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Want to watch a compelling historical drama? Here are some fantastic movies about royals.
Americans often find royalty captivating, likely because we’ve never had our own monarchs. This interest might also stem from childhood fairy tales. Either way, films about both real and fictional monarchs are usually a big hit.
I’ve always loved fairy tale princess stories, but real-life royals often face political struggles, unhappy marriages, and tragedies. Still, their lives are endlessly fascinating.
Here’s a list of movies and TV shows about real-life royals. Some stick closely to historical facts, while others take some liberties. Most come from European history, highlighting the numerous interesting stories yet to be told.
– Grace of Monaco (2014): Grace Kelly became royalty through marriage. This film captures a slice of her life in the early 1960s, portraying her as contemplative and somewhat unhappy.
– Stream on Prime Video, Roku, Vudu, Pluto. Rent or buy on digital/DVD.
– Queen Christina (1933): Queen Christina of Sweden, played by Greta Garbo, ruled in the 17th century, refused to marry, and eventually abdicated her throne.
– Rent or buy on digital/DVD.
– The Last Emperor (1987): This Oscar-winning film tells the story of Puyi, the last Emperor of China, from his childhood ascension to his eventual imprisonment.
– Stream on HBO, HBO MAX. Rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Vudu, or DVD.
– Jodhaa Akbar (2008): A romanticized portrayal of the marriage between Emperor Akbar and Indian princess Jodhaa.
– Stream on Netflix. Buy on DVD.
– William the Conqueror (2013): A French film about the pivotal ruler William the Conqueror.
– Stream on Prime Video, Roku, Tubi.
– Diana (2013): This film looks at the last couple of years of Princess Diana’s life and her secret relationship with a Pakistani doctor.
– Stream on Hoopla, STARZ. Rent/buy on digital and DVD.
– A United Kingdom (2016): Depicts the interracial love story between Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams.
– Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– Queen Margot / La Reine Margot (1994): This French drama focuses on Margaret of Valois and the events leading to the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.
– Stream on Kanopy. Rent or buy on digital.
– Juarez (1939): The story of Mexico’s Archduke Maximilian I and his wife, Empress Carlotta.
– Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– Cleopatra (1963): This film shows Cleopatra’s rise to power and her political ambitions.
– Rent/buy on digital and DVD.
– Alexander the Great (1956): A film about Alexander the Great’s rule.
– Stream on Prime Video, Vudu. Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– The Hollow Crown (2012, 2016): A British mini-series based on Shakespeare’s writings featuring multiple English kings.
– Buy on digital or DVD.
– Sofia / Sofiya (2016): A Russian series about Princess Sophia’s marriage to Ivan III.
– Stream on Prime, Tubi, Hoopla. Buy on Amazon and Google Play.
– Ekaterina (2014): A visually rich portrayal of Catherine the Great and her predecessor Elizabeth.
– Stream on Prime Video, Tubi. Buy on Amazon.
– Sissi Film Series (1955-1957): German films covering Elisabeth of Bavaria’s life.
– Stream on Kanopy. Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– Marie Antoinette (1938): A portrayal of the last queen of France, starring Norma Shearer.
– Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– The Last King / Birkebeinerne (2016): A film about King Haakon III’s son’s protectors.
– Stream on Tubi, Hoopla. Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– Mary of Scotland (1936): Katharine Hepburn stars as Mary, Queen of Scots.
– Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– The Favourite (2018): Focuses on Queen Anne’s relationships with her ladies in waiting.
– Stream on Max Go, Cinemax Amazon Channel. Rent/buy on digital and DVD.
– Nicholas and Alexandra (1971): Depicts the last Tsar of Russia and his family.
– Stream on Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV. Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– Outlaw King (2018): The story of Robert the Bruce and Scotland’s fight for independence.
– Netflix
– The King’s Speech (2010): The story of King George VI’s struggle with his speech impediment.
– Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– Elizabeth (1998): Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I.
– Stream on Starz. Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– The Young Victoria (2009): Focuses on Queen Victoria’s early years and her marriage to Albert.
– Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– The Lion in Winter (1968): A family drama featuring King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
– Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– The Madness of King George (1994): Explores the mental illness of King George III.
– Stream on Roku, Hoopla, Vudu, Pluto TV, Tubi. Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– A Royal Scandal (1997): The tumultuous marriage of the Prince of Wales and Princess Caroline.
– Stream on Prime and Hoopla.
– The Crown (2016): Chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s early reign.
– Netflix or buy on DVD.
– Wolf Hall (2015): Focuses on Henry VIII and his break with the Catholic Church.
– Stream on PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Hoopla. Buy on digital and DVD.
– Anna and the King (1999): The story of Anna Leonowens in the court of the King of Siam.
– Rent/buy on digital and DVD.
– Lady Jane (1987): Depicts the brief reign of Lady Jane Grey.
– Stream on Prime, Crackle. Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– Mayerling (1957): The tragic deaths of Crown Prince Rudolph and his mistress.
– Stream on Prime. Rent or buy on Amazon and DVD.
– A Royal Affair (2012): The story of Caroline Matilda’s affair with a German doctor.
– Stream on Prime, Hoopla, Tubi, Crackle, Pluto TV. Rent/buy on digital and DVD.
– Princess Ka’iulani (2009): The last Hawaiian princess fighting against American takeover.
– Stream on Kanopy, Pluto TV. Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
– Charles II: The Pride and the Passion (2003): Follows Charles II’s return to the throne and his private affairs.
– Stream on Prime, Hoopla, Britbox. Buy on digital and DVD.
What are some of your favorite movies about royals? Who is your favorite historical monarch? Let me know in the comments.
