Movies

5 Movies to Soothe Your Post-Red, White & Royal Blue Heart

5 Movies to Soothe Your Post-Red, White & Royal Blue Heart
Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Not all of these stories are about enemies turning into lovers, but they all have their royal moments.

If you're still basking in the glow of the recently released Red, White & Royal Blue movie adaptation and craving more charming royal romance, we've got just the solution for you.

Dive into these five delightful movies that capture the essence of love-hate relationships and royalty that are sure to make your heart skip a beat.

1. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Continuing Mia Thermopolis' popular story, this film follows her through her responsibilities in Genovia and the challenges of finding true love before her coronation. Anchored by a talented cast, including Chris Pine as Nicholas, the film makes the most of its premise, with the chemistry between Hathaway and Pine standing out in the context of a royal-themed movie.

2. First Daughter (2004)

This young adult romance introduces us to Samantha MacKenzie, portrayed by Katie Holmes, the daughter of the president, as she navigates her way through college life and a budding romance with fellow student James Lansome.

Holmes' likable performance and strong chemistry with Marc Blucas won't leave fans of Alex and Henry's story indifferent.

3. What a Girl Wants (2003)

Capturing the essence of the romantic comedy era of the early 2000s, this film stars Amanda Bynes, a teen star of the '00s, alongside the charming Colin Firth. The plot follows Daphne, an American teenager, who meets her father, a British aristocrat, for the first time.

The film blends culture clash with drama and features Bynes as the feisty Daphne and Firth as the proper Lord Dashwood.

4. Handsome Devil (2016)

For those who lost their minds after Nicholas Galitzine's portrayal of Prince Henry, here is another similar role for the actor, shining in his breakout role in the coming-of-age dramedy Handsome Devil.

Touching on themes of sexuality and friendship, Galitzine and co-star Fionn O'Shea share a heartfelt connection in the film about the unique bond between two students at an Irish boarding school, making it a standout in modern queer cinema.

5. Love, Simon (2018)

Based on Becky Albertalli's novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, the LGBTQ+ coming-of-age story follows Simon Speer's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, and touches on the challenges queer youth face, including the fear of coming out.

The film became a major entry in LGBTQ+ cinema with its relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling.