowood, a residential school for children of limited means. Jane takes the advice of her friend and over many years takes her studies seriously, eventually advertising for a position as a governess. She obtains a position in the home of Edward Rochester, where his ward, Adele, has recently come to live. She soon realizes that there is something odd in the house and she regularly sees shadowy figures in windows or hears voices. No one will admit to their being anyone else in the house, however. As she and her new employers develop a deep affection for one another, the secret of the Rochester household threatens to keep them apart.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 239 min
Plot tags: gothic, costume drama, sentimental, serious, period piece, historical drama, realistic, stylized, period drama
Similar in 79%
Edward & Mrs. Simpson (1978)
Plot Summary:
While still the Prince of Wales, the future Edward VIII meets the married American socialite, Wallis Simpson. Their relationship causes furor in the palace and in parliament, especially when King George V dies, Mrs. Simpson gets divorced, and King Edward announces his intentions to marry her.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 448
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 350 min
Plot tags: costume drama, historical drama, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, period drama
Similar in 85%
The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970)
Plot Summary:
On his deathbed, King Henry VIII recalls how he wooed and wed his six wives - and disposed of five of them - in a bid to secure the succession to the throne with a male heir. Despite his many marriages and the crowded court, Henry remains essentially lonely.
IMDB Rating: 8.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 540 min
Plot tags: historical drama, fairy tale, spiritual, costume drama, atmospheric, serious, realistic, stylized, period drama
Similar in 90%
Daniel Deronda (2002)
Plot Summary:
Daniel Deronda is a British television serial drama adapted by Andrew Davies from the George Eliot novel of the same name. The serial was directed by Tom Hooper, produced by Louis Marks, and was first broadcast in three parts on BBC One from 23 November to 7 December 2002. The serial starred Hugh Dancy as Daniel Deronda, Romola Garai as Gwendolen Harleth, Hugh Bonneville as Henleigh Grandcourt, and Jodhi May as Mirah Lapidoth. Co-production funding came from WGBH Boston. Louis Marks originally wanted to make a film adaptation of the novel but abandoned the project after a lengthy and fruitless casting process. The drama took a further five years to make it to television screens. Filming ran for 11 weeks from May to August on locations in England, Scotland and Malta. The serial was Marks' final television production before his death in 2010.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 210 min
Plot tags: costume drama, period piece, serious, captivating, realistic, heartbreaking, historical drama, romantic drama, historical romance, period drama
Similar in 77%
Charles II: The Power and The Passion (2003)
Plot Summary:
The chronicle of Charles II's time on the throne, his 10 year exile from Oliver Cromwell's England, and his triumphant return.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 235 min
Plot tags: historical drama, epic, serious, realistic, costume drama, political, period piece, period drama, baroque, weird
Similar in 75%
Wuthering Heights (2009)
Plot Summary:
Foundling Heathcliff is raised by the wealthy Earnshaws in Yorkshire but in later life launches a vendetta against the family.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 142 min
Plot tags: emotional, touching, serious, gothic, period piece, romantic, costume drama, historical drama, sentimental, melancholic
Similar in 84%
Birdsong (2012)
Plot Summary:
As an English soldier fights in the horrific trenches of northern France, he is haunted by the memories of his forbidden love affair with a French woman.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama, Romance, War
Country: UK
Duration: 165 min
Plot tags: emotional, realistic, epic, serious, stylized, historical drama, romantic drama, period drama, masterpiece
Similar in 79%
Black Plague (2002)
Plot Summary:
Paranoia sets in as the Black Death strikes European villagers in the 14th century.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 945
Genere: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: UK
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: sentimental, serious, captivating, stylized, period piece, costume drama
Similar in 80%
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 86%
Downton Abbey (2010)
Plot Summary:
A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
IMDB Votes: 220000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 3110 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, serious, costume drama, period piece, historical drama, stylized, dramatic, erotic, romantic
Similar in 82%
Ivanhoe (1997)
Plot Summary:
This grand six-part adaptation of Sir Walter Scott's rousing adventure of the Middle Ages tells the epic tale of the idealistic young knight Ivanhoe (Steven Waddington) and his battle against the evil Templar Bois-Guilbert (Ciarán Hinds. Caught between the rivalries and religious struggles are Ivanhoe's betrothed Rowena (Victoria Smurfit) and the brave, beautiful Jewess healer Rebecca (Susan Lynch), who wins Ivanhoe's heart with her courage. Set against the historical backdrop of a Britain straining under the corrupt rule of Prince John while Richard the Lionhearted fights in the Crusades.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 270 min
Plot tags: fairy tale, costume drama, exciting, epic, serious, captivating, realistic, stylized, period drama
Similar in 85%
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 80%
Lark Rise to Candleford (2008)
Plot Summary:
Set in the small hamlet of Lark Rise and the wealthier neighbouring market town, Candleford, the series chronicles the daily lives of farm-workers, craftsmen and gentry at the end of the 19th Century. Lark Rise to Candleford is a love letter to a vanished corner of rural England and a heart-warming drama series teeming with wit, wisdom and romance.
IMDB Rating: 8.2
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: UK
Duration: 53 min
Plot tags: costume drama, sincere, sentimental, period piece, realistic, historical drama, semi autobiographical, serious, stylized, period drama
Similar in 77%
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 76%
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 89%
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 81%
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 89%
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 90%
Victoria & Albert (2001)
Plot Summary:
The passionate love story that was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's lengthy marriage. Beginning in 1837, the year of King William IV's death and 18-year-old Victoria's ascension to the throne, the series charts the tumultuous period in 19th Century England where Victoria comes to terms with the enormous duties that lay ahead of her, while also falling deeply in love with her beloved Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. The marriage and birth of their nine children are featured, as is Albert's frustration by the inactivity he experienced in the early years of his role as Prince Consort.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 200 min
Plot tags: captivating, costume drama, sentimental, serious, realistic, factual, period piece, historical drama, epic, stylized
Similar in 86%
The Last Kingdom (2015)
Plot Summary:
A show of heroic deeds and epic battles with a thematic depth that embraces politics, religion, warfare, courage, love, loyalty and our universal search for identity. Combining real historical figures and events with fictional characters, it is the story of how a people combined their strength under one of the most iconic kings of history in order to reclaim their land for themselves and build a place they call home.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
IMDB Votes: 161000
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: UK
Duration: 60 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, captivating, epic, stylized, realistic, costume drama, historical drama, tense, brutal
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