10 Movies & Shows Like Tess of the D’Urbervilles

Description: A story of identity, love, and societal expectations, following a young man's discovery of his heritage and a woman's struggle for independence.

Fact: The novel by George Eliot was controversial for its time due to its sympathetic portrayal of Jewish characters. The adaptation was praised for its lush cinematography and faithful adherence to the source material.

Description: A classic Victorian-era drama that explores themes of love, social class, and personal resilience, featuring a strong-willed female protagonist navigating a harsh and often unjust world.

Fact: The film was shot in various historic locations across England, including Haddon Hall, which stood in for Thornfield Hall. The screenplay was adapted by Moira Buffini, who aimed to stay faithful to Charlotte Brontë's original novel.

Description: A period drama centered on an independent woman making her way in a male-dominated society, dealing with themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Dorset, England, to capture the rustic beauty of Thomas Hardy's Wessex. Carey Mulligan, who played Bathsheba Everdene, learned to ride sidesaddle for her role.

Description: A Gothic mystery revolving around a woman's fight against deception and manipulation, set against the backdrop of Victorian England's oppressive social norms.

Fact: The series was based on Wilkie Collins' novel, often considered one of the first mystery novels ever written. It was filmed in Northern Ireland, with the eerie atmosphere enhanced by the rugged landscapes.

Description: A satirical take on social climbing and ambition in 19th-century England, featuring a cunning heroine who navigates a world dominated by wealth and status.

Fact: The adaptation starred Olivia Cooke as Becky Sharp and was noted for its vibrant, colorful aesthetic, a departure from the usual muted tones of period dramas. It was filmed in locations including Bath and Hungary.

Description: A sweeping narrative set in a provincial town, examining the lives and loves of its inhabitants with a focus on the constraints placed on women by society.

Fact: The series was praised for its faithful adaptation of George Eliot's novel, which is considered one of the greatest works of English literature. It was filmed in Stamford, Lincolnshire, to maintain the authentic 19th-century atmosphere.

Description: A story of a woman escaping an abusive marriage and seeking independence, highlighting themes of female autonomy and the struggles against societal norms.

Fact: The novel by Anne Brontë was groundbreaking for its time due to its frank depiction of alcoholism and marital abuse. The adaptation was filmed in Yorkshire, staying true to the novel's setting.

Description: A multi-generational saga exploring the tensions between personal desire and societal duty, with a strong focus on the constraints faced by women in upper-class families.

Fact: The series was a remake of the 1967 classic and was filmed in various stately homes across England. It starred Damian Lewis and Gina McKee, bringing a modern sensibility to the Edwardian-era story.

Description: A complex narrative intertwining the lives of multiple characters, focusing on themes of legal corruption, inheritance, and the plight of women in a patriarchal society.

Fact: The series was notable for its innovative use of a fast-paced, almost cinematic editing style, unusual for a BBC period drama. It was filmed in London and Kent, with the iconic Chancery Lane scenes shot at Lincoln's Inn.

Description: A Dickensian tale of poverty, debt, and social injustice, following a young woman's journey through the rigid class structures of Victorian England.

Fact: The series was shot in various locations, including the historic streets of London and the marshes of Kent. It won seven Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries.