Feeling in the mood for a captivating historical drama? Here’s a selection of fantastic movies about royals that you might enjoy.
Americans often have a fascination with royalty, potentially because we’ve never had our own. Or perhaps it stems from the fairy tales we grew up reading. Regardless, films about monarchs, whether they are fictional or real, tend to be popular.
I personally enjoy a classic fairy tale princess story, but real-life royals often have much more complex and less enchanting lives. Their positions often pull them into political conflicts, unhappy marriages for state reasons, and sometimes even tragedy.
Despite that, their lives continue to intrigue us. So here’s a list of films and a few TV shows about real-life royals, some more historically accurate than others. While I aimed to include a diverse array of movies, most are of European origin. This shows that the film industry still has many royals from other parts of the world to explore. Hopefully, Hollywood gets the idea.
(Note: Availability is based on U.S. availability as of September 2020 and can change anytime.)
MOVIES ABOUT ROYALS
1. Grace of Monaco (2014)
Grace Kelly wasn’t born royal, but she became one through marriage. This movie captures a brief segment of her life in the early 1960s, showing her as reflective and somewhat discontent.
– Watch: Prime Video, Roku, Vudu, Pluto TV.
2. Queen Christina (1933)
Greta Garbo stars as Queen Christina of Sweden, who lived in the 17th century, refused to marry, and abdicated her throne. This film covers the years leading up to her stepping down.
– Watch: Rent or buy on digital or DVD.
3. The Last Emperor (1987)
This Oscar-winning film depicts the life of China’s last emperor, Puyi, from childhood to his eventual imprisonment.
– Watch: HBO, HBO MAX, Amazon, Apple TV, Vudu.
4. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
This movie is a romanticized portrayal of the marriage between Mogul Emperor Akbar and Indian princess Jodhaa Akbar.
– Watch: Netflix.
5. William the Conqueror (2013)
This French film touches on the significant life of William the Conqueror.
– Watch: Prime Video, Roku, Tubi.
6. Diana (2013)
Focusing on the last years of Princess Diana’s life and her secret relationship with a Pakistani doctor.
– Watch: Hoopla, STARZ, Amazon.
7. A United Kingdom (2016)
Featuring the love story between Seretse Khama (king of Botswana) and Ruth Williams, a white British woman.
– Watch: Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
8. Queen Margot (1994)
A French drama about Margaret of Valois and her tumultuous life in a politically charged marriage.
– Watch: Kanopy, Digital.
9. Juarez (1939)
The story of Archduke Maximilian I and Empress Carlotta’s brief reign in Mexico.
– Watch: Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
10. Cleopatra (1963)
Elizabeth Taylor stars as Cleopatra, showing her rise to power, political ambitions, and relationships with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony.
– Watch: Rent or buy on digital and DVD.
11. Alexander the Great (1956)
Richard Burton stars in this film about the Greek king who ruled a vast empire.
– Watch: Prime Video, Vudu.
12. The Hollow Crown (2012, 2016)
A British mini-series featuring multiple English kings, including Richard II and Henry V.
– Watch: Digital or DVD.
13. Sofia (2016)
This Russian series about Byzantine Princess Sophia, married to Moscow’s Grand Prince Ivan III.
– Watch: Prime, Tubi, Hoopla.
14. Ekaterina (2014)
A detailed portrayal of Catherine the Great’s rise, produced in Russia.
– Watch: Prime Video, Tubi.
15. Sissi Film Series (1955-1957)
A set of German films about Elisabeth of Bavaria, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
– Watch: Kanopy, Digital or DVD.
16. Marie Antoinette (1938)
This film covers the life of the last queen of France, starring Norma Shearer.
– Watch: Digital or DVD.
17. The Last King (2016)
A film about Norwegian history following the protection of King Haakon III’s son.
– Watch: Tubi, Hoopla.
18. Mary of Scotland (1936)
Katharine Hepburn stars as Mary, Queen of Scots, focusing on her conflict with Queen Elizabeth of England.
– Watch: Digital or DVD.
19. The Favourite (2018)
This film centers on Queen Anne of England and her close relationships with her ladies in waiting.
– Watch: Max Go, Amazon.
20. Nicholas and Alexandra (1971)
A portrayal of Russia’s last Tsar and his political and personal life.
– Watch: Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV.
21. Outlaw King (2018)
A film about Robert the Bruce, who fought for and won Scotland’s independence.
– Watch: Netflix.
22. The King’s Speech (2010)
This story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment is both inspirational and touching.
– Watch: Digital or DVD.
23. Elizabeth (1998)
Cate Blanchett stars as Queen Elizabeth I in this film about her rise to power.
– Watch: Starz, Amazon.
24. The Young Victoria (2009)
Featuring Emily Blunt as Queen Victoria, focusing on her early years and ascension.
– Watch: Digital or DVD.
25. The Lion in Winter (1968)
This film portrays the explosive dynamics between King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine during Christmas 1183.
– Watch: Digital or DVD.
26. The Madness of King George (1994)
Covers the mental health struggles of England’s King George III.
– Watch: Roku, Hoopla, Vudu, Tubi.
27. A Royal Scandal (1997)
The tumultuous marriage of the Prince of Wales and Caroline of Brunswick.
– Watch: Prime, Hoopla.
28. The Crown (2016)
This series delves into the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, balancing honesty and public image.
– Watch: Netflix.
29. Wolf Hall (2015)
A series about Henry VIII’s reign and his separation of England from Rome.
– Watch: PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Hoopla.
30. Anna and the King (1999)
Telling the story of Anna Leonowens, who tutored the children of the King of Siam.
– Watch: Digital or DVD.
31. Lady Jane (1987)
The tragic story of Lady Jane Grey, the shortest reigning monarch.
– Watch: Prime, Crackle.
32. Mayerling (1957)
Covering the mysterious deaths of Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria and his mistress, starring Audrey Hepburn.
– Watch: Prime.
33. A Royal Affair (2012)
The romantic drama of Danish Princess Caroline Matilda and her affair with a German doctor.
– Watch: Prime, Tubi, Crackle.
34. Princess Ka’iulani (2009)
The story of the last Hawaiian princess fighting to save her throne.
– Watch: Kanopy, Pluto TV.
35. Charles II: The Pride and the Passion (2003)
Covers the unique story of King Charles II’s life after being exiled and then restored to the throne.
– Watch: Prime, Hoopla, Britbox.
What are your favorite movies about royals? Share your thoughts on your most admired historical monarchs in the comments.
