princess diana biography movie

Princess Diana - All Movies about

3. Diana and I

4. Diana, 7 Days

5. Diana: 7 Days That Shook the Windsors

6. Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy

7. Diana: A Tribute to the People's Princess

8. Diana: Her True Story

9. Diana: Last Days of a Princess

10. The Diana Conspiracy

11. The Diana Conspiracy: What Happened in Paris?

12. Diana: Conspiracy Theories

13. The Murder of Princess Diana

14. The Queen

15. The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana

16. Spencer

17. The Story of Diana

18. Unlawful Killing

19. Willi und die Windzors

More to explore, recently viewed.

Screen Rant

10 best movies based on princess diana's life, ranked by imdb.

Netflix's New WW2 Movie Can't Shake Off Tyler Perry's Poor Rotten Tomatoes Streak

Wicked movie director received surprising call from star wars creator george lucas: "he couldn't have been more kind", it ends with us controversy fuels: blake lively sues director & star justin baldoni for sexual harassment.

Diana Spencer aka the former Princess of Wales has had a tumultuous life, following her royal marriage and her tragic loss. Since the 90s, she has been a constant muse for feature films and documentaries. The latest example is, of course, Pablo Larraín's Spencer that takes a fictionalized look at her divorce from Prince Charles and departure from the Royal family.

RELATED:  10 Best Movies Like Kristen Stewart's Spencer

With her warm persona and iconic fashion choices, Diana easily qualifies as the empathetic protagonist. The story of her life would be similar in almost all movies but it's the interpretation that differs. For instance, Diana follows a conventional biopic approach while Spencer involves magical realism.

Princess In Love (1996) - 4.2

One of the scandals in Diana's life was her affair with the military officer Captain James Hewitt. Even though not all aspects of this affair have been validated, Hewitt made bold claims in the book Princess In Love (for which he was consulted). The book inspired the infamous movie of the same name that is centered upon the extramarital relationship.

The one unique thing about Princess In Love is that it might be one of the few movies on the British royal family  that deal with Diana's infidelity as compared to Prince Charles who is seen as the usual suspect. Still, the movie is probably too melodramatic for viewers as is evident from its low ratings.

Diana: The Musical (2021) - 4.7

A special Netflix recording of the Broadway musical of the same name, Diana covers the highs and lows of her life through larger-than-life musical performances. Jeanna de Vaal's vigor as the lead is commendable even though everything else about Diana is questionable.

Both critical and audience reactions have been negative towards the musical with some finding the narrative to be too exploitative or unintentionally hilarious.

Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story (1982) - 5.5

By no means is Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story a cinematic masterpiece. But for modern viewers, this American production can be an amusing time capsule of sorts. Released a year after the royal wedding, the movie tends to romanticize every aspect of Charles and Diana's relationship with extreme creative liberties.

Needless to say, the movie hasn't aged well but it still shows the calm before the storm. Before international media covered the scandals of the marriage, Charles and Diana were once seen as an adorable couple (despite the issues they had in real life). Seeing the merriness in this film, the audience can only feel sorry for Diana for the life that awaited her.

Diana: Last Days Of A Princess (2007) - 5.4

As the title suggests, this docudrama covers the final days of Diana's relationship with Dodi Fayed leading up to the tragic car crash. Even though actual archival footage and personal interviews are featured in the movie, a parallel approach of reenactment is also present.

RELATED:  10 Worst Things That Prince Charles Did In The Crown Season 4

Hence, both narrative styles blend together to present the last days in the life of the "People's Princess." At the same time, it doesn't break any new ground and covers the events that many other documentaries have already had.

Diana (2013) - 5.5

Diana documents the last two years of its titular protagonist's life with Naomi Watts starring in the movie . The screenplay draws inspiration from Kate Snell's non-fiction book Diana: Her Last Love . Diana's divorce and eventual relationship with Dodi Fayed form most of the premise. In the middle, her relationship with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan is also touched upon. However, Khan didn't stick with her for his own objections towards Diana's celebrity persona.

By covering such diverse relationships, Diana shows how ill-fated her romantic life was. At the same time, Diana also covers the Princess' activism through campaigns against land mines. Unfortunately, the movie's fate was also ill-fated as it drew overwhelmingly negative reviews.

Whatever Love Means (2005) - 5.5

Prince Charles and Princess Diana were once asked by an interviewer if they were in love. While Diana answered with a resounding "Oh, yes", Charles responded glumly, "Whatever 'in love' means". This quote aptly lends to the title of this British TV film that covers Charles' relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.

RELATED:  10 English Period Dramas To Watch If You Like Netflix's Bridgerton

As many would know, Charles and Camilla shared a close relationship even before his marriage to Diana. It is widely believed that the continuing affair was one of the reasons behind Diana's divorce. So, naturally, Diana also plays a significant supporting part in this movie that even goes on to cover Charles and Camilla's life in the aftermath of her death.

Spencer (2021) - 7.0

Offering Kristen Stewart's career-best performance ,  Spencer takes a personal look into Diana's life without giving the spotlight on any other Royal. Instead of focusing on the same old narrative of a ruined marriage, Spencer shows how its tragic heroine felt suffocated with the rules and regulations that came with the family.

Her eating disorders have also been portrayed sensitively. To make the premise more surreal, a parallel is also drawn between her and Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated queen of Henry VIII. But apart from the dramatic elements, the movie also celebrates the beauty of the mundane such as scenes involving Diana visiting her childhood home or playing a game with her children. In such moments, Stewart wonderfully brings out the naivety of Princess "Di."

The Queen (2006) - 7.3

Even though Princess Diana only appears in archival footage, she plays a major part in The Queen as the movie is set in the aftermath of her car accident. As the royal family debates on how to break the news, Queen Elizabeth II struggles with the subsequent reactions from the public and the Tony Blair-led government. Peter Morgan's screenplay and Helen Mirren's leading turn in the film succeed in building a thriller out of Diana's death.

The movie is significant for being one of Morgan's various projects involving royalty. This, of course, culminated further in his Netflix series The Crown that covers Diana's life in greater detail.

Diana, 7 Days (2017) - 7.5

Commissioned by Prince Harry and William to mark the 20th death anniversary of their mother, Diana, 7 Days is a BBC documentary that covers Diana's funeral and the impact it had on the grieving British public.

RELATED:  10 Questionable Parenting Choices In The Crown

Apart from Diana's close friends and family, the documentary also covers the reactions of politicians and journalists of the time giving a true extent of the significance that the former Princess of Wales had on the country. Instead of covering conspiracy theories or royal gossip, this is one of the few documentaries on Diana that takes an empathetic look at her death.

Diana, Our Mother: Her Life And Legacy (2017) - 7.6

Yet another documentary produced by Diana's two sons, Diana, Our Mother  commemorates her life and her work towards causes like AIDS, land mines, and cancer. Some never-seen-before footage includes home movies and unseen photographs from her childhood.

Harry and William themselves feature in interviews for the documentary along with friends like Elton John and family members like Charles Spencer.

NEXT:  What The Crown Season 4 Gets Wrong & Right About Diana's History

The 9 Best Movies and TV Shows About Princess Diana

The 10 Worst Oscar Bait Movies of All Time, According to Reddit

The 35 best documentaries of all time, ranked, the best documentaries on disney plus right now.

Princess Diana is among the most beloved figures from the 20th century, filling the world with kindness and grace. Diana tragically passed in a car accident at 36, but her legacy lives on through movies, TV shows, and recreations of her style, showcasing her activism and glamour.

Each adaptation of Diana in film and television shows her down-to-earth persona and details the unique aspects of her life. Most attempt to reveal a new side to her famously vulnerable persona, although not all are successful. Still, most films and shows revolving around Princess Diana are worthy representations of her inspiring life, keeping her memory alive in the minds and hearts of millions.

9 'Diana' (2013)

2013's Diana is set during the last 2 years of her life and shows her compassion by focusing on her awareness campaigns and contributions to several foundations and charities. Two-time Oscar nominee Naomi Watts plays the People's Princess opposite Naveen Andrews .

The ultimate Oscar bait fails.

Diana received negative reviews for its screenplay and direction. However, Watts gives it her all in the title character, while the film focuses on an aspect of her persona rarely covered by other projects. Diana might not be a great movie, but it's a serviceable depiction of the People's Princess, thanks to Watts' sympathetic portrayal.

8 'Princess Diana: Tragedy or Treason' (2017)

Princess Diana was killed in a car accident on August 31, 1997. Her sudden death heavily impacted the world, leading to many conspiracy theories regarding her fate. The 2017 documentary Princess Diana: Tragedy or Treason? explores many of these conspiracy theories, featuring interviews to analyze them.

These prevalent theories show the continued fascination with Princess Diana's life. Many have been debunked, but that doesn't stop many from revisiting them. Princess Diana: Tragedy or Treason? over-indulges many controversial theories, but its fascination for its subject matter is apparent, if somewhat misguided.

7 'Diana' (2021)

The Person Behind the Princess Diana is a six-part documentary series on Max showing unseen footage of Princess Diana's life. Viewers see a new side of Princess Diana through interviews, with historians, authors, and royal correspondents sharing their own opinions about her life.

From Grizzly Man to Hoop Dreams to Free Solo, this is Collider's ranking of the greatest documentary movies ever made.

This documentary brings Princess Diana to a deeper level, exploring her reputation as a "queen of people's hearts." Her compassion, contributions to foundations and charities, and ability to sympathize with others made her an icon, continuing to inspire viewers through the various depictions of her life.

6 'The Princess' (2022)

The Princess is among the best documentaries on Max . It features interviews and real footage of her interactions with several celebrities, including John Travolta , the mark Princess Diana made on the world. This documentary showcases her camaraderie with others as each interviewee speaks highly of her presence.

The film shows the most iconic moments of her life, immersing the viewers in her life and showing how others saw her larger-than-life persona. The Princess also shows the overwhelming adoration and intense scrutiny she faced from the media and the public as a member of the royal family.

5 'Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy' (2017)

Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy is one of two documentaries commissioned by her sons, William and Harry, to mark the 20th anniversary of her death. It shows the different aspects of her life, focusing on the impact Diana left and her involvement with her children.

The documentary is unique in that it features interviews with major figures in Diana's life, most notably William and Harry, with Sir Elton John and Charles Spencer also appearing. Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy received praise for its emotional and naturalistic tone, with many considering it a worthy love letter to the People's Princess.

4 'Diana: In Her Own Words' (2017)

Diana: In Her Own Words uses recordings of Princess Diana given to Andrew Morton to write his biography, Diana: Her True Story . The recordings reveal a private side to Diana's life, dealing with her feelings during the most troubling years of her marriage to Prince Charles.

In the mood for some learnin'?

Her poetic, soft-spoken voice is a staple of her personality, giving the documentary a more personal and almost haunting vibe. Diana: In Her Own Words uncovers the mysteries behind Princess Diana's life through her own voice, giving audiences a deeper understanding of who she was and the burdens she carried.

3 'The Queen' (2006)

Peter Morgan's 2006 drama The Queen stars Helen Mirren in her Oscar-winning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. The film revolves around the monarch's reaction to Princess Diana's sudden death and her tense relationship with newly-elected Prime Minister Tony Blair amid increasing negative sentiments toward the Royal Family.

The Queen doesn't feature Princess Diana, but her shadow looms large over the action. Mirren's vulnerable portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II humanizes the monarchy, adding more complexity to this tragic story. The Queen is among the best films about royalty , proving how impactful Diana's passing was and how close the monarchy was to crumbling following the tragic event.

2 'Spencer' (2021)

The talented Kristen Stewart stars as Princess Diana in Pablo Larraín's 2021 psychological drama Spencer . The film presents Diana's hesitations about her marriage and place within the Royal Family during a Christmas visit in 1991.

Larraín and writer Steven Knight bring Princess Diana to a different light. She sees herself as Anne Boleyn and embarks on a powerful internal journey, seeking solace and escape from the pressures of her royal confinement. Elevated by Stewart's tense, anxiety-ridden, Oscar-nominated performance, Spencer is a claustrophobic exploration of Princess Diana's mental health, ending on a hopeful note without hinting at her eventual and tragic ending.

1 'The Crown' (2020)

Princess Diana debuts in The Crown season 4 , which revolves around Princess Diana and Prince Charles' tumultuous marriage. Emma Corrin plays Princess Diana gracefully, creating a nearly uncanny portrayal through her mannerisms and soft-spoken voice. She embodies the Princess' warmth, playing her at her most vulnerable.

Season 5 recasts the character, now played by Elizabeth Debicki . The season explores her separation and eventual divorce, as well as her explosive interview with Martin Bashir. Debicki is wearier and less wide-eyed, as the target on her back from allies and foes is larger than ever. The Crown does a great job showing Princess Diana's evolution, with Corrin and Debicki crafting fully-fledged, sympathetic, and revealing portrayals of this beloved icon.

NEXT: The Best Episode From Each Season of 'The Crown'

• Princess Diana

• Icon Link Plus Icon

optional screen reader

12 movies that give their own re-telling of princess diana’s story.

by Julia Teti , Delilah Gray

• Share on Flipboard Plus Icon
• Share on Pinterest Plus Icon
• Share on Facebook Plus Icon
• Share on Twitter Plus Icon

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

Every few years, it feels like we get a new adaptation featuring the life of Princess Diana. Hollywood’s fascination with the late Princess of Wales has yet to subside even nearly 25 years after her death. In fact, curiosity has seemingly piqued, thanks in part to royal family drama and the success of streaming giant Netflix’s drama series The Crown . Now, with Kristen Stewart nabbing a best actress Oscar nomination for her role as Princess Diana in Pablo Larraín’s  Spencer , these stories about Diana’s life feel more relevant than ever — and if you’re looking for a Diana binge, we have the best selection of movies about her royal life below.

Spencer , starring Kristen Stewart as the Lady Spencer herself, chronicles three days during the Christmas festivities with Diana and the royal family. During this time, Diana comes to realize that her marriage to Prince Charles is practically over, and she needs to move on from the royal family. It’s a psychological drama that imagines what Princess Diana must have endured during that time, but while this adaptation might be completely new in style and substance, it’s hardly the first to try and confront Diana as both a legend and human.

Films about Diana have chronicled her marriage, divorce, and the final days of her life. And we’ve rounded up seven films in addition to  Spencer  that take on their own re-telling of the people’s princess, which is well worth watching for any amateur Windsor scholar at home. Read on for our picks in honor of what would’ve been Diana’s 63rd birthday today.

A version of this article was originally published in November 2021. 

‘Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story’ (1982)

Starring David Robb as Charles, Prince of Wales and Caroline Bliss as Lady Diana Spencer, the 1982 TV film Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story gave viewers a much-lighter look into the marriage. It followed their romance, dating, and wedding day; all in a more light-hearted manner that gave off fairytale vibes.

‘Diana: Her True Story’ (1993)

The 1993 TV film Diana: Her True Story stars Serena Scott Thomas as Princess Diana, and was based on the book of the same name as Andrew Morton; and followed her life behind the scenes like her battle with depression.

‘Whatever Love Means’ (2005)

The 2005 film  Whatever Love Means  is actually a love story mainly based on Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, and follows their story. Instead of what movies usually cover, Charles and Camilla are already in love, and then he meets Lady Diana Spencer. It is written more as a tragic love story, with Diana being portrayed as the other woman.

‘Spencer’ (2021)

The latest iteration of Princess Diana’s story comes courtesy of acclaimed director Pablo Larraín ( Jackie ). In this film, Kristen Stewart gives a lauded performance as Lady Spencer, who spends an arduous three days with the royal family during the Christmas holidays. It’s during these three days that Diana realizes she can no longer remain married to Prince Charles, and sets on a new path. 

The film has earned rave reviews from critics, and Stewart has now been nominated for her first-ever Oscar for her performance. 

‘Diana: The Musical’ (2021)

The entertainment industry may have gone a step too far with this adaptation of Diana’s story.  Diana: The Musical made its debut on Netflix in October 2021, after previews on Broadway began that same year after start dates moved around due to the pandemic. Reviews for the filmed stage show haven’t been wholly positive. But if you’re interested to see what this version of Diana’s story looks like — and sounds like — you can stream it on Netflix . 

‘Diana’ (2013)

2013’s Diana seemed like it had all of the elements to work. Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watt’s as the late Princess of Wales, a side of the enigmatic royal we’d never seen, and more. But  Diana fell very flat with critics, though some praised Watts’ efforts. 

If you’re curious, you can watch it on Amazon . 

‘The Queen’ (2006)

While this movie didn’t star anyone to play Princess Diana in her lifetime, it did portray a different side of Diana’s story: how the royal dealt with her death. Starring Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II, the 2006 film The Queen   follows the Queen and how she dealt with Diana’s death professionally and personally.

‘Princess In Love’ (1996)

Another TV movie adaptation, 1996’s Princess In Love , is based on the 1995 book of the same name by Anna Pasternak. This CBS movie chronicled Diana’s affair with a former riding instructor. The TV movie is full of melodrama, including a moment where Cox, as Diana, goes up to the actress playing Camilla and says, “ don’t you think it’s a bit crowded with three of us in this marriage, Camilla? ” Wonder where that line came from. 

You can watch it on Amazon .

NBC gave the TV movie treatment to Andrew Morton’s tell-all book  Diana: Her True Story with this 1993 biopic. Serena Scott Thomas plays Princess Diana in this TV movie, while David Threlfall is her Prince Charles. Despite lacking a distinct resemblance to the late Princess Diana, Scott Thomas received positive reviews for her portrayal. 

‘The Women of Windsor’ (1992)

CBS aired The Women of Windsor in 1992. This take on Princess Diana also featured portrayals of House of Windsor women like Sarah, Duchess of York . The film posited two women who were outsiders to the royal family, but reviews found the interpretation of Diana fairly flat. Here is Sallyanne Law as Sarah, Duchess of York, Carolyn Sadowska as Queen Elizabeth II, and Nicola Formby as Princess Diana.

‘Charles & Diana: Unhappily Ever After’ (1992)

Roughly ten years after her first stint as the Princess of Wales, Catherine Oxenberg reprised the role of Diana in  Charles & Diana: Unhappily Ever After , opposite Roger Rees as the Prince of Wales. This film featured the end of the couple’s marriage, and coincided with the speculation, scrutiny, and scandal that loomed over their respective lives. 

‘The Royal Romance of Charles & Diana’ (1982)

The TV movie The Royal Romance of Charles & Diana , starring Catherine Oxenberg as Princess Diana and Christopher Baines as Prince Charles, debuted on CBS in 1982, not long after the couple got married. The CBS movie followed a young Diana in the time leading up to her marriage to Prince Charles. At the time, Diana was portrayed as innocent and guileless. 

Leave a Comment

More stories from entertainment.

Jennifer Garner Keeps Fans Guessing About Her John Miller Relationship With This Sparkling Accessory

Tiger Woods’ Son Charlie Hits a Golf Milestone & the Proud Dad Moment Is Adorable

Ivanka Trump Is Getting Unsolicited Advice on How To Soften Her Post-White House Image

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s Subtle Matching Moment at Her Eras Tour Wrap Party Has Swifties Confused

King Charles III Ends the Year With Prince Andrew ‘Humiliating’ the Royal Family

SheKnows is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 SheMedia, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

• Entertainment

The 7 Best Movies and Shows to Watch About Princess Diana

I n the 25 years since the tragic and untimely death of Princess Diana, her legacy has loomed large in the world’s collective imagination. Her brief but highly public time as a royal has provided endless cultural inspiration —and it’s not difficult to see why.

Her personal life was marked on one hand by a complicated and unhappy marriage to Prince Charles— the heir to the British throne—and by the stifling restrictions of royal protocol, and on the other by the glamour, charisma, and compassion that made her a beloved public figure. As the “People’s Princess,” she paved the way for a new era of celebrity. She carefully crafted a public persona that was aspirational but relatable, exemplifying the kind of fame now sought by reality stars and influencers—and her Aug. 31, 1997, death rendered her story a cautionary tale of the cost of overexposure.

Despite a life that was so on display, there’s still so much unknown about the interior life of the passionate and complex Princess of Wales. That might explain why Diana holds our fascination to this day, a quarter of a century after her death. It certainly accounts for why her story is the subject of countless creative projects, including multiple documentaries, films, and television shows.

From Pablo Larraín’s experimental biopic Spencer to the dramatic fourth season of The Crown , here are the best documentaries, movies, and TV shows about the life and times of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Queen (2006)

In Stephen Frears’ feature about the royal family in the tumultuous aftermath of Diana’s tragic death, Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar for her role, plays ultimate matriarch Queen Elizabeth, who must navigate public and private pressures in the midst of grief. While Diana is not depicted on screen, the film shows just how deeply she influenced the family and the British public—and how her death shaped the way the monarchy is viewed today.

Where to watch: HBO Max

Read More : How Princess Diana Created a New Era of Celebrity

Diana: In Her Own Words (2017)

In this candid documentary, based on the recorded interviews used by Andrew Morton for his bombshell book of the same name, Diana: In Her Own Words is an arresting and intimate look into the princess’ life. Using the interviews and other archival audio footage of Diana as the sole voiceover track, the film attempts to give Diana the chance to tell her story on her own terms.

Where to watch: Disney+

Diana, Our Mother: Her Life & Legacy (2017)

In this moving and poignant documentary about Princess Diana, her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, speak publicly for the first time about the princess as their mother. The film, a tribute to their mother’s memory and her humanitarian work, is also a space for both sons to revisit their relationships with their beloved mother and open up about the ongoing process of grieving her loss.

The Crown, Season 4 (2020)

Few performances have so evocatively portrayed the evolution of Diana from shy bride-to-be to dynamic modern celebrity as Emma Corrin’s turn as Princess Diana in the fourth season of The Crown. Corrin’s performance is by turn enchanting, exhilarating, and heartbreaking, as she falls in love with an aloof Prince Charles, realizes he’s having an affair with his former girlfriend Camilla Parker Bowles, becomes an internationally beloved part of the Firm, enters motherhood, and discovers her passion for philanthropy. While Netflix’s creative liberties about the real-life events depicted in The Crown are well-known, the high-octane drama in this retelling of the love triangle between Charles, Diana, and Camilla (whom Charles married in 2005) was so great that Charles and Camilla’s official Twitter account was forced to turn off comments after the season premiered.

Where to watch: Netflix

Read More : Why Princess Diana Is So Hard to Get Right Onscreen

Diana: The Musical (2021)

The splashy, over-the-top Diana: The Musical might seem at odds with the narratives often told about the princess’ life, but TIME’s Stephanie Zacharak called it “a work that Diana herself—known to be a fan of spectacles like The Phantom of the Opera —would warm to.” While the musical was set to debut on Broadway in spring 2020, due to the pandemic it delayed its opening until November 2021 and produced a filmed version for Netflix that released ahead of its premiere on the Great White Way. Starring Jeanna de Waal as Princess Di and with original music and lyrics by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro, the show was widely panned by critics, but would still be a worthy watch for Diana devotees.

Spencer (2021)

Pablo Larraín’s fantastical imagining of a few fateful days in the life of the Princess of Wales is less a biopic than an experimental homage to the tragedies and triumphs of Diana’s public and personal lives. While elements of the film are rooted in real events, there are also surreal elements such as hallucinations and a visit from Anne Boleyn. The film hints at this element with its opening epigraph that warns viewers that the film is “a fable from a true tragedy.”

Where to watch : Hulu

The Princess (2022)

The intense and unrelenting public scrutiny that Diana faced is the central tension in Ed Perkins’ documentary The Princess. Composed entirely of archival video and audio footage of Diana, beginning from when speculations swirled about her engagement to Prince Charles until her 1997 death in a car crash that took place while she was trying to escape the paparazzi in Paris, the film is a quiet but searing indictment of the media attention focused on Diana, and its role in her passing.

Where to watch : HBO

More Must-Reads from TIME

• Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
• Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
• Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
• The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
• The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
• Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
• The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
• Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision

Write to Cady Lang at [email protected]

The 11 Best Movies And TV Shows About Princess Diana, Ranked

Princess Diana remains an iconic figure known for her compassion, resilience, and the indelible mark she left on the world. This list was thoughtfully compiled to celebrate and commemorate her life, legacy, and the profound impact she had on the royal family, the media, and millions around the globe. From her charitable endeavors to her personal struggles and triumphs, these films and TV shows offer a multifaceted view of Diana, allowing us to understand the complexities and nuances of her life. Whether you are a longtime admirer or just beginning to explore her story, each entry on this list provides a unique lens through which to view the People's Princess and her extraordinary journey.

From dramatizations like The Crown to intimate documentaries like The Last 100 Days of Diana , these works capture the essence of Diana’s experiences, her humanitarian missions, and her relentless quest for personal freedom and happiness. To enhance your viewing experience, we've also included convenient "Where to Watch" buttons for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Max, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and more, making it easier for you to find and stream these compelling portrayals of Princess Diana.

Why you'll like it:

The Crown dramatizes the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, with a significant focus on Princess Diana's tumultuous relationship with Prince Charles and her impact on the royal family, particularly in seasons 4 and 5.

Plot summary:

• Category : TV Program
• Actors : Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Dominic West, Elizabeth Debicki
• Premiered : November 4, 2016

subscription

Why you'll like it:

Spencer  is a biographical drama that delves into a pivotal Christmas holiday in the 1990s, portraying Diana's inner struggles and the decision to end her marriage with Prince Charles.

• Category : Film (2021)
• Released : 2021
• Directed by : Pablo Larraín

Diana offers a poignant and intimate look into the final two years of Princess Diana's life, exploring her complex relationships and humanitarian efforts that solidified her legacy. By focusing on her personal struggles and triumphs, the film allows admirers of Princess Diana to gain a deeper understanding of the woman behind the public persona, offering insight into her enduring impact on the world.

• Category : Film (2013)
• Released : 2013
• Directed by : Oliver Hirschbiegel

Diana: Her True Story

Based on Andrew Morton's authorized biography, this film provides an insider's view of Diana's life, portraying her struggles within the royal family and her journey towards independence.

• Actors : Serena Scott Thomas, David Threlfall, Jemma Redgrave, Elizabeth Garvie, Donald Douglas
• Premiered : April 4, 1993

The Last 100 Days of Diana

This is an intimate portrayal of her final summer, revealing her thoughts and emotions through rare interviews with close friends and personal staff. This documentary celebrates Diana's resilience and determination to chart her own path, offering a compelling look at her transformation into an independent, influential figure.

• Premiered : May 7, 2017

Diana and the Royal Family

This entry in the series examines Diana's life within the British monarchy, exploring her role, relationships, and the profound effect she had on both the royal family and the public.

• Premiered : January 5, 1995

The Diana Investigations

This investigative series delves into the circumstances and controversies surrounding Princess Diana's tragic death in a 1997 car crash in Paris, examining various theories and findings.

• Premiered : August 26, 2022

The Private Life of Princess Diana

This show offers an intimate look at Diana's personal life, her search for happiness, and her relationships with those closest to her, revealing the woman behind the public persona.

• Premiered : February 16, 1997

Diana: In the Name of Love

A tribute to Diana's extraordinary life and the immense tragedy of her death, showcasing her influence and the love she inspired globally.

• Premiered : August 26, 2007

Diana, the People's Princess

The film highlights Diana's humanitarian work, especially her high-profile campaign to ban landmines, which solidified her legacy as a compassionate and dedicated global advocate.

• Premiered : April 18, 1998

Diana: Tragedy Or Treason?

This documentary explores Diana's life, her unique approach to royal duties, the global impact of her death, and the various conspiracy theories that followed.

• Premiered : August 28, 2017
• Entertainment
• Watchworthy

Our editors found last-minute holiday gifts for everyone on your list

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• Gift Guides
• TODAY Plaza

The best movies and documentaries about Princess Diana

Years after her tragic death in 1997 at the age of 36, Princess Diana continues to be a source of inspiration and fascination . Movies, TV shows, documentaries, novels and biographies all explore the circumstances of her life. 

And it was an extraordinary one. Born Diana Spencer in 1961, she went on to marry the heir to the British throne, and move people around the world with her personality and her humanitarian efforts. 

To this day, people mourn the loss of the People’s Princess and hunger for more details about the scrutiny she faced, before and after her divorce from Prince Charles.

If you’re looking for a royal-themed night in, these are the best movies about Princess Diana to watch, ranging from horror-infused imaginative works starring Kristen Stewart, to documentaries using footage from Diana's real life. We're ordering them in chronological order, as the tone of the movies vary depending on when they were made.

‘The Princess’ (2022)

The year of the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, HBO is releasing an original documentary about her life. Composed exclusively of archival footage, the Ed Perkins documentary directed “immersive and intimate” look into how public adoration, coupled with the overwhelming scrutiny she faced, became a perfect storm.

'Spencer' (2021)

This critically-acclaimed film garnered much praise for its intense and imaginative retelling of Princess Diana's life, more designed to evoke a feeling of her circumstances than the actual facts.

"Spencer," starring Kristen Stewart ( who landed her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal as Princess Diana), focuses at the point in Princess Diana's life where her relationship with Prince Charles was on the decline, and she was growing tired of the pressures of being a royal. The film also shows her real-life battle with bulimia .

Although Diana is widely known for her elegance and soft demeanor, this movie gives a sharper image of what her life was like away from the press — and if you've seen this film, which borrows from the horror genre, you know it's not pretty.

'Diana: The Musical' (2021)

The legend of "Diana: The Musical" is eclipsed only by the legend of Diana herself. Before the musical hit Broadway stages in Nov. 2021, it premiered on Netflix. Then, it only lasted a month on Broadway — 59 performances, to be precise. Despite negative reviews at the time, the musical is already being reconsidered .

Jeanna de Waal played the royal, telling TODAY she hoped audiences found it "wildly entertaining." She added, "I hope people take away just how much love and passion the creative team had for Diana in making this." If you, too, love Diana, you might enjoy seeing her life told in cheeky but heartfelt songs.

'The Crown' (2016-present)

"The Crown" is a historical Netflix series that documents the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the political (and personal) events that shaped her reign as Queen. Fans awaited Princess Diana's debut in Season Four of the show, knowing the drama she would bring. Emma Corrin gives a fantastic performance as Princess Diana in Season Four, with Elizabeth Debicki taking over in future seasons.

'Diana: In Her Own Words' (2017)

Before her death, Princess Diana was in contact with British journalist Andrew Morton, who published in 1992 her authorized biography, "Diana: Her True Story." Morton would later reveal that the interview was made possible because the late princess had secretly answered his questions via tape recordings.

'Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy' (2017)

This Princess Diana documentary focuses on a perspective that many people want to hear from.

Prince William and Prince Harry exclusively open up on camera about their mother, Princess Diana. They both give interviews and talk openly about their mom in this insightful documentary, paying tribute to her life and legacy.

'Diana, 7 Days' (2017)

In 2017, Prince William and Prince Harry commissioned two documentaries to mark the 20th anniversary of their mother's death. "Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy" was the first and "Diana, 7 Days" was the second and broadcast in the United Kingdom by BBC. The film tracks the late royal family member's death as well as her funeral.

‘Princess Diana: Tragedy or Treason?’ (2017)

Diana died in a car accident in Paris in Aug. 1997. Akin to any tragic death of extremely public and beloved figures, there’s some speculation as to whether Princess Diana’s death was accidental or not. In this documentary, streaming on Amazon Prime, the details of her death are examined, decisively proving the conspiracy theories about her death untrue.

'Diana' (2013)

What did the last two years of Diana's life look like? She and Charles divorced, officially, in 1996, and she died in 1997. Naomi Watts plays Diana as she transitions from princess to humanitarian — a role she doesn't get to occupy for long.

'The Queen' (2006)

"The Queen" is less about Diana, and more about the reverberations her death had on the royal family, the United Kingdom and beyond. In the wake of her death, the mourning people looked to the Queen.

Helen Mirren won an Oscar for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II contemplating when, how and if to address the public.

‘Princess in Love’ (1996)

This movie made for TV, based on the book with the same title by Anna Pasternak, tells the story of Diana’s dwindling marriage to Prince Charles — and her consequential affair with her former riding instructor, Captain James Hewitt. Hewitt collaborated with Pasternak to write the 1994 novel, an account of their five year-long affair.

"Diana: Her True Story" (1993)

This biopic, like "Princess in Love," came out while Diana was alive, amid the media frenzy that erupted after she and Charles separated. The biopic is based on Andrew Morton's 1992 explosive book "Diana: Her True Story." After Diana died, Morton revealed that Diana was the book's primary source, per Frontline . Serena Scott Thomas plays Diana.

'Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story' (1982)

Another made-for-TV movie, this early film tells of the marriage and the initial period following the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Made in 1982, this movie is also a period piece in itself, as Diana and Charles's story had not played entirely by then – they separated 10 years later, in 1992.

Madeline Merinuk is a writer and newsletter editor at TODAY.com where she reports on pop culture, lifestyle and trending news. She's a graduate of Hofstra University with a B.A. in Journalism.

Alex Portée is a senior trending reporter at TODAY Digital and is based in Los Angeles.

Is 'The Fire Inside' based on a true story?

Justin Baldoni’s wife: All about Emily Baldoni

Blake Lively's sexual harassment complaint against Justin Baldoni, explained

The ‘It Ends With Us’ cast drama and controversy, explained

What is the true story behind Tyler Perry's 'The Six Triple Eight'?

Stream ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ this holiday season. Here’s how

Annie Gonzalez said no to starring in the Jenni Rivera biopic 3 times. When she changed her mind, it changed her life

Is that you, Santa Claus? Why fans are abuzz about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s transformation

Keanu Reeves has the perfect reaction to seeing his girlfriend dressed up on the red carpet

Macaulay Culkin reveals unusual scar he got from Joe Pesci during ‘Home Alone’ filming