10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Versailles (2015)

Description: Like Versailles (2015), The Tudors is a historical drama that delves into the opulence and political intrigue of a royal court, specifically focusing on the reign of King Henry VIII. Both series highlight the lavish lifestyles, power struggles, and romantic entanglements of their respective monarchs. The visual aesthetics are similarly rich, with detailed costumes and grand set designs that bring the historical periods to life.

Fact: The Tudors was filmed in Ireland, utilizing many of the same locations as other historical dramas. Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who played Henry VIII, was significantly younger than the king was during most of his reign. The series took some creative liberties with historical accuracy for dramatic effect.

Description: The Borgias, like Versailles (2015), explores the machinations of a powerful family in a historical setting, focusing on the infamous Borgia papacy. Both series are rich in political intrigue, betrayal, and scandal, with a strong emphasis on the opulence and corruption of the era. The storytelling is similarly dramatic, with a mix of historical and fictional elements.

Fact: Jeremy Irons, who played Rodrigo Borgia, won a Golden Globe for his performance. The series was created by Neil Jordan, who also directed several episodes. The Borgias was originally planned for four seasons but was canceled after three due to budget constraints.

Description: The Great, like Versailles (2015), is a historical drama that blends fact and fiction to tell the story of a young monarch, Catherine the Great. Both series are known for their witty dialogue, political intrigue, and strong female leads. The visual style is similarly opulent, with a modern twist on period aesthetics.

Fact: The Great is described as an 'occasionally true story,' taking many liberties with history. Elle Fanning, who plays Catherine, is also a producer on the series. The series was created by Tony McNamara, who also wrote The Favourite.

Description: The White Queen, like Versailles (2015), is a historical drama centered around the power struggles and romantic entanglements of a royal court, specifically during the Wars of the Roses. Both series feature strong female characters navigating a male-dominated world, with a mix of historical fact and dramatic fiction. The production values are similarly high, with elaborate costumes and sets.

Fact: The White Queen is based on Philippa Gregory's historical novels. The series was a co-production between the BBC and Starz. Rebecca Ferguson, who played Elizabeth Woodville, went on to star in major Hollywood films.

Description: Reign shares with Versailles (2015) a focus on the personal and political lives of young monarchs, in this case, Mary, Queen of Scots. Both series blend historical events with fictionalized drama, emphasizing the challenges of ruling and the complexities of royal relationships. The shows also feature sumptuous costumes and settings that highlight the grandeur of the period.

Fact: Reign was initially marketed as a historical drama but later incorporated more supernatural elements. Adelaide Kane, who played Mary, is Australian, while Toby Regbo, who played Francis, is English. The series was criticized for its anachronistic use of modern music in some scenes.

Description: Outlander, like Versailles (2015), combines historical drama with elements of romance and political intrigue, though it also includes time travel. Both series are known for their strong character development, detailed historical settings, and emotional depth. The production values are similarly high, with a focus on authentic costumes and locations.

Fact: Outlander is based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon. The series is filmed primarily in Scotland, where much of the story is set. Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser, is a trained Shakespearean actor.

Description: Wolf Hall, like Versailles (2015), is a meticulously crafted historical drama that focuses on the political maneuvering within a royal court, in this case, the court of Henry VIII. Both series are known for their attention to historical detail, complex characters, and slow-burning tension. The visual style is similarly understated yet evocative, with a focus on natural lighting and authentic settings.

Fact: Wolf Hall is based on the novels by Hilary Mantel, which won the Booker Prize. The series was filmed on location in England and Wales, using many historic properties. Mark Rylance, who played Thomas Cromwell, won a BAFTA for his performance.

Description: Poldark, like Versailles (2015), is a period drama that explores the personal and political challenges of its protagonist, Ross Poldark, in 18th-century Cornwall. Both series feature sweeping landscapes, complex characters, and a mix of romance and social commentary. The storytelling is similarly engaging, with a focus on both individual and societal struggles.

Fact: Poldark is based on the novels by Winston Graham. Aidan Turner, who plays Ross Poldark, became known for his shirtless scything scenes. The series was filmed on location in Cornwall and other parts of the UK.

Description: Victoria, like Versailles (2015), is a historical drama that chronicles the life of a young monarch, Queen Victoria, and her court. Both series emphasize the personal and political challenges of ruling, with a strong focus on the monarch's relationships. The production design is similarly lavish, with attention to period detail in costumes and settings.

Fact: Victoria stars Jenna Coleman, who previously played Clara Oswald in Doctor Who. The series was filmed at various historic locations in the UK. Tom Hughes, who plays Prince Albert, is a classically trained actor.

Description: The Spanish Princess, like Versailles (2015), focuses on the life of a royal figure, Catherine of Aragon, and her impact on the court. Both series blend historical events with personal drama, highlighting the challenges faced by women in positions of power. The visual aesthetics are similarly lush, with attention to period detail in costumes and settings.

Fact: The Spanish Princess is part of Philippa Gregory's The Cousins' War series. The series features a diverse cast, reflecting modern perspectives on historical accuracy. Charlotte Hope, who played Catherine, is English but had to learn a Spanish accent for the role.