Biographical documentaries

From world leaders including Volodymyr Zelensky to icons of pop culture like Elizabeth Taylor or billionaires such as Elon Musk, BBC Select brings you the life stories of the influential people that shaped the past and present. Stream a range of compelling biographical documentaries from the BBC and beyond with BBC Select.

Picturing Elizabeth: Her Life in Pictures

During her reign, The Queen became the most visually represented person in the whole of human history. From stamps and coins to formal portraits, press photos and snapshots, her image became an integral part of our everyday lives. This documentary explores the stories behind some of the most famous and era-defining pictures and shows how they chart the changing relationship with the monarchy.

A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

This BBC film looks back at the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, who has died aged 96. Ascending to the throne at the age of 25 in 1953, she enjoyed an extraordinarily long reign and steered the monarchy and the nation through periods of huge social change. This tribute features interviews with her children, public figures and those who served her during her reign.

Rembrandt

He was the most successful artist working in the richest city on Earth – glittering 17th-century Amsterdam. Like a modern-day rock star, he loved to live extravagantly. But money woes, tragedy and rumor soon left Rembrandt’s reputation in tatters. But these controversies spurred the artist on to create some of his most celebrated works.

Simon Schama delves into Rembrandt’s final, scandal-strewn years in this art history documentary.

Elizabeth I and II: The Golden Queens

Watch Elizabeth I & II: Golden Queens on BBC Select

This fascinating royal history documentary explores the parallels between Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. Both became monarch at 25 but what unites and what divides them? Historians analyse the moments that define their reigns. Despite the centuries between them, could they share any surprising characteristics?

The Queen Mother

Wife, monarch and much-loved public figure: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was one of the most respected members of the British Royal family. But did her friendly image disguise something darker?

This moving royal family documentary reveals the dramatic inside story of her life. The moments of pain and upheaval that defined her legacy.

How did this woman, who didn’t aspire to be Queen, fulfill her destiny?

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