The Best Royal Romance Movies of All Time

Once upon a time, in a land where chivalry and romance danced hand in hand, a royal movie was just 120 minutes away. We're talking about the crème de la crème of royal romance movies, so get ready to embark on a majestic journey through the silver screen. From the dazzling courts of Genovia to the magical transformations of a humble servant, these films have charmed audiences with their heartwarming tales of love, destiny and grand adventure. (In select films and sequels, weddings are imminent too.)

Prepare to swoon over charismatic princes, root for brave princesses, and maybe even witness an ogre's captivating love story. Whether it's a modern-day royalty extravaganza in The Princess Diaries, a classic fairy godmother tale in Cinderella, or the unexpected romance that unfolds between a prince and a college student in The Prince and Me, each of these movies feature a royal romance you won't forget.

The Best Royal Romance Movies of All Time

Prepare to be swept away by a regal selection of top-notch royal movies.

Most Nostalgic: The Princess Bride

Best Comfort Film: The Princess Diaries

Most Underrated: The Prince and Me

Best Drama: The Young Victoria

Best Animated: Shrek

The Young Victoria

Step into the dazzling world of corsets and crowns, where power, politics and passion collide. The Young Victoria unveils the story of the spirited young queen, who is about to prove that ruling an empire is no fairy tale. With elegance and determination fit for a monarch, watch as Victoria (Emily Blunt) navigates her way through the courtly dance of love and politics, leaving us all enamored by her regal charm and wit.

Release Date: March 6, 2009

The Other Boleyn Girl

Get ready for a tale packed with scandal, seduction, and sibling rivalry. The Other Boleyn Girl follows the juicy saga of two ambitious sisters, Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson), as they vie for the heart of King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). With ultra-steamy courtly drama, this royal movie will leave you captivated by the clash of passion and power in this royally wild love triangle.

Release Date: February 29, 2008

Tangled

This Disney animated musical reimagines the classic fairy tale of Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore), a young princess with long magical hair, who has spent her entire life locked in a tower. When a charming thief named Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) stumbles upon Rapunzel's tower, she convinces him to take her on a journey to see the floating lanterns that appear in the sky every year on her birthday. Throughout their adventure, Rapunzel and Flynn develop a deep and meaningful connection, and their relationship gradually evolves into a romantic one.

Release Date: November 24, 2010

Excalibur

Excalibur pulls the legendary sword from the stone and takes us on a whirlwind journey through the magical world of King Arthur (Nigel Terry) and his valiant knights. When it comes to royal movies, Excalibur is primarily known for its epic battles and magical elements. It also weaves in romantic elements to add depth and emotion to the tale, including the love triangle between King Arthur, Queen Guinevere (Cherie Lunghi), and Sir Lancelot (Nicholas Clay).

Release Date: April 10, 1981

The Prince and Me

Prepare for a royal ruckus as The Prince and Me crown the screen with romance, chuckles, and a tiara or two. Watch as a spirited college student named Paige (Julia Stiles) unexpectedly stumbles upon her own fairytale when she meets a dashing prince (Luke Mably). With cultural clashes, undercover royalty, and a pinch of university antics, this royal rom-com is not one to be missed.

Release Date: April 2, 2004

A Royal Night Out

Ready to party like royalty? A Royal Night Out brings a night of wild adventures and regal mischief like you've never seen before. Join Princess Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) and Princess Margaret (Bel Powley) as they sneak out of Buckingham Palace on V-E Day, mingle with the commoners, and enjoy romantic encounters. Princess Elizabeth, portrayed as "Liz," develops a sweet and endearing connection with a young airman, while Princess Margaret enjoys a whirlwind romance with a soldier.

Release Date: May 8, 2015

Ella Enchanted

Meet Ella (Anne Hathaway), a young lady cursed with the gift of obedience. (Tthat's right, she can't say no to anything.) Yes, she falls in love with the prince (Hugh Dancy), but she's not your typical damsel in distress. Armed with wit, charm, and a dash of rebellion, she embarks on a quest to break the spell and find her own happily-ever-after. With ogres, giants, and singing knights, this enchanting adventure is one you won't regret embarking on.

Release Date: December 17, 2004

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride takes the cake when it comes to nostalgia, adventure, and a whole lot of witty banter. Follow the dashing Westley (Cary Elwes) as he embarks on a quest to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), from the clutches of dastardly villains and inconceivable situations. With giants, pirates, and a clever grandpa spinning the tale, this cult classic will make you laugh, cry, and cheer as true love (and hilarity) conquer all in this beloved royal romance movie.

Release Date: September 25, 1987

Cinderella (2015)

In this 2015 adaptation, Cinderella (Lily James) is no damsel in distress. With grace and gumption, she shows that kindness and courage can conquer even the most wicked of stepmothers (Cate Blanchett). Add in a dashing prince (Richard Madden), some dazzling transformations, and a sprinkle of magic, and you've got the perfect royal romance movie. Get ready to be swept off your feet in this timeless classic with a fresh twist fit for any princess – or prince.

Release Date: March 13, 2015

Shrek

Even if you've seen it a dozen times, settle in once again for the hilarious and unconventional quest as Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) embarks on a rescue mission to save Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon-guarded tower. But this isn't your typical royal romance movie. With a chatty donkey (Eddie Murphy) and a pinch of ogre charm, this animated gem proves that love comes in all shapes and sizes – even green and swampy.

Release Date: June 18, 2001

The Princess Diaries

In The Princess Diaries, we meet Mia Thermompolis (Anne Hathaway), whose life takes a royal turn when she discovers she's the heir to the throne of a small European kingdom. Follow her hilarious and heartwarming journey as she transforms from awkward high school student to a poised princess with the help of a makeover — and her sassy grandmother (Julie Andrews). With laugh-out-loud moments and touching life lessons, this coming-of-age, royal romance movie reminds us that being true to ourselves is the ultimate crown jewel.

Release Date: July 29, 2001