The action genre features a wide range of iconic television shows, with some of the most captivating yet often overlooked being historical dramas. These series transport viewers to earlier eras, delivering excitement that often exceeds contemporary settings. The visceral fight scenes and grittiness of past conflicts provide an intense viewing experience that contrasts sharply with modern portrayals, which frequently focus on firearms and contemporary combat techniques. By exploring historical conflicts and struggles, these dramas unveil aspects of history that may be unfamiliar to many audiences.
Top-tier historical series excel in crafting immersive period atmospheres and authentic costumes, effectively pulling viewers into bygone eras. Whether depicting ancient civilizations or the more modern periods of the 20th century, the distinct stylistic and technological differences set these series apart. While historical accuracy may not always be a priority, the high-octane battle sequences and remarkable fight choreography consistently astound viewers, compensating for any temporal inaccuracies.
10 Warrior (2019–2023)
19th Century San Francisco: A Tangled Web of Epic Fights and Secrets
Warrior presents an exhilarating look at late 19th-century San Francisco through the lens of martial arts. Featuring Andrew Koji as Ah Sahm, a young man searching for his sister, the series is action-packed and rich in cultural context. While navigating through an unforgiving world populated by powerful adversaries, Ah’s exceptional martial arts skills shine, showcasing some of the best choreography on modern television.
The series skillfully balances intense action with poignant cultural commentary, making it more than just a spectacle. The diverse characters introduce an array of fighting styles, pushing the narrative into various martial arts niches while also addressing the socio-political issues faced by Chinese immigrants during that era.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Warrior (2019–2023) |
93% |
95% |
9 Brittania (2017–2021)
The Conflict Between Britain and Rome Gets a Fantastical Edge
Brittania merges historical drama with fantasy elements, amplifying the intensity of its British-Roman conflicts. While grounded in historical settings, the inclusion of magic enhances the narrative’s depth, delivering a unique perspective on the grim realities faced during this tumultuous period. The series explores a diverse ensemble of characters and ideological clashes, making it a standout in a genre often focused solely on realism.
Although it only ran for three seasons, Brittania left a significant impact, presenting a captivating mix of mythology, religion, and power struggles. Starring Kelly Reilly and others, the series effectively invites viewers to delve into the complex interplay of belief systems and societal dynamics.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Brittania (2017–2021) |
92% |
78% |
8 Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
Tommy Shelby: The Brutal Antihero of Peaky Blinders
Before his role in Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy captivated audiences as gangster Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the series chronicles Tommy’s relentless pursuit of wealth and status, showcasing his transformation into a formidable antihero. Its gripping narrative explores themes of industrialization and governmental change throughout the 20th century, revealing the ruthless nature of the criminal underworld.
Fans are eagerly awaiting a confirmed Peaky Blinders film to continue the Shelby saga in a new setting. The series brilliantly captures the era’s harsh realities and moral ambiguities, maintaining a bloody narrative that reflects the lengths characters will go to achieve their ambitions.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) |
93% |
94% |
7 Vikings (2013–2020)
Vikings: A Memorable Blend of Drama, Bravery, and History
Vikings chronicles the legendary tales of Norse explorers while merging historical accounts with myth, creating another engaging piece of historical drama. Its detailed storytelling and battle sequences effectively capture the grandeur of this tumultuous period. With a popularity that led to the Netflix spinoff Vikings: Valhalla, the original series remains the definitive viewing experience for fans seeking intense action infused with historical context.
Although some critiques point out historical inaccuracies, the show successfully evokes the era’s brutality and drama, grounding it in the audience’s imagination.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Vikings (2013–2020) |
93% |
88% |
6 Black Sails (2014–2017)
A Thrilling Pirate Adventure with Intrigue
Black Sails, which aired on Starz, is a gripping pirate adventure that serves as a cleverly crafted prequel to the classic novel Treasure Island. Despite not achieving the same longevity as Outlander, it brought forth a new interpretation of piracy, blending historical accuracy with fictional elements to deepen the story’s complexity. Each season builds upon the last, revealing the intricate world of piracy and exploration.
With an impressive array of character development and authentic historical figures that enhance the narrative, the series surprises viewers with thrilling moments while maintaining realism.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Black Sails (2014–2017) |
81% |
83% |
5 The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)
The Clash of Vikings and Saxons in The Last Kingdom
Loosely adapted from Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom chronicles the tumultuous interactions between Saxons and Danes during the 9th and 10th centuries. Centered around Uhtred of Bebbanburg, portrayed by Alexander Dreymon, the series navigates the complex loyalties and brutal conflicts of its central character against a rich historical backdrop. While it draws comparisons to Game of Thrones, it opts for a grounded narrative steeped in reality rather than mysticism.
The stunning landscapes and gripping action sequences transport viewers, allowing them to engage deeply with the historically charged drama.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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The Last Kingdom (2015–2022) |
91% |
95% |
4 Band Of Brothers (2001)
One of the Greatest War TV Shows of All Time
Band of Brothers is a critically acclaimed miniseries that captures the harrowing experiences of American soldiers during World War II. Despite minor accuracy issues, the series immersively portrays the intense realities of combat, showcasing the transformation of soldiers from training to active duty in a vivid and impactful manner. Its legacy continues to resonate in the realm of war-themed television.
Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the series maintains a level of authenticity that few shows have matched, using brilliant narrative techniques to give viewers a visceral connection to the catastrophic impact of war.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Band of Brothers (2001) |
94% |
97% |
3 Rome (2005–2007)
More than 15 years since its airing, Rome remains a benchmark in historical drama. Delving into class struggles and political intrigues within the Roman Empire, it effectively couples character-driven storytelling with thrilling battle sequences. The series adeptly balances narrative pacing, ensuring that action is steeped in emotional depth, making it timeless in its appeal.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Rome (2005–2007) |
86% |
96% |
2 Shōgun (2024–Present)
From Beloved Novel to Engaging Series
The 2024 adaptation of James Clavell’s Shōgun is rapidly gaining acclaim, quickly establishing itself as a definitive retelling of the classic novel. Set in late 16th-century Japan, it examines the intricate political landscape marked by internal power struggles and external pressures. The success of the series hinges on the performances of Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, and Cosmo Jarvis, who bring the complex narrative to vivid life.
Combining thrilling adventure with sharp political intrigue, Shōgun appeals to various audiences. As anticipation mounts for the second season, the shocking ending of season one leaves viewers eager for more developments.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Shōgun (2024–Present) |
99% |
84% |
1 Deadwood (2004–2006)
The Raw Reality of the Wild West
Timothy Olyphant leads the gritty cast of Deadwood, a Western drama renowned for its unflinching portrayal of life in the lawless frontier. Set before Deadwood’s assimilation into Dakota territory, the characters are driven by various motives, from wealth to revenge. Known for its raw narrative and emotional depth, it highlights desperation and the lengths individuals will go to fulfill their desires.
Capitalizing on HBO’s more permissive content guidelines, Deadwood unreservedly presents violence, exploring the extremes characters will reach to achieve their goals. Even years after its release, the show’s impact remains significant, securing its position as a critically acclaimed and unforgettable series.
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Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
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Deadwood (2004–2006) |
92% |
95% |