Explore Epic World History Movies and Series on Netflix
Ever wish you could step into a different time period? While true time travel isn’t an option, the magic of cinema offers the next best thing. If you’re searching for captivating World History Movies On Netflix, you’ll find that the platform hosts a wealth of immersive series that bring the past to life with cinematic scope and detail. These historical dramas and docuseries transport you from the battlefields of World War II to the opulent courts of Regency England, and from the heart of Ancient Rome to the vibrant art scene of 1980s New York. Get ready to explore pivotal moments and fascinating figures from bygone eras, all available for streaming.
These series offer deep dives into specific periods, often based on acclaimed novels or real-life events, providing hours of entertainment that feel like extended cinematic experiences. Whether you’re drawn to tales of royalty, rebellion, artistry, or survival, this curated list highlights some of the most compelling historical narratives currently available on Netflix.
World War II Era Dramas
Experience the intense human stories set against the backdrop of global conflict. These series offer poignant perspectives on resilience, love, and loss during one of history’s most defining periods.
All the Light We Cannot See
The era: The final days of World War II in 1945
As the Nazi regime crumbles in 1945, Marie-Laure (Aria Mia Loberti), a blind French girl, flees German-occupied Paris with her father, Daniel Leblanc (Mark Ruffalo), finding refuge in Saint-Malo. Here, her path converges with Werner (Louis Hofmann), a brilliant German teenager tasked by Hitler’s regime with tracking illegal radio broadcasts. Based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this four-part limited series, directed by Shawn Levy, explores the possibility of connection, hope, and love amid the darkness of war.
Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure looking thoughtful in a scene from the WW2 drama All the Light We Cannot See on Netflix
Call the Midwife
The era: Post–World War II London
Journey to London’s East End during the postwar baby boom. This long-running series follows the dedicated nurses, midwives, and nuns of Nonnatus House as they serve vulnerable women, bringing new life into a community rebuilding after the war. Based on Jennifer Worth’s best-selling memoirs, Call the Midwife spans multiple seasons, depicting the challenges and triumphs of healthcare and community spirit from the late 1950s onwards.
A group of nurses and nuns from Call the Midwife posing together, representing the post-WWII London setting
British Royalty, Society, and Intrigue
Delve into the lives, loves, and power struggles of British high society and the monarchy across different centuries.
Bridgerton
The era: Regency England
Inspired by Julia Quinn’s popular novels, Bridgerton transports viewers to the dazzling, competitive world of London’s high society during the Regency era (early 1810s). Narrated by the mysterious Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews), the series follows the eight Bridgerton siblings as they navigate love, marriage, and scandal. Expect stunning costumes, intricate social hierarchies, and plenty of romance in this stylized historical drama.
Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton and Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset dancing in a Regency era ballroom scene from Bridgerton
The Crown
The eras: England, 1947–2005
This acclaimed series chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, starting from her ascension to the throne. Spanning six seasons and featuring three different actresses portraying the Queen (Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton), The Crown dramatizes the major political and personal events that shaped the British monarchy over more than five decades, including royal marriages, political crises, and family dynamics involving figures like Princess Margaret, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry.
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II looking regal in a scene from The Crown historical drama series on Netflix
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
The era: Dual timelines in 1761 and 1817
This Bridgerton prequel focuses on the rise of Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio). It explores her early life, her arranged marriage to King George (Corey Mylchreest), and their complex, passionate romance that reshaped society. The series delves into Charlotte’s journey to power and influence decades before the main Bridgerton events, while also connecting to the timeline between Bridgerton‘s second and third seasons.
India Amarteifio as young Queen Charlotte wearing an elaborate gown and wig in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Peaky Blinders
The era: 1919 Birmingham, England
Set in the aftermath of World War I, this gritty period drama centers on Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his notorious crime family, the Peaky Blinders. As they build their empire in Birmingham, the series weaves a fictional narrative against the backdrop of Britain’s interwar years, exploring social upheaval, political tensions, and the family’s ruthless ambition. A feature film is also in development.
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby in profile, wearing his signature cap, in the historical crime series Peaky Blinders
European History, Royalty, and Law
Explore diverse historical settings across Europe, from Austrian imperial courts to Italian legal battles and Sicilian aristocracy.
The Empress
The eras: Mid-1800s during Franz Joseph’s rule in Austria
Rebellious Elisabeth “Sisi” (Devrim Lingnau) captures the heart of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria (Philip Froissant). Their passionate love story disrupts the rigid Habsburg court as Sisi struggles against conformity. Often compared to Princess Diana for her fashion sense and connection with the public, Elisabeth faced immense personal challenges within the confines of royal life, making her story both captivating and tragic.
Devrim Lingnau as Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' looking determined in a period gown in the historical drama The Empress
The Law According to Lidia Poët
The era: Late 19th-century Italy
Based on the true story of Italy’s first female lawyer, this series stars Matilda De Angelis as Lidia Poët. When a misogynistic court ruling prevents her from practicing law, Lidia refuses to give up. Aided by her brother Enrico (Pierluigi Pasino) and journalist Jacopo (Eduardo Scarpetta), she investigates crimes and fiercely advocates for her right to work, fighting for gender equality in late 19th-century Turin.
Matilda De Angelis as Lidia Poët standing confidently in a late 19th-century Italian setting in The Law According to Lidia Poët
The Leopard
The era: 19th-Century Sicily
Adapted from Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s acclaimed novel, The Leopard is set in 1860s Sicily during Italy’s unification (Risorgimento). Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina (Kim Rossi Stuart), witnesses the decline of the aristocracy. To secure his family’s future in a changing world, he navigates political turmoil and arranges a strategic marriage between his ambitious nephew Tancredi (Saul Nonni) and the beautiful, wealthy Angelica (Deva Cassel), despite the personal cost.
Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio Corbera in 19th-century attire, looking reflective in a scene from The Leopard historical series
Time-Bending Historical Romance
Experience history with a twist, blending accurate period detail with elements of fantasy and epic romance.
Outlander
The eras: 1945 Scotland, 1743 Scotland (and many more)
Based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels, Outlander begins with Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a married WWII nurse who accidentally travels back in time from 1945 to 1743 Scotland. There, she encounters the dashing Highlander warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). Their epic romance unfolds against the backdrop of the Jacobite risings and spans different centuries and continents, mixing historical fiction with adventure and passion.
Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall and Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser in 18th-century Scottish attire in Outlander
American History and Culture
Explore transformative periods and influential figures in American history, from pioneering entrepreneurs to cultural icons.
The Andy Warhol Diaries
The era: Late 1970s to 1980s New York
This docuseries delves into the final 11 years of Pop Art icon Andy Warhol’s life, using his own posthumously published diaries as a guide. It vividly recreates the New York art scene of the late ’70s and ’80s, featuring interviews with insiders and showcasing Warhol’s interactions with influential figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Debbie Harry, and Keith Haring, while also exploring his personal relationships.
An archival image of Andy Warhol used in the docuseries The Andy Warhol Diaries, depicting the 1970s-80s NYC art scene
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
The era: Turn-of-the-20th-century United States
Octavia Spencer stars in this Emmy-nominated limited series as Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first female self-made millionaire. Born to formerly enslaved parents, Sarah Breedlove (later Madam C.J. Walker) overcame poverty and prejudice to build a successful hair care empire for Black women at the turn of the 20th century, challenging societal norms and figures like Booker T. Washington along the way.
Octavia Spencer portraying Madam C.J. Walker in early 20th-century attire in the biographical series Self Made
The Queen’s Gambit
The era: 1960s US, Mexico City, Paris, and Russia
While fictional, The Queen’s Gambit masterfully captures the atmosphere of the 1960s Cold War era through the story of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), an orphaned chess prodigy. Based on Walter Tevis’s novel and advised by real chess grandmasters, the series follows Beth’s rise in the male-dominated world of competitive chess, exploring themes of genius, addiction, and obsession against stylish mid-century backdrops across the globe.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon intensely focused on a chessboard in the 1960s-set series The Queen's Gambit
Ancient & Medieval Worlds
Journey back to the times of legendary empires and warriors, exploring the foundations of Western civilization and the Viking age.
Roman Empire
The era: Ancient Rome, circa 60 B.C. to 41 A.D.
This docuseries combines dramatic reenactments with expert commentary to profile three notorious Roman emperors. Season 1, “Reign of Blood,” focuses on Commodus (Aaron Jakubenko). Season 2, “Master of Rome,” covers Julius Caesar (Ditch Davey). Season 3, “The Mad Emperor,” explores the reign of Caligula (Ido Drent), offering insights into the power, politics, and personalities that shaped the Roman Empire.
Aaron Jakubenko as Emperor Commodus in Roman armor from the docuseries Roman Empire: Reign of Blood
Vikings: Valhalla
The eras: Early 11th century
Set over a thousand years ago, a century after the original Vikings series, Valhalla chronicles the adventures of famous Norse figures like explorer Leif Erikson (Sam Corlett), his sister Freydís Eiríksdóttir (Frida Gustavsson), and Prince Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter). As tensions escalate between Vikings and the English, and internal conflicts arise over Christian and Pagan beliefs, these characters embark on epic journeys across evolving battlegrounds.
Sam Corlett as Leif Erikson leading fellow Vikings in a scene from the historical action series Vikings: Valhalla
Korean Historical Drama
Immerse yourself in the rich history and courtly intrigue of Korea’s Joseon dynasty.
The King’s Affection
The era: Korea’s Joseon dynasty
In this unique historical romance, the Crown Prince’s twin sister, Dam-yi (Park Eun-bin), must secretly assume his identity and rule as king after his death. To protect her secret, she maintains a distance from everyone at court. However, she finds herself developing forbidden feelings for her royal tutor, Jung Ji-un (Rowoon), leading to dangerous complications within the palace.
Park Eun-bin as Dam-yi disguised as the Crown Prince, and Rowoon as Jung Ji-un in traditional Korean attire from The King's Affection
Embark on Your Historical Journey
Netflix offers a remarkable collection of series that function like expansive world history movies, providing deep, engaging narratives steeped in historical detail. From the grandeur of royal courts to the grit of wartime survival and the intrigue of ancient empires, these shows offer countless hours of captivating viewing.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for your next great binge-watch, these series deliver powerful stories, memorable characters, and stunning recreations of the past. Choose an era that fascinates you, settle in, and prepare to be transported through time. Start streaming these incredible historical journeys on Netflix today.
