8 Unique Historical Romances: The Most Popular Series You'll Fall in Love With

Sunday, February 16, 2025  Read time4 min

Many historical romances have been produced. So, how do we know which ones are worth watching? One way viewers can decide is by looking at IMDb ratings, which help identify the most popular series.

8 Unique Historical Romances: The Most Popular Series You'll Fall in Love With

According to the culture and arts service of Saed News, some historical series are based on the lives of real people, while others are centered around fictional characters. Series that focus on real historical figures are not always historically accurate. The question then arises: are these series entertaining? The answer is yes, because these characters are highly popular in historical series.

Here are 8 historical romance series with the highest IMDb ratings:

Band of Brothers

1

  • Creator: Scott Grimes

  • Cast: Damian Lewis, Michael Cudlitz, Donnie Wahlberg

  • Year of Release: 2001

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94/100

  • IMDb Rating: 9.4/10

Created in collaboration with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, this series is very similar in content, setting, and historical material to the famous movie "Saving Private Ryan." It follows the lives of the soldiers of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division and their participation and service in World War II, from their initial training to their surrender in Japan in 1945. Viewers accompany the actors through various historical events like the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Ardennes, and the capture of the Eagle's Nest.

Mr. Sunshine

2

  • Genre: Action, Drama, Romance

  • Year of Release: 2018

  • Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok

  • IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

One of the best romantic Korean series set in the Joseon era, Mr. Sunshine has been praised for addressing issues like patriotism and national identity. The series received positive reviews for its cinematography and set design, quickly becoming one of the most successful Korean series. By its finale, Mr. Sunshine was the third most-watched series on South Korean cable television. The story follows a Korean man named Choi, born into slavery in the 18th century, who escapes to America. He later returns to South Korea as an American soldier and falls in love with a woman in the resistance movement against Japanese occupation.

The Crown

3

  • Creator: Andrew Eaton

  • Cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Vanessa Kirby

  • Year of Release: 2016

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90/100

  • IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

The Crown is undoubtedly one of the most well-known historical series today, so it's no surprise that it ranks high on this list. Premiering on Netflix in 2016, Claire Foy stars as young Queen Elizabeth II. The series follows her life from her ascent to the throne at 25 through various decades, showing how political rivalries and personal relationships shaped life in the 20th century.

Vikings

4

  • Creator: Steve Wakefield

  • Cast: Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig

  • Year of Release: 2013

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93/100

  • IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Vikings is a historical drama that aired on the History Channel in 2013, concluding with its sixth and final season in 2020. Netflix is now producing a sequel series called "Vikings: Valhalla." Based on various Scandinavian myths and legends, the series follows a warrior named Ragnar Lothbrok, known as one of the bravest Viking warriors of his time. The series shows his rise from a simple farmer to a legendary warrior, believed by many to be a direct descendant of Odin. Later seasons include his family and children.

Call the Midwife

5

  • Creator: Annie Tricklebank

  • Cast: Helen George, Jennifer Agutter, Laura Main

  • Year of Release: 2012

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89/100

  • IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

This BBC historical drama is set in the 1950s and 60s. Unlike many other popular historical series favored by IMDb users, which are set in much older periods, this series is set in the mid-20th century. However, its appeal remains undiminished. Premiering in 2012, the series now has 11 seasons. Based on a series of novels by Jennifer Worth, it tells the story of a young midwife named Jenny who has recently left home and begun working as a midwife at London's Nonnatus House.

The Last Kingdom

6

  • Creator: Chrissy Skins

  • Cast: Alexander Dreymon, David Dawson, Emily Cox

  • Year of Release: 2015

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91/100

  • IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

The Last Kingdom is one of the best epic series, beginning in 2015 and based on the Saxon Stories novels by Bernard Cornwell. Initially airing on BBC America before Netflix acquired the rights, Netflix has since continued producing new episodes. Set in the late 9th century, it follows a man named Uhtred, born a Saxon but raised by Vikings. As conflicts arise, Uhtred must choose between those who raised him and those he shares blood with.

Poldark

7

  • Creator: Margaret Mitchell

  • Cast: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed

  • Year of Release: 2015

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93/100

  • IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Poldark is a historical drama that began airing in 2015 as one of PBS's Masterpiece series. Set in late 18th-century England, it is based on a series of novels by the same name. Aidan Turner stars as Ross Poldark, who was presumed dead in America before returning home to find his life turned upside down—his love married, his father deceased, and his estate sold and abandoned. The series follows Ross as he faces these challenges.

The Tudors

8

  • Creator: James Flynn

  • Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer

  • Year of Release: 2007

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69/100

  • IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

"The Tudors" aired from 2007 to 2010 in four seasons. Initially broadcast on Showtime, it is now available on several streaming services. It is worth watching for anyone interested in a dramatic portrayal of the early days of King Henry VIII's reign and his scandals. Known for having six wives, many of whom met unfortunate ends, the series tells the story of his reign and his relationships with Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and other wives.