Television series

Malory Towers

Name: Malory Towers
Genre: Drama, Adventure, Family
Released: 2020
Cast: Ella Bright, Danya Griver, Imogen Lamb, Beth Bradfield, Jennifer Wigmore

Coming-of-age
Light-hearted

A BBC adaptation of Enid Blyton's beloved boarding school novels, following a new girl navigating friendships, rivalries, and self-discovery at an elite Cornish academy in the 1940s. Visually gorgeous, emotionally genuine, and surprisingly modern in its treatment of belonging and identity. Perfect for anyone who wants comfort without condescension, adventure without cynicism.

TVMaze rating

3.7

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Contemporary take on the coming-of-age ensemble formula with real bite. Smart about female friendships, school hierarchies, and the gap between how people present themselves and who they actually are. Genuinely funny.

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Another literary adaptation that respects its source while deepening it for modern audiences. Period-perfect, visually sumptuous, and genuinely moving. The portrayal of female friendship and self-acceptance is beautiful.

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Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Malory Towers

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

The Box of Delights1984

Both are BBC productions steeped in a particular vision of British childhood as something precious and visually beautiful—not glossy modern versions of it, but the real thing, filmed with genuine affection for the era and the emotional truth of growing up.

A BBC classic that shares Malory Towers' commitment to creating a fully realized world of British childhood adventure and wonder. Gorgeously filmed, genuinely magical without being saccharine, and absolutely hypnotic. Pure imagination made visible.

But It's a period film from the 1980s with pacing that demands patience. By modern standards it moves slowly, and some of the special effects are clearly dated. Not for viewers who need constant momentum.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel2017

Period comedy-drama about a woman finding her voice and her people. Gorgeous production design, snappy dialogue, and an ensemble that actually feels like a family. Utterly rewatchable.

But It's adult-focused and often bawdy. No boarding school wholesomeness here—it's sophistication and scandal in 1950s New York.

Dickinson2019

A period coming-of-age story that refuses to be reverent about its own era. Smart, visually inventive, and genuinely funny. The female friendships are central and complicated in the best way.

But Anachronistic soundtrack and irreverent tone might feel jarring if you want pure period immersion. Also much edgier than Malory Towers in every direction.

Heartbeat1992

A different kind of ensemble drama but equally warm and character-driven. British setting, strong sense of community, and that same comfort-watch quality where you just want to spend time with these people.

But It's about police officers, not schoolchildren, so the tone is more procedural. Also significantly older production values and pacing.

The Summer I Turned Pretty2022

Captures that specific magic of a formative summer where friendships are tested and remade, crushes feel life-or-death, and self-discovery happens in small moments. Beautiful cinematography and genuinely sweet.

But Considerably more romance-focused and less grounded than Malory Towers. The love triangle feels central in a way that might overshadow the friendship dynamics you're watching for.

The Trip2010

British period drama with excellent ensemble work and strong female characters. The setting is atmospheric, the relationships feel earned, and there's real warmth underneath the drama.

But Smaller scale and quieter than you might want. Some find the pacing slow and the stakes less immediate than more action-driven period pieces.

Good Omens2019

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Heartstopper2022

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Animated comedy-drama about friendship and first love that understands the emotional stakes of school relationships with stunning clarity. Joyful, warm, and made with real artistry. The ensemble dynamics are perfect.

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Swallows and Amazons1974

Both trust young people entirely. Both understand that friendship and loyalty and proving yourself matter more than anything external. Both are filmed with real love for the landscapes they're set in. Swallows and Amazons is the spiritual ancestor of this kind of story—the template for how to make a film about childhood that respects children's emotional lives as serious and real.

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But It's a 1974 film and it shows—not everyone responds to that specific visual language or pacing. Some find the nautical adventure elements slow, and there's less character melodrama than modern viewers might expect.