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 Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy franchise that has shaped my teacher’s identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great school teacher that appreciated a dark series about rings causing damage. Drawn to the power of rings that were dangerous, he loved a fantasy series that held a place in his heart that was precious. He always sought to educate his students in my class about a fantasy series he had grown to appreciate. Few films I have ever seen have captured the big abilities of kings that are inspiring as powerfully as “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”. Ever since its release in 2003, Peter Jackson’s final Lord of the Rings film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about kings. With the greatest film of his career, Jackson did an extraordinary job of adapting a classic book about rings that are a heavy burden to bear. Jackson has always had an aptitude for making compelling movies about majestic kings in danger, and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Aragon seeks to prepare his army for the final battle by giving a rousing speech causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Viggo Mortensen, who portrayed a powerful king with dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” my favourite film about kings of all-time is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. Nearly 70 years after the publication of an inspiring fantasy book about hobbits carrying a precious ring with powers that are terrifying, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies worth celebrating.
2. 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 was a huge fan of the kingdom of Wakanda. A big member of the African-American community, he adored a hero that had 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 a royal 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 role 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 bold themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as T’Challa’s desire to defend his kingdom, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies accomplishing stardom.
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. As strong as battles won by Maximus, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that’s precious.
4. The Lion King
“The Lion King” is a legendary animated film that my cousin always appreciated. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that loved a classic musical about lions with courage. Drawn towards the circle of life, it was a musical that always held a place in his heart that was special. Since its release in 1994, Rob Minkoff’s animated movie has stood the test of time as a great film about sibling rivalry. Minkoff used captivating musical numbers capturing tensions that lions torn apart by sibling rivalry are facing. For instance, the scene in which Scar murders Mufasa in the elephant graveyard to take the throne as king causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by James Earl Jones, who embodied a lion king facing tense sibling rivalry. Ultimately, what makes “The Lion King” a great musical is its universal appeal. Unlike most animated movies targeted towards children only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Simba’s desire to become a king, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies worth celebrating.
5. The Queen
Queen Elizabeth is a legendary figure of the royal family that my mother always loved dearly. I remember a mother that was a huge fan of a queen that she came to treasure. Fascinated with the royal family, she sought to become educated about a great queen that she often appreciated. 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 big legacy of a great queen that left a lasting impact on the British monarchy. 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 message. The film delivers a meaningful message about crisis which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the Royal Family to appreciate the movie. A breathtaking tribute towards a beloved British queen, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
6. Spencer
Princess Diana is a legendary figure of the royal family that earned attention of media. An awe-inspiring woman, Diana built a legacy that’s lasting. Her devastating death from a car accident in 1997 left the world mourning. In 2021, Pablo Larrain honoured the iconic princess that people treasure in his movie “Spencer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Spencer” stand out is its depiction of mental health. Larrain uses captivating montages capturing a princess that fought eating disorders which are frightening. Assisted by Kristen Stewart who is extraordinary in the lead role, Larrain honoured Princess Diana’s legacy. A powerful tribute towards a commemorated princess, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about inspiring kings which have achieved tremendous success.
7. Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette is a legendary queen that built a lasting legacy. During the 18th Century, the French queen wore glamorous dresses that defined her identity. An awe-inspiring queen, Antoinette built a legacy that’s lasting. In 2006, Sofia Coppola honoured the queen in her movie “Marie Antoinette”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Maria Antoinette” stand out is its fashion. Coppola uses glamorous costumes to showcase Marie Antoinette’s powerful transformation into a commemorated queen. Assisted by Kirsten Dunst who is extraordinary in the lead role, Coppola honoured the fashion worn by a queen that’s legendary. As precious as dresses worn by Marie Antoinette, it’s a gorgeous reminder of a commemorated genre that has set a high bar by manufacturing memorable movies that are impossible to commonly forget.
8. The Last Duel
Sexual assault is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell realistic stories about sexual assault. In an industry that has often turned a blind eye to sexual assault that’s cruel, it’s worth discussing “The Last Duel”. Released in 2021, Ridley Scott’s movie depicted sexual assault committed by kings in medieval history. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Last Duel” stand out is its depiction of rape. Scott uses captivating repetitive storytelling capturing an incidence of rape that’s frightening. Assisted by Matt Damon who is amazing in the lead role, Scott created a mesmerizing medieval epic. A spectacular depiction of sexual assault that medieval kings committed, it’s a superb reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies which audiences have undeniably appreciated.
9. The King’s Speech
When it comes to the most beloved figures in the royal family, it’s worth discussing King George V. 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 genre making memorable movies which are worth celebrating.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Few movies ever made about kings with charisma are as beloved as “The Chronicles of Narnia”. Released in 2005, Andrew Adamson’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved fantasy book. Adamson used breathtaking special effects capturing kings seeking to rule lands that are frightening. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is extraordinary in the lead role, Adamson honoured a fantasy book that’s inspiring. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of kings that mistreat children with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a powerful addition to the genre. As precious as the world of Narnia, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has created great movies about kings with charisma which I will forever treasure for motivating my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 