Unveiling the Epitome of Royal Performances: The Crown’s Definitive Ranking
Introduction
In the realm of television excellence, few series have managed to capture the intricate tapestry of British history with the same flair and finesse as “The Crown.” Spanning five seasons, this Netflix masterpiece, created by Peter Morgan, stands as a testament to the brilliance of storytelling and the art of character portrayal. As the sixth and final season approaches, it’s only fitting to reflect on the performances that have left an indelible mark on the audience. From Winston Churchill to Princess Diana, each character has been brought to life with a meticulousness that demands recognition.
30. John Lithgow as Winston Churchill
John Lithgow’s portrayal of Winston Churchill may not have reached the pinnacles of perfection, but it holds its own in the vast spectrum of “The Crown” performances. While sandwiched between other notable portrayals of the iconic figure, Lithgow’s rendition, though imperfect, manages to capture the essence of Churchill’s mannerisms with a score of 19.
The look: 5 out of 10
The voice: 3 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6 out of 10
Watchability: 5 out of 10
Overall score: 19
29. Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip
Jonathan Pryce steps into the shoes of the late Prince Philip, bringing a weariness befitting the Queen’s consort. While the physical resemblance might not be striking, Pryce’s portrayal adds a hangdog gravitas to the character, earning him a balanced score of 19.
The look: 4 out of 10
The voice: 6 out of 10
The mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 4 out of 10
Overall score: 19
28. Marion Bailey as the Queen Mother
Marion Bailey’s take on the Queen Mother faces the challenge of continuity between actresses. While the role risks becoming an irritant, Bailey’s portrayal falls short in comparison to her predecessor, earning her a score of 19.
The look: 5 out of 10
The voice: 6 out of 10
Mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 3 out of 10
Overall score: 19
27. Bertie Carvel as Tony Blair
Bertie Carvel steps into the shoes of Tony Blair, navigating the challenges set by Michael Sheen’s iconic performance. While the mannerisms are commendable, the screechy voice and a less-than-perfect look place Carvel with an overall score of 20.
The look: 4 out of 10
The voice: 3 out of 10
The mannerisms: 7 out of 10
Watchability: 6 out of 10
Overall score: 20
26. Dominic West as Prince Charles
Dominic West, an unexpected choice for the final iteration of Prince Charles, brings a masculine edge that might overshadow the complexities of the character. With a score of 21, West’s performance falls short of capturing Charles’s nuances during pivotal life events.
The look: 4 out of 10
The voice: 5 out of 10
The mannerisms: 7 out of 10
Watchability: 5 out of 10
Overall score: 21
25. Michael C Hall as John F Kennedy
Michael C Hall takes on the role of John F Kennedy in a cameo that juxtaposes American royalty with the House of Windsor. While capturing some essence of the president, Hall’s performance receives a score of 21.
The look: 6 out of 10
The voice: 6 out of 10
Mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 4 out of 10
Overall score: 21
24. Jonny Lee Miller as John Major
Jonny Lee Miller’s portrayal of John Major faces the challenge of recognition, with more resemblance to Mark Wahlberg than the former Prime Minister. Despite this, Miller’s overall performance earns a score of 21.
The look: 4 out of 10
The voice: 6 out of 10
The mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 6 out of 10
Overall score: 21
23. Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher
Gillian Anderson tackles the challenging role of Margaret Thatcher, a character saturated in the public consciousness. While her performance is unflattering and hammy, it falls short of reaching the emotional depth needed, garnering a score of 22.
The look: 6 out of 10
The voice: 6 out of 10
The mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 5 out of 10
Overall score: 22
22. Andrew Buchan as Andrew Parker Bowles
Andrew Buchan embodies the emotional toll of being romantically entangled with the heir to the throne, delivering a performance that captures the nuances of his character. With a score of 22.5, Buchan’s portrayal stands out in a challenging role.
The look: 5 out of 10
The voice: 5.5 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6 out of 10
Watchability: 6 out of 10
Overall score: 22.5
21. Emerald Fennell as Camilla Parker Bowles
Emerald Fennell steps into the role of the notorious marriage-wrecker, Camilla Parker Bowles. Despite the challenging nature of the character, Fennell’s portrayal receives a score of 23.
The look: 6 out of 10
The voice: 6.5 out of 10
Mannerisms: 5.5 out of 10
Watchability: 5 out of 10
Overall score: 23
20. Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret
Lesley Manville takes on the role of Princess Margaret, adding her own touch to a character that had evolved into a sideshow. With a score of 23, Manville’s performance reflects the complexities of the character.
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The look: 7 out of 10
The voice: 6 out 10
The mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 5 out of 10
Overall score: 23
19. Olivia Colman as The Queen
Olivia Colman steps into the role of Queen Elizabeth, presenting a nuanced portrayal that reflects the character’s growth and experience. With a score of 23, Colman’s performance stands as par for the high standards set by “The Crown.”
The look: 5 out of 10
The voice: 6 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6 out of 10
Watch
ability: 6 out of 10
Overall score: 23
18. Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles
Josh O’Connor’s portrayal of the young Prince Charles delves into the emotional complexities of the character. With a score of 23.5, O’Connor’s performance stands out, providing a more profound understanding of the Prince’s struggles.
The look: 7 out of 10
The voice: 6 out of 10
The mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 5.5 out of 10
Overall score: 23.5
17. Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret
Helena Bonham Carter inherits the role of Princess Margaret, bringing her signature eccentricity to the character. With a score of 23.5, Carter’s performance is a commendable continuation of the character’s legacy.
The look: 8 out of 10
The voice: 6 out of 10
The mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 4.5 out of 10
Overall score: 23.5
16. Erin Doherty as Princess Anne
Erin Doherty breathes life into the character of Princess Anne, providing a portrayal that transcends the background. With a score of 24, Doherty’s performance stands out in the ensemble cast.
The look: 7 out of 10
The voice: 6.5 out of 10
The mannerisms: 5.5 out of 10
Watchability: 5 out of 10
Overall score: 24
15. Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret
Vanessa Kirby’s initial portrayal of Princess Margaret remains a benchmark for subsequent performances. With a score of 24.5, Kirby captures the essence of the character with unparalleled elegance.
The look: 8 out of 10
The voice: 7 out of 10
The mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 4.5 out of 10
Overall score: 24.5
14. Emma Corrin as Princess Diana
Emma Corrin takes on the monumental task of portraying Princess Diana, a role that has been scrutinized and celebrated in equal measure. With a score of 25, Corrin’s performance shines as a poignant tribute to the “People’s Princess.”
The look: 9 out of 10
The voice: 7 out of 10
The mannerisms: 5 out of 10
Watchability: 4 out of 10
Overall score: 25
13. Matthew Goode as Antony Armstrong-Jones
Matthew Goode’s portrayal of Antony Armstrong-Jones captures the enigmatic aura of the character. With a score of 25.5, Goode’s performance adds depth to the narrative.
The look: 7.5 out of 10
The voice: 6.5 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6 out of 10
Watchability: 5.5 out of 10
Overall score: 25.5
12. Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip
Tobias Menzies steps into the challenging role of Prince Philip in the later seasons, seamlessly continuing the legacy left by Matt Smith. With a score of 26, Menzies’ performance adds layers to the character.
The look: 7 out of 10
The voice: 7 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6 out of 10
Watchability: 6 out of 10
Overall score: 26
11. Ben Daniels as Antony Armstrong-Jones
Ben Daniels takes on the role of Antony Armstrong-Jones in the earlier seasons, presenting a portrayal that sets the stage for Matthew Goode. With a score of 26.5, Daniels’ performance is a compelling introduction to the character.
The look: 8 out of 10
The voice: 6.5 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6.5 out of 10
Watchability: 5.5 out of 10
Overall score: 26.5
10. Matthew Macfadyen as Tony Armstrong-Jones
Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Tony Armstrong-Jones adds a layer of charm and sophistication to the character. With a score of 27, Macfadyen’s performance stands out in the ensemble cast.
The look: 8 out of 10
The voice: 7 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6 out of 10
Watchability: 6 out of 10
Overall score: 27
9. Harry Treadaway as Roddy Llewellyn
Harry Treadaway’s portrayal of Roddy Llewellyn adds a touch of scandal to the series. With a score of 27.5, Treadaway’s performance is a noteworthy contribution to the ensemble.
The look: 7.5 out of 10
The voice: 6.5 out of 10
The mannerisms: 7 out of 10
Watchability: 6.5 out of 10
Overall score: 27.5
8. Charles Dance as Lord Mountbatten
Charles Dance’s portrayal of Lord Mountbatten adds gravitas to the historical narrative. With a score of 28, Dance’s performance stands as a testament to the seasoned actor’s prowess.
The look: 8.5 out of 10
The voice: 7 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6.5 out of 10
Watchability: 6 out of 10
Overall score: 28
7. Derek Jacobi as the Duke of Windsor
Derek Jacobi’s portrayal of the Duke of Windsor captures the complexities of the abdicated king. With a score of 28.5, Jacobi’s performance is a masterclass in character portrayal.
The look: 9 out of 10
The voice: 8 out of 10
The mannerisms: 6 out of 10
Watchability: 5.5 out of 10
Overall score: 28.5
6. Anton Lesser as Harold Macmillan
Anton Lesser’s portrayal of Harold Macmillan adds a layer of political intrigue to the series. With a score of 29, Lesser’s performance is a standout in the ensemble cast.
The look: 8.5 out of 10
The voice: 7.5 out of 10
The mannerisms: 7 out of 10
Watchability: 6 out of 10
Overall score: 29
5. Harriet Walter as Clementine Churchill
Harriet Walter’s portrayal of Clementine Churchill adds depth to the series, portraying the stalwart woman behind the iconic leader. With a score of 29.5, Walter’s performance is a highlight in the ensemble cast.