Buzz
Monarchy, it's a love/hate affair. Sure, autocratic rule is generally seen as negative (though democracy is no walk in the park either—at least with it, there’s no one person to blame), while today’s less powerful versions of royalty might seem somewhat redundant—like it’s all just a show. But that’s what we love: the spectacle. The monarchy is where personal lives and political matters collide, where family drama can have global ramifications, all against a backdrop of opulent attire and magnificent estates. A divorce is scandalous—but a divorce with consequences that echo for centuries? Now that's a story worth telling. This fascination is the lifeblood of the British monarchy, keeping it alive—royal tourism is said to more than cover the costs of maintaining the queen’s reign, providing endless inspiration for writers and filmmakers alike.
Here are 22 of the most captivating films focusing on specific English and British monarchs, spanning nearly a thousand years. Some are filled with scandal, others with action, some are lavish, and a few are even close to the real deal.
(A note for fellow grammar enthusiasts: before 1707, when Queen Anne reigned, we refer to English monarchs; once England and Scotland united, they became British.)
*Elizabeth II—The Queen* (2006)
Reign: 1952 - Present
There are queens, and then there’s Dame Helen Mirren, who plays Queen Elizabeth II in this film for the first and only time, although she has portrayed the British monarch on stage as well. The film is set during a crucial period of Elizabeth’s record-breaking reign—far beyond her early days as the face of post-war Britain, when the middle-aged queen found herself mired in family scandals and a growing sense of irrelevance. The 1997 death of Princess Diana marked a major personal and political crisis for the queen, who had to balance guiding her grandchildren through their mother’s death while also confronting the public’s desire for a more empathetic monarchy. This subtle reinvention may have been what ultimately preserved the British monarchy (at least for a while).
Where to stream: Netflix
Queen Elizabeth II (Bonus)—A Royal Night Out (2015)
Elizabeth’s reign has been so lengthy that it’s hard for most people in the Commonwealth (or anywhere, really) to recall a time when she wasn’t the iconic, grey-haired monarch who’s become a symbol of wisdom and grace. This film, although fictionalized, recounts the true event of one night when the then-heir apparent (who was also an Army mechanic) and her sister Margaret slipped out of the palace in disguise to join the VE-Day celebrations in the streets. It reflects a very different chapter in both the queen’s life and the world’s history. Pair this with The Queen for a fitting Elizabethan double-feature.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi
George VI—The King’s Speech (2010)
Reign: 1936 - 1952
The heartwarming Best Picture winner closely follows the true story of Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who helped George VI, affectionately known as Bertie, the second son of George V, overcome his stammer. Bertie never planned to be king, nor did he want the role. But when his older brother Edward abdicated to pursue a life with Wallis Simpson, a divorcée with ties to Nazism, Bertie was thrust onto the throne just as World War II was breaking out. With the help of Logue and his wife (the future queen mother, who lived to 101), Bertie overcame his speech impediment and found the confidence needed to lift the spirits of the British people during their darkest hours.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Edward VIII—W.E. (2011)
Reign: 1936
Madonna’s directorial debut may not have been universally praised, but it certainly captures a few key aspects with precision. The film introduces Wally Winthrop, a fictional modern-day character captivated by the story of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom he abdicated the throne. As she digs deeper into their romance, Wally discovers that their shared life was far more complicated than it appeared on the surface. Madonna’s approach to telling Wallis’s story avoids romanticizing their very complex lives, offering a fresh perspective on the famous narrative. As expected, the costumes in the movie were spectacular, earning one of its two Academy Award nominations.
Where to stream: Netflix
George V—Downton Abbey (2019)
Reign: 1910 - 1936
The film that brings Downton Abbey from the small screen to the big screen features a royal visit to the Crawley estate by King George V, Queen Mary of Teck, and their daughter, also named Mary. Along with the royal family, an assassin is introduced into the mix. Though the King and Queen do not occupy a great deal of screen time, Julian Fellowes and the creative team capture their real-life personalities, blending in just the right amount of speculation regarding the Princess’s somewhat shaky marriage. Historically, the violence depicted here—linked to Irish nationalists—was a backdrop to the 1920s, but King George’s direct involvement in it was minimal. The royal visits shown are inspired by the lavish “royal progress” tradition dating back to Queen Elizabeth I, and the film’s details mirror a 1917 visit by George and Mary to Highclere Castle, which stood in for Downton Abbey.
It’s rumored that Queen Elizabeth II herself is a fan of the series, proving that even royalty can enjoy seeing their family represented on screen.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Victoria—Victoria & Abdul (2017)
Reign: 1837 - 1901
If you're looking for a captivating Queen Victoria film, this recent one might be the most rewarding. Queen Victoria’s most significant moments come both at the start of her reign, when she was fiercely asserting her authority, and later in life, as she emerged from a prolonged period of grief after her husband’s death. This film stands alone but also serves as a follow-up to Dame Judi Dench’s portrayal of Victoria in 1997’s Mrs. Brown, which focused on her close bond with Scottish servant John Brown (who some believe she may have secretly married). In this movie, she forms another close relationship with Abdul Karim, an Indian Muslim attendant. Both films explore the dramatic, sometimes scandalous, relationships of a monarch who, despite being a global symbol of propriety, was known to engage in relationships that shocked her contemporaries. This one offers a slightly lighter tone while still delivering a powerful story.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu
Victoria (Bonus)—The Young Victoria (2009)
While it may lean a bit toward the traditional, as is often the case in historical costume dramas, The Young Victoria offers a compelling portrayal of the queen’s early years. It’s easy to forget that the formidable figure we know today was once a young, fresh face stepping into power at just under 20 years old. The film brings to life that formative period of her reign, set against a lavish backdrop, and boasts a standout performance by Emily Blunt.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV
George IV—Peterloo (2018)
Reign: 1820 - 1830
Historical films about monarchs often focus on their opulent lifestyles and the drama within palace walls, but Mike Leigh’s Peterloo shifts its attention to the world beyond the palace. The film doesn’t dwell much on the future George IV (who was serving as Prince Regent due to his father’s deteriorating health), but he plays a crucial role in the events leading to the tragic Peterloo Massacre, when a protest for voting rights was brutally suppressed. While it’s not a straightforward biography of George IV, Peterloo offers a powerful portrayal of the era and the limits of royal influence.
Where to stream: Prime Video
George III—The Madness of King George (1994)
Reign: 1760 - 1820
This popular comedy-drama explores the intersection of personal and political turmoil, particularly focusing on King George III’s increasingly erratic behavior following the loss of the American colonies. His mental health crisis in 1788 sets off a political storm, with factions in Parliament eager to exploit the situation, and the Prince of Wales seizing an opportunity after years of tension with his father. With humor and heart, the film dives into this royal crisis, featuring standout performances from Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu
Anne—The Favourite (2018)
Reign: 1702 - 1714
Blending dark humor with historical liberties, The Favourite vividly portrays a time when women wielded significant power in British society. The film showcases a bitter rivalry between two ambitious women who maneuver their way into the Queen’s inner circle towards the end of her reign. Aside from being genuinely hilarious, the film breaks from traditional period-drama tropes with sharp cinematography and a fresh take on female power—where cleverness was more essential than boldness for ambitious women.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Charles II—Restoration (1995)
Reign: 1660 - 1685
The restoration of Charles II brings a vivid burst of color to English history in this quirky film. After a decade of Puritan rule, England sees the return of the monarchy in 1660, with a king who embraces pleasure rather than prudence. Restoration is an expansive film that follows Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Robert Merivel, a doctor who’s married to one of Charles II’s mistresses under the peculiar condition that they must remain celibate. Naturally, love complicates the situation.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Elizabeth I—Elizabeth (1998)
Reign: 1558 - 1603
When it comes to English period dramas, many films often follow a familiar style, but Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth stands out with its unique approach and a stellar performance by Cate Blanchett. The film takes artistic liberties with the history of Queen Elizabeth I’s early reign but is still an impressive and captivating work. Unlike many others in the genre, it avoids conventional tropes, making it a standout in the field.
Where to stream: Peacock
Elizabeth I (Bonus)—Shakespeare in Love (1998)
1998 was a notable year for Elizabeth I, with two major films focused on the queen vying for Best Picture Oscars: Shakespeare in Love (which won) and Elizabeth. Both Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench received nominations for their portrayals of Queen Bess, albeit in separate categories. Dench’s performance earned her the award despite having only a brief screen presence. While the film centers on a fictionalized version of Shakespeare, it presents a vibrant and engaging portrayal of Elizabethan London, a time when the queen’s passion for the theater was thriving.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV
Henry VIII—Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)
Reign: 1509 - 1547
While Henry VIII might resent it, his legacy is more tied to his six wives than to any monumental achievements during his reign (even his radical religious reformation was sparked largely by his desire to annul a marriage). This film, which centers on Anne Boleyn, doesn’t quite succeed in every aspect and falls into some common period drama pitfalls, but it shines through with remarkable performances. Geneviève Bujold’s portrayal of Anne Boleyn is arguably the best interpretation to date, earning well-deserved acclaim.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Henry VIII (Bonus)—Wolf Hall (2009)
Often portrayed as a villain throughout history, and as the mastermind behind many of Henry VIII’s most controversial actions, Thomas Cromwell has been reexamined through modern scholarship (including Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall novels) as a shrewd and resilient individual, a butcher’s son who rose from humble beginnings to dominate the Tudor court. The miniseries based on these books is deliberately slow-paced, making it a niche choice for viewers, but it offers a deeply intelligent and generally compelling exploration of Cromwell’s life and influence in Henry’s reign.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Richard III—Richard III (1995)
Reign: 1483 - 1485
Debates among historians about Richard III's character and rule continue, especially after the dramatic discovery of his remains beneath a Leicester parking lot. For instance, is it true he was responsible for the deaths of the Princes in the Tower? (Absolutely.) Regardless of historical accuracy, his legacy has largely been shaped by Shakespeare’s portrayal, and challenging the Bard’s version of events is no small feat. This 1995 adaptation of the play, starring Ian McKellen and based on a Royal National Theatre production, is one of the finest Shakespeare adaptations. Set in an alternate 1930s, the film draws eerie parallels between Richard’s rise to power and the emergence of fascism before WWII, offering a powerful examination of society’s obsession with autocratic leaders. It’s a film worth revisiting.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Henry V—Henry V (1989)
Reign: 1413 - 1422
We’re back in Shakespearean territory with this period of English kingship, and that’s probably a good thing, although it does mean there aren’t many films about late medieval English kings that aren’t directly based on Shakespeare’s plays. That said, it’s hard to imagine a better chronicler of this era than the Bard. This adaptation of Henry V is a relatively straightforward one, but it’s a visually stunning and brilliantly performed version, arguably surpassing Laurence Olivier’s 1944 iteration.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Hulu, Sling TV
Richard II—The Hollow Crown: Richard II (2012)
Reign: 1377 - 1399
Opening the acclaimed Hollow Crown series of Shakespeare adaptations, this production stands out for its impressive decision to film on location at many of the actual sites where the historical events took place, offering a level of authenticity that dispels any sense of theatricality. Shakespeare’s play is brought to life with stellar performances from actors like Ben Whishaw, Patrick Stewart, and Rory Kinnear, among others.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Edward II—Edward II (1991)
Reign: 1307 - 1327
Pioneer of queer cinema Derek Jarman tackles England's most notoriously queer king (at least by reputation) with a postmodern approach based on Christopher Marlowe’s play. The film transforms the gay subtext into overt text as it explores the passionate relationship between Edward and his lover, Piers Gaveston, with the regal couple serenaded by none other than Annie Lennox, replacing the traditional chorus.
Where to stream: Prime video, Pluto TV
John—The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Reign: 1199 - 1216
John wasn’t known for being a stellar king (which might explain why there’s no John II), and this film doesn’t serve as much of a historical lesson. However, it’s undeniably charming, capturing John’s less-than-flattering reputation in a way that is thoroughly entertaining.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Henry II—The Lion in Winter (1969)
Reign: 1154 - 1189
In this film, personal and political conflict intertwine, much as they did throughout Henry’s reign. His early years are marked by a fraught relationship with the Catholic Church, as shown in the 1964 film Becket. Kings challenging Rome over power is a recurring theme in royal history, but Henry's infamous involvement in the murder of his friend and Archbishop at Canterbury stands out. The latter years of his reign saw him at odds with those closest to him—most notably, his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, portrayed by Katherine Hepburn, and his rebellious son, played by a young Anthony Hopkins.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Matilda—Pillars of the Earth (2010)
Reign: 1141 - 1148 (disputed)
After the sudden death of Henry I’s only legitimate son, Matilda was elevated as the successor and successfully obtained the necessary oaths to make her claim official. Already a widow at a young age, Matilda had been married to the Holy Roman Emperor and was an Empress in her own right. She had also governed large territories in France and Italy as a regent. Matilda was undoubtedly one of the most qualified candidates for the English throne, but her gender was an obstacle: women were not allowed to be King. Forced to raise an army, she waged a war to claim what was rightfully hers. The ensuing conflict became known as “The Anarchy,” a period marked by chaos as Matilda and her cousin Stephen clashed for power, leaving England in disarray. After years of deadlock, Matilda ultimately agreed to step back, but only if her son, not Stephen’s, would inherit the throne. This decision secured her legacy, as every monarch since has descended from her line. Though her reign remains contested, Matilda’s significance is undeniable. Pillars of the Earth depicts this turbulent period, although its focus extends beyond Matilda and Stephen, showcasing the societal upheaval of the time.
Where to stream: Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Starz
