The Ultimate Ranking of 20 Epic Viking Movies & TV Shows You Can't Miss

Summary

The best movies and shows about Vikings offer audiences a thrilling and diverse range of content, from big-screen blockbusters to small intimate films and popular TV shows.

These stories delve into the narratives of courageous fighters, resilient communities, and harsh endurance, capturing the thrill of the Viking realm and its cultural metamorphosis. From informative documentaries unraveling the historical fabric of Viking society to imaginative television shows and films that incorporate aspects of Viking culture, the immense popularity of Vikings is apparent through the abundance of content catering to enthusiasts of this genre.

The genre may not be the most prolific, but there are some remarkable movies and shows centered around Vikings. These tales, which have been around for centuries, transport audiences to a thrilling world of brave warriors, tight-knit communities, and harrowing tales of survival. Both big-budget blockbusters and intimate films have explored this subject on the silver screen, while Viking-themed shows have gained popularity, perhaps due to the rise of fantasy medieval series like Game of Thrones, which share similar elements.

Viking enthusiasts now have a wide range of content to indulge in. Vikings: Valhalla, the sequel series to Vikings, recently premiered its second season in January, while The Last Kingdom concluded its final season on Netflix in 2022. The Northman, directed by Robert Eggers, has also contributed to the current wave of Viking fever. Additionally, the influence of the Viking genre has made unexpected appearances in realms such as superhero stories and animated family films. The abundance and diversity of top-notch Viking movies and shows are a testament to their enduring popularity among audiences.

20 The Last Journey Of The Vikings (2020)

The Last Journey Of The Vikings, available on AppleTV, uniquely explores the decline of Viking society by blending insightful commentary with captivating reenactments. Instead of showcasing the glory days of the Vikings, this four-part series delves into the factors that prompted them to depart from Denmark. As the rise of Christianity reshaped Europe, the Viking age neared its end. This distinct perspective offers an alternative understanding for fans of fictional Viking tales, shedding light on the gradual dissipating of Viking society.

19 Ragnarok (2020-2023)

Now streaming on Netflix, this series cleverly weaves together Norse mythology and contemporary concerns about climate change. Following the journey of a teenager who discovers he is the reincarnation of Thor, the show delves into his quest to combat the pollution caused by a seemingly ordinary family. Unbeknownst to all, this family is actually supernatural beings strategically pushing the world towards the brink of the apocalypse. While not solely a Viking-centered series, it incorporates elements of Viking culture into its fantastical narrative. Garnering mixed reviews, this combination of teen drama, Norse mythology, and a cautionary message about climate change may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, it provides a distinct fusion of these disparate themes.

18 National Geographic’s Viking Warrior Women (2019)

Streamable on Disney+, not all depictions of Vikings are purely fictional. Alongside captivating narratives, there are also enlightening documentaries, such as this remarkable production by National Geographic. In this particular special, scientist Ella Al-Shamahi delves into the notion that Viking warriors were not exclusively male. Through meticulous examination of historical evidence, Al-Shamahi presents compelling proof that women held positions as esteemed warriors within Viking society. Unlike most cinematic portrayals that emphasize the male perspective, this special offers a refreshing and insightful shift in focus.

17 Erik The Viking (1989)

This Viking movie is a must-watch for fans of the Monty Python projects. Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame, explores Viking culture and Norse mythology in a hilarious and entertaining way. The storyline follows a Viking who decides to give up pillaging and embarks on a journey to Asgard to assist the Norse gods in saving their home. The majority of the movie revolves around a series of misadventures during the Viking quest. Rather than focusing on conquest or action, Erik The Viking offers a lighthearted and enjoyable take on Viking movies. It is a great addition to the genre.

16 Secrets Of The Viking Stone (2020-)

Now streaming on FuboTV

The American Runestone, a captivating series originally produced for the Science Channel, has been reimagined as Secrets Of The Viking Stone. Join actor Peter Stormare and history aficionado Elroy Balgaard as they delve into the intriguing journey of a Minnesota artifact. Many believe this artifact serves as evidence that the Vikings arrived in the region prior to Christopher Columbus and his crew. With the expertise of historians, anthropologists, archaeologists, and other experts, Stormore and Balgaard embark on a riveting quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Kensington Runestone in this fascinating Viking docuseries.

15 Vinland Saga (2019-)

Now streaming on Netflix!

Vinland Saga, adapted from Makoto Yukimura's acclaimed manga, takes place in the year 1013. The narrative revolves around Thorfinn, a determined young man desperate to seek vengeance for his father's tragic demise. However, despite his affiliation with a killer, he has yet to be granted the opportunity to fulfill his quest. This seemingly typical tale of retribution is intricately interwoven with the decline of Viking society, adding depth and complexity to the story. A grand and sweeping anime saga, Vinland Saga skillfully blends real historical events with Thorfinn's profound journey through grief.

14 The 13th Warrior (1999)

Available on Hoopla, The 13th Warrior stands out as a unique Viking movie that delves into the clash and fusion of cultures. Unlike typical Viking films, it unveils a captivating tale. The story follows the journey of a Muslim ambassador in exile who becomes embroiled in a Viking caravan. Although their ways of life starkly differ, they form a bond while uniting to confront an ancient malevolence threatening the world. Leading the cast is Antonio Banderas, portraying the ambassador, while the screenplay originates from Michael Crichton's novel, Eaters of the Dead. Notably, Crichton, renowned for crafting compelling narratives in works such as Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain, also penned the script for the acclaimed television series ER. Hence, The 13th Warrior promises a captivating and dramatic narrative.

13 Tales Of The Vikings (1959-1960)

Cannot be streamed

Contrary to popular belief among TV enthusiasts, Viking-themed shows have been around for decades. One such example is Tales Of The Vikings, which aired in the late 1950s and was produced by none other than Kirk Douglas. This series utilized props and set pieces from the 1958 film The Vikings, which played a pivotal role in sparking Hollywood's fascination with Viking culture. Tales Of The Vikings followed the thrilling adventures of Firebeard (portrayed by Stefan Schnabel) and his sons. While it is not currently available for streaming, avid collectors may be able to get their hands on DVDs containing the episodes.

12 National Geographic’s Vikings: The Rise And Fall (2022)

This particular National Geographic special is currently unavailable for streaming on Disney+. Vikings: The Rise And Fall delves into the mythical world of Vikings and investigates their legends, contrasting them with archaeological findings to determine their authenticity. The series takes a unique approach by featuring Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, a Norse narrator who immerses himself in the culture, rather than relying on outside scholars to recount the tales.

11 The Vikings (1958)

Now available on Fubo

The Vikings, a 1958 film, played a pivotal role in sparking Hollywood's fascination with Viking shows and movies. Starring Kirk Douglas as a Viking prince, the story revolves around his kidnapping of a princess (Janet Leigh), which attracts the attention of numerous men vying for her. This sets the stage for conflicts on multiple fronts. While not necessarily the most exceptional in terms of acting, this film's influence was profound. In fact, Douglas used materials from its production to create his first television series focused on Vikings under his production company. The Vikings' enduring impact continues to fuel the creative interest in this historical subject.

10 How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

Available on Roku, How to Train Your Dragon is more of a fantasy movie than a historical Viking story. It brings a family-friendly element to the genre by showcasing the adventures of a young Viking named Hiccup. Hiccup dreams of becoming a dragon hunter but forms an unlikely friendship with a rare dragon he captures, whom he names Toothless. Together, they teach their clans how to coexist, leading to thrilling high-flying adventures in the land of Berk. How To Train Your Dragon has become a successful franchise, spanning three feature films, three TV series, five short films, and even an upcoming live-action remake. This DreamWorks hit has received numerous awards and has achieved significant success at the box office.

9 Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Available for streaming on Disney+, Thor: Ragnarok is the third installment in the Marvel franchise, directed by Taika Waititi. Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as Thor, and this time, Waititi brings a refreshing new perspective to the character. As the story unfolds, Thor finds himself captured on a desolate trash planet, while his banished sister Hela plots to take over Asgard. With time ticking away, Thor embarks on a thrilling race against Hela to save his homeland and its people. Although Thor is not technically a Viking, he holds great significance to them as a god of thunder. Consequently, his adventures bear resemblance to the tales of the Scandinavian lore. Described by many as the funniest Marvel movie to date, Thor: Ragnarok showcases a delightful blend of comedy, action, and depth. The film not only features familiar faces like Hulk, but also introduces compelling new characters such as Valkyrie and Korg.

8 The Last King (2016)

Stream on Kanopy

The Last King is a thrilling and impressive period-action movie on Kanopy that may have flown under the radar for many viewers. This exciting Viking adventure follows two brave and loyal warriors as they embark on a dangerous journey to protect an infant heir to the throne. With spectacular ski chase sequences and intense battles against enemies, The Last King proves to be a hidden gem. While Kristofer Hivju, known for his role as Tormund Giantsbane in Game of Thrones, may be the only recognizable face in the film, the unique premise and thrilling execution make it a must-watch for fans of action-packed movies.

7 Norsemen (2016 - 2020)

Stream Norsemen on Netflix, a comedy series that explores the lesser-known challenges faced by everyday Vikings. Set in 790s Norway, this show humorously follows seemingly fierce individuals who turn out to be ordinary people stumbling through misadventures. Portraying them with modern day problems, such as resistance to cultural shifts, Norsemen brings a parody-like atmosphere reminiscent of popular shows like Vikings or Game of Thrones. Despite its critical success, the spoof comedy concluded after three seasons.

6 The Last Kingdom (2015 - 2022)

Netflix Streaming

Adapted from Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories novels, The Last Kingdom tells the story of a young Uhtred, who becomes a slave after his father's death. Raised by Vikings, Uhtred forms a bond with his captors, leading to a conflict between his loyalty to his homeland and his new family. While The Last Kingdom may not have achieved the same level of mainstream popularity as other shows on Netflix, it is widely regarded as an exceptional epic action series. Fans of thrilling and visually stunning Viking tales consider it a hidden gem of medieval history.

5 Valhalla Rising (2009)

Stream "Valhalla Rising" on AMC+. In this brutal and captivating Viking saga, director Nicolas Winding Refn takes us into a world of neo-noir crime. Mads Mikkelsen portrays One Eye, a stoic warrior who escapes his captors, accompanied by a young slave boy. Together, they embark on a treacherous quest filled with danger. Just like Refn's "Drive," the violence depicted in "Valhalla Rising" is both shocking and visually striking, revealing the relentless existence of these Viking warriors. Despite the absence of dialogue, Mikkelsen delivers his signature intense on-screen presence, creating a Viking superhero of sorts and an exhilarating protagonist to follow on this blood-soaked journey.

4 Vikings: Valhalla (2022 - )

Vikings: Valhalla, the spin-off series of The History Channel's popular show Vikings, premiered on Netflix in February 2022. Set a century after the events of the original series, it takes viewers on a thrilling journey beyond Scandinavia, introducing a fresh ensemble cast engaged in violent clashes with the English and grappling with their own struggles for power. The Viking-themed show quickly captured the attention of audiences, making it the top-watched program on Netflix, as reported by Deadline. Its success led to the renewal of the series, with season 2 scheduled for January 2023 and season 3 planned for release in the near future. Widely regarded as a must-watch, Vikings: Valhalla has established itself as a prominent addition to Viking mythology.

3 Beowulf (2007)

Stream Beowulf, directed by Robert Zemeckis, on Kanopy. Zemeckis, known for his collaboration with Tom Hanks on The Polar Express, applies the same animation approach to this Viking legend. The film follows the legendary warrior Beowulf as he is called upon to defeat the monstrous Grendel, who has been terrorizing a kingdom. While the animation style may be visually distracting at times, particularly with the characters' faces, it still delivers a fierce and brutal action-packed experience, thanks to the power of animation. The film boasts an exceptional cast, including performances by Ray Winstone, Brendan Gleeson, Angelina Jolie, and Anthony Hopkins.

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2 The Northman (2022)

Stream on Peacock

1 Vikings (2013 - 2020)

: The Northman, directed by Robert Eggers, is a riveting and brutal revenge film that centers around the journey of Amleth, portrayed by the captivating Alexander Skarsgård. Driven by the desire to avenge his father's murder and rescue his kidnapped mother, Amleth, a young prince, makes a daring escape by boat and finds refuge among Vikings. This character-driven narrative captivates viewers with its trippy and intimate storyline, enhanced further by its Shakespearean-like dialogue. True to Eggers' distinct style, The Northman fearlessly showcases visceral violence and doesn't hold back on the gore. The film's exceptional cinematography and outstanding performances, particularly by Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicole Kidman, garnered praise from both fans and critics alike.

Stream on Peacock & Hulu

Follow Ragnar, a Viking farmer, and his family as they embark on brutal raids across France and England in Vikings. As Ragnar gradually rises to power in this intense saga, viewers are captivated by his journey, and later by the exploits of his sons. Inspired by true Viking tales, Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary figure believed to be descended from Odin, has become an enduring icon. The show's enticing blend of compelling characters, breathtaking scenery, and a captivating world has mesmerized audiences with its exploration of Viking lore. Originally a success on The History Channel, Vikings gained even more popularity when it made its way to Netflix. In addition to its strong ratings, the series has been acclaimed for its outstanding performances and engrossing storyline, making it a must-watch for fans of Viking and Norse god mythology.