Here are 15 of the best, must-see movies about the royal family. Unless otherwise specified, all titles are available to rent and purchase across digital platforms.
Movies About the Royal Family
The King’s Speech (2010)
Long before the misfortunes and fallout of Cats, Tom Hooper’s historical drama The King’s Speechwas a critical and commercial darling, sweeping many top categories at the Oscar including Best Actor (Colin Firth), Best Director (Hooper), and Best Picture. Alongside Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter, Firth stars as ascending King George VI, tasked with overcoming a speech impediment in a desperate hour, the dawn of World War II. It’s worth mentioning that The King’s Speech received one of the dumbest “R” ratings in the history of American ratings, for a handful of swear words in one scene crucial to the story and played for laughs. Inspiring and impeccably performed, this is a great film for families with teens and tweens.
The Queen (2006)
A spellbinding portrait of public figures’ private struggles, Stephen Frears‘ critically praised drama The Queen depicts the British Royal Family’s response to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Helen Mirren won an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. To enhance the contrast of their different worlds, Frears shot most scenes of Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) on 16 mm film and those of the Queen on superior 35mm. Screenwriter Peter Morgan adapted his script for the stage under a new title, The Audience. The play premiered in London’s West End in 2013, with Mirren reprising the role. She won a Tony for the Broadway run in 2015.
Spencer (2021)
PabloLarraín’s masterful Spenceris one of the most assured, idiosyncratic and wholly satisfying biopics in memory. Kristen Stewart mesmerizes as Diana, Princess of Wales in a snapshot tone poem set at the British royal family‘s Sandringham estate over Christmas 1991, as tabloid rumors of infidelity and unrest swirled around them—a year before Diana and Prince Charles announced their separation to the world.
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
Characteristically strong turns from Margot Robbieand Saoirse Ronanas Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, Catholic Queen of Scotland—as well as top-notch, dazzling costumes—compensate for some historical inaccuracies and pacing issues in Josie Rourke’s sometimes-grisly period piece Mary Queen of Scots. Co-starring are Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, David Tennantand Guy Pearce.
Mrs. Brown (1997)
Judi Denchis a brilliant Queen Victoria in John Madden’s acclaimed drama Mrs. Brown, set after the death of Victoria’s beloved Prince Albert. Co-produced by BBC with the intention of a TV premiere on Masterpiece Theater, Mrs. Brown was acquired for theatrical distribution to considerable success, largely riding on Dench’s hailed performance. Dench was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, though she lost to Helen Huntin As Good As It Gets. She would win one year later, for Best Supporting Actress as Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love(also directed by Madden).
The Young Victoria (2009)
Co-produced by Martin Scorseseand directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, The Young Victoria stars Emily Blunt as the teen Victoria, the only legitimate heir of King William. The ensemble cast includes Rupert Friend, Miranda Richardson, Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbentand Mark Strong. Though Blunt’s performance is terrific, MVP here is Sandy Powell’s stunning costume design. An Oscar-winning master in her field, Powell’s work is so sumptuous and detailed it often upstages whatever enterprise it’s in.
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Sexy, glossy and a little wan, Justin Chadwick’s period piece from the 2001 novel of the same name is a fictionalized account of the love triangle between Henry VIII, his mistress Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson) and her sister, Anne (Natalie Portman). The Other Boleyn Girl received mixed reviews, though the performances, most of all Portman’s, were praised.
Elizabeth (1998)
Cate Blanchettreceived her first Oscar nod for Shekhar Kapur’s visually arresting, surprisingly violent drama about Elizabeth I. They followed nearly a decade later with Elizabeth: The Golden Age, a lesser sequel that still showcased a stellar Blanchett and ravishing costumes.
The Favourite (2018)
Though this is no one’s idea of a good date movie, The Favouriteboasts one of the most stunning ensemble casts in memory, and it has no shortage of heart. The exquisitely crafted and brutally funny dark comedy tells of a love triangle between Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), her advisor Sarah (Rachel Weisz), and Sarah’s impoverished cousin Abby (EmmaStone). Abby is ultimately exposed as a user, but the love between Sarah and Anne has a sad, honest truth about it. What takes the film the extra mile is the depth of these characters; we feel for all of them. The Favourite was nominated for 10 Academy Awards—winning a really, really well-deserved trophy for Colman’s tragicomic tour de force.
Henry V (1989)
Though it’s certainly important to mention the 1944 film of the same name starring Laurence Olivierhere, Kenneth Branagh’s gritty war film is also considered one of the best Shakespeare movies ever made. The text is heavily edited for urgency and tension, vibrantly performed by an ensemble cast including Emma Thompson.
The Lion in Winter (1968)
Anthony Harvey’s handsome drama from James Goldman’s 1966 play centers on the personal and political drama of Henry II and his family. Katharine Hepburn famously tied for Best Actress at the Oscars with Barbra Streisand, who won for Funny Girl. This was Hepburn’s third of four wins, still an unsurpassed record. The Lion in Winter is also noteworthy as the first-ever film appearance of Anthony Hopkins.
The King (2019)
Two of the most photographed (and photogenic) actors in the world right now—Timothée Chalametand Robert Pattinson—star in David Michôd’s epic war film The King, loosely based on the Henriad plays of Shakespeare. The King generally received positive reviews following its festival premiere, though many noted it takes considerable liberties from both historical fact and Shakespeare’s texts. You can stream it on Netflix.
William & Kate: The Movie (2011)
Airing days before the highly publicized nuptials of Prince Williamand Duchess Kate, Lifetime’s romantic dramedy starring Nico Evers-Swindell and Camilla Luddington depicted their whirlwind, swoon-worthy courtship. Despite less-than-glowing critical reception, William & Kate: The Moviewas a well-timed ratings smash. Hallmark Channel’s rival feature William & Catherine: A Royal Romancewas released a few months later.
Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace (2021)
Lifetime’s latest Sussex-focused feature, Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace, starring Jordan Dean and Sydney Morton as Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, respectively, tackles the couple’s shocking exit from Britain to the United States. This is the network’s third (yes, third) original film based on Harry and Meghan.
Victoria & Abdul (2017)
From the book Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closest Confidant, Judi Dench once again plays Victoria in Stephen Frears’ unofficial sequel, focused on Victoria’s relationship with Indian Muslim servant Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal). The film was double-nominated at the Oscars for achievements in makeup and hairstyling as well as costume design. Next, check out the 101 best thrillers of all time.
