10 Movies & Shows Like The Red Virgin (2024)

Description: Follows the lives of midwives in post-war London, highlighting women's healthcare issues and the strength of female communities.

Fact: The series is based on real memoirs of Jennifer Worth. Medical advisors ensure historical accuracy of birthing practices depicted.

Description: A satirical take on Catherine the Great's rise to power, featuring a clever woman outmaneuvering the patriarchal Russian court.

Fact: Described as 'anti-historical' by its creators, blending facts with deliberate anachronisms for comedic effect.

Description: Features a time-traveling female protagonist who must adapt to historical periods with strict gender roles while maintaining her independence and modern values.

Fact: The series uses authentic Gaelic language consultants to maintain historical accuracy. Many filming locations are actual historic sites in Scotland.

Description: Set in 18th century Cornwall, it features strong female characters challenging social conventions while dealing with love, loss, and economic hardship.

Fact: The series revived tourism in Cornwall, with filming locations seeing 30% increases in visitors. Many scenes feature authentic Cornish landscapes.

Description: Depicts a widow and her children starting anew in 1930s Corfu, showcasing a woman's resilience and unconventional parenting in challenging circumstances.

Fact: Based on Gerald Durrell's autobiographical books. Many animals featured were provided by the real-life Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Description: Chronicles Queen Victoria's early reign, focusing on a young woman navigating power in a male-dominated political landscape.

Fact: The series filmed in many actual royal residences including Harewood House, which stood in for Buckingham Palace.

Description: Centers on a woman breaking societal expectations in the 1950s by pursuing a career in stand-up comedy, challenging traditional gender roles.

Fact: The show's costume department created over 5,000 custom outfits. Many stand-up routines were performed live before audiences.

Description: This series explores themes of female oppression and resistance in a dystopian society, focusing on strong female characters navigating restrictive societal norms.

Fact: The show's iconic red costumes were inspired by 17th-century Puritan clothing and Dutch painter Vermeer's color palette. It was the first streaming series to win an Emmy for Outstanding Drama.

Description: Based on the true story of Anne Lister, a landowner who defied 19th century gender norms through her business acumen and open lesbian relationships.

Fact: Much of the dialogue comes directly from Lister's 4-million-word secret diaries written in code. The code wasn't cracked until the 1980s.

Description: Focuses on Catherine of Aragon's early life, portraying a determined young woman navigating royal politics and fighting for her rightful place.

Fact: Costumes were created using historical painting references and traditional embroidery techniques. Many scenes were filmed at actual Tudor locations.