The 5 Best Queen Victoria Movies and Television Shows

Queen Victoria is one of the most enduring symbols of the British royal family, 120 years after her death. You can physically see her across the Commonwealth. The Victorian period is still incredibly popular both with academic historians and the general public. Last week I shared my favourite books about Victoria, if you are looking for your next royal read. This week we are focusing on the best Queen Victoria movies and tv shows! I know that many of my followers are big fans of period drama, and Victoria has provided no small amount of fodder for the screen. Now, onto my picks!

These are some of my favourite movies and TV shows about Queen Victoria. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but they are some that I have really enjoyed. I think for the most part, they should be fairly easy to rent or purchase in most countries. Note: All of the synopses and posters here are from IMDB. 

The Young Victoria 

Dominated by her possessive mother and her bullying consort, Conroy, since childhood, teen-aged Victoria refuses to allow them the power of acting as her regent in the last days of her uncle William IV’s rule. Her German cousin Albert is encouraged to court her for solely political motives, but, following her accession at age eighteen, finds he is falling for her and is dismayed at her reliance on trusty Prime Minister Melbourne. Victoria is impressed by Albert’s philanthropy, which is akin to her own desire to help her subjects. However, her loyalty to Melbourne, perceived as a self-seeker, almost causes a constitutional crisis, and it is Albert who helps restore her self-confidence. She proposes and they marry, Albert proving himself not only a devoted spouse, prepared to take an assassin’s bullet for her, but also an agent of much-needed reform, finally endorsed by an admiring Melbourne.

I think that this film introduced a lot of millenials and Gen Zs to the young Queen Victoria, which I am grateful for as an historian. It is rare to find someone who doesn’t know who she is; however, she is almost always solely known as the widow in black. The Young Victoria reminded us everywhere that Victoria was once a young, loud, exuberant girl who was sorting out adulthood just like the rest of us. Emily Blunt brought Victoria to life, and the costuming was amazing. (You can also spot Princess Beatrice in the coronation scene as a lady in waiting!) 

However, I do have a criticism of this movie, and it is that overly romanticises Victoria and Albert’s relationship. I do believe that they loved each other and had a strong relationship. They weren’t the ideal love story that we should all be shooting for, though, and had some pretty major disagreements on things from the start. It is still a wonderful and enjoyable movie to start, but the myth of their great enduring love story has become quite prominent in the last two decades, and it gives quite an unrealistic idea of it. It is a lovely film to watch, but shouldn’t be taken as gospel. 

Her Majesty, Mrs Brown

Queen Victoria (Dame Judi Dench) is deeply depressed after the death of her husband, disappearing from public. Her servant Mr. John Brown (Sir Billy Connolly), who adores her, through caress and admiration brings her back to life, but that relationship creates scandalous situations and is likely to lead to monarchy crisis.

You might not think that Dame Judi Dench and Sir Billy Connolly together would be one of my favourite movies, no less about Queen Victoria, but here we are. Dench has played Victoria more than once, and she really nails her. John Brown played a big role in Victoria’s later life, to the point where her children tried to remove him from her employ. (It seems to be a re-occurring theme in her life, with Albert removing Lehzen early in their marriage, Victoria attempting to remove Conroy from her mother’s service, and her children also attempting to remove her Indian servants.) The two actors work extremely well together, and capture a dynamic and unique relationship between the Queen and her beloved Sottish servant.

This film was nominated for Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and SAG Awards, all for a good reason. It was originally planned to be shown on BBC One and PBS, but was picked up for wider theatrical release and earned $9,000,000 at the theatres. At first it feels like a rather “quiet” film that moves along, but you will quickly find yourself very invested in Her Majesty, Mrs Brown. And if nothing else, the scenery and costumes in this film are spectacular!

Victoria the Great

The story opens on the morning of 20 June 1837, when the Lord Chamberlain and Archbishop of Canterbury arrive to inform young Princess Victoria that her uncle, William IV, is dead, and that she is now queen. The new queen’s mother and her adviser, Baron Stockmar, have been used to seeing their opinions prevail with Victoria, but now she is on the throne, she makes an effort to assert herself and show that she will not be a mere puppet. However, she agrees to confirm Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne in his place. Melbourne advises Victoria to marry, and suggests her German cousin, Prince Albert. The two appear incompatible but soon find that they are in love. As Prince Consort, Albert becomes frustrated that he is given no role in governing the country and by his powerless role as husband to the queen. Though Sir Robert Peel suggests that Victoria share some of the burdens of the crown with her husband, she refuses, on the grounds that the people would reject Albert as an interfering …

This is a bit of an unknown Victoria film, as it dates back to 1937, but it is a wonderful film if you can get a hold of it. (This might be the one film that is harder to get a hold of.) However, it is a double dose of royal history- it was commissioned by Edward VIII to commemorate his grandmother’s reign. Playwright Laurence Housman wrote Victoria Regina about Victoria in 1934, but the Lord Chamberlain ruled that a British monarch could not be portrayed on the stage until 100 years after their accession. The play was a success on Broadway, and the King decided to commission a film version.

This film covers much of Victoria’s adult life, beginning with her accession in 1837, and moving through to her widowhood. It isn’t necessarily the best way to learn about her life, as it is highlights and pieces, but for an older film, it is beautiful to watch. Interestingly, the film was shot in Technicolor, but it shifts to black and white after Albert’s death. The Technicolor returns again for her Diamond Jubilee celebration at the end of the film, emphasising her reign. Given that it was commissioned by her grandson, it’s not a particularly critical look at Victoria, but I don’t think every portrayal needs to be. This is absolutely worth hunting down!

Victoria and Abdul

Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal) arrives from India to participate in Queen Victoria’s (Dame Judi Dench’s) golden jubilee. The young clerk is surprised to find favor with the Queen. As Victoria questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance that her household and inner circle try to destroy. As their friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity.

This is a very recent movie, from 2017, and I think it is one of my favourite royal history films. It takes a lot of liberties with the history and tells a very positive version of Victoria and Karim’s relationship but it is fun to watch. Yes, Victoria was difficult at the best of times and only became more difficult as time went on. However, it is pretty funny to watch her ignoring her somewhat-spoilt children in favour of a servant. Both Dench and Fazal are excellent in their roles, and it is quite entertaining. 

It unfortunately doesn’t truly broach the subject of colonialism and the impact of the Empire on India. I believe that history’s more ugly sides are often left out of movies and tv because it makes people feel uncomfortable, but perhaps we should be uncomfortable. Karim is rather a stereotype, but Fazal does bring him to life as much as he can. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a lighter film on Victoria in her later life, just knowing that there is a lot more to the story. 

Victoria (ITV/PBS) 

The early life of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne at the tender age of eighteen to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert.

Jenna Coleman, the newest Victoria on our screens, is allowed the most time in this television series. I think that a person like Victoria, who led such a complex and long life, really does show better over a series rather than a film. Because there is more time, the audience gets to see the ups and downs. (If you only have a two hour movie, she tends to either be idolised or demonised, nothing in between.) She feels more like a real person than in other portrayals, because we see her good and bad moments together. 

The supporting cast is wonderful, as well. Rufus Sewell as Lord Melbourne is particularly fun to watch. (A spin-off show would do well- his own life was fascinating on its own!) Victoria does take more liberty with the actual history than some other films/shows, with entire characters and storylines being invented. However, they are filling in an entire world for a television show, and it works well. If you are looking for a longer Victoria run, get started on Victoria!

What Queen Victoria movies and television shows have you watched lately? 

Cheers,
The Historian
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