10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The English (2022)

Description: Like 'The English', 'Deadwood' is a gritty, character-driven Western that explores themes of survival, lawlessness, and the clash of cultures. Both series feature strong female characters and a richly detailed historical setting. The dialogue in 'Deadwood' is similarly poetic and stylized, much like the lyrical storytelling in 'The English'.

Fact: 'Deadwood' was created by David Milch, who also worked on 'NYPD Blue'. The series was filmed in a specially constructed set in California that meticulously recreated the historic town. Many of the characters are based on real historical figures from the Old West.

Description: As a direct prequel to 'Yellowstone', '1883' shares with 'The English' a focus on the perilous journey of European immigrants through the American West. Both shows depict the harsh realities of frontier life with unflinching realism and feature strong female leads navigating dangerous landscapes.

Fact: Sam Elliott's first major TV role in his decades-long career. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are real-life husband and wife playing a married couple. The wagon train scenes were filmed using authentic period wagons and equipment.

Description: 'Justified' shares with 'The English' a focus on frontier justice and morally ambiguous characters, though set in modern times. Both shows feature protagonists returning to their roots to confront past demons, and both blend action with deep character study and sharp, stylized dialogue.

Fact: Based on Elmore Leonard's short story 'Fire in the Hole'. Timothy Olyphant's character Raylan Givens also appears in several Leonard novels. The show was filmed primarily in California, standing in for Kentucky.

Description: 'Hell on Wheels' shares with 'The English' a focus on the brutal realities of frontier life and the construction of the transcontinental railroad, which plays a similar role to the westward expansion themes in 'The English'. Both shows blend historical events with personal revenge narratives and feature morally complex characters.

Fact: The title refers to the mobile encampments that followed the construction of the railroad. The show's protagonist, Cullen Bohannon, is loosely based on a real Union soldier. Much of the series was filmed in Alberta, Canada, standing in for the American West.

Description: This 'Yellowstone' prequel, like 'The English', explores the transitional period of the early 20th century West, when old frontier ways were giving way to modernity. Both shows feature sprawling narratives about land, power, and family legacy, with epic production values and complex characters.

Fact: Harrison Ford's first major television role. Helen Mirren learned to speak with a Montana accent for her role. The series was filmed in multiple countries including Montana, South Africa, and Malta.

Description: While more contemporary than 'The English', 'Longmire' shares its exploration of the modern legacy of the Old West, particularly in its treatment of Native American issues. Both shows feature laconic, morally upright protagonists navigating violent frontier justice in beautiful but unforgiving landscapes.

Fact: Based on the Walt Longmire mystery novels by Craig Johnson. The show was initially canceled by A&E but revived by Netflix due to fan demand. Many scenes were filmed on the actual Crow Reservation in Montana.

Description: Like 'The English', 'Taboo' is a dark, atmospheric period drama about revenge and colonial power struggles. Both shows feature mysterious protagonists returning from abroad to claim their inheritance, navigating treacherous political landscapes with a mix of violence and cunning.

Fact: Created by Tom Hardy along with his father Chips Hardy. Hardy's character was partly inspired by his own Mad Max role. The show was originally conceived as a feature film before being developed for television.

Description: This multi-generational epic, like 'The English', examines the violent legacy of the American frontier and its impact on families. Both shows use nonlinear storytelling to explore how the past shapes the present, and they share a visual grandeur in depicting the Western landscape.

Fact: Based on the novel by Philipp Meyer, who also co-created the series. Pierce Brosnan learned to speak Comanche for his role. The series was filmed in Texas and New Mexico, using many authentic locations.

Description: Like 'The English', 'Yellowstone' explores the violent struggle for land and power in the American West, though in a modern setting. Both shows feature strong-willed protagonists fighting to protect their way of life against changing times, with stunning cinematography that makes the landscape a central character.

Fact: Created by Taylor Sheridan, who also wrote 'Sicario' and 'Hell or High Water'. Kevin Costner's first regular TV role since 'Hatfields & McCoys'. The Dutton ranch scenes are filmed at a real Montana ranch that's been in operation since the 1800s.

Description: Set during the 1860s New Zealand gold rush, 'The Luminaries' shares with 'The English' a focus on outsiders navigating a lawless frontier society. Both shows blend historical drama with elements of mystery and romance, featuring strong female protagonists in male-dominated environments.

Fact: Based on Eleanor Catton's Booker Prize-winning novel. The author also wrote the screenplay adaptation. Filmed on location in New Zealand, including areas where the actual gold rush occurred.