formal backdrop

Movies with formal vibe

Scoop

1. Scoop

Drama TV Movie Historical Drama True-Story TV Movie
6.5
20241h 43min

Overview

Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatization gives an insider account of how the women of Newsnight secured Prince Andrew's infamous interview.

Themes

Based on true story, Royal family image, Scandal and audience reaction, Journalism accountability, Social issues scrutiny, Biographical drama

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Napoleon

2. Napoleon

History War Romance Biographical History 19th Century Wars
6.3
20232h 38min

Overview

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Themes

Public life versus private life, Ambition versus loyalty, Romantic entanglements shaping leadership, Exile and brief restoration, Alliances and political maneuvering, Military mastery under pressure

Available on

Apple TV
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Two Popes

3. The Two Popes

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
7.6
20192h 5min

Overview

Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict. Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church.

Themes

Papal conclave pressure, Cardinal duty under doubt, Sistine chapel authority, Pope succession politics, Public scrutiny within church, Confessional accountability

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Downton Abbey

4. Downton Abbey

Drama Romance History Historical Drama Passionate Romance
7.4
20192h 2min

Overview

The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance.

Themes

Class and service boundaries, Public image vs private duty, Ritual disruption of tradition, Estate inheritance and lineage, Loyalty under external intrusion

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Darkest Hour

5. Darkest Hour

Drama History Historical Drama Political History
7.4
20172h 5min

Overview

In May 1940, the fate of World War II hangs on Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler or fight on knowing that it could mean the end of the British Empire.

Themes

Leadership under crisis, Peace or war pressure, Public morale under scrutiny, Parliamentary brinkmanship, Evacuation as strategic lever, Isolationism and external limits

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

A United Kingdom

6. A United Kingdom

Drama History Historical Drama Biographical History
6.9
20161h 51min

Overview

The inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments. Seretse and Ruth defied family, Apartheid and empire - their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world.

Themes

Colonial pressure dynamics, Interracial marriage politics, Local resource ownership, Racial policy instability, Independence negotiation tension, Royal legitimacy conflict

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Grace of Monaco

7. Grace of Monaco

Romance Drama Political Drama Bittersweet Romance
5.7
20141h 43min

Overview

The story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly's crisis of marriage and identity, during a political dispute between Monaco's Prince Rainier III and France's Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960s.

Themes

Sovereignty under pressure, Duty vs public life, Political capital via charity, Diplomatic leverage in politics, Public image constraints, Humanitarian leadership through charity, Family loyalty vs state

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Butler

8. The Butler

Drama Historical Drama
7.2
20132h 12min

Overview

Cecil Gaines was a sharecropper's son who grew up in the 1920s as a domestic servant for the white family who casually destroyed his. Eventually striking out on his own, Cecil becomes a hotel valet of such efficiency and discreteness in the 1950s that he becomes a butler in the White House itself. There, Cecil would serve numerous US Presidents over the decades as a passive witness of history with the American Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum even as his family has troubles of its own. As his wife, Gloria, struggles with alcoholism and his defiant eldest son, Louis, strives for a just world, Cecil must decide whether he should take action in his own way.

Themes

Desegregation pressure in society, Family loyalties in upheaval, Racial inequality under service, Nonviolent activism and impact, Institutional change through restraint, Silent endurance amid upheaval

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Peacock Premium
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Lincoln

9. Lincoln

History Drama Biographical History
7.3
20122h 29min

Overview

The revealing story of the 16th US President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.

Themes

Leadership under scrutiny, Division and unity, Constitutional reform politics, Emancipation under pressure, Political bargaining, Moral compromise vs legality

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Haute Cuisine

10. Haute Cuisine

Comedy Drama Satire Political Drama
6.4
20121h 35min

Overview

The story of Danièle Delpeuch and how she was appointed as the private chef for François Mitterrand.

Themes

Service vs authority, Culinary ambition under scrutiny, Political dining as diplomacy, Gendered roles in cuisine, Tradition and innovation, Professional jealousy within kitchens

Available on

Kanopy
Hoopla
Fandango at Home Free
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.