Bridgerton is back, literary adaptations are having a major moment, and an Austen revival is just around the corner: 2026 promises to be unforgettable for costume drama lovers. Here are seven premieres to catch—whether you’re watching on a screen big or small.
Agatha Christie: The Seven Dials Mystery – Netflix, January 15
BAFTA-winning Mia McKenna-Bruce shines in this fresh take on Agatha Christie’s classic, dressed in sparkling cocktail gowns, creamy knits, tweed, and plaid cloche hats. She plays the sharp-witted, elegant, gin-loving Bundle (Lady Eileen Brent), a true social butterfly of 1920s London whose life takes a wild turn after a raucous party—and a murder spree begins.
Joining her are Martin Freeman, Corey Mylchreest from Queen Charlotte, Edward Bluemel of My Lady Jane, and Nabhaan Rizwan from Kaos—all impeccably dressed in tailored suits. Adding flair is Helena Bonham Carter as an eccentric, bohemian mother with lavish, over-the-top outfits.
Based on Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery and adapted by Chris Chibnall (creator of Broadchurch), this three-part, old-school yet fresh crime drama offers sharp dialogue and surprising twists.
Bridgerton Season 4 – Netflix, January 29
Costume designer Jess Brownell keeps raising the bar each season. Of course, familiar faces return—Nicola Coughlan, Claudia Jessie, Simone Ashley, Adjoa Andoh, and Golda Rosheuvel—dazzling in stunning jewelry, feathers, and richly embroidered gowns.
The real buzz comes with new cast members: Yerin Ha as Sophie, a mysterious masked debutante who captures Luke Thompson’s Benedict Bridgerton’s heart in a shimmering silver dress. Katie Leung appears as the scheming Lady Araminta Gun in elegant widow’s attire, alongside her daughters (Michelle Mao and Isabella Wei) sparkling in diamonds, sequins, and Marie Antoinette-inspired lace clouds.
Wuthering Heights – In Theaters, February 13
Just a few trailers, behind-the-scenes shots, and blurry paparazzi photos sparked huge buzz around Jacqueline Durran, the two-time Oscar-winning costume designer, and Emerald Fennell’s wild, untamed Emily Brontë adaptation.
From puffed-sleeve wedding gowns paired with Chanel jewelry, to a black dress with a gold cross, German bridesmaid cosplay, shiny red latex, and Elton John-style sunglasses—while we eagerly await Margot Robbie’s Cathy, Jacob Elordi’s Yorkshire accent, the sets, and Charli XCX’s soundtrack, honestly: the costumes alone are worth the ticket price.
The Bride – In Theaters, March 6
A sharp shift after Maggie Gyllenhaal’s lyrical directorial debut (The Lost Daughter): this stylized thriller is a wild ride through 1930s Chicago. Jessie Buckley stars as a reimagined Frankenstein’s bride, with flowing silk dresses, fringed hairstyles, leather jackets, lace stockings, ink-black lips, and an enigmatic half-smile.
Alongside her, Christian Bale plays the monster in striped vests, Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard bring flawless elegance, and Penélope Cruz captivates as a deadly vamp. This is sure to inspire one of the top Halloween costumes this year.
Sense and Sensibility – In Theaters, September 11
Costume designer Grace Snell, known for The Souvenir, is behind the wardrobes in this adaptation. Early photos show a version faithful to Jane Austen’s world but with a fresh voice.
Directed by Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean) and written by Diana Reid, the cast is led by Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw. It promises to be a more restrained, poetic take than many contemporaries—making it truly memorable.
The Other Bennet Sister – Release Date TBA
The Austen craze continues with a twist: this adaptation of Janice Hadlow’s novel shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked middle Bennet sister, Mary (played by Ella Bruccoleri).
Joining her are Richard E. Grant, Indira Varma, Ruth Jones, and Tanya Reynolds, with potential suitors Laurie Davidson and Dónal Finn. The costumes are more serious than other Austen adaptations but still stunning—featuring patterned lace coats, feathered hats, silk dresses, and heavy, Indian-inspired jewelry.
Pride and Prejudice – Release Date TBA
And finally, the “real deal”: Dolly Alderton breathes new life into Jane Austen’s classic with a cast that takes your breath away. Emma Corrin stars as the determined Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as the charming Mr. Darcy, and Olivia Colman as the slightly whimsical Mrs. Bennet.
The incredible attention to detail is clear even in early photos: Elizabeth’s rebellious spirit shines through her uniquely tailored coat; Mary’s character is reflected in a soft hat and loose cloak; Lydia’s ambition sparkles in lemon-yellow ribbons and bright yellow gloves. This could very well be a serious contender to Joe Wright’s iconic 2005 version.
