There are infinite binge-worthy series and movies to explore the captivating history of the British monarchy. It is our favorite form of edutainment!
We arranged these series and movies by period so you can watch them in historical order.
These series and movies are legitimately badass (yes, we are saying badass while discussing period pieces) Another perk is that we’ve become particularly good at Jeopardy by watching them.
Although not all shows are 100% historically accurate (yes, they use creative license at times), they are close enough to satisfy us. Without further ado…
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
THE WHITE QUEEN
WHERE TO WATCH: Starz, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Prime
Seasons: 1 Episodes: 10
“The White Queen” is based on the novel by Philippa Gregory, the first book in a series that tells the story of the War of the Roses, aka The Cousins War. It’s 1464, and war has ravaged England for nearly a decade, created by the feud between cousins from the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Both sides had a legitimate claim to the throne based on the Plantagenet blood running through their veins. And both sides have an army ready to fight for their legitimate king.
After years of civil unrest, and with the guidance of “Kingmaker” Lord Warwick (James Frain), the youthful and strong Edward IV (Max Irons), heir to the House of York, wins his place upon the throne, removing the mentally unstable Lancastrian King Henry VI from power.
Edward IV’s hold on the crown is tentative. The war for power continues within the kingdom and, most interestingly, within the houses of York and Lancaster. Even Edward’s brothers make moves against him: the infamous Richard III (Aneurin Barnard) and George, Duke of Clarence (David Oakes), also desire the throne. A failed kidnap attempt on Edward proves that nobody is safe when it comes to holding the crown.
Unfortunately for Lord Warwick, his plan to control the young Edward IV during his reign changes when Edward falls in love with the beautiful Lancastrian commoner and widow Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson).
Elizabeth becomes Edward’s partner in every way; she is the mother of the heirs to the throne, and he consults her on matters of politics and the court. Together, Edward and Elizabeth had ten children (six that outlived him) and sat on the throne of power over the kingdom.
This series shows us one thing: When it comes to gaining control of the kingdom, there are no rules.
THE WHITE PRINCESS
Where to Watch: Starz, Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Philo
Seasons: 1 Episodes:
THE SPANISH PRINCESS
Where to Watch: Starz, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, Philo
“The Spanish Princess” is the third installment of the Philippa Gregory miniseries, and it focuses on the Tudor royal court melodrama and manipulation.
The teenage, strong-willed Princess Catherine of Aragon is the daughter of the most ruthless royals in Europe, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, warriors for their nation. Princess Catherine is sent to England to marry Prince Arthur to create an alliance between the two countries and to pay a large bride-price, money that King Henry VII desperately needs to maintain control over his kingdom.
Catherine is promised a marriage to the English Prince Arthur, but when Arthur dies shortly after their marriage, and her mother dies shortly after that, Princess Catherine finds herself lost in a foreign country and comes to terms with the fact that her assumed fate sitting on the throne as a queen was lost. That is until the young and charismatic Prince Henry sets his sights on Catherine to be his queen.
Prince Henry, in order to maintain the alliance with Spain and the riches bestowed upon the Tudors by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, petitioned the Pope for a papal dispensation to marry his brother’s wife. Catherine adamantly denies losing her chastity to Arthur. This fact becomes important during “The Tudors” series.
THE TUDORS
Seasons:4 Episodes:38
Where to Watch: Showtime On Demand, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, fubo TV, Amazon Prime Video
King Henry VIII is one of the most famous monarchs in history. The Tudors capture the high-stakes gamble of becoming a member of Henry’s court and, even more challenging, remaining a member of the court without ending up with your head on the block. This series is a must-watch bingeworthy masterpiece.
Read the Cult Status review of The Tudors HERE
ELIZABETH
Where to Watch: Starz, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, YouTube, Philo
The daughter of King Henry VIII and the beheaded Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I learned very early in her life that marriage was, to her, a prison from which you can’t escape other than by death. Anne Boleyn was put on the block, and when she was just a child, Henry publicly bastardized Elizabeth, denying her place in the line of succession. She also had a long line of stepmothers. Her father had six wives total, to be exact.
Before his death, Henry reinstated Elizabeth as heir to the throne behind her siblings. Her unsteady childhood and lack of security regarding her future caused Elizabeth to resist the concept of marriage. Also, at that point in time, a Queen would have to give all of her power to her King-Consort, rendering her role useless. This is something that the headstrong Elizabeth I would not allow.
Queen Elizabeth, known as the “Virgin Queen,” was urged by many to marry for international power and alliances, but Elizabeth remained married to her love of country. Her reign in the 16th century was so successful it became identified as “The Golden Age.”
ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE
Where to Watch: Starz, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Sling TV, Philo
This movie won the Oscar for Best Costume Design, and Cate Blanchett continues to channel the female powerhouse that was Queen Elizabeth I. In her later years, Elizabeth became known for wearing over-the-top costumes with her signature red wig and flamboyant white makeup. This became her signature look.
Her signature look showed her enemies and consorts that not only was she a formidable Queen, but she was also a Queen chosen by God to serve the great land of England. Her look was dramatic and would intimidate her court and the people of England.
The king of Spain, whose hatred for Elizabeth I formed from his dislike of the non-Catholic, unmarried Protestant Queen. A devout Catholic, The King of Spain declares war on England and builds a fleet of state-of-the-art ships to attack England on her shores. However, just like many others, he made the mistake of underestimating the power and intelligence of Queen Elizabeth I.
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
Where to Watch:
THE YOUNG VICTORIA
Where To Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu, Philo, Sling TV
The majority of European royalty today can be traced back to Queen Victoria and King Albert, whose multiple offspring married princes and princesses all throughout Europe, securing their position of power among the royals.
In this film, the young and inexperienced Queen Victoria gets her strength from the love of Albert, the handsome prince who quickly steals her heart. Based on their loving relationship and the youthful experiences of England’s longest-serving monarch (second to Queen Elizabeth II), this film is a grand tale of romance, intrigue, and a lust for power.
Following Prince Albert’s death at a young age, Queen Victoria continued mourning, isolating herself, and would only wear black, the color of mourning. She wore black for the rest of her life in honor of her loving husband. They were soulmates, seldom the case when it comes to royal marriages, especially before the modern age, when marriages were arranged, not chosen.
VICTORIA
THE KING’S SPEECH
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, iTunes
The problem: Bertie (Colin Firth) has had a lifelong, debilitating stutter that affects his ability to address large crowds. Now as the reluctant king following his brother’s abdication of the throne to marry American Wallis Simpson, and with England on the brink of joining World War II, the country was in desperate need of a strong, effective leader who could communicate with England’s personalities.
His wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Lionel and Bertie work on an unorthodox course of treatment, forming a loyal bond with each other during the process. With the support of Logue, Bertie will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio address worthy of a king that inspires his subjects and unites them to go to battle.
The King’s Speech was the winner of four Oscars, including “Best Picture” and “Best Actor.”
THE CROWN
Where to Watch: Netflix
Seasons: 4 Episodes: 40
THE QUEEN
Where To Watch: Netflix, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu,
The Queen is a 2006 biographical drama film that depicts the royal family’s cold response to the death of Princess Diana. Princess Diana and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, died on August 31, 1997, in a car crash in a Paris tunnel.
The English people, who are notorious for keeping a stiff upper lip, expressed extreme sadness over the loss of Diana. They were also angered that the Royal Family did not share a more emotional, loving acknowledgment of the death of “The People’s Princess”. This nickname, coined by Prime Minister Tony Blair (Martin Sheen), became the name that defined her legacy.
As was her temperament, Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) stayed tight-lipped regarding Diana’s death. Although the Brits are known for keeping calm and carrying on, the people of England came out by the thousands to honor the life of their favorite princess.
The death of Diana ushered in a new era for England. Her loving and charitable personality opened up the hearts of her supporters. Queen Elizabeth II was manhandled by the press, who were awaiting her statement. The press also analyzed her behavior as cold and blank.
Dame Helen Mirren shows the different sides of the Queen in the intriguing story behind one of the most notorious tragedies of our time. The Queen takes you inside the private chambers of the Royal Family for a captivating look at a vulnerable human in her darkest hour, with a nation grieving for its princess, waiting for what she will say next.