The British Royal Family has been the subject of numerous movies and series throughout the years. The monarchy has spanned decades with magnificent figures positioning themselves as key players in the history books. With its long history, it is inevitable that the family has had their lives depicted on screen. For example the late Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign is the longest in the Commonwealth, has had her life story turned into major movies and shows.
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From a film that chronicles a monarch rise into power to a re-imagining of a princess' life within the confines of the palace, there are a lot of engaging films about the Royal Family that are worth viewers' time. Not only do they give an eye-opening insight to a system entirely different from most countries, they are also exceptional movies that provide drama and intrigue like no other.
‘The White Queen’ (2013)
The White Queenfollows three women who were instrumental in the conflict dubbed as Wars of the Roses that determined the rightful claim to the throne of England. The miniseries was based on a book series byPhilippa Gregoryand has been continued with two miniseries sequels.
StarringRebecca Ferguson, the show received lukewarm reviews from critics in the United Kingdom but gained a much more positive reaction in the United States. The US version reportedly has more explicit scenes than the UK version. The ensemble cast and the production is praised by viewers and critics.The White Queenwas nominated for an Emmy for Best Miniseries.
‘The Tudors’ (2007 - 2010)
The Showtime series chronicles the life of King Henry VII played byJonathan Rhys Meyers.The King is infamous for his six marriages, including his second with Anne Boleyn.The Tudorsfeatures fresh faces who have since found mainstream fame such asHenry CavillandNatalie Dormer.
King Henry VIII ruled from 1505 to 1547, but the show did not follow the timeline established in history. The writers of the show took many liberties in the story to maximize the drama for viewers. Despite that,The Tudorsis still a hit with viewers who made this Showtime’s largest debut at the time.
‘Elizabeth’ (1998)
StarringCate Blanchett,Elizabethdepicts the early reign of the titular queen in the 1550s, filled with plots to marry her off and threats to her status. The film also starsGeoffrey RushandChristopher Eccleston, and written byMichael Hirst- who createdThe Tudors.
TheShekhar Kapurfilm was nominated for 7 Oscars, and was a commercial success as well. The film was lauded for bringing exceptional drama to this chapter in the British Royal Family. While it also received some criticisms for its historical liberties, it did not stop the release of its sequel,Elizabeth: The Golden Age, 9 years later.
‘Mary Queen of Scots’ (2018)
Mary Queen of Scotsfinds Queen Elizabeth’s claim to the throne challenged by her cousin who returned from France.Margot Robbieplays Queen Elizabeth whileSaoirse Ronanplays the title role.
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As with many historical films, there are some major inaccuracies with the recorded truth. Nevertheless, the film is ignited by the two leads' strong performances. ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ also features outstanding production, costume design and make up, so it is no surprise when the film was nominated for two Oscars.
‘The Young Victoria’ (2009)
Written byJulian Fellowes(Downton Abbey) and directed by the lateJean-Marc Vallée(Dallas Buyers Club,Big Little Lies),The Young Victoriafollows Victoria’s courtship and marriage with Prince Albert of Belgium and her early reign as the queen.
WithEmily Bluntas Queen Victoria, the film was praised for its romantic plot and the film’s efforts to be as historically accurate as possible. Blunt and her co-starRupert Friendwere electric on screen.The Young Victoriaa colorful and often-forgotten time frame in the queen’s long reign.
‘Victoria & Abdul’ (2017)
Victoria & Abduldramatizes the real-life friendship between Queen Victoria and her servant Abdul who hailed from India. This film marksJudi Dench’s second time playing Queen Victoria afterMrs. Brown20 years prior.
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Directed byStephen Frears,the film displayed warm and powerful human drama. Both Dench andAli Fazaldelivered natural and sometimes funny performances. With its incredible production design, it is a movie that is emotionally beautiful and delightful to look at.
‘The King’s Speech’ (2010)
An Oscar Best Picture winner,The King’s Speechfollows King George VI (Colin Firth) as he learns to overcome his stammering impediment with the help of a speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).
The film is a success critically and commercially. It is also praised for depicting an empathetic and realistic portrayal of a stammer. Not only is it a fascinating chapter in British history, at its core it is a feel-good film about a man who succeeded in defeating his biggest obstacle. The friendship between the King and his therapist is another highlight of the film.
‘Spencer’ (2021)
Kristen Stewartsports an impeccable British accent and transforms into Princess Diana inPablo Larrain’sSpencer.The film dramatizes Diana’s struggle and state of mind as she confronts her husband and the Royal Family during a holiday getaway.
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Stewart’s performance gained widespread acclaim from viewers and critics alike. Even Princess Diana’s former staff chimed in to say that Stewart nailed her mannerisms really well.Spenceritself is a unique take on the real-life figure, which presents her in a much more complex way than her previous depictions.
‘The Queen’ (2006)
Helen Mirrenwas awarded the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance inThe Queen.The film reenacts the Queen and the Royal Family’s response toPrincess Diana’s death. The film also starsJames CromwellandMichael Sheen, who was also lauded for his performance as Tony Blair.
Written byPeter Morganwho also createdThe Crown, the film was commended for giving viewers a dramatic insight to an unseen perspective of an event that shook the world.Queen Elizabeth IIherself praised Mirren for her portrayal and invited her to the palace for tea.
‘The Crown’ (2016 - present)
One of themost lavish show on streaming services,The Crownis now headed into Season 5. The series illustrates Queen Elizabeth II’s figure as she assumed the role in such a very young age, dealt with Prime Ministers, and fulfilled her duties as a monarch.
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The Crownis already in its third actor for playing the Queen, fromClaire Foy,Olivia Colmanand nowImelda Staunton. The series showcases exceptional performances from the ensemble cast throughout its seasons, great production, and beautiful cinematography. Due to its immersive drama and careful plotting that mirrored actual events, some viewers have mistaken this for an accurate piece of work. WhileNetflix has now added a disclaimer, it is a testament on how good this show is.
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