Anti-Princesses: 20 Movies About Unconventional Royalty Beyond Disney

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - May 3rd 2025, 15:32 GMT+2

Cropped Spencer — Spencer (2021)

A modern royal biopic that gives a fresh, haunting look into the life of Princess Diana, Spencer is like a cinematic fever dream you never knew you needed. Directed by Pablo Larraín, this psychological thriller takes us through three days in Diana's life during Christmas in the early '90s. Played by the incomparable Kristen Stewart, Diana isn’t the sweet, docile princess you might expect, but a woman trapped in a gilded cage of expectations and scandal. Forget the tiaras and pretty dresses; this film serves up psychological tension, simmering with the pressure and loneliness of living in the royal spotlight. It's a must-see if you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the closed palace doors. | © Neon

Cropped The Favourite — The Favourite (2018)

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the Queen had two conniving cousins fighting for her favor, The Favourite delivers, and then some. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this film is a darkly comedic portrait of the power struggles and backstabbing at Queen Anne's court in early 18th-century England. Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz star as the deliciously scheming women vying for the queen’s affection and political influence, and trust me, the drama is thick! There’s intrigue, scandal, and more than a few moments where you’ll gasp at the audacity of it all. It’s royal intrigue like you’ve never seen before, with an ending that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about monarchy. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Mary Queen of Scots — Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Talk about a royal feud! Mary Queen of Scots offers a gripping and colorful retelling of the rivalry between Queen Mary I of Scotland (Saoirse Ronan) and her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). This movie serves us a dish of political maneuvering, betrayal, and ambition, all served with a side of gorgeous period drama. The actresses shine in their roles, bringing to life the tension and drama that built between these two monarchs. With a queen who isn’t afraid to stand up for her beliefs (Mary) and one who is trapped by her duties (Elizabeth), it’s a clash of personalities, cultures, and crowns. Honestly, if you're not here for the drama, what are you even watching for? | © Focus Features

Cropped Phantom Thread — Phantom Thread (2017)

Not your typical royal tale, Phantom Thread explores the meticulous world of 1950s haute couture through the eyes of a man obsessed with perfection—Daniel Day-Lewis as the fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock. In this film, royalty is not about castles and crowns, but about the delicate, intricate world of high society, which is essentially its own form of royalty. Enter Vicky Krieps as Alma, the mysterious muse who may or may not unravel Reynolds’ perfectly stitched life. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this dark romance is about control, submission, and the messy power dynamics that even the rich and famous can’t escape. Who needs a crown when you have the power to craft beauty and destroy lives with just a dress? | © Focus Features

Cropped A United Kingdom — A United Kingdom (2016)

Based on the real-life love story between Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) and Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), A United Kingdom tells the story of an African prince and his British wife whose relationship shakes the foundations of the British Empire. This movie isn’t just about love; it’s about a clash of cultures, colonialism, and the fierce determination to fight for what’s right, no matter how royal you are—or how much the world tells you not to. Seretse, the future king of Botswana, and Ruth, his white English wife, face unimaginable opposition from both the British government and his own people. If you’re a fan of romance, political drama, and a little historical rebellion, this one’s a crown jewel. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped The Tale Of Princess Kaguya — The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have a princess story with none of the glossy princess tropes, The Tale of Princess Kaguya will give you just that. A breathtaking work of animation from Studio Ghibli, directed by Isao Takahata, this film takes the traditional Japanese folktale and transforms it into a watercolor dream with stunning hand-drawn animation. Kaguya, a mysterious girl who grows from a bamboo shoot, grapples with her royal destiny, which, spoiler alert, isn't as wonderful as you'd expect. Voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz in the English version, Kaguya rebels against societal expectations, choosing freedom over forced grandeur. It’s a mesmerizing, poetic film that strips away the glitz of royal life to show the pain of duty. A royal tale that’ll have you questioning what it truly means to live free. | © Studio Ghibli

Cropped A Royal Affair — A Royal Affair (2012)

Let’s face it—royalty wasn’t all tea parties and ball gowns, especially in 18th-century Denmark. A Royal Affair takes us on a wild ride through the turbulent life of Princess Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander) and her passionate affair with the royal physician Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen). It’s not exactly a fairy tale—more like a historical soap opera with political intrigue, scandal, and romance, set against the backdrop of royal court life. Caroline may have been a queen, but she didn’t sit quietly on her throne—she made waves, and let's just say, things got... complicated. With sharp performances from Vikander and Mikkelsen, this film delivers both juicy drama and the struggles of being in a royal cage. If you’re in the mood for historical romance with a side of rebellion, this one’s for you. | © TrustNordisk

Cropped Melancholia — Melancholia (2011)

Melancholia isn't your typical royal story. Directed by Lars von Trier, this film takes a more existential approach to royalty, blending psychological turmoil with an impending planetary disaster. Starring Kirsten Dunst as Justine, a woman struggling with deep depression, the film presents an incredibly dramatic portrayal of a wedding gone wrong and the weight of a world on the brink of destruction. There's no fairy tale here—just a haunting, emotional exploration of what it means to exist under overwhelming pressure, whether it’s in a royal palace or a metaphorical one. The universe is literally crashing down, and Justine’s breakdown is both mesmerizing and a little terrifying. This is one royal tale where the crown is more of a burden than a blessing. | © Zentropa Entertainments

Cropped the duchess — The Duchess (2008)

Who says the royals get to have all the fun? In The Duchess, Keira Knightley stars as Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire, who was as famous for her extravagant style and politics as she was for her tumultuous, loveless marriage to the Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes). Georgiana was more than just a pretty face—she was a political figure and fashion icon, but she was also stuck in a cage of her husband's control. The film is a visual feast of Georgian England, filled with lavish costumes, aristocratic drama, and a personal journey of defiance against the constraints of royal life. Knightley delivers a stirring performance that showcases the struggle of a woman who yearns for freedom in a world where her every move is dictated by her title. A tale of rebellion wrapped in lace and silk. | © Pathe

Cropped The Other Boleyn Girl — The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

The Other Boleyn Girl is like the original royal drama before it was cool—well, before it was scandalously mainstream. Based on Philippa Gregory’s best-selling novel, this film dives deep into the messy love triangle between Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman), her sister Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson), and King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Mary is technically the “other Boleyn girl” in the title, but it’s Anne’s rise and fall that truly takes center stage. This isn’t your picture-perfect royal story—this one is filled with political scheming, betrayal, and plenty of backstabbing, all for the pursuit of a crown. The performances are fierce and the stakes are higher than any tiara could ever be. With family loyalty, love, and power on the line, there’s more drama in this royal court than in the entire season of your favorite reality TV show. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped enchanted — Enchanted (2007)

Enchanted is the perfect mix of old-school Disney charm and a cheeky modern twist, all wrapped in a dreamy, satirical package. This film flips the typical fairy tale on its head as Amy Adams plays Giselle, a princess who gets unceremoniously thrown from her animated world into real-life New York City. The clash of princess-perfect naivety against the grittiness of reality is nothing short of hilarious. From talking animals to an evil stepmother, Patrick Dempsey shines as the city lawyer who’s got to help Giselle adjust to the real world while simultaneously falling for her idealistic innocence. There are definitely no glass slippers here—just a whole lot of glitter, song, and laughs. It's a sweet reminder that real life is a lot messier than fairy tales. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Marie Antoinette — Marie Antoinette (2006)

Marie Antoinette reimagines the life of the famous French queen as a mix of sumptuous excess, teenage rebellion, and rock ‘n’ roll. Directed by Sofia Coppola, this film follows Kirsten Dunst as the Austrian-born Marie, who was thrust into the life of luxury and political strife at an impossibly young age. The movie blends historical drama with a contemporary sensibility, offering up an iconic, pastel-hued vision of the queen’s life in Versailles, complete with punk rock music and absurdly extravagant parties. Marie Antoinette may have been a queen, but she was also a teenager trying to find herself while the world around her fell apart. It’s a glorious romp through fashion, indulgence, and the ultimately tragic consequences of living in a bubble of privilege. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped The Queen — The Queen (2006)

The Queen takes us behind the palace gates of the most iconic royal family of all: the British monarchy. Helen Mirren won an Academy Award for her powerhouse portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II as she navigates the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death. What follows is a clash between royal tradition and public opinion, as the Queen’s stoic nature is challenged by a media storm and political pressures. It’s not your typical "royalty equals glamor" story—this is about the complexities of duty, leadership, and humanity, all set against the backdrop of a country in mourning. Mirren brings an understated brilliance to the role, reminding us that even the most powerful queens sometimes have to confront the hardest truths. | © Miramax Films

Cropped Elizabeth — Elizabeth (1998)

Elizabeth is the regal drama that catapulted Cate Blanchett into the stratosphere of A-list royalty. Playing the infamous Queen Elizabeth I, she presents a monarch whose fierce will and unyielding strength had to be built from the ground up in a world dominated by men. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, the film dives into Elizabeth’s early years as queen, detailing the political battles, betrayals, and love interests that shaped her into one of the most iconic leaders in history. The film’s intensity is matched by Blanchett's powerful performance, showing Elizabeth not just as a queen, but as a woman who learns that power can be as isolating as it is alluring. A must-watch for anyone curious about the price of royal power. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Princess Mononoke — Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke isn’t your classic Disney fairy tale, and it’s definitely not your typical princess story. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this stunning, animated film introduces Ashitaka, a prince cursed by a vengeful spirit, who ends up in the middle of a war between the industrial forces of humans and the mystical creatures of the forest. Princess Mononoke (aka San), the fierce and wild human-raised wolf-girl, embodies the film’s anti-princess spirit—she’s not your soft, delicate damsel but a warrior with a cause, fiercely defending nature against human exploitation. The film explores deep themes of environmentalism, morality, and the battle between progress and preservation, all while giving us one of the most memorable and non-traditional princesses in animation history. | © Studio Ghibli

Cropped Lancelot du Lac — Lancelot du Lac (1974)

If you’re looking for a royal story that plays with legend and mysticism, Lancelot du Lac brings a darker, more introspective spin on the classic Arthurian legend. Directed by Robert Bresson, this film isn’t your average knight-and-king tale—it focuses on the emotional struggles and tragic flaws of its characters. The film takes us through the affair between Lancelot and Guinevere in a minimalistic yet haunting portrayal of love, loyalty, and betrayal within the framework of medieval chivalry. It’s a quiet meditation on honor, with Lancelot (played by Luc Simon) wrestling with his duty as a knight and his love for a queen who’s ultimately caught between loyalty to her husband, King Arthur, and her heart’s desires. This isn’t the glamorized Camelot you’re used to—it’s raw and intensely human. | © Les Films de l'Astrophore

Cropped the lion in winter — The Lion in Winter (1968)

The Lion in Winter is a deliciously sharp political drama that’s more about power plays and royal egos than about love and glory. Starring Katharine Hepburn as the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine and Peter O’Toole as her scheming husband, King Henry II, this film is a masterclass in royal tension. Set during Christmas 1183, the movie revolves around a family at war for the throne, filled with emotional battles, family secrets, and negotiations that are as fierce as any battlefield. The dialogue crackles, the performances are unforgettable, and the intricate power struggles show that sometimes the fiercest fights aren’t on the battlefield, but around the dinner table. Hepburn's portrayal of Eleanor is a force to be reckoned with—royalty isn’t always about beauty and poise; sometimes it’s about sheer, unyielding strength. | © United Artists

Cropped Saraband for Dead Lovers — Saraband for Dead Lovers (1963)

Ah, Saraband for Dead Lovers, a tale of royal intrigue and tragic romance set against the backdrop of 17th-century Germany. Directed by the legendary Douglas Sirk, this film brings us Barbara Rush as the determined and troubled Princess Sophie, who’s caught in a doomed marriage and a world of courtly deceit. It’s a mix of regal beauty and looming doom, with Sophie’s journey full of forbidden love, betrayals, and moral dilemmas that only the royals seem to encounter. The film’s opulent yet emotionally intense style provides a fascinating glimpse into a time when personal desires were often crushed under the weight of royal duty. It’s the anti-princess tale that proves that a crown doesn’t come with happiness—just a whole lot of complicated relationships. | © Universal International Pictures

Cropped Cleopatra — Cleopatra (1963)

Forget the demure princesses of fairy tales—Cleopatra , starring Elizabeth Taylor, is the ultimate royal with a bite. This epic, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, is a true extravaganza, telling the story of the iconic Queen of Egypt and her tumultuous relationships with Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison) and Mark Antony (Richard Burton). It’s not all romance, though—there’s political maneuvering, power struggles, and a woman who isn’t afraid to use her charm and wit to carve out her empire. Taylor's Cleopatra is a masterclass in regal defiance, proving that royal status isn’t just about jewels and pretty dresses but about holding power in a dangerous world. You’ll find yourself rooting for this queen, whether she’s making alliances or facing the consequences of her choices. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Sissi — Sissi (1955)

Ah, Sissi —the beloved Austrian classic that presents a fairy-tale version of the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Played by the radiant Romy Schneider, this film takes us through the youthful and romantic early years of Sissi, the young princess who becomes the Empress, yet remains fiercely independent. This isn’t just a glossy portrayal of royalty—Sissi is an emotionally complex character who struggles with the pressures of court life, the constraints of her marriage, and the sacrifices required of her position. It’s a lush, beautiful film full of stunning landscapes and period-perfect costumes, but underneath the surface, there’s a strong-willed woman trying to hold on to her sense of self amid the royal expectations. For fans of historical romance with a pinch of rebellion, Sissi is the perfect royal anti-princess. | © Sascha-Film

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When we think of royalty, images of princesses in sparkling gowns, grand castles, and happily ever afters often come to mind—thanks to Disney's iconic portrayals. However, not all tales of royal life follow this fairy tale script. From complex characters defying expectations to stories that highlight the darker sides of being royal, the world of cinema has explored the lives of "anti-princesses." These films offer a refreshing departure from traditional princess narratives, portraying strong, flawed, and often rebellious women who challenge the norms of their royal positions. In this article, we’ve rounded up 20 must-watch movies about unconventional royalty, from historical dramas to animated epics, where the heroines are far from the typical Disney princesses. Let’s dive into the world of anti-princesses and uncover the stories that portray a different, more real side of royal life.