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My Top 10 Things to Watch on Netflix

March 27, 2014

I’m not a massive TV watcher, if I was I wouldn’t manage two kids, a blog and millions of hobbies. However when I do want to relax I usually turn to Netflix. I’m a big period drama addict, I love anything from the Regency period to the 1950s and there is plenty of great stuff to watch on Netflix.

So here are a few things that’s I’ve watched and really enjoyed, mostly for the amazing costumes and vintage inspiration as well as my obsession with the past…

1. Upstairs Downstairs – This wonderful drama set in the 1930s got totally sidelined by Downton Abbey and sadly only two series were made. I only watched it recently and absolutely adored it. The costumes are incredible, the storyline is fantastic, and the period of history leading up WWII so brilliantly portrayed. My only complaint is that the show was axed as it was absolutely wonderful.

I think it would have been better if it was a stand alone project rather than a continuation of the popular 70s drama. But if you love that era of the 20th century, you will love this.

2. Titanic Blood and Steel – This fantastic mini series, follows the building of the Titanic at Harland and Wolff in Belfast between 1909 and 1912. Although it is packed with historical inaccuracies the mix of plot and history makes this a must watch. I loved all the characters both fictional and based on true people.

I also found the Northern Irish history fascinating. This drama shows a whole other story to history’s most famous ship and having watched it twice already I would definitely recommend it.

3. Titanic – Another recently made Titanic programme, this one created by Downton Abbey screen writer Julian Fellowes. This one covers the voyage of the ship from the point of view of several characters.

I shed many tears over this one, as the tragedy is more real than any previous portrayal. You really get a sence of the huge loss of life. It’s definitely worth watching though for the amazing acting, and the fabulous sets and costumes.

4. The Bletchley Circle – I watched this ages ago, and I’m glad to see it’s still on Netflix. This murder mystery follows four women who worked at Bletchley House during WWII and have returned to their normal lives. They all have particular skills and find it hard to fit back in to normal life after their roles in the war.

They find themselves putting their skills into action while hunting the identity of a brutal serial killer. It has a few upsetting scenes so not one for the faint hearted.

5. Foyle’s War – I love this one so much! There are also quite a few series of Foyle’s War on Netflix so if you want something to get really stuck into this a great choice. The programme follows the life of a senior policemen during WWII and has absolutely fantastic plots and again I love the costumes.

6. Pride and Prejudice – I have watched this so many times and I never get sick of it. I remember watching it for the first time when I was 10 and have loved it ever since. Although I prefer the 1980 version even more, this is the perfect BBC costume drama and great for a relaxing evening of swooning over the gorgeous Mr Darcy.

I adore the regency costumes and can’t help but adore everything set in his period. If you’ve never seen this (what planet are you on?) you absolutely must give this Austen classic a watch.

7. Some Like It Hot – This is definitely my favourite Marilyn Monroe film, she looks absolutely amazing in this film and her costumes are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. It was made in the 50s and set in the 20s and is an absolute must watch.

8. The Scapegoat – This ITV film is set in a country house in the early 1950s. Basically two men meet in bar and realise they are exactly the same in appearance. After one gets the other drunk a series of misunderstandings lead to them swapping lives. John finds himself at the head of a troubled aristocratic family. This is surprisingly good and great for it’s costumes and locations.

9. Mr Selfridge – The firsts series of this is now on Netflix and I absolutely love it. It tells the story of Harry Selfridge and his famous London Department store at the beginning of the Twentieth Century. It’s full of humour and drama and is a thoroughly good watch. Series two is showing at the moment on ITV but will hopefully make it onto Netflix soon.

10. Bomb Girls – I haven’t actually started watching this yet, but it’s next on my list. I’ve heard good things about it. It’s about a group of women working in a munitions factory during WWII and sounds like my sort of thing.

I hope you like my list and if you’re a Netflix subscriber you’ll give them a go. I think most of these are just available on UK Netflix but US users got Mad Men so I don’t feel too bad!

Let me know if you have any recommendations for great shows on Netflix.

 

  • Reply
    vintagefrenchchic
    March 27, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    We like the same stuff! I adore Foyles War and am ready to move to Hastings. Pride and Prejudice is a long time favorite. I agree about Bletchley and Scapegoat. Now I need to add Selfridge and Titanic to my queue!

    • Reply
      vintagefrills
      March 28, 2014 at 12:14 am

      Foyle’s war is so good! Do you have any TV recommendations? Xxx

  • Reply
    vintagefrenchchic
    March 27, 2014 at 10:47 pm

    Just checked…some are not available in The USA. Bummed…

    • Reply
      vintagefrills
      March 28, 2014 at 12:13 am

      Oh no! Hopefully there’s another platform to watch them on.

      There’s so much good stuff on US Netflix I get very jealous! Xxx

  • Reply
    astrid
    March 28, 2014 at 6:09 am

    Whatta helpful post! Yes Netflix has some great films though they’re sometimes hidden. Keep us posted with more movies please!

  • Reply
    Jade @ Bits & Bobs
    March 28, 2014 at 10:53 am

    We don’t own a TV, it would be a waste of money for us ultimately as we really aren’t tv goers, but when I want a tv fix Netflix is my go to.

    Out of the things you mentioned I have watched The Bletchley Circle, The Scapegoat and Mr Selfridge. All of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve been tempted by Pride & Prejudice but I’m fearful it will differ from the book and then be a disappointment to me.

    Thanks for sharing some of your favourites, I’ve definitely had some inspiration for when I finish the series I am currently watching!

    🙂

    • Reply
      vintagefrills
      March 28, 2014 at 11:10 am

      It does differ from the book a little. But as a massive fan of the book I wasn’t disappointed with this adaptation.

  • Reply
    charlotte
    March 28, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    Enjoyed the Bletchley circle too, and saw the Scapegoat on TV the other day and it was great. Think it’s based on a book by Daphne Du Maurier? Have you seen any of the Fleming series? I really enjoyed that too, although I am not a fan of James Bond, it’s got Dominic Cooper in it (think that’s his name) who’s good.

    • Reply
      vintagefrills
      March 28, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      It is a Daphne du Maurier book yes.

      I really want to watch the Ian Fleming series it looks fantastic. Definitely on my to watch list. Xxx

  • Reply
    Jessica Cangiano
    March 29, 2014 at 7:54 am

    Ooohh, you have so many marvelous series that we don’t have on ours yet (Canada’s is, I swear, the smallest and least interesting of all the Netflix selections, we get a mere fraction of what the US and UK do). Thankfully there are some good period shows and films though, including Mad Men, but as I’ve already seen every episode (many twice), it does leave me longing for some of these series. Hopefully they’ll show up eventually!

    ♥ Jessica

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