10 Best Non-Animated Movies About Royalty, Ranked

The topic of royalty in movies is often seen in princess stories, romance or historical dramas. The prince finds his true love in a village girl and defies the laws of the kingdom to marry her. In other cases, it’s about a monarch on the cusp of a new leader and political unrest.

While many have come to know about royalty from movies like The Prince & Me or the famed The Princess Diaries, there are plenty more serious movies about the crown and the power of a throne. Many of which are riddled with drama, intrigue, dark secrets, and no animation needed.

10 Mary Queen Of Scots (2018): 6.3

The 2018 drama/history movie caught audiences’ attention for its intense display of drama in its official trailer. The movie starred Saoirse Ronan as Mary, Queen of Scots and Margot Robbie as her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. Set in 1569, its details the tense atmosphere and rivalry between their two countries.

Mary returns to Scotland after becoming widowed to take her rightful place but finds herself as odds end when it falls under the rule of Elizabeth. Ruled by rivalry and love, the two young women must find a way to stand firm in a masculine driven world while affirming their power.

9 The Other Boleyn Girl (2008): 6.7

The Other Boleyn Girl was quite a sensation when it premiered in 2008. Despite its low score of a 6.7, audiences got whisked away into a story of deceit, backstabbing and sexual rendezvous. As many stories of royalty go, the King has no heir to the throne. The Duke of Norfolk (David Morrissey) and Sir Thomas Boleyn (Mark Rylance) see this as an opportunity.

They persuade Anne (Natalie Portman) to seduce the King in order to gain status and wealth. Their plan goes awry when the King falls for her sister, Mary (Scarlett Johansson). Covering up her ill intentions, Anne starts to seek the King’s affection for herself.

8 Victoria & Abdul (2017): 6.8

Victoria & Abdul is a more lighthearted story about royalty. The biographical comedy-drama was based on a book of the same name by Shrabani Basu. The book and movie detailed the real-life relationship between Queen Victoria and her servant Abdul. Abdul (Ali Fazal) is instructed to travel from India to bring a gold coin as a gift to the Queen (Judi Dench) at her jubilee.

She develops a friendship with Abdul and asks him to be her Munshi. Together they learn about each other and their cultures. Their relationship seemingly angers the people of the household. Through their friendship, the Queen starts to see the world in a new light.

7 The King (2019): 7.2

The 2019 Netflix original film, The King had many people talking as actor Timothée Chalamet would take up the role of Henry, Prince of Wales. Audiences were also intrigued by the cast that included Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton and Lily-Rose Depp in supporting roles.

The movie is dark, gritty and impactful as it follows the rise of  Henry V as King after his father’s passing. Still young and unwilling to grow up, Hal is forced to take the throne. Many are wary of his ability to rule and end up developing a conflict with the Dauphin of France (Pattinson). Fans praised the cinematography, imagery and battle scenes as well as Chalamet’s riveting role.

6 The Madness Of King George (1994): 7.2

For fans of historical films, The Madness of King George is a fun treat. The film premiered in 1994 and had a lighthearted comedic aspect to it that makes it a fun watch. Adapted from a 1991 play, the movie tells the story of the declining health of Geroge III.

While it focuses on the King’s (Nigel Hawthorne) deteriorating mental health, it also focuses on his failing relationship with his son. As this occurs there’s also the added tension of the Regency Crisis taking place during the time. His Queen and Prime Minister try to stop rising tensions with their political enemies. Fans enjoyed the movie’s comedic aspect but also its heartwarming and touching story.

5 The Queen (2006): 7.3

The Queen was a 2006 movie that depicted the tragic death of Princess Diana and the response of the British family. The movie took audiences deep into the inner working of the British family and the Queen as it wasn’t initially treated as a royal death.

Tensions from the press, the country and within the monarch question the issues the republicanism and royal protocol. The movie tells the tense story of the royal family and the Queen refusing to acknowledge Diana’s death and signifance against the public’s outcry and grief. All while the prime minister tries to save the monarch’s image.

4 The Young Victoria (2009): 7.3

The period drama, The Young Victoria deals with the issues of royalty tied with some romance. The British film starred Emily Blunt in the lead role of Queen Victoria. Besides the immaculate display of wardrobe and costuming, the movie told the story of Queen Victoria’s life.

From her early years all the way up to her marriage to Prince Albert. Vicotria faces a political tug of war from all sides as her family and political figures try to sway her reign and power. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Victoria tries to find her own voice amongst the chaos. The bright side becomes that an arranged marriage to Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) results in becoming the love of her life.

3 Elizabeth (1998): 7.4

Elizabeth is one of those movies that people often remember hearing about just from the movie poster alone. The 1998 British biographical movie starred Cate Blanchett in the title role of Queen Elizabeth I of England. One of her most prominent roles in her career. This isn’t the run-of-the-mill royal story that people expect.

Mary comes to take the throne after her sister’s death from a tumor. During her sister’s reign, she was imprisoned and put on house arrest for conspiracy charges. England was already failing and divided and Mary finds herself amongst deep conspiracy theories to take her off the throne. She must put her trust in someone carefully.

2 The Favorite (2018): 7.5

The 2018 period black comedy movie, The Favorite garnered good reviews from critics and audiences. Many enjoyed the movie’s use of deceit, manipulation and depictions of loneliness when seeking human power. The movie centers around three main characters whose lives interweave in a country at war.

Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) is losing her health and looks to her close friend Sara (Rachel Weisz) to help govern the country. Along the way, a new character comes into play. A servant named Abigail (Emma Stone), who takes a liking to Sarah. The Favorite received numerous awards and Colman took home the win for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTAs.

1 The King’s Speech (2010): 8

The King’s Speech is a must-watch for any fan of intriguing drama and the added tension of the qualms of royalty. All while having an upbeat and comedic tone. Colin Firth played the role of England’s Prince Albert. Prince Albert is set to take over the throne from King George. But there’s one problem, he must deliver a speech but suffers from a speech impediment.

It’s not a good look for a future King. In an effort to help her husband, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) hires a speech coach. The future King and his coach develop a unique friendship as the King learned unconventional methods to gain confidence. It was marked as being one of the best movies to come out that year.

About The Author

Gabriela Silva
(478 Articles Published)

Gabriela Silva is a List writer for Screen Rant with experience in all things television, film and pop culture. A graduate of Fordham University with previous years experience interning for Cliché Magazine.

With her passion for movies, television and entertainment, she’s interviewed some great actors from Cress Williams of ‘Black Lightning’ to Tati Gabrielle from ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.’

Her love for entertainment reaches a broad range of interests from 90s thriller movies, guilty pleasure teen dramas, action-packed MCU movies to popular K-dramas. You’ll most likely find her binge-watching a new television show or movies on Netflix into the early morning.

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