They say that you should write what you know and if I know anything, it's Netflix and period dramas. So, as my gift to you, here are my top 10 favorite period dramas on Netflix at the time of this article's publication. Now that finals are over, you probably have a lot of free time on your hands. Well, fear not dear ones, I have come to valiantly cure your boredom (or possibly make it worse.) So, throw your school work from this semester in the garbage and get comfortable because I'm going to give you another reason to cry. Except this time, your future isn't in the mix! (Disclaimer: some of these migrate on and off the site, but they were on there when I wrote this, so they're fair game.)

10. Mansfield Park

If any movie on Netflix was a classic period drama, it'd be this movie (It's a Jane Austen adaptation for crying out loud!). Yet, it isn't just one of those films that you'd expect to graciously receive an award for amazing costume design. No, Mansfield Park has something for everyone. Believe it or not, and I know it may be hard for some of you to believe, it's a comedy. Yea, I know, how can that be possible? Well, fret not my friends-- what I say to thee is true. Ms. Austen wrote it that way, believe it or not, but if the comedic aspect of the film doesn't have you scrambling for your Netflix bookmark, have no fear. This film also has all the classic tell tale signs of a Jane Austen narrative: Girl travels, girl meets boy, boy runs away from her for the entirety of the film, girl finds happily ever after with two minutes to spare. Love, drama, period costumes, fairy tale sets, and an independent female lead-- this film is for sure to be a good time for anyone and everyone.

9. CBGB

And you thought period dramas had to be Victorian... No, no, friends, this is not some sappy chick flick. This movie is tough and represents all the men out there, aching for a story that doesn't include a gallivanting female on a quest to find true love. The movie is based on a true story-- the story of Hilly Kristal to be specific. Known as the father of punk ruck, this man, played by the ever so lovely Alan Rickman, is the owner, operator, and founder of the infamous CBGB club in Manhattan's East Village where over 50,000 bands got their start during the 70s and onward. Although it's a biopic, it's a must-watch for anyone that loves movies about music or, as I'm showcasing here, period peaces. (P.S. Everything is disgusting in this movie, not just the bathroom. Germophobes be warned.)

8. Changeling

Wow. This film, man. It's so exceptional! Everything about it is commendable: the costumes, sets, writing, actors, everything! Angelina Jolie is gorgeous in everything she does, but this film has a special place in my heart. Although it's not exactly for the faint of heart, this film is definitely one to check out if you're feeling a bit weepy. You'll cry, believe me. I did and I have a heart of stone. So, grab the tissues, put on your comfy clothes, and let's cry together. (I promise you'll feel better afterward.)

7. The Butler

First of all, let me say something about this cast: outstanding! The casting of Presidents is a bit questionable at times, but the complexity of this story makes up for it 10 fold. Granted, you should come to expect it seeing as Oprah turns everything she touches into gold, but she really outdid herself this time. Forewarning, it seems like the longest film you've ever watched while you're sitting down watching it, but it only comes out to about 132 minutes-- and that's with lengthy subtitles. Knowing what exactly is going on in our country at the moment, this film is a must watch for everyone! The scenes depicting the course of the Civil Rights movement make me tear up every single time, making this movie one of my favorites since Selma.

6. Anna Karenina

Guys, guys listen to me. You don't even have to watch this entire movie. (It's OK, I'll give you a free pass this time.) However, if you don't watch at least the first twenty minutes of this film, you're missing out on some of the best cinematography in existence. (I've taken a few film classes, trust me.) Think the beginning of Moulin Rouge, but on hard core drugs. The first twenty minutes of this film are depicted like it were on stage and it is the most glorious 20 minutes my little 19-year-old eyes have ever seen. Other than that, you should look at this film, see that Keira Knightley-- the Queen of the period piece-- is in it, and begin watching because she plays those roles so well! I'm telling you, just go right now and watch it. I'll be right here waiting when you return.

5. The Importance of Being Earnest

I don't even know where to begin with this movie. It's just so fantastic. OK, remember how I said that Mansfield Park was the ultimate period drama comedy? Yea, well, I lied. Except not really. The Importance of Being Earnest is a different kind of comedy-- what us English majors like to call 'farce.' Don't worry about the vocabulary though, I've got you covered. That's just a fancy college word for ironic comedy. Everything is backwards and wrong-- that's what makes it funny! This cast goes above and beyond everything you're already imagining too! I mean, Colin Firth, people. (You didn't think I'd neglect to include a movie with our favorite charming Brit did you?) Funny story though: Frances O'Connor, who plays the lovely Gwendolyn Fairfax, is the female lead in Mansfield Park. Just a bit of trivia, not really important. Anyway, Dame Judi Dench is also in this movie, and as always, she makes the film. Let's just make it easy for you and say that 10/10 Brooke's would recommend this one. (That's me-- the author. Just in case you didn't know.)

4. The Awakening

Look, I know what you're thinking, and no, this is not the movie adaptation of Kate Chopin's most famous novel. I was upset when I found out, and I can't have that for you guys. No, this movie is for you horror/thriller buffs out there. I hands down would say that this movie is my favorite horror/thriller film ever. I watch a lot of those ladies and gents, so that's a pretty big deal. I won't spoil why this movie has risen to the top of my horror lists, or even this list because I want it to be a surprise for you. Don't question anything-- just watch it. Be surprised-- the writers wrote it the way they did so you could feel all sorts of emotions. Just let it happen, and enjoy the underlying fabulousness that is Rebecca Hall. (Also, bonus points if you spy a certain Harry Potter character that reminds you of a certain shade of pink.)

3. Mona Lisa Smile

Listen, I'd be doing a disservice to my women's studies minor if I didn't love this film as much as I do. I actually had never watched it until my entry women's studies class, and boy was I pleased. I had to write a paper on this film and I still love it-- the analyzing god's don't always look down on me so graciously, so I was ecstatic! Not only is it set in my favorite time period, the 50s, it seeks to disembowel everything that was, and is, internalized misogyny. A must watch for any college lady who wonders if they're embarking on the right path in life, or for anyone else who simply wants to educate themselves. I know it's surprising, but feminism is for the men out there too. It's too our mutual advantage, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Whether you're in college or out, male or female, give this one a go! It just might become your favorite.

2. Django Unchained

How could I not include a film about slavery on this list? I'm sorry if you don't like Tarantino or the language in this movie makes you uncomfortable, but have you ever thought about the implications behind why you feel uncomfortable in the first place? Chew on that a little while I praise this film. In my humble opinion, this is Tarantino's best film. Forget Pulp Fiction, forget Reservoir Dogs, this film is Tarantino's true masterpiece and should be treated as such. Oh, and don't even get be started on this cast. DiCaprio and Foxx, yes, but Christoph Waltz steals the show from the get-go. I don't know, maybe I just have a thing for European men that are old enough be my father, but this guy is a catch. If 12 Years a Slave was too biographical for you, definitely add this one to your list, you won't regret it.

1. Robin Hood Prince of Thieves

Oh, yes. It's classic, it's also old, but this film is my all-time favorite period piece. Some of you may flock to see a young Kevin Costner as our leading man. Others of you may be like myself and stick around for a young, and definitely show-stopping performance by Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham. (To each their own though.) Aside from the phenomenal cast, this film is the real deal and a triple threat as far as period dramas are concerned: costumes, sets, and a classic story. You may be thinking, "But, Brooke, the rest of these have those as well." And I'd say, "Yes, random citizen, they do, but this one is leaps and bounds ahead of it's time." This film was so good that almost all of the cast's careers skyrocketed because of it's success. They are noted for it, and I will give the people what the people want! So, if you're returning to this film after a long awaited exile or getting in on the action for the first time, settle in and enjoy it. (Nottingham may cut your tongue out with a spoon if you don't.)