10 Movies and Shows Similar to A Gentleman in Moscow (2024)

Description: Mad Men and A Gentleman in Moscow both delve into the complexities of identity and reinvention. Set in the 1960s advertising world, Mad Men, like A Gentleman in Moscow, explores themes of confinement (social vs. physical) and the masks people wear to survive. Both are character-driven with a strong sense of time and place.

Fact: Jon Hamm auditioned twice for the role of Don Draper. The show popularized the term 'Mad Men' (short for Madison Avenue men). It won 16 Emmys and 5 Golden Globes.

Description: Boardwalk Empire, set during Prohibition, mirrors A Gentleman in Moscow's exploration of power, survival, and moral ambiguity in a restricted environment (Atlantic City vs. a hotel). Both feature charismatic leads (Nucky Thompson and Count Rostov) who navigate political and personal challenges with finesse.

Fact: Steve Buscemi trained with a dialect coach for his role. The show was created by Terence Winter, who also wrote for The Sopranos. It won 20 Emmys and 2 Golden Globes.

Description: Downton Abbey shares similarities with A Gentleman in Moscow through its historical setting and focus on aristocratic life amidst societal changes. Both explore themes of resilience, adaptation, and the passage of time within a confined environment—Downton Abbey in the grand estate and A Gentleman in Moscow in a luxurious hotel. The storytelling is rich with character development and period details.

Fact: Downton Abbey was filmed at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England. The show won 15 Primetime Emmy Awards. It was created by Julian Fellowes, who also wrote the screenplay for Gosford Park.

Description: Call the Midwife and A Gentleman in Moscow both highlight resilience and community in confined settings (1950s East End vs. a hotel). While their tones differ, both are deeply humanistic, focusing on how characters adapt to change and support one another amidst adversity.

Fact: Based on memoirs by Jennifer Worth. The show's medical procedures are vetted by real midwives. It's one of the BBC's most-watched dramas.

Description: The Great, like A Gentleman in Moscow, is a historical drama with a satirical edge. Both center on aristocratic protagonists (Catherine the Great and Count Rostov) who must outmaneuver political intrigue while confined to a specific setting (the Russian court vs. a hotel). The shows blend humor with sharp social commentary.

Fact: Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult improvised many lines. The show is described as 'anti-historical' for its loose take on facts. Tony McNamara, the creator, also wrote The Favourite.

Description: Peaky Blinders shares with A Gentleman in Moscow a historical backdrop and a protagonist (Thomas Shelby) who, like Count Rostov, is sharp, strategic, and must navigate a changing world. Both shows mix personal drama with larger historical events and feature stylish, atmospheric cinematography.

Fact: The Shelby family is loosely based on a real 19th-century gang. Cillian Murphy learned the Birmingham accent for his role. The show's soundtrack features modern artists like Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys.

Description: Outlander and A Gentleman in Moscow both feature protagonists displaced in time and place, navigating love and politics in historical settings. Both blend romance, adventure, and rich period detail, with a strong sense of atmosphere and emotional depth.

Fact: Diana Gabaldon wrote the first novel 'for practice.' The show films in Scotland, doubling for 18th-century America. It's known for its meticulous costumes and Gaelic dialogue.

Description: Poldark shares with A Gentleman in Moscow a historical setting (18th-century Cornwall) and a brooding, charismatic protagonist who returns home to find his world changed. Both explore themes of redemption, love, and societal upheaval with lush cinematography.

Fact: Aidan Turner's shirtless scything scene went viral. Based on Winston Graham's novels. The show revived tourism in Cornwall.

Description: The Durrells, like A Gentleman in Moscow, is a charming period piece about an eccentric family adapting to a new life (in 1930s Corfu vs. a Moscow hotel). Both celebrate the quirks of their characters and the beauty of their settings, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

Fact: Based on Gerald Durrell's memoirs. Keeley Hawes learned to drive for her role. The show boosted tourism to Corfu.

Description: Like A Gentleman in Moscow, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is set in a bygone era (1950s New York) and features a protagonist navigating societal constraints with wit and charm. Both shows blend drama with humor and highlight the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and reinvention.

Fact: The show's creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, is known for her rapid-fire dialogue. Rachel Brosnahan won an Emmy for her role as Midge Maisel. The costumes were inspired by 1950s fashion icons like Grace Kelly.