The Greatest Medieval Movies Of All Time
Sword fights, riding everywhere on horseback, honorable deaths, and fights for freedom and justice are often exciting and compelling dramatizations of the medieval period of human history. Let's examine some of the greatest medieval movies of all time and what made them awesome.
Black Death
Black Death (2010) starred Sean Bean (no prizes for guessing what happened to him) and told the story of a group of soldiers sent to investigate reports of witchcraft in an English village during a bubonic plague outbreak in the mid-14th century. Switching between post-pandemic horrors, sword fights to the death, and medieval adventure, Black Death is a superb movie about a part of European history that Hollywood forgets about.
Egoli Tossell Films, Black Death (2010)
Kingdom Of Heaven
Kingdom of Heaven (2005) is a Hollywood epic movie about the Crusades and the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. Starring Liam Neeson and Orlando Bloom, Kingdom of Heaven recounts the siege of Jerusalem when Christian armies faced off against Salahuddin's Muslim armies for control over the holy city. As medieval epics go, it's one of the best.
Scott Free Productions, Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
The Northmen
The Northmen (2022) was directed by Robert Eggers and has shades of an old Norse epic throughout. Following the vengeance-driven Amleth (Alexander Skarsgard) making his way across Norway to save his long-lost mother (Nicole Kidman) from an uncle who murdered his father, it's the Norwegian version of Hamlet (1623) and doesn't disappoint in terms of sword-fighting and Viking-style mayhem.
Focus Features, The Northman (2022)
Masque Of The Red Death
Masque of the Red Death (1964) is a Roger Corman-directed interpretation of the eponymous Edgar Allen Poe short story from 1842. Satan-worshiping, perverted princes are aplenty in Masque of the Red Death, as the all-too-busy prince allows the Red Death to take over his kingdom. Attention to detail in both set and costume design are what make Masque of the Red Death a medieval classic for fans of Edgar Allen Poe.
Alta Vista Productions, Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Beowulf
Directed by one of Hollywood's most excellent directors, Robet Zemeckis, this animated retelling of the classic Norwegian fable stars Ray Winstone, Angelina Jolie, and Crispin Glover. Winstone plays the part of the titular character who must slay the evil Grendel that's terrorizing his village. But, in a "Zemeckian" twist, he must also face the wrath of Grendel's mother. While animation isn't always the best way to retell medieval drama, Zemeckis does this brilliantly in Beowulf (2007).
Robin Hood: Men In Tights
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) is a brilliant parody by Mel Brooks of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). Starring Cary Elwes as the titular character, who escapes prison to do battle with Prince John for the affections of Maid Marion. Featuring cameo appearances by Gene Wilder and Dom DeLuise, Men in Tights is a hilarious medieval parody that doesn't quite rival Monty Python, but comes close.
Gaumont, Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)
Shrek
While not exactly a sword-clanging, horse-charging (possibly a slight donkey charge, though) action thriller of a medieval movie, Shrek (2001) is nevertheless a classic medieval tale. Borrowing from various elements of medieval folklore including an ogre, a thematic semblance to the Brothers Grimm's Frog Prince (1812), and the tropes of an evil king imprisoning a princess. Shrek has become one of the best-known and best-selling animated films of all time.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) stars Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez as two of a gang of former thieves, on a mission to retrieve an ancient relic from a powerful ruler (played by Hugh Grant). Combining all the relatable elements of a medieval plot, Honor Among Thieves is a comedy-heavy heist movie that gives the heroes the edge, sets relatable stakes, and is one of the better efforts at a popcorn movie of recent years.
Paramount, Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
The Black Cauldron
The Black Cauldron (1985) features John Hurt, Grant Bardsley, and Susan Sheridan. Dealing with the theft of a prized pig by the awful Horned King (Hurt), Taran (Bardsley) must embark on a rescue mission while fulfilling his dreams of knighthood. The Black Cauldron, although nearly forgotten by most, offers a great gateway into the genre for younger viewers.
Walt Disney, The Black Cauldron (1985)
A Knight's Tale
A Knight's Tale (2001) stars Heath Ledger as a young peasant eager to win the affections of a young maiden by entering a jousting competition. It's part medieval romantic comedy, part depiction of ancient class warfare (as much of the jousting would have been done by knights and kings, not lowly peasants), and A Knight's Tale brilliantly weaves these elements together to create an easy watch for those who love the medieval genre.
Columbia, A Knight's Tale (2001)
The Last Duel
Despite this Ridley Scott film not performing well at the box office, hear us out: The Last Duel (2021) is all about the action. It's brains versus brawns in this sword-fighting epic that features two former friends squaring off after one commits the ultimate sin with the other's wife. Starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, The Last Duel perfectly touches on the plight of medieval women and offers three different perspectives on the treacherous event that precipitates the duel.
Twentieth Century, The Last Duel (2021)
The Green Knight
Based on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1492) a poem by Gawain Poet, The Green Knight (2021) stars Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, who fells the Green Knight with a fatal sword blow, thinking his job is done. One year later, The Green Knight returns seeking vengeance. Sending Gawain on a cross-country journey to once again slay his foe, The Green Knight is a fantastic modern spin on an old fable.
Throne Of Blood
Throne of Blood (1957) is set in feudal Japan and is a Japanese re-telling of Macbeth (1623). One of the most highly-regarded films of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, the movie stars Toshiro Mifune as a samurai who's encouraged by his wife to resort to treason and murder to take the emperor's throne. It's one of the most creative and unique retellings of Shakespeare's Scottish Play.
Sleeping Beauty
One of Disney's most iconic movies, Sleeping Beauty (1959) sees Princess Aurora (Mary Costa) cursed to die on her 16th birthday by the evil witch, Maleficent. While the witch's curse fails, the Princess is sent into a deep, comatose state. She can only be woken by a Prince and three fairies. Sleeping Beauty has a legendary legacy and closed out Disney's decade of animation in the 1950s with iconic grace.
Walt Disney, Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Henry V
A young Kenneth Brannagh stars in Henry V (1989), which he also directed in his directorial debut. He stars in the titular role alongside Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, and Derek Jacobi, who's efforts at Elizabethan prose simply roll off the tongue. Complete with monologues that stir the English heart, this adaptation of Shakespeare is easily one of Brannagh's greatest works, culminating in the Battle of Agincourt.
Macbeth
*Does the Blackadder Macbeth dance*. Great, now that we've excised evil spirits, Macbeth (1971) was directed by Roman Polanski and stars John Finch in the titular role, with Francesca Annis as a bride with ulterior motives, encouraging Macbeth to turn against his friends and begin a ruthless ascent to the throne. Deception, dishonesty, and debauchery abound in Polanski's take on the classic Shakespearean tale.
Army Of Darkness
The final movie in the Evil Dead trilogy is a horror-adventure flick from Sam Raimi entitled Army of Darkness (1992). Seeing Ash (Bruce Campbell) cast back to medieval times, on a mission to recover the Book of the Dead and return home—all the while under the watchful, repressive eye of Lord Arthur (Marcus Gilbert). There aren't many horror-adventure movies of this ilk out there, which makes Army of Darkness one of the best.
Renaissance Pictures, Army Of Darkness (1992)
The Passion Of Joan Of Arc
Before there was The Passion of the Christ (2004), there was The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928). This silent film starring Renée Jeanne Falconetti depicts the story of the 15-year-old female warrior who claimed to have spoken to God. Unfortunately, Joan dies at the hands of religious fanatics. The details are what matter in this movie—the script was informed by actual court records of the trial to Jeanne d'Arc and it's shot by director Carl Dreyer in a close-up fashion that leaves one bereft of personal space.
Société générale des films, The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
The Seventh Seal
The Seventh Seal (1957) is a fascinating take on the trials and tribulations of a young soldier who returns home from the Crusades to find his village in the throes of the bubonic plague in medieval Europe. Ingmar Bergman's directing is unparalleled in this movie about evading death personified. One of the most memorable moments in cinematic history is that of Death playing chess against the soldier, played by Max von Sydow.
SF-Produktion, The Seventh Seal (1957)
Timeline
Part sci-fi fantasy, part historical drama, Timeline (2003) tells the story of a group participating in an archaeological dig, who must use a time-traveling device constructed by a professor, which accidentally sends them all back to the 14th century. They must rescue the professor from the clutches of the King of France, who forces him to produce a weapon that would change the war against the English forever. Timeline stars Gerard Butler, Paul Walker, and Billy Connolly.
Robin Hood
While the classic tale has had multiple iterations throughout its history, Robin Hood (1938) was one of the most successful (and the first) blockbusters ever made. Starring Errol Flynn and Ian Hunter, Robin Hood must rescue the imprisoned King Richard and win the affections of Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland) at the same time. The practical effects and attention to detail is unparalleled in more modern retellings, making this OG one of the best.
Warner Bros., The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Rashomon
Akira Kurosawa is at it again in Rashomon (1950), easily one of his best works ever, laying the groundwork for others to tell samurai stories. Rashomon tells the tale of the haunting discovery of a deceased samurai and his assaulted wife, with the local villagers attempting to find out what happened. In a game of "Whodunnit" in the 1950s, Rashomon reveals that every possible suspect has a different version of events.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail
One of many classic films from Monty Python, Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) is easily one of the greatest medieval comedies of all time. It stars Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, and Eric Idle as the iconic quartet of English funnymen. There's murderous shrubbery, flying rabbits, taunting Frenchmen, and more in this epic comedy for the ages.
Python (Monty) Pictures, Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Braveheart
Easily one of the greatest medieval movies of all time, Braveheart (1995) tells the story of the life and demise of William Wallace—a Scottish freedom fighter who fought for Scottish independence from England during the reign of Edward I. From the murder of his wife to forming an army to fight against the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, to his capture and execution, Braveheart tells all in a brutal, compelling narrative that's one of Mel Gibson's earliest accomplishments.
Twentieth Century, Braveheart (1995)
A Medieval Disappointment
By far one of the worst medieval movies of all time, not least for its title, Medieval (2022) is a coming-of-age movie about Jan Žižka, a man who would become a Czech warlord during the 15th century Hussite Wars that gripped the Czech Republic. Žižka's battle against a corrupt monarchy is Czech folklore, but Medieval's story is littered with historical inaccuracy. "The history is weak, but the violence is fast and furious," as one critic said.
Medieval was also the most expensive Czech film ever produced, costing $23 million to produce. It only grossed $821,991 in the United States, making it a massive medieval disappointment at the box office, too.
