Just to put it out here, medieval movies are not for everyone. I’ve met a lot of people who didn’t really like the swords, castles, knights, and everything medieval. I’ll be honest, though. It took me a good while to actually appreciate this genre. Thanks to my dad, who loves this kind of stuff, so watching this kind of film with him made me enjoy them, too. And since you’ve found your way here, it’s likely that we’re on the same page or at least curious enough to give these movies a shot.
Here, I’ll be sharing with you my favorite medieval movies that you can watch on most streaming services. Most of them are dated, but they’re so good you wouldn’t want to miss them. Let’s start!
Outlaw King (2018)
Outlaw King is one of those movies that surprised me. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but it really pulled me in. It’s based on the true story of Robert the Bruce, a Scottish king who stood up against the English after being named an outlaw. The story picks up not long after Braveheart, so if you’ve seen that, this feels like a continuation. I recommend it, especially if you want something serious and historical. It’s not light or funny, but the movie overall did justice to the history. Chris Pine also did an excellent job portraying Robert the Bruce.
The Last Duel (2021)
I had a love-hate relationship with this movie to be frank. At first, I thought it was just another medieval film that was all about sword fights. But it was surprisingly good. The story is about the conflict between two knights that led to France’s last legally sanctioned duel. The pacing can feel a bit slow in some parts, but the buildup was extremely worth it. I mean, Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer in one movie? Nothing can go wrong. But my personal favorite would be Jodie (sorry, Matt!). I really recommend this for your next TV streaming.
Braveheart (1995)
You’ve probably watched this already, but if not, you’re in extreme luck. I finally sat down to watch it after putting it off for so long, and honestly, I get why it’s so iconic. It tells the story of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads a fight for freedom against English rule. The movie is long, but I didn’t really mind because the story was really good. What I liked most was how emotional and inspiring it was. There are battle scenes, yes, but the heart of the movie is about fighting for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you.
A Knight’s Tale (2001)
If you’re looking for a slightly less serious medieval movie, I highly recommend A Knight’s Tale. It’s about a “peasant” named William (Heath Ledger), who pretends to be a knight so he can compete in jousting tournaments. The entire movie was entertaining from start to finish. You’ll also hear iconic songs like We Will Rock You. Yep, it’s a bit weird, but it worked, surprisingly. Since it’s a relatively old film, it’s also airing on traditional TV, like on DISH TV deals.
The Seventh Seal (1957)
This movie is very different from the rest I’ve watched. It’s deeper and more symbolic and it’s really amazing even though it’s a very old movie. It’s about a knight who returns from the Crusades and ends up playing a game of chess with Death while questioning life, faith, and everything in between. If you’re not comfortable watching black-and-white film, this is not for you. It’s not for everyone, but if you can stomach it, you’ll see how beautiful the movie is.
Final Thoughts
Medieval movies may not be for everyone, but if you somehow managed to appreciate this genre, you know there’s something special about it. I hope you give these movies a try and enjoy them like my dad and I did. I’m confident that you will be able to appreciate all the medieval films listed here. Happy watching!
