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
In “The King”, Hal (Timothée Chalamet), the wayward and reluctant heir to the English crown, spends his days avoiding the politics and responsibilities of court. But when his father, King Henry IV, dies, Hal is thrust into power as Henry V, inheriting a fractured kingdom and a legacy of unrest.
Unprepared for the weight of rule, Henry must learn to navigate scheming advisors, fragile alliances, and an escalating conflict with France. As he faces manipulation from all sides, the young king is forced to confront the brutality of war, the cost of loyalty, and the sacrifices required to hold a throne. Torn between the man he was and the monarch he must become, Henry’s journey is one of transformation—where the crown’s burden demands both courage and cunning.
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 of whom outlived him) and sat on the throne of power over the kingdom.
This series shows us one thing: There are no rules when it comes to gaining control of the kingdom.
THE WHITE PRINCESS
Where to Watch: Starz, Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Philo
Seasons: 1 Episodes:
“The White Princess” is a sweeping historical drama set in the turbulent aftermath of the Wars of the Roses. The series centers on Elizabeth of York, the beautiful and politically astute daughter of the late King Edward IV, who is compelled to marry her family’s enemy, Henry Tudor—now crowned Henry VII—to secure peace for a war-weary England.
Their marriage, meant to unite the warring houses of York and Lancaster, is a fragile alliance built on mistrust, grief, and lingering resentment. Elizabeth must navigate the dangerous waters of Tudor court politics, where her fiercely protective mother, Elizabeth Woodville, and Henry’s ambitious mother, Margaret Beaufort, wage a quiet war for influence over the young couple and the kingdom’s future.
As rumors swirl of a York heir who may have survived, threats to Henry’s rule multiply, forcing Elizabeth to choose between loyalty to her husband and allegiance to her bloodline. Caught between love, duty, and the ever-present risk of betrayal, she becomes both a pawn and a player in a ruthless game for power at the dawn of the Tudor dynasty.
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, creating an alliance between the two countries and paying a large bride-price, which King Henry VII desperately needs to maintain control over his kingdom.
Catherine is promised in marriage to the English Prince Arthur. But, when Arthur dies shortly after their wedding, 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 of sitting on the throne as a queen is 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” captures 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, binge-worthy 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 couldn’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.
Many urged Queen Elizabeth, known as the “Virgin Queen,” 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 that 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’s hatred for Elizabeth I stemmed from his dislike of the non-Catholic, unmarried Protestant Queen. A devout Catholic, the King of Spain declared war on England and built a fleet of state-of-the-art ships to attack England on her shores. However, like many others, he made the mistake of underestimating Queen Elizabeth I’s power and intelligence.
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
Where to Watch:
“Mary Queen of Scots” stars Saoirse Ronan as Mary Stuart and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I. The film tells the story of Mary’s return to Scotland to reclaim her throne, igniting a fierce rivalry with her cousin Elizabeth, the mighty Queen of England. Caught between political intrigue, religious conflict, and personal ambition, both queens must navigate betrayal, loyalty, and danger as they vie for power in a turbulent era. Their intertwined fates shape the course of history in this gripping tale of courage and rivalry.
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. Their multiple offspring married princes and princesses throughout Europe, securing their position of power among the royals.
In this film, the young and inexperienced Queen Victoria finds her strength in the love of Albert, the handsome prince who quickly captures 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 to honor her loving husband. They were soulmates, a rarity in royal marriages, especially before the modern age, when marriages were arranged, not chosen.
VICTORIA
“Victoria” is a richly detailed BBC miniseries that chronicles the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign, beginning with her unexpected ascent to the throne at just 18 years old. Thrust into a world of political maneuvering and court intrigue, the young queen must quickly learn to assert her authority in a male-dominated monarchy while grappling with personal struggles and public expectations.
The series explores Victoria’s evolving relationship with her trusted advisor Lord Melbourne and her passionate romance with Prince Albert, whose partnership becomes central to her reign and legacy. Against the backdrop of a changing Britain, Victoria faces challenges that test her resolve, from family conflicts to national crises, all while growing into one of history’s most iconic and influential monarchs.
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 desperately needed a strong, effective leader who could communicate with the English people.
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 during the process. With Logue’s support, Bertie overcomes his stammer and delivers a radio address worthy of a king that inspires his subjects and unites them to go to battle.
The King’s Speech won four Oscars, including “Best Picture” and “Best Actor.”
THE CROWN
Where to Watch: Netflix
Seasons: 4 Episodes: 40
“The Crown” on Netflix is an expansive, critically acclaimed drama series that traces the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her early days as a young princess to her long and often turbulent tenure as monarch. The show delves deep into the personal sacrifices, political dilemmas, and complex relationships that define her rule, portraying the challenges of balancing tradition with modernity in a rapidly changing world.
Throughout multiple seasons, The Crown explores key historical events that shaped the second half of the 20th century, including political scandals, international conflicts, and shifts within the British Empire. It also intimately depicts the Queen’s relationships with her family—her husband Prince Philip, her children, and her Prime Ministers—revealing the emotional toll and isolation that often accompany the responsibilities of leadership.
The series combines rich historical detail with nuanced performances and lavish production values to offer a compelling portrait of a woman burdened by duty yet determined to protect the monarchy’s legacy, making it both a personal drama and a sweeping epic about power, identity, and resilience.
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.