Movies that tell the stories of royals often hold up throughout the years, thanks to multiple different factors. They can translate the ancient influence of real rulers from throughout history and originate righteous leaders who happen to be created characters. The ornate surroundings of each unique culture encapsulate one’s viewing experience into a bold and mighty vision, bringing audiences back in time or deep into fictional universes. The positive contributions that many rulers bring to the societies they lord over should be celebrated. However, “absolute power corrupts absolutely,” as the famous phrase goes. These are the best portrayals of kings in movies, ranked.
7Gerard Butler - 300 (2006)
300is a garish adaptation of a comic, ultimately capturing the utter barbarity of Sparta and its horrific ways of life. While the film may initially appear visually iconic to an unenlightened eye (and the subject of memes), it has developed a problematic legacy.Another MovieWeb articlecorrectly highlights its ties to alt-right movements, racism, and other associated unabashed forms of hate. King Leonidas (played byGerard Butler) became the face of these dark ideas, leading his 300 male soldiers to their version of victory at the expense of marginalized groups. This film serves not as an admirable example on this list, but as a warning of how dangerous portrayals like this can be and how corrupting that certain masculine powers can become.
6Timothée Chalamet - The King (2019)
The Kingutilizes young superstarTimothée Chalametin its main role as Prince Hal, drawing younger generations in to watch afan-favorite performance. Next in line to rule England as King Henry V, he struggles to fill his father’s position after his death, which has now become his own. This Netflix film trails the dichotomy between Hal’s previous freedom from royal duty and the requirements he now faces.A Roger Ebert reviewby Tomris Laffly states that the film includes “weighty things to say about contemporary and corrupt institutions of power and even dangers of male hegemony,” which definitely appears to modernize the Middle Ages-era story.
Related:Timothée Chalamet’s Popularity, Explained
5Leonardo DiCaprio - The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
The Man in the Iron MaskseesLeonardo DiCaprioin two performances – King Louis XIV and the masked man himself. The three musketeers decide to switch their positions, and all is revealed when Louis' twin brother, Philippe, emerges from the prison and the torture device he’s been locked into in his cell. After being liberated from his nightmarish fate, some serious conversations are had that shape the rest of the story. The difference between DiCaprio’s roles is observable enough despite the characters ultimately identical looks, but as Louis, he expertly plays the role of a spoiled young ruler who requires that he get his way.
4Kenneth Branagh - Henry V (1989)
As another interpretation of the same king’s rule,Henry Vbrings William Shakespeare’s famous play to the big screen in this adaptation. England aims to besiege France, resulting in some potent scenes that stay with viewers decades after the film came out.Kenneth Branaghplays Henry himself, steeping the character in the passion and fervor that constructs a good king. During the Battle of Agincourt, the film’s main conflict, the King delivers a stirring speech to his men under the theme of Saint Crispin’s Day. Branagh’s commitment to this role was almost Oscar-worthy, as hereceived a nominationfor the Actor in a Leading Role category in 1990.
3James Earl Jones - The Lion King (1994)
As one of Disney’s most incredible animated films of all time,The Lion Kingstill remains in its regal status from the company’s renaissance era,mostly within the ’90s. Its popularity eventually gave it a live-action remake decades later, which in turn kick-startedanother continuation of the tale– Mufasa: The Lion King. As the ruler of Pride Rock who started it all, Mufasa’s role in the original movie was truly essential.James Earl Jones’s deep and strong voice brought a sense of fatherly and kingly duty, and his tragic death is unforgettable. His influence and presence continues to stick with Simba, appearing in the clouds to help his son as he ascends to his own power.
Related:The Lion King: Best Characters in the Disney Classic Animated Movie, Ranked
2Colin Firth - The King’s Speech (2010)
The King’s Speechis the true tale of the journey behind the most influential voices in the United Kingdom.Colin Firthplays the film’s central character, originally known as Prince Albert, who becomes King George VI. Throughout the story, audiences observe as his speech impediment begins to improve, going from a discouraging barrier to a managed and memorable facet of the new ruler’s personality during his monarchy. In films that tell the stories of real royals, allowing viewers to bear witness to their struggles helps to humanize these untouchable individuals and makes them more relatable to some. Firth’s portrayal of the George takes the character’s communication from unsure and labored deliberation into more calculated expression thanks to the help of his speech therapist, Lionel Logue.
1Chadwick Boseman - Black Panther (2018)
One of the most highly regarded instances of kinghood in film dominated the silver screen in 2018 with the release of Marvel’s blockbusterBlack Panther. The film’s success can be observed through many elements – its emphasis on thebrilliance of the Black community, its iconic soundtrack, and of course,Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of King T’Challa. With expertise and ease, Boseman embodies the emotional depth and presence of power necessary for a young king’s ascension to leadership in Wakanda. Commanding the attention of audience members, the film is undeniably one of the MCU’s best works. After Boseman’s passing due to colon cancer, the influence of this performance seems even greater.
