10 Movies About Marie Antoinette + 2 Epic TV Series

Last updated on February 15th, 2024 at 07:21 pm

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Which Marie Antoinette movies give us an insight into the real person behind who history suggests she was?

Like so many people, I’ve always been fascinated with the last Queen of France, and there have been plenty of movies about Marie Antoinette.

But who was she really? Was she simply a young girl, unwittingly caught in the whirlwind of opulence and royal expectations, or did she possess a deeper understanding of the role she was playing in a rapidly changing society?

A classical painting featuring a group of ethereal figures floating amongst the clouds, engaged in playful activities with musical instruments, floral wreaths, and billowing fabrics. The use of soft, pastel tones and the dynamic composition give the painting a dreamlike quality. If you have a specific keyword in mind for SEO purposes, please provide it to optimize the alt text accordingly.

Born in Vienna on 2 November 1755 into Austrian royalty and wedded to the future King of France at the tender age of fourteen, Marie Antoinette’s life was anything but ordinary.

Her story, often symbolised by the infamous phrase “Let them eat cake” – a line she apparently, according to historians, never uttered – is riddled with controversies and misconceptions.

History paints a picture of a queen known for her extravagant lifestyle amidst the poverty of her subjects, leading to widespread public resentment.

And of course, the famous quote, “Let them eat cake.” Did she really say that or not?

However, recent findings suggest a more nuanced character, caught between the roles of a monarch and the expectations of a woman in 18th-century Europe.

This collection of films and TV series is not just a journey through the corridors of Versailles but a deeper exploration of a historical figure who continues to intrigue, provoke, and fascinate.

They reflect the various aspects of her life and era – the grandeur, the politics, the personal struggles, and the ultimate tragedy of her execution on October 16, 1793.

A portrait of a Marie Antoinette styled in 18th-century fashion, likely representing nobility or royalty given her elaborate attire and hairstyle. She has a powdered wig adorned with pearls and a feather, and her dress is decorated with fine lace and jewels. The expression on her face is serene and poised.

Marie Antoinette Movies and TV Series at a Glance

YEAR	MOVIE	ACTRESS
1938	Marie Antoinette	Norma Shearer
1938	La Marseillaise	Lise Delamare
1954	Royal Affairs in Versailles	Lana Marconi
1956	Marie Antoinette Queen of France	Michèle Morgan
1989	L’Autrichienne	Ute Lemper
1989	La Révolution Française	Jane Seymour
2001	The Affair of the Necklace	Joely Richardson
2006	Marie Antoinette	Kirsten Dunst
2012	Farewell, My Queen	Diane Kruger
2018	One Nation, One King	Maëlia Gentil
2018	Marie Antoinette: The Trial of a Queen	Maud Wyler
2022	Marie Antoinette	Emilia Schüle

10 Movies & 2 TV Series about Marie Antoinette

No 1 Marie Antoinette (1938)

The image is a black and white still from what appears to be a classic film, featuring an actress in an ornate 18th-century ball gown. She is posed dramatically with one arm extended, near a table adorned with candles, in a room decorated with intricate wall tapestries and elegant furniture. It captures the grandeur and extravagance of the era.

The first movie we’re featuring is a black and white film starring Norma Shearer in the lead role, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

The cast also includes Tyrone Power as Count Axel von Fersen, John Barrymore as King Louis XV, and Robert Morley as King Louis XVI.

The movie explores various aspects of Marie Antoinette’s life, focusing on her marriage to Louis XVI, her controversial relationship with Count Fersen, and the political turmoil that led to the French Revolution.

Directed by W.S. Van Dyke and based on a biography by Stefan Zweig, the film’s budget was a substantial $2.9 million, a significant amount for the time, largely due to its extravagant costumes and sets.

No 2 La Marseillaise (1938)

GPT

The image is a black and white photograph from a historical film scene, portraying characters in 18th-century French attire at a formal event. A woman in a detailed gown with floral accents is the focal point, standing beside men in military and courtly dress. The setting suggests a scene of significance within the narrative, possibly a ball or court gathering. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

This is a French language film set around the early stages of the French Revolution, focusing on events from 1789 to 1792.

The film primarily centered around characters from the city of Marseille, rather than purely on the monarchy.

In the film, citizens of Marseille capture the royal fortress of Fort Saint-Jean and set up a revolutionary council, eventually raising a force of 500 volunteers who march to Paris.

The cast includes Pierre Renoir as King Louis XVI and Lise Delamare as Queen Marie-Antoinette. This movie became a stepping stone for Lise Delamare to then go on to play many strong female leaders.

No 3 Royal Affairs in Versailles (1954)

Two actresses in opulent 18th-century costumes, representing characters in movies with Marie Antoinette, are engaged in a scene. The one in the blue satin dress with white adornments sits elegantly, while her counterpart in black velvet with lace details gestures during their dialogue, amidst a lavishly appointed room indicative of Versailles' royal chambers. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

Directed by Sacha Guitry, this French-Italian film dives into the history of the Palace of Versailles, including all the fascinating court gossip. The story weaves through various historical figures and their stories connected to the Royal Palace, providing a broad perspective on Versailles’ past.

It was a major hit in France upon its release, probably because it was filmed on location at the Palace of Versailles and was the first to be allowed to shoot in the historic palace.

The role of Marie Antoinette was played by Lana Marconi, who also happened to be married to the director.

And Gilbert Bokanowski, who played Louis XVI and was also the film’s production manager, apparently got the part because of his strong resemblance to the monarch.

No 4 Marie Antoinette Queen of France (1956)

A still from one of the movies with Marie Antoinette, showcasing actors in a regal setting. The man is dressed in a floral-patterned, 18th-century suit, intently watching the woman in a luxurious ivory gown adorned with floral details, embodying the quintessence of French aristocracy, amidst the ornate decor of a palace room. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

This French film, directed by Jean Delannoy and starring Michèle Morgan, focuses on the early years of the French Revolution.

The film looks at her relationship with her husband Louis and Count Axel de Fersen, whom she was rumoured to have had an affair with. But it focuses more on who Marie Antoinette was as a person, making her more compelling as you start to see her as a real person.

As you watch, you find yourself having compassion for her as she is obviously fighting between her sense of duty and her heart.

The movie was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival and shot at the Billancourt Studios in Paris.

No 5 L’Autrichienne (1989)

Three actresses in elaborate 18th-century gowns and hats, indicative of the fashion in movies with Marie Antoinette, are conversing in a verdant garden. Their attire is adorned with lace, ribbons, and pearls, capturing the elegance and opulence associated with the French royal court. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

Another French language film, this time directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre, was released to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille.

It portrays the final days of Marie-Antoinette, leading up to her trial and execution focusing mainly on the courtroom setting, interspersed with flashbacks.

The screenplay was written by Alain Decaux and André Castelot and is based on the actual minutes from the trial of the Queen.

No 6 La Révolution Française (1989)

A vibrant ballroom dance scene with Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, featuring actors in lavish 18th-century French costumes, with towering wigs and embroidered gowns, in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, accentuated by the grandeur of sparkling chandeliers. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

Starring Jane Seymour, this movie was shot in three languages, French, German and English and broken into two parts.

The first part, directed by Robert Enrico, titled “Les Années Lumière” (Years of Hope), focuses on the initial phase of the Revolution, including key events like the storming of the Bastille.

The second part, “Les Années Terribles” (Years of Rage), directed by Richard T. Heffron, covers the Reign of Terror and the rise and fall of Robespierre.

No 7 The Affair of the Necklace (2001)

An intimate moment from a movie with Marie Antoinette, depicting actors in period costumes, with a man in a red velvet coat tenderly adjusting a woman's blue gown, adorned with ruffles and feathers, evoking the intricate interpersonal dynamics of the French court. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

Here’s one that doesn’t focus purely on Marie Antoinette but is well worth watching. The film centres on Jeanne de Saint-Rémy de Valois, played by Hilary Swank, who is looking to reclaim her noble title and family home.

The plot revolves around Jeanne’s scheme to acquire a lavish diamond necklace, which King Louis XV had commissioned for Madame du Barry. He died before the necklace was finished.

The jewellers tried to persuade Marie Antoinette to buy the necklace instead, but she refused. Jeanne, sensing a chance to make some money, tried to trick the jewellers into believing she was acting on behalf of Marie Antoinette. It’s a fascinating tale of intrigue and trickery.

The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design but lost to “Moulin Rouge!”

No 8 Marie Antoinette (2006)

A festive gambling scene from the Marie Antoinette film starring Kirsten Dunst, with characters in resplendent attire and elaborate hairstyles around a candlelit table, set against the opulent backdrop of a richly decorated room, capturing the decadence of the era. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

This was the first movie I watched about Marie Antoinette, and I loved it. Kirsten Dunst was superb as Marie Antoinette, and it put her on the map as an actress.

The film, directed by Sofia Coppola, is based on Antonia Fraser’s biography “Marie Antoinette: The Journey,” and is set in the years leading up to the French Revolution. It presents a sympathetic view of Marie Antoinette’s life, focusing on her personal experiences rather than historical accuracy.

The production, which had unprecedented access to the Palace of Versailles, is known for its lavish costumes and sets, winning an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

It was a modern take on history with an interesting choice of music, post-punk bands such as the Banshees, New Order, and The Cure, which didn’t go down well with everyone.

No 9 Farewell, My Queen (2012)

A tense assembly in the Hall of Mirrors from a movie with Marie Antoinette, featuring actors in period attire. A woman in a striking green gown with feathered headdress stands prominently, surrounded by courtiers in muted tones, beneath the majestic chandeliers of Versailles. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

Diane Kruger, who plays Marie Antoinette in the movie, is outstanding and, once again, makes you feel empathy for the young Queen. I had to put subtitles on to watch it as it’s in French, but I really loved it.

Directed by Benoît Jacquot, the story is set during the early days of the French Revolution and focuses on the relationship between Marie Antoinette and her reader Sidonie Laborde, portrayed by Léa Seydoux. The film provides a unique perspective on the last days of Marie Antoinette’s reign, seen through the eyes of a young servant.

It opened the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival and was released in France on March 21, 2012.

The movie was well-received, with some preferring it to Sofia Coppola’s 2006 production “Marie Antoinette” for its intimate and detailed portrayal of the characters’ lives at the court of Versailles.

No 10 One Nation, One King (2018)

A somber nocturnal procession, illuminated by the fiery glow of torches, with actors in 18th-century French revolutionary attire, conveying the gravity of a pivotal historical moment. — Screenshot taken directly from the movie

Centering around the events of the French Revolution, from the storming of the Bastille to King Louis XVI’s execution, this film is a French historical drama directed by Pierre Schoeller.

As with some of the others on this list, the movie isn’t just focused on Marie Antoinette. It examines the roles and perceptions of several historical figures, including Robespierre, Marat, Desmoulins, and Danton, amidst the political turmoil.

Maëlia Gentil who plays Marie Antoinette portrays the cost of her frivolous lifestyle rather than focusing on the pretty outfits and fabulous parties.

The film premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival and was released in France by StudioCanal on September 26, 2018.

No 11 – Marie Antoinette: The Trial of a Queen

A contemplative scene from a movie with Marie Antoinette, depicting an actress in a somber black dress and white lace collar, seated next to an unmade bed in a dimly lit, austere room, conveying a sense of solitude and reflection. — Screenshot taken directly from the TV Series

Here, we have the first of two TV programs that focus solely on Marie Antoinette. It focuses on the three days and two nights of her trial, which led to her conviction. The trial is shown to be rigged, and the film unveils shocking truths about the process, based on previously unseen documents.

I really enjoyed it and it drew me in straight away showing Marie Antoinette’s transformation and the political machinations that led to her downfall during the French Revolution.

It does justice to the last Queen of France and the pivotal moment that changed French history.

No 12 Marie Antoinette (2022)

An actress portraying Marie Antoinette in a TV Series, clad in a period-appropriate duck-egg blue gown with elaborate embroidery, looks away thoughtfully. Her hairstyle is accentuated with feather plumes, set against the backdrop of the ornate interior of a royal palace. — Screenshot taken directly from the TV Series

I watched this as soon as it came out on Amazon and was hooked from the moment it started. Season 2 will air in 2024, and I can’t wait.

We’re introduced to the future Queen of France in Austria before she travelled to France to marry Louis-Auguste, the future Louis XVI.

As I watched, I felt so much compassion for Marie Antoinette. The people at the French court were horrible to her, and at just fourteen years old, she didn’t have the experience to deal with them.

Add to this her husband wasn’t interested in consummating the marriage, and you can see her struggle.

The series was created and written by Deborah Davis, known for her work on “The Favourite”, and starred Emilia Schüle, who was fantastic. Again, a lot was filmed on location at the Palace of Versailles.

It focused very much on Marie Antoinette’s challenges navigating the complex French court and her struggle to produce a male heir to continue the Bourbon line and secure the Franco-Austrian alliance.

FAQS: The Best Movies That Paint a Portrait of Marie Antoinette

Is the Marie Antoinette movie worth watching?

The Marie Antoinette movie, directed by Sofia Coppola, is worth watching for its unique take on the historical figure. It blends modern elements with period details, offering a fresh perspective on Marie Antoinette’s life. The film is visually stunning and features a strong performance by Kirsten Dunst.

How much of the Marie Antoinette movie is accurate?

The Marie Antoinette movie takes artistic liberties with historical accuracy. While it captures the essence of Marie Antoinette’s life and the opulence of the French court, it includes anachronisms and focuses more on style and mood than on factual details. The film is more of a stylized interpretation than a strict historical account.

What happened in Marie Antoinette’s bedroom?

Marie Antoinette’s bedroom in the Palace of Versailles was a place of both privacy and public attention. Key events that occurred there include her daily ritual of getting dressed in front of courtiers and giving birth to her children. The room was a symbol of her status but also a space where she faced intense scrutiny.

How intelligent was Marie Antoinette?

Marie Antoinette was intelligent but not formally educated to the standard of some contemporary European royals. She had a keen interest in arts and culture, and her political understanding grew with time, especially during the French Revolution. However, her intelligence was often overshadowed by her focus on courtly pleasures and fashion.

How old was Marie Antoinette when she died?

Marie Antoinette was 37 years old at the time of her death. She was executed by guillotine on October 16, 1793, during the French Revolution. Her early demise was a result of the political turmoil and upheaval of the era.

Final Thoughts on the Films about Marie Antoinette

Nobody knows for sure exactly what happened at the French Courts during the time of Marie Antoinette.

I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a ‘piece of cake’ for her. I can’t begin to imagine what it must have been like to be sent away from home at fourteen years old to marry a stranger.

Not to mention, being in a foreign country where nearly everyone seemed to dislike you or was envious of your position.

This list of movies about Marie Antoinette gives you a glimpse into what it must have been like to be her. Fact or fiction, they certainly make for entertaining watching.