The Best Medieval Shows & Movies on Netflix

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There’s been a significant increase in TV programs focusing on the time period known as the Middle Ages (476 AD to 1500 AD), encompassing fantasy, historical fiction, and authentic representations of actual events. These shows have gained a broad global audience not just for their traditional tales of knights and kingdoms, but also for their captivating narratives that vividly portray history. The allure comes from the immersive settings and the examination of a brutal and violent era of human history on our modern screens.

Over the last ten years, Netflix has consistently led the charge in maintaining audience fascination with medieval action, thanks to series like “Vikings” and “The Witcher”. In this article, we’ll explore top-tier shows streaming on Netflix that delve into the Middle Ages, and why you shouldn’t miss them.

13
Vikings: Valhalla (2022)

Vikings: Valhalla is a sequel to the original Vikings series, taking place one century later. It follows the Norse attempts to conquer England following the St. Brice’s Day massacre in 1002 A.D., depicting the conflict between ancient Pagan practices and burgeoning Christian ideals that culminates at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1006.

The Thrilling Spin-off of ‘Vikings’

Viewers find themselves hooked on the series, even though they are aware of the final outcomes of the characters. They are caught between eagerness for what’s to come and a glimmer of hope for their victories. The show artfully combines real historical figures like Harald Sigurdsson, Leif Erikson, and Freydis Eirsdottir with fictional elements, creating a gripping narrative that serves as an exciting sequel to the initial series.

Viking: Valhalla, regardless of whether the characters are male or female, showcases the genuine spirit of vengeance, violence, conflicts, and the unique traits of its individuals. This series is incredibly captivating, even if the ending was unsatisfying, leaving viewers with unanswered questions; simply appreciate it for its strengths.

12
The Witcher (2019)

Originating from Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series titled the same, The Witcher was crafted by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich for Netflix streaming service. This captivating show centers around Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster-hunter, who encounters intricate characters and obstacles throughout his journey. Employing both his physical prowess and cunning intellect, Geralt safeguards the innocent from diverse forms of malevolence in this enthralling narrative.

Beloved Fantasy Franchise on Netflix

In the turbulent world depicted in “The Witcher,” Geralt’s journey to find his identity serves as the foundation for an engaging story filled with thrilling action, captivating adventure, and intricate moral dilemmas. The standout feature of this series is a transformation potion that temporarily transforms Geralt into a handsome monster, allowing him to combat evil beings. With its pulse-pounding fight sequences against grotesque monsters and adversaries, “The Witcher” delivers an electrifying experience for fans of fantasy and adventure. Although the series encountered difficulties in later seasons and a poorly received spin-off, it showcases Henry Cavill at his peak performance.

11
Kingdom (2019)

In Korea’s Joseon era, the series Kingdom unfolds as a historical horror tale, focusing on Crown Prince Lee-Chang’s quest to discover what happened to his father amid a nationwide epidemic. This deadly outbreak brings the dead back to life, transforming them into ravenous, flesh-and-blood beasts.

Blending Elements of Horror, Action and drama

This series is brimming with pulse-pounding, suspenseful scenes and a tangled web of secrets within the Haewon Cho Clan, making it both gripping and shrouded in mystery. What amplifies its mystery are the exceptional portrayals of the zombies, lending a chilling and authentic atmosphere that seamlessly combines horror, action, and drama into an immersive experience. This series showcases the pinnacle of Korean entertainment, and anyone intrigued by TV from the region should not think twice about giving it a try.

10
The Last Kingdom (2015)

The Last Kingdom immerses readers into the tumultuous ninth-century England, an era characterized by extreme violence and political maneuvering. The narrative centers around Uthred, who was orphaned and brought up amidst enemies following a clash between Saxons and Danes. Though he finds peace, misfortune revisits him, prompting him to embark on a mission for revenge.

Political Turmoil and Violence

In a time marked by perpetual upheaval and fractured realms, this series promises a dose of excitement, conflict, and unexpected plot developments. It delves into the mounting menace of Northmen invaders, exacerbating the chaos. “The Last Kingdom” is renowned for its gripping battle sequences, with The Battle of Edington and The Battle of Fearnham standing out among the best. Vivid characters such as Beocca, Finan, and Edward lend depth to this immersive historical saga.

9
Barbarians (2020)

The captivating German historical series, “Barbarians,” is set amidst a whirlwind of action and violence. It delves into the tumultuous events leading to the Battle of Teutoburg Forest during Rome’s occupation of Germany, culminating in the rebellion of the Germanic tribes, led by Arminius.

An Eye for Accuracy

In their performances, Jeanne Goursaud, Laurence Rupp, and David Schutter truly bring the characters to life. For those seeking authenticity in middle-age series, this production’s attention to detail, including the use of genuine languages, is commendable. The series, consisting of just 12 episodes, makes for a highly bingeable viewing experience due to its captivating drama that keeps viewers hooked, making it challenging to watch one episode at a time. If you enjoyed shows like Vikings and The Last Kingdom, then you might find Barbarians a hidden treasure on the platform.

8
Marco Polo (2014)

Marco Polo, a well-known Italian merchant, adventurer, and author, left behind a lasting impact. With his family leaving him behind, he found himself in Mongolia where he captured the interest of Kublai Khan, an exceptional chance for a foreigner. The story revolves around Polo’s life within Kublai Khan’s court in the Mongol Empire.

Stunning Cinematography Backed by a Budget

The series moves focus from Western stories, delving instead into China’s Yuan Dynasty era. It provides a rare perspective on a historical epoch rarely seen on television. Despite its short airing span of only two seasons, the show presents gripping character narratives laced with intricate plotlines and elaborate scenes drawn from Eastern history. The series’ impressive $200 million budget is clearly reflected in its beautiful cinematography and top-notch production quality.

7
Cursed (2020)

Cursed, as depicted in this series inspired by Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler’s graphic novel, offers a fresh take on the King Arthur tale, centering around the character of Nimue. Known as the Lady of the Lake, she possesses a mystical sword and is pursued by religious factions, led by Carden and his red paladins, who are in hot pursuit of supernatural beings. Guided by the cryptic and lethal Weeping Monk, this relentless hunt forces Nimue to elude them for survival.

Fantasy With a Diverse Cast

The series titled “Cursed” reimagines the Arthurian legend much like “Mists of Avalon.” Over its 10 episodes, it humorously unveils characters’ true natures through a blend of sword fights, scheming nun characters, carefully chosen narratives, and striking visuals. This series delivers visually stunning fantasy scenes and an engaging narrative, captivating audiences similar to “The Witcher.” For those who value diversity in their productions, the casting of Cursed is noteworthy as it supports positive LGBTQ+ representation.

6
Outlaw King (2018)

The movie “Outlaw King,” released in 2018, is a historical action drama that tells the story of Robert the Bruce, a 14th-century Scottish king, during the Scottish Wars of Independence. The film primarily focuses on the years between 1304 and the Battle of Loudoun Hill in 1307, depicting Robert’s uprising against Edward I’s rule over Scotland.>

The Blood and Grit of the Middle Ages

Similar to other films set during the Middle Ages, Outlaw King didn’t flinch from the harsh, authentic depiction of medieval Scotland, featuring its grime, gore, and brutality characteristic of that time. The movie also boasted stunning costumes and sets that left viewers spellbound. Furthermore, the film’s compelling portrayal of Robert the Bruce’s unyielding determination to uphold his claim for two decades struck a chord with viewers, striking a deep emotional resonance among fans.

5
Damsel (2024)

Born in a struggling nation, Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown) thinks fortune has finally smiled on her when she is selected for marriage to Prince Henry of Aurea. His wealth could rejuvenate her kingdom. Yet, she soon uncovers that this choice was a deception, a scheme by the royal family in Aurea who intend to exploit her as a sacrifice, part of their agreement with a dragon. This revelation compels Elodie to hatch an escape plan and speak up for the countless women who had faced the same fate before her.

From Damsel to Hero

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s medieval-themed fantasy series garnered significant success upon its release on Netflix, largely due to its innovative twist on conventional themes and the portrayal of the ‘damsel’ as a formidable character. However, the film “Damsel” was not without its flaws, with some viewers finding the acting less than impressive and the CGI mediocre. Yet, it presents a dilemma since it delivers an entertaining, if predictable narrative, and features a standout performance from Millie Bobby Brown.

4
The Decameron (2024)

In a humorous twist on one of history’s grim chapters, The Decameron narrates the escapades of seven women from affluent backgrounds and their staff who seclude themselves in a villa during the Bubonic Plague. Amidst the chaos, they amuse themselves by assuming various roles such as “king” or “queen,” and entertain each other with a series of one hundred stories to pass the time.

Comedy During a Time of Tragedy

The Decameron maintains a remarkable fidelity to its original content in the subjects it tackles. It delivers an element of authenticity amidst its humorous presentation. The series encompasses elements of drama and romance as well, all beautifully portrayed by an exceptional cast that breathes life into the quirky characters from the novel. The humor might be over-the-top and not for every viewer’s taste. However, if you seek a unique exploration of the Middle Ages, unlike anything else in this collection, this miniseries is certainly worth watching.

3
Vinland Saga (2019)

The Vinalnd Saga chronicles the journey of Thorfinn, a man intent on avenging his father’s demise by tracking down Askeladd. However, this voyage proves to be more than just a quest for vengeance; it leads to unforeseen transformations not only in Thorfinn but also those traveling with him. In the second season, there will be a noticeable change in tone, focusing significantly on character development rather than action.

An Anime Masterpiece

Vinland Saga is an anime series that demands your full attention, and if you can, reading the manga too is highly recommended. Thorfinn’s character depth makes it challenging to summarize the series’ greatness in a concise manner. The visuals are stunning, the voice acting spot-on, the pace engaging, and the character development captivating and hard to tear yourself away from; what else could you ask for? Vinland Saga is a critically acclaimed and beloved anime series that masterfully portrays the harsh realities of the Middle Ages. It’s undeniably one of the top adult animated series available on Netflix.

2
Robin Hood (2018)

2018’s adaptation of the timeless tale, “Robin Hood,” begins with Robin from Loxley as a nobleman conscripted into the Third Crusade. Upon his return, he discovers that the sheriff of Nottingham had falsely declared him dead, aiming to seize his property. This revelation shifts Robin’s perspective on the upper class. With the assistance of Marian, Friar Tuck, and John, Robin adopts the alias “The Hood” to restore justice in Nottingham.

A Retelling of a Classic

The story of Robin Hood, often retold on screen, was given a fresh twist by Otto Barthurst’s interpretation, yet it remained true to the core values that have touched so many hearts. Although Rotten, with a current rating of 14% from critics, this film offers an enjoyable, action-packed experience – perfect for a fun night at the movies; Taron Egerton delivered a standout performance as Robin Hood.

Otto Barthurst’s version of Robin Hood added something new to the classic tale while keeping its core message intact. Although it received negative reviews from critics (with a 14% rating), this movie is a fun action-packed film for watching with popcorn, and Taron Egerton played an outstanding Robin Hood.

1
Valhalla Rising (2010)

The movie “Valhalla Rising” chronicles the adventure of a silent, one-eyed combatant named One-Eye (played by Mads Mikkelsen), initially belonging to a Scandinavian Chieftain. Following a brutal breakout, One-Eye teams up with a band of Crusaders in search of the Holy Land. Yet, when they become disoriented within a thick fog, this group ventures into an uncharted territory that triggers despair and insanity, as they confront their inner torments while battling against their own demons.

An Experimental Tale Steeped in Violence and Faith

In the film “Valhalla Rising,” although dialogue is sparse, it delves deeply into themes such as faith, existentialism, and more. The movie, set in the Viking era, blends stunning visuals with intense violence, creating an immersive viewing experience that leaves viewers feeling pulled in various directions. Since their collaboration on the “Pusher” films, Mads Mikkelsen and director Nicolas Winding Refn have proven to be a powerful duo, each bringing out the best in the other. This movie may be more experimental and abstract, but for those open to new experiences, it’s definitely worth a watch.

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2025-01-09 08:02