5 Must-Watch Films About Legendary Royal Figures

ByMarceline Torres Published:

Movies about kings, queens, and other royal figures bring history to life in ways textbooks never could.

Watching actors portray real monarchs reveals the drama, politics, and personal struggles behind the crown, offering a rich blend of storytelling and insight for anyone drawn to tales of power, legacy, and intrigue.

1. Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Image Credit: Travis from Sydney, NSW, Australia, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Blanchett returns as the iconic monarch, now at the height of her power during England’s battle against the Spanish Armada. Love, war, and betrayal intertwine as Elizabeth faces Spain’s mighty fleet while dealing with romantic feelings she can never fully express.

Spectacular battle sequences combine with intimate character moments to create a sweeping historical epic. Costume designer Alexandra Byrne won an Oscar for the film’s breathtaking wardrobe.

2. Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Bold reinterpretation reshapes the tragic French queen’s story through a modern lens filled with contemporary music and vivid color palettes. Marie appears as a teenage bride navigating Versailles’ surreal world of etiquette and indulgence, a captivating performance delivered later in the film by Kirsten Dunst.

Rather than focusing on politics, Coppola explores the loneliness and pressure of being a young woman trapped in a gilded cage. Stunning visuals and an unconventional approach make history feel surprisingly fresh and relatable.

3. The King’s Speech

The King's Speech
Image Credit: www.lancashire.gov.uk, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

A deeply moving portrayal follows King George VI as he battles a debilitating stammer just as Britain faces the onset of World War II. Guided by an unconventional speech therapist, the hesitant monarch gradually finds strength and confidence, a role brought to life by Colin Firth with quiet intensity.

What makes this film special is its focus on vulnerability rather than power. Geoffrey Rush co-stars as the therapist who becomes an unlikely friend, creating a moving story about courage, friendship, and overcoming personal limitations.

4. The Young Victoria

The Young Victoria
Image Credit: akaitori, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Emily Blunt brings warmth and determination to her portrayal of Queen Victoria during her early years on the throne. Romance blooms between the young queen and Prince Albert while political forces try to control her every move.

Instead of showing Victoria as the stern old woman from photographs, this film reveals her as a passionate young ruler fighting for independence. Rupert Friend co-stars as Albert in a love story that actually happened, making it even more touching.

5. Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

A powerful performance brings Anne Boleyn to life during her final months before execution. Instead of retelling her full story, the psychological drama centers on her perspective as she confronts betrayal and impending death, with Jodie Turner-Smith delivering the role with intensity and nuance.

This production stands out for its willingness to reimagine history through a fresh lens while preserving emotional authenticity. Turner-Smith embodies Anne’s intelligence, fear, and defiance, crafting a haunting portrait of a woman constrained by forces beyond her control.

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