30 Best Medieval Movies of All Time

The Best medieval movies Showcase films filled with knights, castles, swords and (sometimes) sorcery remain popular with audiences. Good medieval movies require endless research to prevent them from becoming inaccurate, huge budgets to cater to the elaborate sets, costumes and Props require, and must often strike a balance between staying true to history and entertaining a modern audience, which is not easy. . Despite these difficulties, the best medieval movies were incredibly successful, both commercially and critically. of A knight’s tale to Henry V to The name of the roseThese are must-watches for any film fan.

The medieval period is fertile ground for epic tales of battlefield glory and romanticized reimaginings of historical events. High fantasy stories in fictional worlds seem to be much more prevalent, however, As big as Lord of the Rings Or Game of Thrones May be, they should not be a complete replacement for the medieval setting. Still, from the pioneering years of cinema in the first half of the twentieth century to the huge blockbusters of the modern day, there are more than a few of the best medieval movies that are more than worthwhile.

30

King Arthur (2024)

A grounded blockbuster take on Arthurian legend

There have been many King Arthur movies entering the medieval genre over the years, however King Arthur is one of the more grounded names on the iconic character. Clive Owen took the starring role as the titular hero in a story of how he rallies his loyal Knights of the Round Table to fight back the invading Saxon army. It also explores his romance with Guinevere (Keira Knightley).

Director Antoine Fuqua may be better known for his modern action movies like Training day And The equalizer movies, but he fits nicely into the medieval realm with some thrilling battle sequences. Owen does a great stoic take on the legendary character, while being backed by a supporting cast of future stars, including Ray Winstone, Mads Mikkelsen and Joel Edgerton. It is interesting to see the grounded take on the legends with Merlin (Stephen Dillane) shown to use advanced combat methods that simply appear to be magic.

29

Army of Darkness (1993)

Ash takes on the Deadites in a medieval story

Although there are a number of different approaches that can be taken with a medieval movie, Army of Darkness May be the only one to use the setting for a horror-comedy story. The third and final entry in the original Evil Dead trilogy, Army of Darknessfinds Bruce Campbell’s Ash is transported back in time to a medieval kingdom where he is adopted as a warrior with amazing abilities. However, he soon finds that the ancient evil he fought in the modern world is still around him.

However, some of the best aspects of the movie are all about a hero as modern as Ash playing the fish out of water in medieval times.

The Evil Dead Movies gradually began to embrace the comedic aspects of their stories as they went along and Army of Darkness is the funniest of them all. Director Sam Raimi sometimes seems as if he is making a live-action cartoon with all the slapstick fun. However, some of the best aspects of the movie are all about a hero as modern as Ash playing the fish out of water in medieval times.

28

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Errol Flynn’s Swashbuckling Adventure

Robin Hood is another character that is synonymous with the medieval genre. like king arthur, There were many Robin Hood Movies that ranged from great to forgettable to terrible. However, still close to 90 years since it was released, none of these films have been able to top the classic Hollywood adventure from the 1938s. The Adventures of Robin Hood. Errol Flynn makes for a definitive Robin, cementing himself as one of the greatest swashbuckling heroes of all time.

Despite how old the movie is, it’s not hard to get swept up in the spectacle of it all and the action sequences still impress. It is clear the movie’s influence on many action and adventure movies that followed. The movie is further elevated by Flynn’s dashing performance, which was also very influential on action heroes that followed.

27

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Joel Coen directs Denzel Washington in a Shakespeare adaptation

While the work of William Shakespeare certainly attracts a high level of talent, The Tragedy of Macbeth is a particularly exciting star-studded adaptation of one of his most famous works. For the first time, Joel Cohen stepped out himself as a writer and director, repeating the classic story of greed and murder, which fits nicely with the kind of stories that the Cohen brothers have always been known to tell.

Oscar winners as if Coen the project is not enticing enough Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand star as an aged-up version of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The decision to focus on the characters as they age is a bold and compelling one that adds new elements to the story. Washington, in particular, gives a commanding performance. Coen’s German expressionistic approach to the visuals of the movie is also fascinating and the result is one of the best movie versions of the play.

26

Brave (2012)

A Disney princess in the Scottish Highlands

Brave Marked an interesting example of Pixar trying to create a story that would be more often seen from Disney Studios itself. The movie is set in the Scottish Highlands and follows the adventures of a princess named Merida. Like many of the modern Disney princesses, She is a defiant and independent soul who bucks tradition when she chooses not to be engaged. This is a conflict in her home, especially with her mother trying to curb Merida’s rebellious tendencies.

Although the film introduces magical elements eventually into the story, it is a surprisingly grounded look at the medieval way of life. Although there aren’t many movies in this genre that address the role of​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​women in this era, Brave addresses these aspects cleverly and deeply, with Merida not only becoming a beloved Disney princess, but also a Disney hero at the same time. .

25

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Robin Hood stands as one of the most famous legends of the medieval period

When it comes to recurring historical figures who have featured in multiple medieval movies, few names stand out more than Robin Hood, the UK folklore hero who was known as a highly skilled archer. Robin Hood first appeared in stories in the 13th and 14th centuries and continues to be an incredibly iconic character. There are a lot of movies based on the man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, But one of the most popular versions is the 1991 Kevin Costner movie, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

The film tells the story of Robin When he returns home from the Third Crusade to find his father dead at the hands of the evil Sheriff of NottinghamWho has plans to take the throne for himself. The movie has a lot going for it, including a wonderful villainous turn from Alan Rickman and the sheriff. It also won a Grammy for Best Song.

24

Outlaw King (2018)

Robert initiates his rebellion after the death of William Wallace

The original Netflix medieval movie The king out is almost a spiritual sequel to Brave. Both sit among the best medieval movies, with Chris Pine starred in The king out Like Robert the Bruce. Although not exactly historically accurate, The king out Shows Robert starting his rebellion immediately after William Wallace’s death. The figure of The king out is particularly noteworthy too, with Chrise Pine joined by the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Florence Pugh, among others.

In fact, the rebellion began a year later, but this is still a good follow-up, although not quite up to the level of Brave. The end of The king out It also left many viewers talking about it long after the credits rolled. Critics highlighted the quality of its many battle scenes, and so The king out Will definitely appeal to fans of the genre who enjoy medieval movies for the clash and clang of steel-on-steel and armored warriors.

23

The Virgin Spring (1960)

An exploration of the hardships of life in the dark ages

Not all movies set in medieval times are about wars and battles. Often, movies are Set in the medieval era to show the living conditions and atmosphere of the dark ages. In the case of The Virgin SpringThis Ingmar Bergman movie was set in Medieval Sweden and showed the hardships that ordinary people faced while living during the 13th century.

The history of The Virgin Spring is also an exciting tale of revenge. Christian Per Torre sent his daughter to take candles to the church. However, on her way there, she meets three men who then sexually assault and kill her. The three then hide at her father’s house and when he realizes what they have done, he takes his own revenge. The movie won an Oscar and Wes Craven remade it as such The last house on the link.

22

Alexander Nevsky (1938)

Considered one of the finest Russian war films ever produced

Released in 1938, the great Sergei Eisenstein directed Alexander NevskyHis first movie in the sound era and his first release in nine years. He got this opportunity when the Soviet movie star Boris Shumiatsky presented the subject of the biopic, who was a 13th century warrior-saint who defeated the Teutonic Order’s Teutonic Knights.

Given the era in which the film was made, this medieval movie is definitely a release more suited to die-hard fans of the genre. However, it is still considered one of the best Russian war movies ever made, with an incredible look at devastated cities and battlefields, all while Nevsky led his troops to defend his country from foreign invaders. The movie remains highly praised and even has a Criterion Collection release. Although not well known to many modern viewers, it is a classic worth seeking out for fans of the medieval movie genre.

21

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023)

A follow-up film inspired by the Netflix TV series

A sequel movie based on the Netflix TV series, which itself is based on Bernard Cornwell’s medieval Viking novels, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die Provided a fitting end-point to the story in the perfect way. The show was extremely popular, and when Netflix ended it, so the addition of a feature film to complete the story was welcomed by fans. however, Seven kings must die Also stands as a solid medieval movie in its own right.

The only thing that really hurts this medieval movie is that it’s almost like the final season of The last kingdom But condensed to two hours. With that said, it has the same amazing battles, a nice budget for effects and a satisfying ending for all the characters of the series. Critics particularly noted the cinematography of Seven kings must die, As well as the performances of the cast – in particular Pekka Strang as the warrior-king of the Danes, King Anlaf.

20

The Green Knight (2021)

Dev Patel leads the cast of one of the most modern medieval movies

A young and ambitious knight on a quest to prove his nobility when challenged by the mysterious Green Knight

Although it was slightly overlooked when it was released, 2021 The Green Knight Will likely become a favorite of fans of medieval movies in the coming years. The movie stars Dev Patel as Gawain, A young and ambitious knight on a quest to prove his nobility when challenged by the mysterious Green Knight. The Green Knight Received several accolades and nominations, including a Critics’ Choice Super Award win for Dev Patel.

The Green Knight Adapts the song “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and includes fantasy elements just like the source material. However, it’s also a medieval tale that deconstructs tales of heroes and has an impressive 89% Rotten Tomatoes rating. much of the praise of critics for The Green Knight focuses on how it adapts the source material, with many reviewers celebrating how it takes the original poem and turns it into an incredibly modern narrative format.

19

The King (2019)

Timothée Chalamet stars in this Netflix adaptation of Shakespeare

One of the last medieval movies came in 2019, and Netflix The king Proved that there is still interest in the genre. Although based on several plays by William Shakespeare, the film takes its own approach to chronicling the life of Henry V (Timothée Chalamet) after he became the king of England in the 15th century. Chalamet proved that he could carry his own movie outside the indie movie world and appeal to a larger audience.

He delivers A layered performance as a brave warrior who is perhaps not as smart of a politician as he likes to pretend he is. The 2019 medieval movie also features an impressive supporting cast, including Robert Pattinson with an amusing French accent. The king was directed by David Michôd, with the film earning him a nomination for Best Direction at the AACTA Awards, and Brad Pitt serving as a producer.

18

Al Sid (1961)

One of the last films of the old Hollywood era was an epic medieval tale

The 1961 film Al Sid Starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren highlights one of the last movies made in the era of old Hollywood when such studio epics were common. The film chronicles the life of the legendary Spanish figure Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar, also known as El Cid. The film is set in the 11th century against a backdrop of Christian Spain being overrun by the Moors.

The charismatic knight El Cid tries to unite his divided country and rally his people against foreign invaders. The star power of the movie is one of its selling points as Heston and Loren received a lot of praise, while the musical score and art direction were also standouts, earning several Oscar nominations in technical categories. It’s the kind of sweeping Old Hollywood epic that can still thrill audiences decades after its release.

17

Valhalla Rising (2009)

Mads Mikkelsen delivers one of his most intense performances

The Viking movie genre is not very prevalent, however Valhalla Rising is one of the examples of what this particular period of history makes for some incredible medieval movies. This Nicolas Winding Refn’s film features Mads Mikkelsen in one of his most visceral performances. The film received a mixed reaction from critics, with some feeling that it took itself too seriously, with others giving it nothing but praise. However, the critics prove that it will more than likely appeal to dedicated fans of medieval movies more than casual viewers.

Inspired by the gorgeous Scottish landscape on which it was shot, Valhalla Rising is a worthwhile screening for both Mikkelsen fans and anyone who can get on Refn’s wavelength and comfortably stay there. Far from the director DriveThe film goes A Norse warrior named One-Eye and a young boy when they traveled with Christian Crusaders in 1096 AD.

16

The Northman (2022)

A visually breathtaking adventure

Director Robert Eggers, famous for his brooding and relentlessly funny horror-adjacent efforts, knows how to establish drama, build tension and cultivate a strange climax that makes the film’s heroes seem no more well-intentioned than its villains. This is very much shown in one of the best action movies of 2022, The Nortman. Much like Valhalla Rising, The Northman is a perfect medieval movie for viewers specifically interested in the Viking Age.

A silly tale of revenge that turns into a tale of questionable vigilance and misinterpreted memoriesIt’s a visually stunning adventure that will leave audiences wondering why more movies don’t opt ​​for the unsettling antihero storyline. Although a box office disappointment, the movie’s battle sequences and authentic feeling stood out among modern action movies. In addition, the cast of The Nortman Includes many famous names, including Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, and Anya Taylor-Joy.

15

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

The director’s cut reinvigorated medieval cinema for the modern era

After Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning GladiatorThe idea of ​​the filmmaker making another historical epic sounded like a great idea. kingdom of heaven Follows a blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) who comes with his father (Liam Neeson) as a crusade on the way to the Holy City. Years before fans began to demand the director’s cut of Justice LeagueThe film kingdom of heaven Showed how a director’s fashion can save a movie.

The messy film that was released in theaters was Recut in its intended form as a massive epic that showcased Scott’s talent for great battle sequences While also making the historical aspects of the movie more gripping and effective. The figure of kingdom of heaven is stacked with A-list names including Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Neeson, Michael Sheen and Edward Norton as King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem.

14

Excalibur (1981)

One of the greatest medieval movies merges the mythology of classic tales

Some of the best medieval movies Join the mythology of classic stories and set yourself in a heightened historical world. Such is the case with the wonderful fantasy adventure excalibur, The epic 1981 medieval movie from director John Boorman. As expected from the title, this is a story about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and still stands as an incredibly unique take on the traditional Arthurian myth.

Excalibur Received an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography

The cast was heavily praised with Nigel Terry as Arthur, Patrick Stewart as Leondegrance, Liam Neeson as Gawain, and Helen Mirren as Morgana. Excalibur Received an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography, while Boorman won an award at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival. Although it is now several decades old, Excalibur is still strong compared to many modern medieval movies and films about King Arthur.

13

The Last Duel (2021)

The true story of a horrific incident that set the stage for a deadly confrontation

Although it was one of the biggest box office bombs of 2021, The Last Duel Tells a real-life story lost in history that has stunning relevance to modern society. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film is written and features performances from both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, while also starring Adam Driver and Jodie Comer in an acclaimed leading role.

The last night is told through the perspectives of two knights and a lady all surrounding a horrific incident that leads to a deadly confrontation. Despite the fact that it was overlooked and Affleck scored an undeserved Razzie nomination, the performances, the telling of the tale and the epic final battle led to an 85% Rotten Tomatoes rating. It’s also fascinating how the true story of the medieval period can feel so relevant to today’s politics.

12

A Knight’s Tale (2001)

A stand-out medieval movie starring Heath Ledger

2001s A knight’s tale Stands out as a medieval movie that has managed to transcend genre limitations and appeal to a much wider fan base than most. Although fans know Heath Ledger best as The Dark Knight’s JokerA knight’s story is one of the films that cemented the late star as a leading man. Ledger stars as William Thatcher, a man who impersonates a knight and rises through the ranks by jousting in a series of tournaments.

The highly entertaining film centers around the idea that Everyone can choose their own destinies and is much more comedic than most medieval movies. Instead of taking historical facts and accuracy too seriously, the movie incorporated modern music in a fun and unexpected way. Although it did not receive many accolades at the time, A knight’s tale was a success with audiences and is still considered by many as a beloved and easy-to-watch medieval comedy.

11

Richard III (1955)

The pinnacle of Shakespeare film adaptations

Many of the best medieval movies were released in the mid-20th century, and many more are adaptations of classic Shakespeare plays. Richard III is a perfect example of both. in Richard IIILaurence Olivier plays the titular nefarious character in the tale of ​​his many plots and betrayals in order to seize the throne for himself, with Olivier showing what a talent many consider to be perfectly suited to play more-than- Life letters from the medieval. Dramas.

Olivier directed a number of movies based on Shakespeare’s plays, and although this was his only one not nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, Olivier’s performance was nominated. In the years since its release, many have called Richard III The best Shakespeare movie adaptation. Many established thespians appear in the cast alongside Olivia, including Cedric Hardwicke and John Gielgud.