The 20 Best Viking Movies Of All Time, Ranked

Abstract

• Viking motion pictures noticed a resurgence of recognition because of the success of TV reveals like Vikings and The Final Kingdom.
• There’s a lack of Viking motion pictures in comparison with different subgenres of historic drama.
• Many Viking motion pictures are primarily based on actual Viking historical past however take fictional liberties for storytelling functions.

The most effective Viking motion pictures transport audiences to the world of the ninth to Eleventh centuries for bloodlustful battle-filled adventures with a number of the most infamous warriors in historical past. These motion pictures inform the story of Vikings, these polytheistic Norse warriors who sailed the seas, pillaging and conquering. On this planet of streaming providers, the tales of Viking warriors have change into way more in style. With TV reveals like Vikings and Final Kingdom, there’s a clear lack of Viking motion pictures in comparison with different subgenres of historic drama.

Viking tales return 1000’s of years, with the courageous and violent warriors blazing a path by way of historical past, creating an thrilling backdrop for any film or TV present. Thanks presumably to the success of reveals like Vikings and its spinoff, Vikings: Valhalla, this distinctive time and place in historical past turned in style once more — although the perfect Viking motion pictures present that there is at all times been an curiosity within the longboat-sailing warriors.

20 The Viking (1928)

Silent Period Viking Film

Tales of Viking warriors and their exploits return centuries, so it’s no shock there’s a very early Viking film from the silent period of Hollywood. That is The Viking and is a fictional story surrounding the real-life character of Leif Erikson. The primary European to return to North America, this film particulars his journey to the nation together with a love triangle between Leif, Alwin of Northumbria, and Leif’s protégé Helga. The Viking is the primary soundtracked Technicolor movie of all time (by way of Widescreen Museum), and that makes it an essential piece of cinema historical past on high of an amazing Viking film.

The Viking (1928) is presently unavailable for streaming.

19 The White Viking (1991)

The Finale Of Hrafn Gunnlaughsson’s Epic Viking Trilogy

Over the course of almost a decade, director Hrafn Gunnlaughsson made a sequence of Viking motion pictures, and the ultimate of his Viking Trilogy arrived in 1991 with The White Viking. This story is loosely primarily based on real-life Viking historical past. The film takes place throughout the reign of Olaf I of Norway. King Olaf defeats Earl Godbrandur and captures his daughter Embla, who he holds captive. The one approach her husband, Askur, can save her is by touring to his dwelling and christening its folks. The film additionally acquired a re-release in 2007 with a director’s reduce that focuses extra on Embla.

The White Viking is presently unavailable for streaming

18 Valhalla (1986)

Dutch Animated Viking Film

Launched in 1986, Valhalla is an animated Dutch film that’s primarily based on the Danish comedian ebook sequence of the identical identify. The unique comics have been primarily based on Norse mythology and this film re-tells three of the volumes of the comedian ebook sequence. The film sees Thor and Loki consistently at odds, with Loki constantly utilizing his trickster expertise to get folks (principally children but additionally a goblin) to disrupt Thor’s life, all whereas claiming to not know why it’s occurring. The primary characters are two children, Tjalvi and Röskva, who find yourself as Thor’s servants and have adventures. Valhalla acquired a live-action adaptation in 2019 that was extra critical, additionally made in Denmark.

Valhalla is presently unavailable for streaming

17 When The Raven Flies (1984)

The First Film In The Traditional Viking Trilogy

Launched in 1984, When the Raven Flies is an Icelandic Viking film that has typically been in comparison with Akira Kurosawa motion pictures like Yojimbo, because it incorporates a man whose dad and mom died in a Viking raid when he was a toddler and returns for revenge 20 years later. He then performs two rival Viking gangs in opposition to one another, in the identical primary plot from the Kurosawa traditional. This was the primary film in Hrafn Gunnlaughsson’s Viking Trilogy, and Iceland nominated it for the Oscars, though it wasn’t chosen within the class. When the Raven Flies was nominated for the 1986 Worldwide Fantasy Movie Award for Greatest Movie.

When the Raven Flies is presently unavailable for streaming

16 Hagbard And Signe (1967)

A Viking Film In The Model Of Yojimbo

Hagbard and Signe is also called The Crimson Mantle and is a romantic Viking journey film. The film’s plot facilities on a bond between two beforehand warring clans that’s ruined because of jealousy. Oleg Vidov and Gitte Hænning painting Hagbard and Signe in an nearly Romeo & Juliet story about two lovers who try and additional their relationship at the same time as their clans’ struggle tears them aside. The film is just not as fast-paced, and it’s extra a couple of tragic romance, however it’s nonetheless violent and the doom that rests inside the story makes this a very tragic Viking film. Hagbard and Signe received the Technical Prize on the Cannes Movie Pageant.

Hagbard and Signe is presently unavailable for streaming

15 Erik The Conqueror (1961)

The Traditional Italian-French Remake Of An American Viking Film

Erik the Conqueror is an Italian-French epic Viking story that’s loosely primarily based on top-of-the-line Viking motion pictures, the 1958 American launch, The Vikings. The saga follows two brothers who have been separated at start, one who’s raised in England, and the opposite in Scandinavia. The 2 brothers reunite once they’re pressured to struggle in opposition to one another in a struggle between the English and the Vikings. Though not as lovable because the supply materials it is primarily based on, it is nonetheless an honest Viking film for followers to take a look at.

Erik The Conqueror is out there to stream on Arrow

14 Knives Of The Avenger (1966)

The Greatest Viking Film From Italian Style Legend Mario Bava

The story of a knife-throwing protector determined to defend his household from invading forces, 1966’s Knives of the Avenger comes throughout as slightly foolish at present, however it hides extra benefit than face worth discloses. Made on a low finances, Knives of the Avenger was a sufferer of a rushed re-shooting schedule. Nonetheless, the capstone of Italian filmmaker Mario Bava’s greatest Viking motion pictures, it is an effort that devoted movie buffs should not ignore, and it presents sufficient allure and curiosity to be worthwhile to those that love the standard Viking story as nicely.

Knives of the Avenger is out there to stream on Tubi

13 Erik The Viking (1989)

A Viking Film From Monty Python’s Terry Jones

This comedic action-adventure Viking film by Monty Python’s Terry Jones seems to be at Norse mythology by way of a humorous lens. Probably the greatest Viking motion pictures, it follows the Viking Erik who does not need to pillage villages anymore, so he decides to journey to Asgard to attempt to save the house of the Norse gods from a mythic wolf. The story then includes Erik and his allies on their misadventures attempting to succeed in Asgard in a British comedy that is hilarious and brings a lot of the humor of Monty Python to the Viking style. The film is predicated on a kids’s ebook authored by Jones, however it has a distinct storyline.

Erik The Viking is out there to stream on Tubi

12 Prince Valiant (1954)

A Traditional Combine Of Scandinavian Folklore With Arthurian Legend

Primarily based on an American caricature that started within the mid-30s, Prince Valiant tells the story of its titular character, a refugee who’s taken in by King Arthur after his fatherland of Scandia is invaded by a rival clan. He receives coaching underneath Sir Gawain, a member of the Knights of the Spherical Desk, however the plot thickens when Prince Valiant is drawn into the middle of political disputes in Camelot. An fascinating mixture of Scandinavian legend and folklore, Value Valiant could make for a little bit of a sluggish watch at present given its age, however stands out as an epic from the earliest a long time of shade cinema.

Prince Valiant is out there to stream on Amazon Prime Video

11 The Final King (2016)

A Viking Film Set In The Civil Battle Period In Norway

The Final King follows two Vikings (Jakob Oftebro and Kristofer Hivju) who’re tasked with defending a toddler, the final inheritor to the throne, in Norway. A civil struggle is raging within the Thirteenth-century setting, making a tense and snowy journey for the trio. Probably the greatest Viking motion pictures, it’s primarily based on actual occasions in Norwegian Viking historical past, even when it isn’t essentially the most traditionally correct re-telling, making it important viewing for any fan of the style. This lesser-known Viking film has a excessive 89% recent ranking on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Final King is out there to stream on Fubo.

10 Pathfinder (2007)

A Viking Groups With Native People To Battle Invaders

Viking and Native American tribes conflict at the start of Pathfinder, leaving the previous with just one surviving member, who’s then taken in and raised by the latter tribe. Years later, he has been accepted into their society, however he should now face off in opposition to one other group of encroaching Viking belligerents. Launched in 2007, Pathfinder was comparatively overshadowed by its opening-week competitors within the type of Zack Snyder’s epic Historic Greece film 300. Nonetheless, this 00s Vikings film is price watching, particularly for these within the Viking’s settlement of North America.

Pathfinder is out there to lease and buy on quite a lot of platforms together with Apple TV & Amazon Prime Video

9 Outlander (2008)

A Surprisingly Correct Sci-Fi Alien Film Throughout The Viking Period

Outlander explores what would occur if Kainan, a person from one other world, crash-landed in Norway throughout the reign of the Iron Age Vikings. However Kainan isn’t alone; he’s introduced a predator known as the Moorwen. Sworn as a soldier to homicide his enemy, Kainan bonds his superior tech with the Viking weaponry to defeat it. The concept round Outlander is harking back to the Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig-led Cowboys & Aliens, and, when it really works, it really works nicely. It presents extra of an genuine have a look at Vikings than its premise may counsel, and the battles involving Kainan, his Viking allies, and the Moorwen are impressively achieved.

Outlander is out there to stream on Roku

8 The Lengthy Ships (1964)

Primarily based On The Swedish Novel Of The Identical Title

An epic Viking movie made within the mid-60s, The Lengthy Ships focuses on a highly-prized bell made out of gold known as the “Mom of Voices” and the 2 highly effective males who search to acquire it. The legendary treasure that’s greater than a truck has elicited the eye of Moorish ruler El Mansuh and Viking chief Rolfe.

Rolfe sails together with his males from Scandinavia to hunt the bell in Africa, reluctantly taking El Mansuh and his cohort alongside for the trip. They focus all their energies on an object which may be pure fantasy, testing the depths of their religious fortitude and bodily power. With elaborate costumes and enormous units, it’s top-of-the-line traditional Viking motion pictures, although it solely half focuses on Viking tradition.

The Lengthy Ships is out there to stream on Tubi.

7 How To Practice Your Dragon (2010)

The Film That Began The Animated Viking Franchise

This animated function from DreamWorks Studios completely captures each the actual and fantastical elements of the Viking age. It facilities round a younger Viking boy named Hiccup who manages to coach a Night time Fury dragon, one of the crucial harmful of the species, to be his fixed buddy and fellow fighter in opposition to assaults on his village. The plucky movie a couple of boy and his dragon spawned two sequels, every gaining momentum and recognition. The sequence leads to an excellent dragon utopia for the Viking folks with Hiccup, his companion Astrid, and his Night time Fury Toothless. A live-action The right way to Practice Your Dragon film is presently in improvement.

How To Practice Your Dragon is out there to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

6 The Thirteenth Warrior (1999)

Antonio Banderas Leads This Viking Film About Clashing Historic Cultures

Probably the greatest Viking motion pictures that focuses on the mixing of tradition, The Thirteenth Warrior chronicles a Muslim ambassador in exile who turns into a part of a Viking caravan. Ahmad ibn Fadlan is initially confused, bewildered, and offended by the conduct of the unruly Norsemen. As they overcome extra adversity all through their travels, he involves admire their power. Because the Vikings and Fadlan get phrase of an historical evil threatening each of their methods of life, they study to struggle collectively. With an all-star solid led by Antonio Banderas, the appearing on this 1990 film is very noteworthy, and the story is uplifting in addition to thrilling.

The Thirteenth Warrior is out there to stream on Hoopla.

5 Beowulf (2007)

Robert Zemeckis’s CGI Story Of One Of The World’s First Heroes

Beowulf wasn’t well-received when it launched in 2009, with audiences having points with the distinctive strategy of CGI-rendered over stay actors for a wierd, nearly video-game look. Nonetheless, it was an bold and epic tackle the traditional legend and boasted an all-star solid of expertise. The brave warrior Beowulf is summoned earlier than King Hrothgar to guard the folks of his kingdom from a harmful demon often known as Grendel.

Although Grendel proves no match for the mighty Beowulf, its demise invokes the ire of its mom, a vicious creature that proves each beguiling and difficult to the bravest amongst heroes. Whereas not one of the crucial critically acclaimed, Beowulf stays top-of-the-line Viking motion pictures for these looking for a traditional story of Norse heroism.

Beowulf is out there to stream on Paramount+

4 Thor (2011)

Half Of The First Wave Of The MCU

​​Thor, the Mighty God of Thunder, is banished from Asgard on the day he’s to inherit the throne from his father, Odin. He’s solid out from the lands of his folks as a result of he dared to defy the Frost Giants, who themselves violated an historical treaty by setting foot in Asgard on the day of his coronation. Thor is exiled to Earth, the place he’s found by a number of scientists who introduce him to Earth’s customs.

In the meantime, again in Asgard, his brother Loki, God of Mischief, plots to overhaul Odin in his absence and wield the mighty hammer Mjolnir. Shakespearian in scope, this MCU tackle Norse mythology stays top-of-the-line big-budget Viking motion pictures regardless of adapting the mythology in an extremely free vogue. Nonetheless, its depiction of Asgard is sort of second to none because of the finances afforded to this Viking film by Disney.

Thor is out there to stream on Disney+

3 Valhalla Rising (2009)

Mads Mikkelsen Stars As A Slave In search of The Holy Land

The magnetic, closely tattooed Mads Mikkelsen smolders on this Viking epic set in Eleventh-century Scandinavia, enjoying a slave who is named “One Eye” because of the extreme wound throughout his face. He leads a revolt in opposition to the boys who’ve imprisoned him and unites with Eirik, in addition to a number of non secular fanatics who unfold the Lord’s phrase.

As soon as freed from his captors, issues don’t get any simpler for One Eye. As he heads for the Holy Land and Jerusalem with Eirik and his crew, they endure from hunger, infighting, and assaults off the coast. Solely higher hostility and carnage await One Eye on this extremely moody and visually beautiful epic. It’s a sluggish burn, however an intriguing one with heaps to absorb.

Valhalla Rising is out there to stream on AMC+.

2 The Northman (2022)

Robert Eggers Epic Trendy Viking Film

A affluent ruler recent from conquest in overseas lands, King Aurvandill returns dwelling to arrange for the approaching coronation of his son Amleth. Nonetheless, Aurvandill’s brother Fjolnir murders him and absconds together with his spouse, leaving Amleth alone to swear burning revenge on the attacker. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Eggers, The Northman was, by many accounts, top-of-the-line movies of 2022. An epic story of trial and tribulation that culminates in brutal retribution, it is top-of-the-line Viking motion pictures of contemporary cinema.

The Northman is out there to stream on Peacock.

1 The Vikings (1958)

The Kirk Douglas & Tony Curtis Traditional

1958’s Vikings established many staples of the Viking film style. It stars Kirk Douglas because the Viking prince Einar and Tony Curtis as Eric the Slave, two males locked in a feud that solely grows when Einar kidnaps the princess Morgana, who was beforehand engaged to King Aella, whose solely love is Eric. Morgana turns into the middle of focus for 3 vengeful males who’re all hellbent on claiming her as their bride.

Each member of the solid is an skilled actor within the sword and sandal epic, which was immensely in style within the Nineteen Fifties, together with Janet Leigh (Morgana) and Ernest Borgnine as Einar’s father, King Ragnar. The appearing is considerably stiff however highly effective, and, for the sheer scope and scale of Viking civilization and battles, it holds its personal in opposition to the perfect Viking motion pictures at present.

The Vikings (1958) is out there to stream on Paramount+.