Movies / TV

6 Royal Family Dramas to Stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime While You Wait for ‘The Crown’ Season 4

New episodes of 'The Crown' arrive on Netflix on November 15. In the meantime, you can get your fill of Windsor family drama by streaming these films and shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

by Megan Elliott

Published on August 20, 2020

2 min read

‘W.E.’

Madonna directed this 2011 film, which received mixed-to-poor reviews and concerns one of the most dramatic episodes in recent royal family history. W.E. looks at the romance between Edward VIII and American divorcée Wallis Simpson, which ultimately led to him deciding to give up the British throne for the woman he loved. Streaming on Netflix.

‘The Queen’

Helen Mirren won a best actress Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in this 2006 movie. The Queen focuses on how the Queen and the rest of the royal family responded in the days after Princess Diana’s death. Michael Sheen plays Prime Minister Tony Blair, who pushes the Windsors to publicly mourn Diana. Streaming on Netflix.

‘The King’s Speech’

Colin Firth won an Oscar for best actor for his portrayal of King George VI in this 2010 movie, which also took home best picture. It focuses on the king’s efforts to overcome his stammer, as well as his unexpected ascension to the throne after his brother Edward VIII abdicates. Streaming on Amazon Prime.

‘A Royal Night Out’

It’s May 1945, and Germany has just formally surrendered to the Allies, ending World War II in Europe. The young Princess Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) and Princess Margaret (Bel Powley) convince their parents (Rupert Everett and Emily Watson) to let them celebrate the victory with the rest of London, provided they are accompanied by two British army officers. Hijinks ensue. Streaming on Amazon Prime.

‘The Royals’

This soapy drama about a fictional British royal family that’s even messier than their real-life counterparts ran for four seasons on E! Elizabeth Hurley plays Queen Helena, Vincent Regan is King Simon, and William Moseley, Alexandra Park, and Jake Maskall play their children. Streaming on Amazon Prime.

‘The Iron Lady’

OK, so this isn’t a royal family drama. But given that Gillian Anderson is joining the cast of The Crown in season 4 as the indomitable Margaret Thatcher, this 2011 biopic is worth adding to your to-watch list. Meryl Streep plays the conservative prime minister, while The Crown’s Colman plays her daughter Carol. Streaming on Netflix.