Regal Dramas: 10 Must-Watch Films About Kings

Description: This film focuses on Sir Thomas More, a close advisor to King Henry VIII, who faces a moral dilemma when the king seeks to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. It's a study in integrity and the clash between personal belief and royal decree.

Fact: Paul Scofield won the Best Actor Oscar for his role as Thomas More, and the film was also awarded Best Picture.

Description: Set during Christmas 1183, this film portrays the family dynamics of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their three sons, all vying for the throne. It's a masterclass in family drama and political maneuvering.

Fact: Katharine Hepburn won her third Best Actress Oscar for her role as Eleanor, and the film was adapted from a successful Broadway play.

Description: This epic biographical drama follows the life of Puyi, the last Emperor of China, from his ascension to the throne at age 2 to his later years under Communist rule. It's a sweeping tale of a man caught in the tides of history.

Fact: The film was the first Western production allowed to film in the Forbidden City in Beijing, and it won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: A poignant look at the mental decline of King George III, this film explores the personal and political turmoil caused by his illness, as well as the attempts to manage the kingdom in his absence.

Fact: The film was adapted from the play "The Madness of George III" by Alan Bennett, and it was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Description: This film chronicles the early years of Queen Elizabeth I's reign, showcasing her transformation from a young, vulnerable princess to a formidable queen, navigating the treacherous politics of her court.

Fact: Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Elizabeth I earned her an Oscar nomination, and the film was noted for its lavish costumes and sets.

Description: This film examines the response of Queen Elizabeth II to the death of Princess Diana, highlighting the tension between the monarchy's traditions and the public's expectations in a modern era.

Fact: Helen Mirren won an Academy Award for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II, and the film was praised for its nuanced portrayal of the royal family.

Description: King George VI, known as "Bertie," struggles with a stammer as he ascends to the throne following his brother's abdication. This film captures his journey to overcome his speech impediment with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist.

Fact: Colin Firth won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of King George VI, and the film also won Best Picture.

Description: Set during the reign of Queen Anne, this film explores the complex relationships between the queen, her close friend Sarah Churchill, and a new servant, Abigail Masham, as they vie for the queen's favor and power.

Fact: Olivia Colman won the Best Actress Oscar for her role as Queen Anne, and the film was noted for its dark comedy and historical revisionism.

Description: Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Shakespeare's play focuses on the young King Henry V's campaign to conquer France, showcasing his leadership and the brutal realities of war.

Fact: Branagh not only directed but also starred in the film, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Director.

Description: This film explores the life of King Henry V of England, focusing on his transformation from a wayward prince to a reluctant king, navigating the treacherous waters of politics and war. It's a modern take on Shakespeare's historical plays.

Fact: Timothée Chalamet underwent extensive physical training for his role as Henry V, and the film was shot in various locations across England and Hungary to capture the medieval atmosphere.