If you loved
The Hollow Crown
Series · 2012
If you loved The Hollow Crown, you are drawn to the way high-stakes political maneuvering reveals the fragile, human cost of absolute power.
Start with the source
The source
Henry V
Kenneth Branagh · Film · 1989
Adaptation
Chimes at Midnight
Orson Welles · Film · 1965
Adaptation
My Own Private Idaho
Film · 1991
Books on the same thread
Bring Up the Bodies
Hilary Mantel · Book · 2012
Just as The Hollow Crown explores the treacherous nature of the British throne, this narrative captures the lethal court intrigue and Machiavellian politics that define the rise and fall of power.
Horrible Histories
Terry Deary · Book · 1993
While The Hollow Crown presents a somber view of history, this series offers a satirical lens on British history, providing a humorous contrast to the heavy themes of Shakespearean royal succession.
The Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett · Book · 1989
Much like the power struggles depicted in The Hollow Crown, this epic captures the intense political intrigue and social volatility of medieval England as characters navigate a changing world.
Adventures of Ideas
Alfred North Whitehead · Book · 1933
This work explores the evolution of human thought, offering a philosophical expansion on the historical themes of progress and cultural shift that underpin the monarchical arcs of The Hollow Crown.
Films on the same thread
Ran
Film · 1985
This film translates the Shakespearean tragedy seen in The Hollow Crown into a Japanese setting, masterfully examining the same themes of family conflict, betrayal, and the destructive folly of power.
The Round Up
Roselyne Bosch · Film · 2010
This historical drama echoes the weight of human suffering found in the war-torn sequences of The Hollow Crown, focusing on the harrowing reality of persecution and the loss of innocence.
Oppenheimer
Film · 2023
Fans of the moral ambiguity surrounding leadership in The Hollow Crown will recognize those same complexities here, as the film navigates the heavy legacy and guilt of a historical figure.
Henry V
Kenneth Branagh · Film · 1989
As a direct continuation of the Shakespearean tradition found in The Hollow Crown, this film provides an equally gripping look at the morality of war and the burdens of kingship.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2025
This podcast mirrors the deep historical analysis of The Hollow Crown, applying an unorthodox, narrative approach to explore the consequences of power and the recurring patterns of human nature.
Slow Burn
Slate Podcasts · Podcast · 2026
Similar to the institutional corruption examined in The Hollow Crown, this series uses archival evidence to illuminate how power dynamics and hidden political maneuvers shape the course of history.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Hollow Crown based on original scripts or historical novels?
The Hollow Crown is a series of British television films that adapt the history plays written by William Shakespeare. These productions focus on the political drama and royal narratives established in the original texts rather than modern historical novels.
Should I watch Henry V (1989) if I enjoyed The Hollow Crown?
If you enjoyed the Shakespearean adaptations in The Hollow Crown, watching the 1989 film version of Henry V is a logical next step. It provides another cinematic interpretation of the same source material featured in the television series.
How does Chimes at Midnight relate to The Hollow Crown?
Chimes at Midnight is a 1965 film adaptation of Shakespeare's history plays. It serves as a classic cinematic companion for fans of The Hollow Crown, as both explore the same historical narratives and characters through the lens of Shakespearean drama.
What is the connection between My Own Private Idaho and The Hollow Crown?
My Own Private Idaho is a 1991 film that draws inspiration from Shakespeare's history plays. While it presents a modern reimagining, it shares thematic roots with The Hollow Crown, which features more traditional adaptations of the same source material.