Netflix, you really know how to make an Anglophile like me happy. The British are coming to the streaming service, and I cannot wait.
Netflix officially announced its new original series The Crown, which will chronicle the reign of England's Queen Elizabeth II and the country's prime ministers. The series comes from Peter Morgan, who has written excellent films such as The Last King of Scotland, The Queen and Frost/Nixon, and the lead role is expected to be played by Claire Foy. The Crown will invade Netflix in 2016.
But if the only British royals you're familiar with are Prince William and Kate Middleton, you've got so much to learn, peasant. The history of the British monarchy is full of exciting tales of feuds, adultery and betrayal. It only gets better when Hollywood gets a hold of the subject, although the accuracy is obviously up for debate. Brush up on your knowledge of the British monarchy with these movies and TV shows currently streaming on Netflix, and you'll be feeling like a royal in no time.
Mrs. Brown (1997)
A year before she would play Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love, Dame Judi Dench portrayed the longest-reigning British monarch, Queen Victoria in the 1997 film Mrs. Brown. The film chronicles the ruler's relationship with her servant John Brown after the death of her husband Prince Albert.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Along with William Shakespeare, Elizabethan England takes center stage in this romantic film. We even get to see Queen Elizabeth I, though briefly, a role that earned Dench the 1999 Academy Award for "Best Supporting Actress."
The Tudors (2007 to 2010)
We all know Tudor King Henry VIII was one wild and crazy guy. The dude had six wives, after all. Now you can see how it all went down by streaming the complete series.
The King's Speech (2010)
This Academy Award-winning movie tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II's father King George VI. It's an inspiring tale of how he overcame his speech impediment to successfully lead the country through World War II.
Diana (2013)
Naomi Watts takes on the role of probably the most iconic royal ever, Princess Diana, in this 2013 film. Diana actually chronicles the last two years of her life, part of which she spent without her official "Royal Highness" title after her divorce from Prince Charles. However, her memory will always live on as "the People's Princess."
Reign (2013 to Present)
The monarchy meets Gossip Girl in this series currently in its second season on The CW. You can watch Season 1 in full on Netflix and follow all the hijinx as Mary, Queen of Scots ascends to power.
Image: Miramax
