Once upon a time, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turned the monarchy on its head by stepping down from their formal roles within the institution, moving to California, and starting a new life together far from the strict rules and traditions of the royal family. Whether Harry and Meghan's headline-making exit piqued your interest in the monarchy or you've long been fascinated by royals, there are countless captivating stories about famous rulers from history to the present—many of which make great movies.
Must-watch films about royals and royal life make for solid entertainment—what with their fantastic period costuming and production design—and can offer insight into iconic eras or figures. While some titles have undoubtedly taken liberties with the real-world details of their subject matter, turning historical accounts into romantic dramas or genre-bending biopics, something is intriguing about the pressures and privileges of the crown that these films explore. Without any further ado, here are the 15 best movies about royals to watch for a glimpse behind the curtain of the monarchy.
