The late Princess Diana is beloved by many even after her death over 20 years ago. She remains a popular figure in film and TV, with many fictionalized dramas, biopics, and even musicals attempting to portray her. Spencer is the latest film to tell her story, with Kristen Stewart taking up the titular role. Stewart has received rave reviews for her performance, with Variety reporting she's a top contender for the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2022.
Princess Diana is, of course, not the only high-profile woman to undergo hardships. Many other historical women have faced similar challenges, such as troubled marriages and mental health problems, and have been portrayed on the silver screen. These female-centered biographical stories are powerful and moving, so much so that many of the cast won Oscars for their portrayal.
Jackie (2016) - Available To Rent On AppleTV, Amazon, & Google Play
Spencer is not director Pablo Larraín's first film about a female figure experiencing hardship. In 2016, he directed Jackie, based on the former First Lady, Jackie Kennedy. The biopic follows Jackie before, during, and after days of John F. Kennedy's assassination.
Having been a notable socialite, Jackie Kennedy also experienced similar hardships to Princess Diana, such as her husband's rumored affairs. In the film, Jackie emotionally struggles with the aftermath of her husband's death and motherhood. Jackie showcases a heartbreaking portrait in which the titular character tries to regain control of her life, much like Princess Diana in Spencer. In one of Natalie Portman's most iconic roles, she delivers a touching and flawless performance as Jackie Kennedy, which earned her second Oscar nomination.
The Iron Lady (2011) - Available To Stream On Prime Video & AMC+
The Iron Lady follows the former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, as she looks back at her controversial career and the impact it had on her personal life. Meryl Streep portrayed Thatcher in this 2011 biopic.
The Iron Lady reflects on Thatcher's accomplishments as Britain's first female Prime Minister but also highlights how her career impacted her personally. It dives into her psychological well-being years after having stepped down as the PM. The film also focuses on the highs and lows of her marriage, but it nevertheless showcases her love for her late husband. In one of Meryl Streep's best movies according to IMDb, she delivers a masterclass performance which earned her a second Academy Award for Best Actress.
Judy (2019) - Available To Stream On Hulu & Paramount+
Biopics are not just about noble political figures like Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana but have recently told the story of some of Hollywood's greatest performers. Such is the case with Rupert Goold's Judy. The biopic follows the later years of Judy Garland, in which she now performs at soldout shows in London.
Like Spencer, Judy showcases Garland's hardship after living past her prime. It reflects on her past as a child star filled with strict rules and challenges that caused health problems, including eating disorders. The film also follows her romance with her soon-to-be husband and the troubles afterward. It serves as a tribute to Garland, driven by Renée Zellweger's riveting performance in the titular role. For her performance, Zellweger won a well-deserved Oscar for Best Actress.
Frida (2002) - Available To Stream On HBO Max
Frida Kahlo is one of the most talented painters in history, and much of her work stems from her life in Mexico. Of course, life was not easy for the Mexican painter, depicted in the 2002 biopic, Frida. The film centers on her controversial life as an artist and her tumultuous relationship with her mentor.
Frida celebrates the life of Kahlo, focusing on her artistic expressions and ideologies that were considered radical during her time. Of course, the film highlights her rocky marriage, which shares parallels with Princess Diana's in Spencer. Nevertheless, it does not minimize her outstanding work as an artist, and in a way, helps to bring her art to life. Salma Hayek gracefully portrays Kahlo and her life, with the role earning her an Oscar nomination.
Respect (2021) - Available To Rent On AppleTV, Amazon, & Google Play
Aretha Franklin is one of the most celebrated musicians of our time. Respect narrates her life from her rough childhood to her independence as an adult.
Respect allows fans to relive the best of Aretha Franklin with her music, but it also dives into the deeper meaning of her songs. Like Princess Diana in Spencer, Franklin also struggled with her marriage. But, the film depicts her growth and determination to reclaim her power and voice. Of course, Jennifer Hudson perfectly transforms into Franklin, even covering the best of her music in the film. Like Stewart, Hudson is also a potential contender for the upcoming award season.
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) - Available To Stream On Starz & The Roku Channel
Unfortunately, royalty has a long history of infidelity and wedded hardship, but nothing can compare to the story of Henry VIII's many marriages. One of his most infamous marriages was to Anne Boleyn, as depicted in The Other Boleyn Girl, one of the top films about the English monarchy.
Spencer follows the events of Diana's misery during Christmas and, as she passes the time, she reads a book about Anne Boleyn, which resonates with her due to her husband's affair and the women's similar miseries. The Other Boleyn Girl dives deeper into the historical backstory of Boleyn and her marriage to the king. Although the film is not without its flaws and historical inaccuracies, the soap opera aspects are entertaining enough for viewers to enjoy.
Wild (2014) - Available To Rent On AppleTV, Amazon, & Google Play
Many women have suffered through misfortunes in their lives. The 2014 film Wild tells the story of one such woman, Cheryl Strayed, who goes on an enlightening adventure.
Like Spencer, Wild dives into Strayed's difficult experiences, such as a rough breakup, as well as substance abuse. Even though walking a long trail may sound extreme, the film depicts how it can also lead to self-discovery and the ability to move on. It is an emotional journey, driven by a powerful performance from Reese Witherspoon, which will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy (2017) - Available To Stream On HBO Max
Diana lived a difficult life as a royal, and Spencer only touches on parts of it. Fortunately, dramatized movies and TV shows are not the only sources to pay tribute to Diana's life. Prince Williams and Prince Harry commissioned a documentary, Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy.
The documentary serves as a brilliant tribute to the beloved princess as it looks at her biggest accomplishments, including working alongside homelessness and AIDS charities. While Spencer portrays some moments of her relationship with her two sons, the documentary primarily focuses on Diana's life as a mother with contributions from both of the princes. Therefore, the documentary is a must-watch for Princess Diana fans.
The Queen (2006) - Available To Stream On HBO Max & Paramount+
The Queen is perhaps one of the most notable movies about the royal family. The film follows the tragic death of Princess Diana. It covers the actions, reactions, and decision-making from the prime minister, Tony Blair, and the royal family, as they try to plan the best way to mourn her death on a national scale.
Even with her death, her presence is prominent in The Queen and speaks to the significance of Diana's legacy. The engaging film foretells the controversial mindset and decision-making of the royal family during this period and journeys through the family's difficulties in maintaining public trust. Of course, the performances from the cast, especially Helen Mirren and Martin Sheen, are phenomenal. Mirren won an Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth.
The Duchess (2008) - Available To Stream On Paramount+
In The Duchess, Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, thought she was living the fairytale dream with her high-profile marriage. Sadly, she experiences a failed marriage filled with infidelity. As a result, however, she falls in love with another man.
Like Princess Diana in Spencer, the Duchess also lives her life in the aristocracy feeling like an outsider. The Duchess is a period film infused with notes of feminism, showcasing its precedent in a historical context. Keira Knightley delivers a stellar performance as the titular character, adding power to Georgiana's voice during a crucial period.