The Epic Clash: Ranking the Most Epic Battle Scenes in The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom, a gripping series filled with thrilling battle sequences, showcases a range of epic clashes, but some stand out more than others. Set in a war-torn period of English history, where constant threats from Scandinavian invaders loomed, The Last Kingdom is based on Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories novel series. This violent narrative depicts how the Kingdom of England formed against the backdrop of relentless invasions.

Undoubtedly, the show's popularity on Netflix stems from its ability to expertly portray large-scale battles and skirmishes. The Last Kingdom presents these encounters with a perfect blend of the brutality of medieval warfare and captivating entertainment. However, when comparing the battle scenes in The Last Kingdom and its companion film The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, not all possess the same level of enjoyment and cinematographic excellence.

11 The Battle Of Brunanburh

10 The Battle Of Dinefwr

The Battle of Brunanburh, depicted in The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, falls short of expectations, lacking the intensity one would anticipate in a battle scene. The primary issue stems from the overall rushed pace of the movie, which undermines the impact of this specific battle. Additionally, the cinematography exacerbates the problem, with choppy and confusing shots that impede comprehension. The excessive use of close-up shots and shaky camera movements aim to convey the chaotic nature of real battles, which is a commendable concept. Regrettably, the execution of this filming style is excessive, resulting in a bewildering and arduous viewing experience.

The Battle of Dinefwr takes place in The Last Kingdom season 4, where Welsh King Hywel attempts to recapture his stronghold at Dinefwr from Sigtryggr. However, Sigtryggr cleverly deceives King Hywel by luring his forces into a series of flaming ditches, effortlessly defeating the Welsh. Although the battle scene is visually impressive and features stunning shots, its limited duration and the lack of popularity of the characters involved diminish its entertainment value. Additionally, the battle does not significantly contribute to the overall plot of the season.

9 The Battle Of Cynuit

8 The Second Battle Of Beamfleot

In The Last Kingdom season 1, the Battle of Cynuit takes place. Uhtred aids the men of Wessex in defeating Ubba's army. To create a diversion, Uhtred secretly infiltrates their camp and sets fire to their ships. Although he successfully burns the ships, he is obliged to confront Ubba after being discovered while attempting to escape. This battle occurs shortly after their duel and is visually captivating. However, the episode primarily revolves around Uhtred's duel, resulting in this battle scene receiving a lower ranking.

The Second Battle of Beamfleot takes place in season 3 of The Last Kingdom, where Uhtred and his men collaborate with the men of Wessex to confront Haesten's Dane army. This particular scene creates a heightened sense of suspense as Uhtred and his men engage in combat with Haesten without any assistance for several minutes, until Edward finally gives the command for the men of Wessex to join the battle. This certainly adds an element of entertainment to the scene, but it can also be frustrating to witness. Although the battle itself is expertly filmed, the constant need to switch between Uhtred's fight and the men of Wessex awaiting their turn in the forest causes slight disruptions in the flow.

7 The Battle Of Beamfleot

6 The Battle Of The Holme

In season 2 of The Last Kingdom, the First Battle of Beamfleot takes place as Uhtred launches an attack on the Beamfleot fortress in order to rescue Aethelflaed from the Viking brothers, Sigefrid and Erik. The combined forces of Wessex and Mercia emerge victorious, decimating Erik and Sigefrid's armies just beyond the fortress walls. Not only is this scene highly captivating, but it also sets the stage for one of Uhtred's most compelling romances. The battle is expertly filmed and choreographed, effectively capturing the strategic maneuvers involved while still portraying the chaotic nature of warfare.

The Battle of the Holme, the climactic event in season 3 of The Last Kingdom, sees Uhtred team up with the armies of Wessex and Mercia to launch a surprise attack on Aethelwold and the Danes in the forest. The odds are heavily stacked against the Danish forces as the element of surprise works in favor of the English. Aethelwold's demise occurs in this battle, bringing a sense of satisfaction after witnessing his many wicked acts throughout The Last Kingdom. The limited space poses a challenge for the actors to wield their weapons, resulting in some visually unrealistic moments. Nonetheless, this truly captivating scene keeps viewers thoroughly entertained.

5 The Battle Of Dunholm

The Battle of Dunholm, undoubtedly among the top five captivating moments in The Last Kingdom, takes place during season 2. In this pivotal event, Uhtred and Ragnar the Younger join forces to exact vengeance upon Kjartan and avenge their father. The satisfaction derived from witnessing Uhtred and Ragnar fight alongside each other is immense, especially when considering Ragnar's fate in the ensuing season. They collaborate to breach the fortress walls and unlock its gates, thereby allowing their allies to pour into the town and mercilessly decimate Kjartan's forces. Undeniably, in terms of sheer entertainment value, this battle ranks among the most gripping spectacles in the series. However, while the cinematography of this particular scene is not subpar, it fails to distinguish itself as extraordinary.

4 The Battle Of Bebbanburg

The Battle of Bebbanburg in The Last Kingdom season 5 culminates with Uhtred successfully reclaiming his ancestral seat. This epic showdown marks a highly satisfying moment, as it signifies Uhtred's long-awaited triumph after five seasons. The battle is filled with suspense, as the audience is genuinely concerned that Uhtred may face defeat once again. Furthermore, the skillful construction of shots adds to the overall impact of the scene, even though it may not surpass the excellence showcased in the subsequent three entries on this list.

3 The Battle Of Tettenhall

2 The Battle Of Fearnham

: The Battle of Tettenhall in season 4 of The Last Kingdom showcases Uhtred and his allies from Mercia and Wessex facing off against Cnut's army of Danes. This battle scene stands out with its skillful alternation between individual fights and the overall chaos of the battle. The cinematography impresses with its inclusion of breathtaking aerial shots that capture the magnitude of the conflict. While The Battle of Tettenhall may not carry the same level of urgency as other battles, being positioned in the middle of the season, it undeniably remains one of the series' finest war spectacles.

The Battle of Fearnham, depicted in the first episode of The Last Kingdom season 3, is a breathtaking spectacle. Through aerial shots, the magnitude of this battle is vividly portrayed, while the Danish charge is captured from several stunning perspectives. Unlike the typical chaotic battle scenes, the tactics employed actually shine through. Notably, the pivotal moment in which the English cavalry charge leads the Saxons to victory exemplifies this. While the stakes may not be as high as in other battles, the sheer entertainment value of this scene prevents it from claiming the top spot.

1 The Battle Of Edington

Without a doubt, the Battle of Edington stands as the pinnacle clash in The Last Kingdom. It presents a remarkable showdown between the army of Wessex and the formidable "Great Heathen Army" led by King Guthrum. Prior to the battle, Alfred delivers a captivating speech, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring confrontation. The stakes are exceedingly high, as the men of Wessex fight fervently to reclaim their homeland from Guthrum's Danish forces. The meticulously crafted shot composition and choreography enhance the battle, striking the perfect balance between chaos and strategic maneuvers. With its compelling elements and all-encompassing spectacle, this battle unequivocally ranks among the most extraordinary scenes in The Last Kingdom.