A Journey Through the Ages: Netflix’s 10 Best Historical Series

Archie Fenn
Written By Archie Fenn

Archie is a writer, journalist, and critic from South London. He spends most of his free time (and his work hours) watching and writing about cowboys in space and hip-hop samurai. His parents are very proud of him. You can learn more at archiefenn.com and theinsightfulnerd.com

There’s something special about a historical series. The century-jumping eras make us feel like we’re being transported to another world, while the historical accuracy adds another layer of immersion by reminding us, this could have actually happened, what’s more, we’re treated to multiple episodes, and sometimes seasons, with these incredible characters, allowing ourselves to be truly lost in what we’re watching. Here are the 10 best Historical series on Netflix to lose yourself to.

Outlander

Outlander
Image Credit: Starz

After being mysteriously transported back to 18th Century Scotland, Claire Beauchamp Randall – a WWII nurse – meets a charming Highland warrior and gets drawn into an epic rebellion. This ongoing series is adapted from the books of the same name by Diana Gabaldon.

The Crown

The Crown
Image Credit: Netflix

One of Netflix’s most popular historical original series, especially in the UK, The Crown dramatises the real history of the British Royal family from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, to the present day. With each season jumping ahead in time and bringing in a fresh cast to play the older figures, The Crown is a who’s who of incredible British talent.

Bridgerton

Bridgerton
Image Credit: Netflix

Based on the book by Julia Quinn, Netflix’s Bridgerton is set during the Regency era (1795 – 1837) in England and tells the story of eight closely-knit siblings in the influential Bridgerton family as they balance their familial responsibilities with finding love.

Barbarians

Barbarians
Image Credit: Netflix

This German-language series tells the tale of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 A.D., where a brave group of Germanic warriors defended their homes and halted the spread of the Roman Empire in Europe.

Medici

Medici
Image Credit: Big Light Productions

With a great cast that includes Richard Madden, Dustin Hoffman and Sarah Parish, Medici is a political drama set in 15th Century Florence, Italy. When Cosmio finds himself as the head of the Medici family, he realises his father was murdered and the protection of his family rests solely on his shoulders.

Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders
Image Credit: Peaky Blinders

Potentially THE most famous British period drama, thanks in part to Cillian Murphy’s phenomenal performance, Peaky Blinders tells the story of the fictional Peaky Blinders crime syndicate in Birmingham from 1919, as the city contends with soaring organized crime rates and the end of the First World War.

Empress Ki

Empress Ki
Image Credit: BKMHD

Set in 14th Century Korea and China, Empress Ki follows a woman born in Korea as she navigates her way through war, politics, national loyalties, and love to become a powerful empress in China’s Yuan dynasty.

Frontier

Frontier 1
Image Credit: Netflix

One of the few Western series on Netflix, Frontier follows Declan Harp, a trapper in the 1700s as he tries to find wealth and fortune in the booming fur trade. However, his plans are disrupted when the Hudson’s Bay Company abandons their morals to hold their monopoly on the trade.

Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga
Image Credit: Wit Studio

This anime, set during the 11th Century, follows Thorfinn, the son of a legendary Viking warrior as he stows away with pirates during the Viking invasion of England, leading to a brutal upbringing in which Thorfinn swears revenge on the pirate that dishonourably murdered his father.

Taboo

Taboo 1
Image Credit: FX Networks

After spending 10 years in Africa, James Delaney (Tom Hardy) returns to England to attend his father’s funeral. However, when the circumstances behind his father’s death become unclear, James begins to investigate to solve the mystery and reclaim his family’s pride.

THE Best Movies on Netflix

City of God
Image Credit: Miramax

Netflix’s movie catalogue is absolutely packed, sometimes making it hard to decide on what to watch. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, here are the 10 Best Movies on Netflix right now!

THE Best Series on Netflix

Narcos
Image Credit: Netflix

Netflix is filled with incredible series (limited and long-running) for you to sink your teeth into and get lost in. However, the sheer quantity can sometimes be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve curated the 10 Best Series on Netflix right now to help you find a new series to fall in love with.

The 10 Best Westerns on Netflix

The Harder They Fall 1
Image Credit: Netflix

Is there anything cooler than a Western? Stylish outfits, awesome soundtracks, and tense stand-offs? Netflix doesn’t host a lot of Westerns on its platform, but the ones it does have are incredible.