I have watched thousands of shows and films - here are the top 6 period dramas of all time

It's no secret that producers love to look to the past for a bit of creative inspiration. Here in Britain, particularly, period dramas are rife, their ever-growing popularity is working its way into other countries such as the US, which love a bit of Bridgerton.

Here I have compiled a list of series and films that I believe are the best period dramas made for TV.

6. Atonement (2007)

Atonement is a romantic war drama film directed by Joe Wright and starring James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai, and Vanessa Redgrave. It is based on the 2001 novel by Ian McEwan. The film chronicles a crime and its consequences over six decades, beginning in the 1930s. The film's plot follows: "Briony, an aspiring writer, catches her elder sister in a passionate embrace with her lover, Robbie. Jealous, she accuses Robbie of raping her cousin, a lie that changes the course of three lives." This is a beautifully filmed picture that will likely have you in tears. Ronan is fantastic in her breakthrough role, too.

5. Little Women (2019)

Not the first adaptation of this book, but Greta Gerwig's take on the book by Louisa May Alcott takes the story to new heights. It's starry cast including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern and Timothée Chalame give it a fresh take, while also doing the book justice. It will have the tears flooding from your eyes. The film's synopsis reads: "While the March sisters enter the threshold of womanhood, they go through many ups and downs in life and endeavour to make important decisions that can affect their future."

4. Bridgerton

I absolutely adore this series - Bridgerton is a regency romance television series created by Chris Van Dusen for Netflix. It is based on the book series of the same name by Julia Quinn.Three series have been released so far, each of which follows one of the close-knit siblings of the noble and influential Bridgerton family as they navigate the highly competitive social season, during which young marriageable nobility and gentry are introduced to society and are looking for a partner. The series is set during the early 19th century in an alternative London Regency era.

3. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

This is just such a charming film. Starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as her romantic interest Mr Darcy, Joe Wright's first feature film was a commercial success. Knightley received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her part. It's talented cast included the late Donald Sutherland (Mr Bennet), Rosamund Pike (Jane Bennet), Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennet), Judi Dench (Lady Catherine de Bourgh) and Rupert Friend (George Wickham).

2. SAS Rogue Heroes

I may be slightly biased here as Jack O'Connell is one of my favourite actors, but this is the series that keeps on giving. If you like a war drama, this is top tier and not to be missed. Created by Steven Knight, SAS: Rogue Heroes is a 2022 British historical drama television series. It's synopsis reads: "The first series depicts the origins of the British Army Special Air Service (SAS) during the Western Desert Campaign of World War II."

1. Peaky Blinders

This is a British historical crime drama television series created by Steven Knight that should not be missed. Cillian Murphy stars as the leader of the fictional gang that is loosely based on a real urban youth gang active in the city from the 1880s to the 1920s. Peaky Blinders' synopsis reads: "Tommy Shelby, a dangerous man, leads the Peaky Blinders, a gang based in Birmingham. Soon, Chester Campbell, an inspector, decides to nab him and put an end to the criminal activities."