Following Queen Elizabeth II's passing on September 8th, 2022, Netflix saw a major spike in viewership for their hit series The Crown. And the Netflix series has been one of many countless films and series that have allowed people to recollect her life and pay respects to Queen Elizabeth as the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Many biopics and documentaries have captured certain moments and events in the Queen's life, such as her unforgettable coronation in 1953 or heartfelt tributes from her family members during the Jubilees. Some depictions of the Queen's history have been more memorable than others, thanks to impeccable performances from actors like Helen Mirren and Claire Foy and personal tales that show her genuine and humble side.
A Royal Night Out (2015) - 6.5
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
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A Royal Night Out follows Queen Elizabeth II when she was just a teenager - and therefore, still a princess - as she and her sister Margaret get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave the safety of the palace to join the common people in their celebrations of the VE Day.
The comedy based on true events depicts the Queen like never before, as audiences get to see a playful, mischievous, and humorous Elizabeth enjoying the excitements of youth. Though some people found the interpretation to feel uneven, others appreciated the film's different tone and the Queen's charming portrayal, showing a much more relaxed and spirited iteration of her story.
Our Queen At War (2020) - 6.6
Stream On Hoopla & Kanopy
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It may not be mentioned often in World War II movies, but Queen Elizabeth II was the first female royal to join the armed forces, and she participated as a truck driver and mechanic when she was just a 19-year-old princess.
These and many other interesting facts about Queen Elizabeth's duty in World War II - like her broadcast message motivating evacuees - are covered in Our Queen At War. The movie shows one of the most interesting aspects about the Queen that people tend to forget when they think about their Majesty, as she also had a role in helping the war cause.
The Children's Party At The Palace (2006) - 6.7
Streaming Not Available
To celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday, Buckingham Palace opened its gates for hundreds of children who saw in person an amusing and charming televised pantomime where characters from children's books looked for the Queen's lost handbag.
Among the most impressive characters to make an appearance in the show, actors Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley looked for the Queen's handbag with one of the best spells in Harry Potter. It is a very special film to watch that reminds viewers how invested the Queen was in entertaining her people and keeping them laughing.
A Queen Is Crowned (1953) - 7.2
Stream On BritBox
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A Queen Is Crowned follows the first televised coronation in history, which is, of course, Queen Elizabeth II's. When it was aired in 1953, around 27 million spectators unknowingly saw the coronation of the second-longest reign in history (via People).
The documentary is not brilliant in its cinematography, but it is undeniable how tremendously important its historical value is. The coronation ceremony is already visually impressive, but to watch it today and understand how important that moment would become is for sure fascinating.
The Queen (2006) - 7.3
Stream On HBO Max
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The Queen is a movie based on the true story of the events that followed Princess Diana's tragic death and the difficult decisions Queen Elizabeth II had to make to protect her family. Considering the Princess of Wales had a complicated relationship with the Queen, this film is particularly interesting to watch.
The movie effectively addresses the difficulties the monarchy faces as there is an unprecedented demand for a tabloid spectacle while the royal family mourns. Viewers appreciated how the biopic delicately covers this emotional period, demonstrating the Queen's role as a protective matriarch. Helen Mirren's superb interpretation of the Queen makes this film hard to forget, emulating the Queen's caring but reserved sentiments during this mourning period.
The Queen (2009) - 7.3
Buy on Amazon
The Queen is a docudrama that depicts five key moments in Queen Elizabeth II's reign: Princess Margaret's wish to marry a divorcee of the household staff, an economic crisis, the Queen's disagreement with Margaret Thatcher about trade in South Africa, divorces within the royal family, and King Charles' marriage to Camilla Parker-Bowles.
It is rare to see pieces that highlight the Queen's political decisions, which is what makes this series outstanding among others. Viewers don't get to see only the royal family's dramatic life but also how much influence the Queen had on important decisions in her country.
A Jubilee Tribute to the Queen by The Prince Of Wales (2012) - 7.7
Stream On FuboTV, Crackle, & Plex
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Before officially becoming King Charles III after his mother's passing, he was for a long time the Prince of Wales and the loving eldest son of Queen Elizabeth. During her Jubilee tribute, he created a tender and sweet documentary about her as he shows the great amount of love and admiration he has for Queen Elizabeth II.
The Prince of Wales shows many great home videos through this touching and intimate documentary, emphasizing how important and loved the Queen was within her family and among the people of England. It is one of the few contents about Queen Elizabeth II that highlights her motherhood, showing how much she worked hard in double roles as a mother to her children and a queen to her nation. It was a moving tribute to the Queen's impeccable reign, which will have even more sentimental meaning now than ever.
The Coronation (2018) - 7.7
Stream On FuboTV & Paramount+
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Queen Elizabeth II's coronation is already impressive enough to witness, but in this 2018 documentary, viewers get to relive that moment in history with the intervention and commentary of Queen Elizabeth II herself.
She addresses intriguing facts about the ceremony and the Crown Jewels, including St. Edward's Crown, which has been in the family since 1661 (via HRP). The documentary gives great insight into how long, and under what circumstances, the crown has been able to acquire so much power throughout time. More importantly, people found the film to be personable and authentic as they learned more about the Queen's experiences and thoughts about the event.
Elizabeth At 90: A Family Tribute (2016) - 7.8
Stream On FuboTV, Crackle, & Plex
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There are many documentaries about Queen Elizabeth II, but this film is the one that achieves the most human, nostalgic, and sentimental approach to the person who was more than a queen and was a wife, mother, sister, and grandmother.
As more and more members of the royal family talk about their Queen, her Majesty acquires a three-dimensionality rarely depicted in any other piece. It may not be one of the best documentaries of all time, but it is very unique in its own purpose and intimacy.
The Crown (2016) - 8.7
Stream On Netflix
The Netflix series The Crown has gained worldwide praise as one of the best pieces to depict the royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth II. The show focuses on Queen Elizabeth II's sovereign that started just before her father's death and the events that transpired during each decade of her rule.
The Crown's biggest achievement has been the almost flawless direction, production, and timeline accuracy, detailing the Queen's most important moments, including her chilling coronation and her relationship with multiple prime ministers. The Netflix show is the best content about Queen Elizabeth II because of remarkable performances from Claire Foy and Olivia Colman (as different eras of the Queen), with both capturing her restrained demeanor and gestures immaculately. Both actors also emulate a strong-willed Queen Elizabeth who wants the best for her nation and the Commonwealth, exemplifying her hard work and growth as the head of state.