The British monarchy continues to fascinate us. Any time a member of the Royal Family changes their socks is pretty much guaranteed to make the front page of any tabloid. We just can’t get enough of them. As a result, numerous films and TV shows have been made about the various British kings and queens and all the juicy details of their lives. Let’s look at some films that offer the best peek into the lives of some of Britain’s most notable monarchs.
7 The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933)
Distributed by United Artists
Henry VIII continues to be one of the most fascinating of all the British monarchs. His love life is rather notorious, marrying six times in an attempt to produce a male heir. This 1933 film, directed by the legendary Hungarian-born Alexander Korda (BAFTA’s top prize is named for him) sees Charles Laughton portray the titular king in an Oscar-winning performance. The film begins with the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry’s second wife, and sees him woo, divorce, and sometimes execute the other four women he married throughout his life. Laughton’s performance is magnificent, and the film has some humor too, especially in the interactions between Henry and Anne of Cleves, played by Laughton’s real life wife, Elsa Lanchester.
6 Becket (1964)
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
The titular Becket of this 1964 film refers to Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Here, Becket is played by Richard Burton. So why is this film on a list of best films about the British monarchy? Because Becket is in a fierce clash with King Henry II (played by Peter O’Toole, who reprised the role in another film on this list. More on that later). Henry appoints Becket as Lord Chancellor, thinking he can control him, but Becket proves he’s no pawn and sides with the Church when Henry wants to tax Church property to fund his wars. Wonderfully acted by everyone involved, this film has lots of political infighting from both British royals and Vatican officials. Unfortunately, the story does not have a happy ending as Henry, lamenting all the trouble Becket has caused for him, says in a drunken rage, “Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?” Henry’s nobles misinterpret the remark and do indeed rid him of Becket. At least Becket gets canonized as a saint for all his troubles.
5 The King’s Speech (2010)
Paramount Pictures
The Best Picture winner of 2010 centers around George VI, played by Colin Firth (who won an Oscar for his performance), who becomes King of England in 1936 when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicates. Unfortunately, George has a stutter and must hire a speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to help him overcome said stutter. Wonderfully acted and wonderfully written, the film does a good job at showing not only George controlling his stutter, but the friendship between the king and Logue. It’s a triumph at the end when George delivers a speech over the radio right after his country has declared war on Nazi Germany. Like another film on this list, this film also touches on the subject of the Royal Family’s ever-evolving relationship with the public at large.
4 Henry V (1989)
Curzon Film Distributors
There have been two notable movies made that are based on William Shakespeare’s Henry V. The first was Laurence Olivier’s adaption that came out in 1944, earning the esteemed actor one of his many Best Actor Oscar nominations. The second and superior one, is Kenneth Branagh’s 1989 version of the tale, which, like Olivier before him, netted Branagh a Best Actor Oscar nomination, and a Best Director nomination to boot. The film is framed with the Chorus (played by Derek Jacobi in modern clothes) introducing the story in a film studio and opening the doors to the main events. Chorus will appear from time to time to update the audience on the story.
The film’s story sees the titular king in the middle of the Hundred Years’ War and embarking on yet another campaign in France. However, the campaign takes its toll on Henry’s troops, and they are demoralized right before the Battle of Agincourt, one of the most famous and important battles of the war, is set to begin. Henry rouses his troops with the famous St. Crispin’s Day monologue, delivered beautifully by Branagh, and the English win the battle. The film is not only one of the best films about British royalty, but one of the best film adaptations of Shakespeare’s works.
3 The Queen (2006)
Distributed by Pathe Distribution
The titular queen of this 2006 film refers to, as of August 2022, the current reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II (who was crowned in 1953!). Elizabeth is played by Helen Mirren, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance. The story takes place in 1997, after the tragic death of Princess Diana. The Royal Family regard the death as a private matter and not an official Royal death. Prime Minister Tony Blair (played by Michael Sheen) and Diana’s ex-husband, Prince Charles (played by Alex Jennings) side with the public and see the situation differently. If there was ever a film that summed up the public’s fascination with the British Royal Family, it’s this one. The entire film is a back and forth between Blair, Elizabeth, and the ever constant ebbs and flows of public opinion. With wonderful performances from Mirren and Sheen, this film is not only a good look at the lives of British royals, but of how mass media has changed the world.
2 The Lion In Winter (1968)
Distributed by AVCO Embassy Pictures
This 1968 film features not one, not two, but three Kings of England (Henry II, Richard The Lionheart, and King John) in it. The story, based on the play of the same name by James Goldman, sees Henry II (played magnificently by Peter O’Toole, who should have won an Oscar for it) debate with his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn, who tied with Barbara Streisand for the Best Actress Oscar for her performance) over which of their sons should succeed Henry as King. Henry favors John (Nigel Terry) while Eleanor favors Richard (Anthony Hopkins in his breakout role). Meanwhile, Phillip II of France (a pre-James Bond Timothy Dalton) has promised his half-sister to the future heir to the English throne and demands either a wedding or a dowry from Henry. The political machinations of everyone involved are fascinating to watch. The acting is superb. It’s downright criminal Hopkins and Dalton were not nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscars for this film. It’s the ultimate, high-stakes family squabble and even takes place during Christmas. A fantastic movie.
1 The Favourite (2018)
Searchlight Pictures
2018’s The Favourite centers around two cousins, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) as they vie for the position of court favourite for Queen Anne (Olivia Colman, who won an Oscar for her performance). Most of the films on this list are more dramatic. This one is a black comedy, and it’s one of the best films ever made about a British royal. Colman, Weisz, and Stone are all incredible, as is Nicolas Hoult, who plays a nobleman aiding Stone’s Masham in her schemes to gain favor. The machinations of the two cousins are a joy to watch, as is Anne herself, who is suffering from numerous health problems. Entertaining, darkly hilarious, and featuring three great actresses doing some of their best work, this film is a must-see.
