The British royal family is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for creators. The fact is that any story related to this family almost always ends up on the front pages of many media outlets.
Movies about the royal family
So it's no surprise that it's a Netflix series The Crown about the life of Queen Elizabeth II. became a huge hit almost immediately. It is coming to Netflix on Sunday, November 15 the fifth season of The Crown series. According to predictions, the fifth season will cover the events at the court in the 90s. Thus, the new season will accompany the British royal family through the so-called Queen's annus horribilis. It is 1992, which was full of media scandals.
Despite countless tours, speeches and public appearances, the Queen remains an enigma to most of the public after 70 years of reign. However, The Crown is not the only television adaptation of royal life. We've put together a list of documentaries and feature films inspired by the royal family that you might want to watch to learn more about the monarchy's impact on the world.
Documentaries about the British Royal Family
Documentary films bring recordings and photos from real life situations and interviews with relevant interlocutors.
1. The Magnificent Life of Elizabeth II (2013)
If you are interested in a documentary approach to the topics covered in The Crown series, this is the film for you. A combination of archival material and interviews with experts brings insight into the amazing life of a queen Elizabeth II, from child princess to icon of the monarchy.
2. Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen (2022)
The film follows the rare private moments from the Queen's life, including her engagement at Balmoral and behind-the-scenes footage of her first overseas tour with her family - these are just some of the extraordinary sequences that make up this new BBC documentary, which consists of never before seen home footage, taken by members of the royal family. The film offers a unique and rare insight into the life of a carefree princess who is unwittingly thrust into the spotlight. It might be the closest we get to seeing the Queen tell her own story.
3. Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute (2016)
The BBC released the film in 2016 to mark the Queen's 90th birthday. It shows the Queen and those closest to her - Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry and Princess Anne - how they watch archival footage of the family at state dinners, foreign tours, and enjoying trips to the seaside and sunny afternoons spent barreling down the hills at Balmoral. Comfortably placed in soft armchairs in Buckingham Palace, they exchange stories, relive memories of their childhood. The film shows touching moments from the life of this family.
4. Diana: In Her Own Words -(2017)
The adored and never regretted Princess Diana has the most series and movies made after her life. Although there are many, one of the most famous is definitely Diana: In Her Own Words. As the title itself suggests, the film offers us a different view of what is happening in the royal family. Namely in it herself recalls key events from his life. The documentary consists of interviews and footage secretly recorded with Lady Di by journalist and biographer Andrew Morton.
This is probably the most personal approach to Diana's story. During the documentary, conversations touch on her status in the royal family, her marriage to Charles and her rise to global stardom.
Feature films about the British royal family
Movies inspired by royal life that don't necessarily feature real royalty, but can also be about a fictional kingdom.
1. Spencer (2021)
It is a long-awaited biographical drama. The action of the film revolves around the turning point when in 1991, during the Christmas holidays, Princess Diana began to face the difficult decision to divorce Prince Charles. She was forced into this by an unhappy marriage and Charles' infidelity and an open relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles. The movie Spencer offers a glimpse into an extravagant life on the Sandringham estate, where the royal family traditionally gathers and spends the Christmas holidays.
2. Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
The high-profile and award-winning historical film about Elizabeth I, played by Cate Blanchett, offers impressive costume design in addition to action. The film deals with the challenges with which the young queen faces from the very beginning of her reign – from betrayal, wars and threats to how one of history's most important figures becomes merciful.
3. William and Kate (2011)
A film about the love of Prince William and his Kate, which will be enjoyed by all fans of this royal couple. The romantic lesson seems to come from the fairy tale itself, and the film wants to emphasize that love is stronger than all differences and obstacles. You can see the history in the movie of their love relationship from the moment they met in college.
4. Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance (2018)
The film was released last year and is just a precursor to the new film about the lives of Meghan and Harry. If you are interested in filming the meeting between the prince and the actress, a romantic story, which sounds completely unreal, this is definitely the movie for you.
5. The King's Speech (2010)
This historical drama has a more serious theme and a different genre than the previous ones. It is a drama that won four Oscars. It is based on a real event, it shows the father of Queen Elizabeth II. who has a stuttering problem and has to take over the throne. At his wife's persuasion, he goes to therapy, and that's when a wonderful friendship develops between him and the therapist.
