10 Movies & Shows Like Rebellion (2016)

Description: A sweeping historical drama depicting the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire, marked by political machinations, military conquests, and personal rebellions.

Fact: The show's massive sets, including a full-scale replica of the Roman Forum, were among the most expensive ever built for television. Many plotlines are based on real historical events, though some characters are composites or fictionalized.

Description: A lavish historical drama centered around the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII, filled with political intrigue, religious conflict, and personal rebellions. The show's focus on power dynamics and defiance of tradition resonates strongly.

Fact: Despite its historical setting, the show took several creative liberties, including compressing timelines and altering character appearances for dramatic effect. The series was filmed in Ireland, using many of the same locations as 'Braveheart.'

Description: A prohibition-era crime drama that delves into the violent and corrupt world of bootlegging and political machinations. The series explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and resistance against societal norms.

Fact: The show's elaborate sets recreated 1920s Atlantic City with meticulous detail, including a full-scale boardwalk. Many characters are based on real historical figures, such as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.

Description: A dark and opulent drama about the infamous Borgia family's rise to power in Renaissance Italy, filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and rebellion against moral constraints.

Fact: The series was filmed in Hungary, with elaborate sets recreating the grandeur of 15th-century Rome. Jeremy Irons, who played Rodrigo Borgia, admitted he knew little about the historical figure before taking the role.

Description: A period drama that examines the lives of an aristocratic family and their servants during a time of significant social change. The series highlights class struggles and personal rebellions against societal expectations.

Fact: Highclere Castle, the real-life location used for Downton Abbey, is still a functioning estate owned by the Carnarvon family. The show's popularity led to a resurgence of interest in British period dramas worldwide.

Description: A brutal and immersive saga of Norse warriors exploring, raiding, and settling new lands. The series emphasizes themes of ambition, conquest, and defiance of societal norms.

Fact: The show's creator, Michael Hirst, also wrote 'The Tudors,' and both series share a similar approach to blending history with drama. Many of the Viking ships used in the show were built using traditional methods.

Description: A prequel to 'Treasure Island,' this series explores the golden age of piracy, blending historical figures with fictional characters in a tale of rebellion, survival, and the quest for freedom.

Fact: The show was filmed in South Africa, where a full-scale pirate ship was constructed for authenticity. Many characters, like Charles Vane and Anne Bonny, are based on real pirates from history.

Description: A gritty historical drama set in post-WWI England, focusing on a powerful crime family navigating political and social upheaval. The show's dark tone, themes of power struggles, and rebellion against authority make it compelling.

Fact: The Shelby family's signature peaked caps were inspired by real-life Birmingham gangs of the era. The show's creator, Steven Knight, based the story on tales from his own family history.

Description: A time-traveling romance set against the backdrop of the Jacobite risings in Scotland, blending historical drama with personal rebellion and survival. The show's exploration of loyalty, love, and resistance against oppression is central to its narrative.

Fact: The series is based on Diana Gabaldon's bestselling book series, which combines meticulous historical research with elements of fantasy. Many scenes were filmed on location in Scotland, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: A historical epic following a Saxon nobleman raised by Vikings, torn between two cultures during the formation of England. The series is rich in themes of identity, loyalty, and rebellion against fate.

Fact: The show is based on Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories' novels, which blend historical events with fictional characters. Many battle scenes were choreographed using real Viking combat techniques.