We’ve said goodbye to Downton Abbey before — when the series ended in 2015, as well as after each of the two previous movies, Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022).
But the newest film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, certainly is setting itself up as a true final farewell.
If you’re already yearning for more stunning period costumes, class drama and forbidden romance, Watch With Us has you covered with four movies and shows that will scratch your Downton Abbey itch.
‘The Gilded Age’ (2022-Present)
Written by Downton creator Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age is another period ensemble drama following a wealthy family — but this one takes place in 1880s New York City. Fellowes has hinted that some Downton characters (most likely younger versions of the ones we know) could even appear in future seasons of this acclaimed drama, which stars Cynthia Nixon, Carrie Coon, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga and more.
Beautiful performances and production design make this show stand out, as do its storylines about race, an element that’s mostly missing from Downton Abbey.
Stream The Gilded Age on HBO Max.
‘Jane Eyre’ (2011)
This adaptation of the literary classic stars Mia Wasikowska as the eponymous orphan, who becomes a governess in the household of the wealthy and mysterious Mr. Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender).
Dealing with some of the same themes of class disparity and forbidden love, Jane Eyre takes place in an earlier historical period (the 1810s), but features similarly stunning costume design and melodrama. Wasikowska’s portrayal of Jane’s quiet dignity is pitch-perfect, making this film one of our favorite literary adaptations.
Rent Jane Eyre on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+.
‘Anna Karenina’ (2012)
Keira Knightley stars in this stunning period drama, also based on a literary classic, about Russian socialite Anna Karenina and her affair with the dashing Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Directed by Joe Wright, who also collaborated with Knightley on Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, Anna Karenina is a stunningly lush film with gorgeous set design that makes the whole film resemble a play.
The ensemble cast includes Jude Law, Matthew Macfadyen and Downton Abbey’s own Michelle Dockery, all of whom are excellent — but Anna feels like the role Knightley was born to play.
Rent Anna Karenina on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV+.
‘Upstairs Downstairs’ (1971-1975)
Without this series, Downton Abbey would likely never have existed — the 1970s British drama set the standard for drama about wealthy families and the employees who serve them.
Set in a large townhouse at 165 Eaton Place in central London, the show takes place roughly around the same time as Downton Abbey, between 1903 and 1930, and explores the changing status of the British aristocracy. Co-created by esteemed British actresses Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh, the show stars David Langton, Rachel Gurney, Simon Williams, Nicola Pagett, Ian Ogilvy and more.
Watch Upstairs Downstairs on Tubi, Pluto TV or Disney+.
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