10 TV Shows & Movies To Watch If You Can’t Get Enough Of English Monarchy

Few monarchies are quite as interesting as the English monarchy. Feuding Queens, murderous Kings, treason, and forbidden romance – the history of English royalty as all the makings of an award-winning movie. So it’s no wonder that directors, screenwriters, and studios all over the world have drawn inspiration from reality to create movies and television shows.

The fascination with these monarchs runs deep within many viewers, regardless of nationality. And if you’re one of those people, there is plenty of choices to satisfy your love and curiosity. Here, we’re listing ten of the best films and TV series to watch if you simply can’t get enough of the English monarchy. Enjoy!

10 The Crown (2016)

First premiering in 2016 and now going four seasons strong, with a fifth on the way, The Crown captivated audiences from the get-go. Three Golden Globes and forty episodes later, the fascination lives on.

Following the entirety of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, The Crown has incredible production value, stunning performances, and a fresh new perspective on storytelling. A must watch for those who prefer earlier history.

9 The Tudors (2007)

King Henry VIII is the most infamous monarch of England to date. His six wives and murderous tendencies have turned the man into legend and gave birth to endless documentaries, movies, and television shows.

The Tudors is the TV series that came the closest to showcase the path of the King, from a young man with aspirations to the tyrant we all came to know. Featuring Henry Cavill and Natalie Dormer, this show is decadent, sexy, and brutal all at once.

8 Reign (2013)

Mary Queen of Scots has sparked as much interest as King Henry VIII for completely different reasons. Mary’s story is a tragic one, which led to numerous attempts to retrace her life and further understand her character.

Reign is far from being the most historically accurate retelling of Mary’s life at the French court and, later, in Scottland. However, it’s fun, it’s visually stunning, and the wardrobe is award-worthy.

7 Victoria (2016)

Queen Victoria still remains in many people’s minds as one of the greatest rulers to have ever lived. However, few efforts were made in an attempt to understand how this great monarch came to be.

2016’s Victoria shoot its shot and created a spectacular depiction of young Victoria’s life, her struggles, her marriage, and her coming of age. Jenna Coleman’s performance is absolutely fantastic here.

6 The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Television wasn’t the only medium that attempted to translate Henry VIII’s life onto the screen. In 2008, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johanson came together to star in The Other Boleyn Girl alongside Eric Bana.

The movie focused on Henry’s relationship with the Boleyn sisters, and the connection between the two as he made his choice. Accuracy isn’t exactly on point, but it still makes for a thrilling film experience.

5 Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Mary Queen of Scots came a lot closer to portray an accurate version of events than the TV series Reign did. Although there’s a dispute amongst historians in regards to the two Queens, Elizabeth and Mary, meeting, it doesn’t take away from the movie.

Both Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan give brilliant performances, the scenery is beautiful, and after watching the movie, one is left with the feeling that he know understands both monarchs a lot better.

4 Elizabeth (1998)

Queen Elizabeth I was a lot more interesting than her vicious father, Henry VIII. As the first woman monarch of England, and an incredibly intelligent one at that, there’s a lot to dissect when it comes to her life.

From Princess to bastard to Queen, Elizabeth’s life reads like a thrilling novel. And the 1998 movie starring Cate Blanchett still remains the favorite depiction of her life – heartbreaking, tough, tragically beautiful.

3 The White Queen (2013)

Before Henry VIII and Elizabeth and Victoria reigned, England suffered through the Wars of The Roses. These were so brutal and so prolonged, George RR Martin even drew inspiration from the events to write his series of books A Song of Ice And Fire.

The White Queen follows the story of Elizabeth Woodville, a low-born lady who became Queen after marrying King Edward against the backdrop of the ongoing war. It’s exciting TV at its finest, with a glorious performance from Rebecca Ferguson.

2 The White Princess (2017)

The White Princess serves as a continuation to The White Queen, this time following Elizabeth’s daughter, Elizabeth of York, as she marries the victorious Henry VII.

Like many other historical fiction works, The White Princess takes quite a few liberties with the plot, but the lack of absolute accuracy doesn’t take anything away from what’s otherwise a very fun and decadent show.

1 The Spanish Princess (2019)

Catherine of Aragon had it tough from the moment she stepped foot in England to marry the heir to the throne, Arthur. History buffs will know that after their marriage, Arthur tragically died, and Catherine became Henry VIII’s first wife instead.

The Spanish Princess follows a young Catherine as she arrives in this foreign land and adapts to her future life as Queen. Again, many liberties are taken here, but it’s still an amusing experience for fans of the genre.

About The Author

Mariana Fernandes
(100 Articles Published)

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Mariana is a 24-year-old Marketing graduate and self-proclaimed business storyteller who loves books, travelling, and the beach. With too many notebooks to keep track of and a persistent feeling of wanderlust, she wants nothing more than to tell stories and pet puppies. All the puppies!

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