8 best films and TV series about the British monarchy (9 photos)

The history of the British monarchy is rich in intrigue, scandals, action-packed twists and colorful characters - what more does a modern viewer need? Here are a few films and TV series that will not only immerse you in the political, social and cultural context of different eras of British history, but also have a lot of fun.





1. Two Queens (2018)



The Two Queens tells the gripping story of Mary Stuart, who, having become a widow, returns to Scotland and embarks on a dangerous path to claim both the Scottish and English thrones. The film was praised for its exploration of the role of gender, power and politics in the 16th century, and how these themes intersected with the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth I. The film was directed by British director Josie Rourke, Saoirse Ronan played Mary Stuart, and Margot Robbie played Elizabeth I. The film also stars Jack Lowden, David Tennant and Guy Pearce.

2. The King speaks! (2010)





Oratory is an important weapon in the royal family's arsenal, so a speech impediment could become a problem for a future ruler. The King's Speech, which won an Oscar for Best Picture, tells the story of Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), who suffers from a stutter that makes it difficult for him to speak confidently in public. With the help of extraordinary speech therapist Lionel Logue, Prince Albert works to overcome his disability and deliver an important radio address to the nation on the eve of World War II. The film stars A-list stars Colin Firth as Prince Albert, Helena Bonham Carter as his wife Elizabeth and Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue.

3. Elizabeth (1998)



Elizabeth is a powerful and gripping drama that offers a glimpse into the life and reign of one of England's most iconic monarchs. Accompanied by captivating performances, stunning visuals and a dramatic narrative, the story focuses on Elizabeth's rise to the English throne and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated society. Released in 1998, Elizabeth is directed by Shekhar Kapur and stars the legendary Cate Blanchett. Blanchett's performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, as she captured Elizabeth's strength, intelligence, and vulnerability. The supporting cast, which includes Geoffrey Rush as Elizabeth's advisor and Joseph Fiennes as the Queen's lover, Robert Dudley, also received praise.

4. Henry V: The Battle of Agincourt (1989)



The film was directed by Kenneth Branagh based on William Shakespeare's play about the English king Henry V and his short but eventful reign. King Henry V played a key role in the Hundred Years' War, establishing England as a major military power and nearly uniting England and France under his rule. The film Henry V is famous for its epic battle scenes, which were filmed in the UK and France. The main role was played by Branagh himself, Emma Thompson played the French princess Catherine, and Derek Jacobi acts as the refrain narrator.

5. Queen (2005)



The death of Princess Diana was undoubtedly one of the most significant events for the British monarchy in the last century. The 2006 biographical drama film directed by Stephen Frears chronicles the events following the death of Princess Diana in 1997 and the British royal family's response to the tragedy. The film shows the contradiction between the traditional values ​​of the monarchy and the expectations of modern society, as well as the public's reaction to the death of everyone's favorite. The cast includes Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II, as well as James Cromwell and Michael Sheen.

6. Victoria (2016-2019)



Victoria is a British drama series created by Daisy Goodwin. The series premiered in 2016, and three seasons were released in total. The series chronicles the early reign of Queen Victoria, from her accession to the throne in 1837 at the age of 18 to her marriage to Prince Albert and the birth of their children. Throughout the series, we see Victoria trying to juggle running a nation, a tumultuous marriage, and complex political and personal relationships. Jenna Coleman played the title role, and Tom Hughes played her husband Prince Albert.

7. Kingdom (2013-2017)



Set in the late 16th century, Reign is a captivating and entertaining drama that tells the fictional story of the life of Mary Queen of Scots, from her arrival in France as a teenager to her return to Scotland and subsequent downfall. The show's ensemble cast includes Adelaide Kane as Mary, Queen of Scots and Megan Follows as Catherine de' Medici, Queen Consort of France. Throughout the series, we see Mary juggling complex politics and relationships with courtiers, as well as her love affairs with several famous figures, including Francis II, King of France, and James Stuart, Earl of Moray. With stunning cinematography and memorable performances, Kingdom remains a favorite among genre fans.

8. Crown (2016-2023)



No list of films and TV series about the British monarchy would be complete without The Crown. A Netflix series that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, from her early days as Princess Elizabeth to her reign in the 21st century. The series premiered in 2016 and instantly became a cultural phenomenon, widely acclaimed for its exceptional writing, outstanding acting and attention to historical detail. With a price tag of $13 million per episode, The Crown is one of the most expensive period dramas in history. The Crown collected a total of sixty-three Emmy Award nominations in its first four seasons, winning twenty-one times, including Outstanding Drama. series" and seven awards for acting.