The Best Movies Made About Kingdoms Ranked

Not many characters make movies as engaging as kings. Since the 1980’s, stories of monarchies have made for great movies. Whether it’s kings with speech disorders, ancient roman gladiators or political leaders, the genre has created several characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about kings which deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Wizard of Oz

“The Wizard of Oz” is a legendary fantasy film that my grandmother always loved dearly. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a great grandmother appreciating a classic musical taking place somewhere over the rainbow. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that was a huge fan of the fantasy genre. Drawn towards the kingdom of Oz, she would always speak fondly about a classic film that she often believed deserved a loud round of applause. Nearly 90 years following its release, Victor Fleming’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about a kingdom. With the greatest film of his career, Fleming did an extraordinary job of adapting a legendary book about wizards that evoke fear. Fleming has always had an aptitude for making movies about magical wizards, and “The Wizard of Oz” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the iconic scene in which Dorothy is transported from dark tornado-struck Kansas to the colourful land of Oz causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Judy Garland, who portrayed a woman embarking on a journey in a kingdom. Ultimately, what makes “The Wizard of Oz” my favourite film about kingdoms of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1940’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. Nearly 90 years after the release of a fantasy film about women in a tornado going somewhere over the rainbow, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making movies giving audiences dreams to commonly follow.

2. The Queen

Queen Elizabeth is a legendary figure of the royal family that my father has always loved dearly. I remember a father that was a huge fan of a queen that he came to treasure. Fascinated with the royal family, he sought to become educated about a queen he appreciated. He would always praise a Queen whose life story he believed deserved to be seen on a big-screen. In 2006, Stephen Frears did an extraordinary job of celebrating the majestic queen in his movie “The Queen”. Frears using breathtaking visuals to capture the legacy of a queen that left a lasting impact on the world. For instance, the scene in which Queen Elizabeth delivers an emotional speech on television news to the media expressing her grief over the death of Princess Diana is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Helen Mirren, who embodied a majestic queen with dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Queen” a historical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Royal Family to appreciate the movie. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a beloved British queen, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which definitely deserve to be seen on the big-screen.

3. Gladiator

Gladiators are grand historical figures that always impressed my grandfather. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa that appreciated gladiators in the ancient Roman era. I remember bonding with a grandfather that often took great interest in ancient Roman gladiators. He would always admire gladiators with wisdom that fought in the Colloseum. In 2000, Ridley Scott honoured gladiators that impressed my grandfather in his movie “Gladiator”. Scott has always had an aptitude for making engaging movies about kingdoms in danger, and “Gladiator” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scott used captivating production-design to capture the lives of gladiators that participated in battles experiencing a decline. For instance, the iconic scene in which Maximus reveals his true identity as a slave seeking revenge to Commodus in the Colosseum causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Russell Crowe, who embodied an ancient gladiator that faced sorrow centuries ago. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” a medieval masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about ancient Roman gladiators, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. As strong as battles won by Maximus, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre making movies that are precious.

4. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my friend’s persona. At an early age, I bonded with a girl that adored a series about lions with courage. I recall with nostalgia memories of a girl that loved Narnia. She grew up to treasure a fantasy book that she considered a precious piece of literature. My friend would always adore a fantasy book about lions with a deafening roar. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the fantasy book about a wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Adamson used special effects to recreate the magical world of Narnia that’s transporting. For instance, the scene in which Lucy first enters the wardrobe discovering the magical world of Narnia is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tilda Swinton, who created a frightening witch causing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” a wonderful wizard classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary fantasy book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about war which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the world of Narnia, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies attracting audiences towards Cinema.

5. Black Panther

Black Panther is a beloved comic-book character that my friend grew up to treasure. I recall with nostalgia memories of a friend that adored the kingdom of Wakanda. A member of the African-American community, he adored a hero that shaped his identity. He grew up to treasure an iconic comic-book character that celebrated his African culture. My friend often yearned to see the iconic superhero depicted on the big-screen. In 2018, Ryan Coogler honoured the iconic comic-book character in his movie “Black Panther”. Coogler used captivating camera angles to capture an African-American king in a position of power. For instance, the scene in which T’Challa returns back from the dead to rescue his kingdom of Wakanda is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Chadwick Boseman, who proved how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Black Panther” a comic-book classic is its appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about kings which would resonate with everyone. As strong as T’Challa’s desire to defend his kingdom, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which have achieved stardom.

6. The Hunger Games

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about kingdoms that participate in games, it’s worth discussing The Hunger Games. Since its publication in 2008, Suzanne Collins’ book has become a classic readers appreciate. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the book about games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hunger Games” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Ross uses captivating montages capturing an impoverished girl facing games that are frightening. Assisted by Jennifer Lawrence who is amazing in the lead role, Ross created a captivating adaptation of a celebrated book about poverty. As strong as Katniss’ desire to become a feminist hero, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies giving audiences dreams to commonly follow.

7. The King’s Speech

King George V is a legendary member of the royal family that built a lasting legacy. A troubled leader, George V suffered from severe speech impediments affecting his ability to guide the country. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic political leader with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The King’s Speech” stand out is its depiction of speech impediments. Hooper uses captivating montages capturing a royal figure that suffered from speech disabilities that are frightening. Assisted by Colin Firth who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured the king’s legacy. As strong as King George V’s desire to overcome speech disabilities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are worth celebrating.

8. The Lion King

Animation is a great genre that has often told compelling stories of kingdoms facing trauma. The hardships faced by kingdoms that are conflicted are often depicted in movies that are animated. The frightening tensions faced by kingdoms in animated movies are beautifully depicted in the movie “The Lion King”. Released in 1994, Rob Minkoff’s animated movie captured orphan lions. Minkoff used captivating musical numbers to capture the tensions faced by an orphaned lion seeking to become a king. Assisted by Matthew Broderick who is amazing in the lead role, Minkoff created a compelling animated movie about orphans. As strong as Simba’s roar, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about larger-than-life kingdoms experiencing consequences audiences adore.

9. Kingdom of Heaven

Ridley Scott is a legendary filmmaker that has often made great movies about kingdoms in history. With their engaging storytelling, compelling action and strong characters, Scott’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2005, Scott showcased his talent for making movies about kingdoms in his movie “Kingdom of Heaven”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Kingdom of Heaven” stand out is its depiction of Jerusalem. Scott uses captivating montages capturing hardships that medieval warriors embarking on journeys in Jerusalem are facing. Assisted by Orlando Bloom who is amazing in the lead role, Scott created a medieval drama that’s engaging. As strong as Balian’s desire for vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about kingdoms which have attracted massive audience.

10. The Last Duel

Few movies ever made about kingdoms that duel are as beloved as “The Last Duel”. Released in 2021, Ridley Scott’s movie captured sexist kingdoms in medieval history. Scott used captivating montages to capture hardships that women in a frightening kingdom are facing. Assisted by Jodie Comer who is captivating in the lead role, Scott created a mesmerizing medieval movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of sexist kingdoms that treat women with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Marguerite’s desire to overcome misogyny, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about kingdoms which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that I value highly.