Top 10 Period Drama Love Stories to Watch This February
February is the perfect month to enjoy timeless love stories…
This month, I’ve gathered ten of my favorite period dramas that portray relationships which grow through integrity, self-sacrifice, and personal growth - where love is shaped by conviction rather than impulse. I love the handwritten letters, the meaningful looks, the gentle (and clean!) romance, and the ladylike and gentlemanly etiquette portrayed by the characters. Whether you’re drawn to Jane Austen–style courtships or classic enemies-to-lovers romances (think Margaret Hale and Mr. Thornton from North and South), these period dramas all offer heartfelt love stories perfect for Valentine’s Day.
For even more period drama love stories, be sure to check out my list of 50+ Historical Movies and TV Shows for Teen Girls and my list of 20+ Historical Movies for Preteen Girls!
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Pride and Prejudice 1995 | TV-PG
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy must overcome pride, misunderstandings, and wounded first impressions as an unlikely relationship slowly grows into a deep and enduring love. CONTENT GUIDE: Christian Answers and IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Ever After 1998 | PG
Disguises and social barriers test a growing romance as a young servant woman and a prince discover that true love is defined by character, sacrifice, and seeing one another for who they truly are. CONTENT GUIDE: Parent Previews and Kids-in-Mind *Be advised that many of the dresses are very busty, with quite a lot of cleavage.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
North and SOuth 2004 | TV-PG
Set against the tensions of industrial England, this adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel follows the transforming relationship between principled Margaret Hale and disciplined John Thornton as misunderstanding gives way to admiration, growth, and enduring love. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Wives and Daughters 1999 | TV-PG
Through everyday faithfulness, humility, and steady affection, Molly Gibson and Roger Hamley’s long friendship matures into a tender and trustworthy love rooted in respect and integrity. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb *Not mentioned in the linked content guide, there is a brief scene in which a man is with his wife in their bedroom (he is shirtless in bed), and he kisses his pregnant wife’s belly (she is clothed in a nightgown). Brief, and not sexual.
📺 Avaiable to watch on Dailymotion
Emma 2009 | TV-PG
Well-meaning but misguided matchmaking leads Emma Woodhouse to examine her own heart, ultimately discovering that true love grows from humility, honest self-reflection, and deep friendship with the steady Mr. Knightley. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb and Common Sense Media
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Belle 2013 | PG
As Dido Elizabeth Belle navigates questions of identity, justice, and belonging, an unexpected friendship with a principled young lawyer gently grows into a sincere love rooted in shared convictions, respect, and courage. CONTENT GUIDE: Parent Previews and Kids-in-Mind *Be advised that many of the dresses are very busty, with quite a lot of cleavage.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
The Inheritance 1997 | PG
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s first novel written at age 17, The Inheritance tells the story of Edith Adelon, a humble orphan raised by a wealthy family. As secrets, jealousy, and romantic tensions unfold, Edith’s kindness and integrity lead her to an unexpected and heartfelt inheritance. CONTENT GUIDE: Dove (approved for ages 12+) and IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
THe Sound of Music 1965 | G
This is the story of Maria, a young woman preparing for life as a nun who is sent to serve as governess for the seven children of widowed Captain von Trapp in 1930s Austria. Through music and kindness, she brings warmth back to the family and finds unexpected love as they face the growing threat of Nazi occupation. CONTENT GUIDE: Dove (approved for all ages) and IMDb
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Sense And Sensibility 2008 | TV-14
Two devoted sisters navigate heartbreak, restraint, and devotion as their contrasting love stories unfold amid misunderstandings, quiet sacrifices, and the hope of finding true love. CONTENT GUIDE: IMDb *Please be aware that the VERY FIRST scene of the first episode has a scene with Willoughby seducing Eliza Williams. No nudity, but there are bare shoulders visible and he unties her corset. It is definitely something to skip, in my opinion, and is easy to do after the opening credits! Also, some of the dresses, particularly Marianne’s, are occasionally very busty with revealing cleavage.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Mr. Malcolm’s List 2022 | PG
This is a Regency‐era romantic comedy about a young woman who enlists her friend to pose as the perfect match for a picky bachelor - just to exact revenge - but sparks fly when the ruse becomes unexpectedly real. Mr. Malcolm’s List isn’t perfectly historical accurate, but it is quite fun nevertheless! CONTENT GUIDE: Kids-in-Mind
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime Video
Which Period Drama are you most excited to watch this February?
I hope these timeless period drama love stories inspire cozy evenings and thoughtful conversations about character, integrity, and meaningful relationships with your family. Please share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to explore my other curated lists of family-friendly historical movies for more wholesome viewing.
