The Most Popular Historical Drama, Ranked

Choose the historical drama you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 24, 2024 09:11
Historical dramas transport viewers back in time, offering a window into the intricacies of past eras through gripping storytelling and rich character development. However, with so many options available, choosing which series to dive into next can be overwhelming. A ranking of the most popular historical dramas based on viewer votes helps streamline this choice, ensuring a quality viewing experience informed by the preferences of a broad audience. By participating in these rankings, viewers not only contribute to a dynamic list that reflects collective tastes but also find guidance from fellow enthusiasts. This interactive process allows fans to champion their favorite shows and discover new ones that have captured the interest of others. It's a continually updated resource that adapts to new trends and releases, making it an essential tool for any fan of the genre.

What Is the Most Popular Historical Drama?

  1. 1
    106
    votes

    Game of Thrones

    An epic fantasy series that intertwines several noble families fighting for control of the mythical land of Westeros.
    • Original Run: 2011-2019
    • Based on: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
  2. 2
    38
    votes

    Downton Abbey

    A British historical drama set in the early 20th century, depicting the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants.
    • Original Run: 2010-2015
    • Creator: Julian Fellowes
  3. 3
    35
    votes

    The Crown

    A historical drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, exploring the political rivalries and romance throughout her reign.
    • Original Run: 2016-present
    • Creator: Peter Morgan
  4. 4
    23
    votes

    Rome

    A historical drama depicting the period of history surrounding the violent transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.
    • Original Run: 2005-2007
    • Creators: John Milius, William J. MacDonald, and Bruno Heller
  5. 5
    12
    votes

    The Tudors

    A series that depicts the reign and marriages of King Henry VIII, focusing on the historical events of the Tudor dynasty.
    • Original Run: 2007-2010
    • Creator: Michael Hirst
  6. 6
    10
    votes

    Vikings

    A historical drama series that portrays the saga of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok and his descendants as they raid and explore new territories.
    • Original Run: 2013-2020
    • Creator: Michael Hirst
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    The Last Kingdom

    A series based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories series, following Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon boy who is adopted by Danes.
    • Original Run: 2015-2022
    • Based on: The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Mad Men

    A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on the firm's mysterious but extremely talented ad executive, Don Draper.
    • Original Run: 2007-2015
    • Creator: Matthew Weiner
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Peaky Blinders

    A British crime drama set in the aftermath of World War I, following the Shelby crime family.
    • Original Run: 2013-2022
    • Creator: Steven Knight
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Band of Brothers

    A war drama miniseries based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose's book, detailing the experiences of Easy Company during World War II.
    • Original Run: 2001
    • Produced by: Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks

Missing your favorite historical drama?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular historical drama. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2928 views
  • 234 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Historical Drama

Game of Thrones
Rank #1 for the most popular historical drama: Game of Thrones (Source)
Historical dramas captivate audiences by blending history with storytelling. These dramas often focus on significant events, figures, and periods. They transport viewers to different eras, offering a glimpse into the past. The genre spans various cultures and timeframes, from ancient civilizations to recent history.

The appeal of historical dramas lies in their ability to educate and entertain. They provide context for historical events, making them more relatable. Characters in these dramas often face challenges and conflicts that resonate with modern viewers. This connection helps people understand the human aspect of history.

Costumes and settings play a crucial role in these dramas. They recreate the look and feel of the time period, adding authenticity. Attention to detail in clothing, architecture, and props helps immerse the audience in the story. This visual accuracy enhances the overall experience.

Writers and directors of historical dramas often conduct extensive research. They aim to stay true to historical facts while crafting engaging narratives. This balance between fact and fiction is crucial. It ensures that the story remains compelling without sacrificing historical accuracy.

Historical dramas also explore themes that are still relevant today. Power struggles, love, betrayal, and social issues are common threads. These themes highlight the timeless nature of human experiences. They show that, despite the passage of time, certain aspects of life remain unchanged.

Actors in historical dramas often undergo rigorous preparation. They study the mannerisms, speech, and behavior of people from the era they portray. This dedication helps them deliver authentic performances. Their portrayal of historical figures can shape public perception and understanding of these individuals.

The success of a historical drama often depends on its ability to resonate with the audience. Strong storytelling, compelling characters, and visual authenticity are key factors. When done well, these elements combine to create a memorable viewing experience.

Historical dramas can also spark interest in learning more about the past. Viewers may seek out books, documentaries, and other resources to deepen their knowledge. This educational aspect is a significant benefit of the genre.

The popularity of historical dramas shows no signs of waning. New productions continue to emerge, each offering a fresh perspective on history. These dramas remind us of the rich tapestry of human experience and the lessons it holds. They encourage us to reflect on the past and consider its impact on the present and future.

In conclusion, historical dramas offer a unique blend of education and entertainment. They bring history to life through compelling narratives, authentic settings, and relatable themes. The genre's enduring popularity speaks to its ability to connect with audiences on a deep level. As long as there are stories to tell from the past, historical dramas will continue to captivate and inspire.

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