The Best Medieval Shows & Movies on Netflix

TV shows about the Middle Ages (roughly 476 AD to 1500 AD) are becoming incredibly popular around the world. Whether they’re fantastical stories, fictionalized history, or based on real events, these series are attracting a large audience. They offer compelling stories and bring history to life, captivating viewers with immersive settings and a look at a often brutal period in the past.

For the last ten years, Netflix has been a leader in bringing medieval action and adventure to viewers, with popular shows like *Vikings* and *The Witcher*. Here’s a look at some of the best medieval-themed shows available on Netflix and why they’re worth watching.

‘Barbarians’ (2020)

Barbarians is a fast-paced, German historical drama set during the Roman Empire’s time in Germany. The show depicts the lead-up to the Battle of Teutoburg Forest and the rebellion of the Germanic tribes, led by Arminius, against Roman rule.

An Eye for Accuracy

Jeanne Goursaud, Laurence Rupp, and David Schutter give fantastic performances, making their characters feel real. The series pays close attention to detail and historical accuracy, even using authentic languages, which will appeal to viewers who like realistic historical dramas. With just 12 episodes, it’s easy to get hooked and watch the whole thing in one go, as the drama is consistently captivating. If you enjoyed shows like *Vikings* and *The Last Kingdom*, *Barbarians* is a worthwhile discovery.

‘Vikings: Valhalla’ (2022)

I’m completely captivated by *Vikings: Valhalla*! It’s a fantastic follow-up to the original *Vikings*, taking place about a hundred years later. The show really pulls you into the Vikings’ fight to take over England, especially after the terrible St. Brice’s Day massacre. What I find most compelling is how it explores the tension between the old Norse beliefs and the rise of Christianity, all building towards that huge battle at Stamford Bridge in 1006. It’s a really powerful story!

The Thrilling Spin-off of ‘Vikings’

Even though viewers know how the story ends, they’ll find themselves captivated, hoping for the best for the characters. *Vikings: Valhalla* centers on Harald Sigurdsson, Leif Erikson, and Freydis Eirsdottir, skillfully combining real history with fictional storytelling to create a dramatic and exciting continuation of the original *Vikings* series. The show delivers on the core elements fans expect – revenge, intense battles, and compelling characters – and remains a worthwhile watch despite a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion that leaves some loose ends. Simply enjoy the series for its strengths.

‘Kingdom’ (2019)

As a huge fan of historical dramas with a spooky twist, I was completely hooked by *Kingdom*. It’s set in Korea’s Joseon period and follows the Crown Prince as he tries to figure out what happened to his father. But it’s not just a political mystery – a terrifying epidemic is spreading, turning people into zombies! It’s a really gripping story that blends history and horror perfectly.

Blending Elements of Horror, Action, and Drama

This series is packed with exciting action and a complicated plot centered around the Haewon Cho Clan, making it both gripping and mysterious. The incredibly realistic portrayal of the zombies adds to the suspense and seamlessly combines horror, action, and drama. It’s a fantastic example of Korean television and well worth watching for anyone interested in shows from the region.

‘The Last Kingdom’ (2015)

The Last Kingdom is a gripping historical drama set in ninth-century England, a time of constant warfare and power struggles. The series centers on Uthred, a young man orphaned and raised by the Danes after a Saxon-Danish conflict. Though he finds a home, further loss sends him on a journey to avenge those he’s lost.

Political Turmoil and Violence

Set during a chaotic period of fractured kingdoms, this show is packed with drama, conflict, and surprising plot turns. It focuses on the growing danger of Viking raids, which add to the existing unrest. “The Last Kingdom” is known for its realistic and gripping battle sequences, especially the Battles of Edington and Fearnham, considered among the most impressive ever filmed. Compelling characters like Beocca, Finan, and Edward bring depth to this sweeping historical story.

‘Marco Polo’ (2014)

Marco Polo, the famous Italian merchant, explorer, and writer, is remembered for his incredible adventures. After being left in Mongolia by his family, he impressed Kublai Khan, which was a rare chance for someone from another country. The story follows Polo’s life working at Kublai Khan’s court within the powerful Mongol Empire.

Stunning Cinematography Backed by a Budget

This show moves away from typical Western stories and instead focuses on China during the Yuan Dynasty, giving viewers a fresh look at a period of history rarely seen on television. Even though it only lasted two seasons, the show is full of engaging characters, complicated storylines, and impressive sets inspired by real Eastern history. The large $200 million budget is clear in its beautiful visuals and overall high quality.

‘Cursed’ (2020)

Inspired by the graphic novel from Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler (the creators of the series), *Cursed* offers a fresh take on the King Arthur story, centering around Nimue, who will become the Lady of the Lake and wield a powerful, magical sword. She’s forced to go on the run when she’s hunted by religious zealots, led by Carden and his red-cloaked followers, who are determined to eliminate all supernatural creatures – and are driven by the mysterious and dangerous Weeping Monk.

Fantasy With a Diverse Cast

Cursed reimagines the story of King Arthur, similar to the style of Mists of Avalon. Over its ten episodes, the show playfully unveils characters’ true selves through a mix of action-packed sword fights, political intrigue involving nuns, carefully chosen storytelling, and stunning visuals. With its beautiful fantasy landscapes and engaging plot, the series will likely appeal to fans of shows like The Witcher. Notably, Cursed also stands out for its diverse cast and positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters, which will be appreciated by viewers who value inclusivity.

‘Outlaw King’ (2018)

Released in 2018, *Outlaw King* is a historical action movie that tells the story of Robert the Bruce, the 14th-century Scottish king, during the fight for Scottish independence. The film covers the years 1304 to 1307, showing Bruce’s struggle against the rule of England’s King Edward I, culminating in the Battle of Loudoun Hill.

The Blood and Grit of the Middle Ages

Similar to other films set in the Middle Ages, Outlaw King realistically depicted medieval Scotland, not shying away from the harshness, bloodshed, and violence of the time. Viewers were captivated by both the strong acting and the beautiful costumes and scenery. The film’s inspiring story of Robert the Bruce’s twenty-year struggle to claim his throne particularly resonated with audiences.

‘Damsel’ (2024)

Elodie, a young woman from a poor country, thinks her life will improve when she’s chosen to marry Prince Henry of the wealthy kingdom of Aurea, hoping it will save her people. But she quickly discovers the marriage is a trick – Aurea’s royal family intends to sacrifice her to a dragon as part of an old agreement. This forces Elodie to fight for her freedom and speak out against the fate of the women who were sacrificed before her.

From Damsel to Hero

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s fantasy series, *Damsel*, quickly gained popularity on Netflix. Its success stems from a fresh take on classic fantasy elements and a strong female lead who defies the typical ‘damsel in distress’ role. Despite this, some viewers found the acting and special effects to be just average. Ultimately, *Damsel* delivers an enjoyable, though somewhat predictable, story, and Millie Bobby Brown gives a standout performance.

‘The Decameron’ (2024)

Written with a humorous touch despite being set during the grim Black Death, *The Decameron* tells the story of seven noblewomen and their servants who retreat to a villa to escape the plague. To pass the time while waiting for the epidemic to subside, they each take turns as ‘king’ or ‘queen’ for the day and entertain each other by telling a total of one hundred stories.

Comedy During a Time of Tragedy

As a total movie buff, I was really impressed with how true to the original story *The Decameron* stayed, especially considering it’s a comedy. It manages to feel really authentic, even with all the humor. And it’s not *just* funny – there’s genuine drama and romance too, all brought to life by an amazing cast who really nail those quirky, medieval characters. Now, the comedy *is* pretty wild, so it won’t appeal to everyone. But if you’re after something different, a fresh take on the Middle Ages that you haven’t seen before, I definitely think this miniseries is worth checking out.

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019)

Vinland Saga centers on Thorfinn, who is driven by a desire to avenge his father’s death. His quest to find and confront Askeladd leads to a journey of personal growth, not just for himself, but for everyone involved. The show’s second season focuses more on developing the characters and their relationships than on action-packed sequences.

An Anime Masterpiece

Vinland Saga is a truly captivating series – if you have the time, reading the manga is highly recommended! It’s difficult to fully describe how good it is, especially when it comes to the complex character of Thorfinn. The animation is stunning, the voice acting is flawless, and the story keeps you hooked with its compelling pace and fascinating character growth – it really has everything you could ask for. Vinland Saga consistently receives critical acclaim and remains a fan favorite, brilliantly portraying the harsh realities of the medieval period. It’s easily one of the best animated shows for adults available on Netflix.

2025-10-07 05:06