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Tribune News Service
Tribune News Service
Entertainment
Peter Sblendorio

The best movies and series about Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy continues — with a little help from movies and TV shows.

Fans missing the late British monarch can watch acclaimed films and series that fictionalized parts of her notoriously private story but captured the essence of her life of service.

Here are some of the scripted projects that cover Queen Elizabeth’s royal reign, which ended after 70 years with her death on Sept. 8.

'The Queen'

Helen Mirren earned rave reviews for her performance as the monarch from the most important critic — Queen Elizabeth herself.

The 2006 biographical drama is set after the death of Princess Diana, with Mirren winning an Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Volpi Cup from the Venice Film Festival for her portrayal.

Mirren was invited to Buckingham Palace after playing the queen but was unable to attend due to production commitments for another movie at the time.

The actress later won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in “The Audience.”

'The Crown'

The popular Netflix series depicts different stages of Elizabeth’s monarchy, with Claire Foy portraying the queen on the first two seasons and Olivia Colman taking over the role for Seasons 3 and 4.

Foy and Colman both won honors at the Emmys, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards for their performances.

Imelda Staunton will play the queen on the series’ final two seasons.

'Playhouse Presents'

Another major star to portray Queen Elizabeth was Emma Thompson, who did so on the British anthology series “Playhouse Presents.”

Thompson’s standalone episode aired in 2012 and is based on the true story of a man named Michael Fagan who intruded on the queen’s room at Buckingham Palace in 1982.

'The King’s Speech'

The Oscar-winning film centering on Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, working with a speech therapist depicts Elizabeth as a child, portrayed by Freya Wilson in a supporting role.

The 2010 movie won four Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor for star Colin Firth.

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