Like with any genre of filmmaking, there are periods of time where there's an influx in a certain type of entertainment and then it ebbs away again. Gangster movies of the '30s and '40s gave way to Westerns in the '50s, which dominated the cinema landscape for almost three decades before they dipped their cowboy hat to spy thrillers and action films of the '70s and '80s.
One genre that hasn't received nearly as much attention tells the story of Vikings, those Norse warriors who worshiped multiple gods and sailed the seas pillaging and conquering. Lately, we've seen a healthy interest in Vikings due to well-executed historical dramas like Vikings on the History Channel, and The Last Kingdom on Netflix. But what about all of the great Viking films out there? Every few years one will be released, with varying degrees of authenticity and aesthetic, but there will always be those that capture the genre the best.
Updated on June 28th, 2021 by Kristen Palamara: The Viking genre continues to grow with new movies being released every year like the recent How to Train Your Dragon animated franchise from Dreamworks. There are iconic movies in the genre like the 1958 epic movie The Vikings and some movies that take a more comedic approach like the Monty Python movie about Vikings going on a mission to Asgard. There's a wide variety of Viking movies making sure that every fan can find a favorite movie to watch and rewatch in the genre if they know where to look throughout the vast history of the genre.
12 Erik The Conqueror (1961)
● Available to rent on Apple iTunes
Erik the Conqueror is an Italian-French epic Viking story that is loosely based on one of the most famous Viking movies, the American 1958 movie The Vikings. The epic followed a pair of brothers who were separated at birth, one being raised in England the other in Scandinavia.
The two brothers reunite when they're forced to fight against each other in a war between the English and the Vikings. Although not as lovable as the source material it's based on, it's still a decent Viking movie for fans to check out.
11 Erik The Viking (1989)
● Available on YouTube, Tubi, and Pluto TV
This comedic action-adventure from Monty Python's Terry Jones looks at Norse mythology through a comedic lens. The movie follows the Viking Erik (Tim Robbins) who doesn't want to pillage villages anymore so he decides to travel to Asgard to try to save the home of the Norse gods from a mythic wolf.
The story then revolves Erik and his allies on their misadventures trying to reach Asgard in a British comedy movie that's a fun watch for any fan of Monty Python or the Viking genre.
10 The Last King (2016)
● Available on Prime Video, Vudu, and Tubi
The Last King follows two Vikings (Jakob Oftebro and Kristofer Hivju) who are tasked with protecting a child, the last heir to the throne, in Norway. A civil war is raging in the 13th-century setting creating a tense and snowy adventure for the trio.
The movie is based on real events in Norwegian Viking history, even if it's not the most historically accurate movie, making it some essential viewing for any fan of the Viking genre.
9 Outlander (2008)
● Available for purchase on Apple iTunes
Outlander explores what would happen if Kainan, a man from another world, crash-landed in Norway during the reign of the Iron Age Vikings. But Kainan isn’t alone - he’s brought a predator called the Moorwen. Sworn as a soldier to murder his enemy, Kainan bonds his advanced tech with the Viking weaponry to defeat it.
The idea around Outlander is reminiscent of the also not-as-bad-as-people-say Cowboys & Aliens, and when it works, it works well. It offers more of an authentic look at Vikings than its premise might suggest, and the battles involving Kainan, his Viking allies, and the Moorwen are impressively done. It’s also worth noting that both Kainan and the Moorwen have committed atrocities against each other, making it a feud tainted with ambiguity.
8 The Long Ships (1964)
● Available for purchase on Prime Video
A Viking epic film made in the mid-‘60s, The Long Ships focuses on a highly prized bell made out of gold called the “Mother of Voices” and the two powerful men that seek to obtain it. The mythical treasure that’s bigger than a truck has elicited the attention of Moorish ruler El Mansuh (Sidney Poitier) and Viking leader Rolfe (Richard Widmark).
Rolfe sails with his men from Scandinavia to seek the bell in Africa, reluctantly taking El Mansuh and his cohort along for the ride. They focus all their energies on an object that may be pure fantasy, testing the depths of their spiritual fortitude and physical strength. With elaborate costumes and large sets, it’s a beautiful film, though it only half focuses on Viking culture.
7 How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
● Available on Prime Video
This animated feature from DreamWorks Studios perfectly captures the real adventure of the Viking Age as well as its magic. It centers around a young Viking boy, Hiccup, who manages to train a Night Fury dragon, one of the most dangerous of all the dragons, to be his constant friend and fellow fighter against attacks on his village.
The plucky film about a boy and his dragon spawned two sequels, each gaining in momentum and popularity. The series results in a glorious dragon utopia for the Viking people as Hiccup, his partner Astrid, and his Night Fury Toothless protect it from all manner of dark threats that would seek to destroy it.
6 How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
● Available on Netflix
How to Train Your Dragon 2 continues the story of Viking Hiccup and his lovable dragon Toothless. The Vikings and the dragons now live in peace with each other and the sequel sees them teaming up to explore and map previously uncharted areas. Hiccup and Toothless then find a cave full of mysterious wild dragons and Hiccup finds his long-lost mother living amongst the dragons.
The second movie in the franchise is just as enjoyable as the first and any fan of the Viking genre will love watching this adventure for its rich details and designs, as they with the mythology and geology of Norse culture in a very fun way.
5 The 13th Warrior (1999)
● Available on Hoopla
Another film that focuses on a blending of cultural attitudes and norms, The 13th Warrior chronicles a Muslim ambassador in exile who abruptly becomes part of a Viking caravan. Ahmad ibn Fadlan is originally confused, bewildered, and offended by the behavior of the unruly Norsemen, but as they overcome more adversity in their travels, he comes to admire their strength.
As the Vikings and Fadlan get word of an ancient evil threatening both of their ways of life, they learn to fight together, and Fadlan discovers that there is a warrior lurking inside of him as well. With an all-star cast led by Antonio Banderas, the acting is top-notch and the story is uplifting as well as exciting.
4 Beowulf (2007)
● Available on Prime Video and Paramount+
In its initial release, Beowulf wasn’t well-received, with audiences having issues with the filmmaking style (CGI rendered over live actors for a strange not-quite-animated look). Nevertheless, it was an ambitious and epic take on the ancient legend and boasted an all-star cast of talent.
The courageous warrior Beowulf is summoned before King Hrothgar to protect the people of his kingdom from a dangerous demon known as Grendel. Though Grendel proves no match for the mighty Beowulf, its death invokes the ire of its mother, a vicious creature that proves both beguiling and challenging to the bravest among heroes. If fans like a bit of Greek mythology with Viking myths, they’ll like this film.
3 Thor (2011)
● Available on Disney+
Thor, the Mighty God of Thunder, is banished from Asgard on the day he is to inherit the throne from his father Odin. He is cast out from the lands of his people because he dared to defy the Frost Giants, who themselves violated an ancient treaty by setting foot in Asgard on the day of his coronation.
Thor is banished to Earth, where he is discovered by several scientists (one of whom he becomes romantically linked to) who introduce him to Earth’s foreign customs. Meanwhile, back in Asgard, his brother Loki, God of Mischief, plots to overtake Odin in the absence of Thor and his mighty hammer Mjolnir.
2 Valhalla Rising (2009)
● Available on DirecTV and AMC+
The magnetic, heavily tattooed Mads Mikkelsen smolders in this Viking epic set in 11th century Scandinavia, playing a slave called “One Eye” due to the severe wound across his face. He leads a revolt against the men who have imprisoned him and unites with Eirik, as well as several religious fanatics who spread the Lord’s word.
Once free of his captors, things don’t get any easier for One Eye. As he heads for the Holy Land and Jerusalem with Eirik and his crew, they suffer from starvation, infighting, and attacks off the coast. Only greater hostility and carnage await One Eye in this incredibly moody, and visually stunning epic. It’s a slow burn, but an intriguing one with lots to take in.
1 The Vikings (1958)
● Available on Tubi, Pluto TV, YouTube, and Prime Video
As its name suggests, this film is all about Vikings. It stars Kirk Douglas as the Viking prince Einar and Tony Curtis as Eric the Slave, two men locked in a feud that only grows when Einar kidnaps the princess Morgana (previously engaged to King Aella), whose only love is Eric. Morgana becomes the center of focus for three vengeful men, all hellbent on claiming her as their bride.
Every member of the cast is an experienced thespian of the sword and sandal epic, including Janet Leigh (Morgana) and Ernest Borgnine as Einar’s father, King Ragnar. The acting is somewhat stiff but powerful, and for the sheer scope and scale of Viking civilization and battles, it holds its own against the CGI-filled versions of today.
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