Some really great movies set in the Middle Ages have been produced over the years. Some of these movies have grossed a lot of money, stunning moviegoers, and inspiring a cult following. So, it is not quite easy for one to make a fast pick when talking about the best medieval movies.
Through the years, we have seen some very excellent medieval movies that no matter the number of times you return to watch them are still great in almost every way. We have managed to put together a list of the best medieval movies for your reading pleasure.
Best Medieval Movies
1. Braveheart
Initial release: 19 May 1995
This is an epic historical medieval war film directed by Mel Gibson. It was released in1995. The epic movie tells the story of a Scottish warrior named William Wallace who brought together in unity the entire clans of Scotland to stand against and fight the tyranny, injustice, and oppression of English overlords of Scotland. The movie shows the very old age-long rivalry between the Celts and the Saxons. Till date, the movies remains watchable and some of its plot-points and battle scenes are still imitated by most movie producers.
2. Kingdom of Heaven
Initial release: 2 May 2005
This is another film that has made a name for itself as one of the best medieval movies. It is written by William Monahan and directed by Ridley Scott. It features stars such as Orlando Bloom who played the lead role of the blacksmith-turned knight, Eva Gaelle Green who played the role of the princess, Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, and the ever-compelling Ed Norton.
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3. The Excalibur
Initial release: 10 April 1981
This fantasy film was directed, produced, and co-written by John Boorman. The movie retells the story of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The director explores and showcases the magical aspects of the story that were initially ignored by the Clive Owen-starter.
This movie covers the entire story of King Arthur’s life- birth, guardianship by Merlin, withdrawing the sword from the stone, marital problems with his wife (Guinevere), and his death. It features stars such as Nigel Terry, Nicolas Clay, Helen Mirren, and many others.
4. A Knight’s Tale
Initial release: 2001
A Knight’s Tale is a medieval adventure comedy-drama film released in 2001. It was written, directed, and produced by Brian Helgeland. The action-comedy is based on adaptations from”The Knight’s Tale” which was included in “The Canterbury’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer. It tells the story of a peasant who dreams of becoming a knight. It features Heath Ledger, Paul Bettany, and Shannyn Sossamon.
5. Macbeth
Initial release: 2 October 2015
Macbeth is a film tragedy directed by Justin Kurzel from a screenplay adapted by Todd Louiso, Jacob Koskoff, and Michael Lesslie in 2015. The film is based on William Shakespeare’s play “MACBETH”. It tells the story of a fearless and ambitious warrior who desires to become King. It features Michael Fassbender as Macbeth, Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth, David Thewlis as Duncan, Jack Reynor as Malcolm, Sean Harris as Macduff, and Paddy Considine as Banquo.
6. Gladiator
Initial release: 1 May 2000
Gladiator is an epic historical drama film which was directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. The story is inspired by Daniel P. Mannix’s “Those About to Die” 1958 novel. It features Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Moller, Oliver Reed, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, and Richard Harris.
The film tells the story of a Hispano-Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed when Commodus, the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, kills his father and sit on the throne. Maximus was reduced to slavery, but he rises through the ranks of the arena as a strong gladiator to avenge the murders of his wife and son and his emperor as well.
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7. Seven Samurai
Initial release: 26 April 1954
Seven Samurai is a Japanese epic samurai film directed by Akira Kurosawa and released in 1954. The film tells the story a group of village farmers that hire seven samurai (ronin) to protect their village from a gang of bandits who plan to return after harvest steal their crops.
The plot was set during the Sengoku Period of Japanese history in 1586. It stars Takashi Shimura (Kambei ), Toshiro Mifune (Kikuchiyo), Yoshio Inaba ( Gorobei), Seiji Miyaguchi (Kyuzo), Minoru Chiaki (Heihachi), Daisuke Kato ( Shichiroji).
8. The Name of the Rose
Initial release: 24 September 1986
The Name of the Rose is a mysterious historical drama film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and released in 1986. The story was adapted from Umberto Eco’s best-selling novel of the same name. It tells the story of a Franciscan Monk (Sean Connery) and his apprentice Adso Von Melk (Christian Slater) was called upon to investigate a murder case in a secluded Benedictine Abbey. As they dig deeper more dead bodies were discovered.
9. The Adventures of Robin Hood
Initial release: 14 May 1938
This is not a new movie but it is still one that has sustained through the years still remaining among the best as far as medieval films are concerned. Directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, it keeps to the legend of Robin Hood while also making things. Coming even before the Golden era of Hollywood, The Adventures of Robin Hood had so much for one to appreciate including the acting and the soundtrack which won an Oscars.
10. The Seventh Seal
Initial release: 16 February 1957
Directed by Ingmar Bergman this is a Swedish historical fantasy about knight Antonius Block (Max von Sydow) which is set during the Black Death and is considered one of the best medieval movies ever. The knight returns home from a crusade in Sweden and then Death (Bengt Ekerot) comes for him. He challenges Death to a chess game which he was initially playing alone to which death obliges. Believing that he could remain alive as long as the game doesn’t end, he tries to find his way around.
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11. Vikings
First episode date: 3 March 2013
Although this is a series, it still finds its way among the best medieval movies ever made. It tells the story of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok who was a Viking chief known during the 9th century for raiding France and Anglo-Saxon England.
Written by Michael Hirst, it makes bare the brutality and mystery that engulfs the time of the Viking Warrior.
