Is Henry VIII and His Six Wives Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Henry VIII and His Six Wives is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Henry VIII and His Six Wives Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1972, Henry VIII and His Six Wives enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Adapted from the BBC2 serial The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Under the direction of Waris Hussein, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Keith Michell, Donald Pleasence, Charlotte Rampling. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Henry VIII and His Six Wives offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 125-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Henry VIII and His Six Wives resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, Henry VIII and His Six Wives is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Henry VIII and His Six Wives centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Adapted from the BBC2 serial The Six Wives of Henry VIII. 1547, King Henry VIII's life has taken a turn for the worse and he is forced to look back over his life and the many loves which had brought him his three children, only one of which was the desired male heir to secure the Tudor dynasty. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1972 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Henry VIII and His Six Wives has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Henry VIII and His Six Wives sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Henry VIII and His Six Wives (1972): with an audience rating of 5.6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, History cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Henry VIII and His Six Wives has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Henry VIII and His Six Wives stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henry VIII and His Six Wives movie hit or flop?
Henry VIII and His Six Wives has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Henry VIII and His Six Wives worth watching?
Henry VIII and His Six Wives is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Henry VIII and His Six Wives?
Henry VIII and His Six Wives is a Drama, History movie that Adapted from the BBC2 serial The Six Wives of Henry VIII. 1547, King Henry VIII's life has taken a turn for the worse and he is forced to look back ov...
Explore More Verdicts
More with Keith Michell
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Henry VIII and His Six Wives movie hit or flop?
Henry VIII and His Six Wives has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Henry VIII and His Six Wives worth watching?
Henry VIII and His Six Wives is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Henry VIII and His Six Wives?
Henry VIII and His Six Wives is a Drama, History movie that Adapted from the BBC2 serial The Six Wives of Henry VIII. 1547, King Henry VIII's life has taken a turn for the worse and he is forced to look back ov...
Is Henry VIII and His Six Wives family friendly?
Henry VIII and His Six Wives is a Drama, History movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch Henry VIII and His Six Wives?
You can find streaming options and availability for Henry VIII and His Six Wives on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of Henry VIII and His Six Wives?
Henry VIII and His Six Wives features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie Henry VIII and His Six Wives?
The runtime and duration of Henry VIII and His Six Wives are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
Based on the BBC drama series (and exec produced by a man who went on to run their drama department for a while) this is a good effort at recounting in two hours the lives and loves of Henry VIII over almost 40 years. Donald Pleasance is noteworthy as the odiously ambitious Thomas Cromwell and Charlotte Rampling as the even more ambitious Anne Boleyn. Keith Michell is an old hand at playing this part by now - his 4th time of asking; and he does it stylishly. The script is of it's time, and so a bit long-winded but otherwise this has held up well. Quite a bit is filmed outdoors and/or on location and so it has less of the sterile look of the television series; I expect the costumes are the same, though....