The best Viking movies like God of War Ragnarok

Since the dawn of cinema, filmmakers have been inspired by the vivid locations and characters in Old Norse stories, epic poems and histories. It all goes back to Arnljot, a 1927 Swedish silent movie by Theodor Berthels that is now sadly lost, and continues right up to and through 2022’s The Northman (see below). The Viking legends and myths are more than just for the big screen. They have inspired stories, animations, comic books, music and, of course, videogames. God of War RagnarökGet ready to embark on the next adventure.

There is no better way to mark the release of the latest installment of the videogame series than by immersing oneself in the rich, visually stunning universe of Norse films. From family-friendly animated adventures to swashbuckling classics, and with plenty of brutal swordplay and moving monologues, you’ll find a movie on this list to suit all your Viking needs.

The Northman

Focus Features

Before you start working The NorthmanRobert Eggers was a director and co-writer who won praise for his two stunning pictures. The Witch2015. The Lighthouse(2019), each of which featured fantastical elements set against historical backdrops. It’s no surprise then that there are so many people who love to watch these films. The NorthmanIt was highly anticipated. It delivers an unexpected kind of artfulness that contrasts with brutality. The film is set against stunning scenery.

Icelandic writer and frequent Björk collaborator Sigurjón Sigurðsson (also known as Sjón) takes co-writing credits for a story heavily based on the legend of Amleth, a mythical Scandinavian character who directly inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Filmed on location throughout Ireland and Iceland, the movie’s co-producer, Alexander Skarsgård, stars alongside Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Björk herself. Although the film received mixed reviews, The Northman underwhelmed at the box office, but don’t let that prevent you from immersing yourself in this well-realized and surprisingly nuanced work.

The Northman It is now available for streaming Prime Video.

Valhalla Rising

Image: IFC Midnight

A joint English-Danish project, 2009’s Valhalla Rising is one of those films which, although it slipped under most people’s radar upon initial release, has steadily and deservedly built up something of a cult following. Mads Mikkelsen does a remarkable job as One-Eye. He is a Norse soldier who travels with a group of Christian crusaders to the Holy Land. But, when they arrive, One-Eye finds himself in an unknown land, where he faces both supernatural and mortal forces. As ferocious and barbarous as it is uncannily beautiful, there’s a lot to enjoy here, not least the moving performance of Maarten Stevenson as “the boy.”

Nicolas Winding Refn directs with his trademark eye for visceral energy, style angles and a warm atmosphere. It’s been two years since. Valhalla RisingRefn was nominated for both the Cannes Festival Award as well as the BAFTA Award. DrivingRyan Gosling’s film “The Movie That Made Me Look Good” was an important step in establishing him as an action hero.

Valhalla RisingYou can stream it on AMC Plus via Prime VideoTubi TV or Pluto TV for no cost.

Vikings

Image by United Artists/Kino Lorber

Vikings(1958), proudly displayed alongside Ben-Hur (1959), Spartacus(1960) and El Cid(1961), as one of Hollywood’s greatest historical epics. There’s a lot of pedigree behind this movie. Richard Fleischer was also the director of many classic films, such as There are 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea(1954), a beloved sci-fi film Soylent Green (1973). (1973). VikingsThe filmmaker was able to use a variety of talents in heavyweight.

Kirk Douglas is the star of Viking prince Einar. He battles it out with Eric (Tony Curtis), in a complicated tale about rights and lineage. Ernest Borgnine, who plays King Ragnar for only a few minutes, is unforgettable. Janet Leigh, who was also married to Curtis in that time, shines as Morgana. It’s been more than 50 years since then. VikingsThe show is still thrilling to watch. The various battle scenes are exciting and visceral, with plenty of iconic moments, such as the Viking “ax climb” and the final dramatic duel. Although the historical accuracy of the film is questionable given its reliance on the 1951 novel, the screenplay was based. The VikingEdison Marshall was inspired by historic Icelandic sagas.

VikingsDigital rental and purchase available AmazonApple.

The 13th Warrior

Image by Buena Vista Home Entertainment

There’s a lot to enjoy about this 1999 movie, not least the intriguing and imaginative plot, which concerns Ahmad ibn Fadlan (played by Antonio Banderas), a poet in service of the Caliph of Baghdad. Fadlan finds himself caught up in the affairs of the Norsemen, whose kingdom is under attack from an “ancient evil.” Fadlan’s journey from mocked outlander to respected companion is both believable and entertaining. Banderas brings plenty of charisma to the role of his character, whose intelligence, courage, and horsemanship gradually wins the Norsemen’s approval. Omar Sharif, Vladimir Kulich and Diane Venora provide excellent support.

The screenplay is adapted from Michael Crichton’s novel The Eater of the Dead(1976) – which itself is based on an Old English poem BeowulfThe first-hand stories of Fadlan (10th-century chronicler and traveler), and their original accounts. John McTiernan, director of the action movie adaptations for which he was responsible, knows all about them. Predator(1987) Die Hard (1988), and it shows in the movie’s exhilarating fight sequences, which are both imaginative and bruising. In particular, the “last stand” of the Norsemen is handled with both flair and emotion.

The 13th WarriorIt is streamable on Hoopla using a library card. You can also rent or buy digital copies. AmazonApple.

How to Train Your Dragon

DreamWorks Animation

This charming 2010 family movie from DreamWorks owes much to the strength of its source material — the books of British children’s author Cressida Cowell, whose series of novels set in a mythical Viking world follow the adventures of Hiccup, a would-be dragon slayer whose views are radically altered when he captures and trains his own dragon, Toothless.

Visuals from this team are just as impressive as one would hope. Shrek2001 Kung Fu Panda (2008), but it’s the story and the characters which impress the most. Hiccup’s emotional journey toward understanding the true nature of both himself and the dragons is genuinely moving, and the film doesn’t shy away from genuine trauma, albeit with a suitably upbeat ending that will leave kids and adults alike with a warm glow. Jay Baruchel and Craig Ferguson along with America Ferrera and Gerard Butler all lend their talents for this film, which was just nominated by the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

How to Train Your DragonAvailable to stream online Peacock.

Erik, the Viking

Image: Prominent Features

Norwegian comedy series on television NorsemenThe combination of humor and Vikings is a winning recipe, as this video proves. You can travel back to 1989 for this entertaining romp, written by Terry Jones, who is also the former Monty Python star. The plot follows the titular Viking as he and his ragtag crew attempt to reach Asgard, the home of the gods, in order to petition the celestial deities to cease Ragnarök (the end times) and return the sun to the sky.

It’s great for the viewers to spot-the star. There is a lot to pick from. Jones shines in the role of King Arnulf alongside Tim Robbins and Imogen Stubbs. The film is visually charming and offers a pleasant and entertaining blend of intelligent humor and base gags, that are infused with delightfully Pythonesque senses of the absurd.

Erik, the Viking It is free to stream with a Hoopla library card, or with advertisements on Tubi and Pluto TV.

Beowulf

Image by Paramount Home Entertainment

This animated film is the second on the list and draws its inspiration from an Old English poem. Beowulf 2007 is an example of a movie that, while being loaded with star power, achieves the ideal balance between atmospheric weight, and engaging adventure. Roger Avary is the author.Pulp FictionNeil Gaiman (and a number of his works, including some that have been adapt for television), and Neil Gaiman. StardustThe new Netflix series and (2007) The Sandman.

Beowulf Robert Zemeckis directs the movie. Zemeckis made the Back to the Future trilogy, and has previously worked with animation many times.Roger Rabbit: Who is the Framer?, Polar Express). Ray Winstone and Anthony Hopkins are all solid performers. Crispin Glover and Angelina Jolie also contribute. Beowulf uses live-action motion capture techniques to give animated characters a powerful presence. While the movie isn’t attempting to accurately portray historical events, it plays with source material a bit too fast. BeowulfIt is captivating and worth your attention.

BeowulfIt is free to stream online on Netflix with a Hoopla library card or with advertisements on Pluto TV.

Long Ships

Image: Warwick Films/Columbia Pictures

We’re back to 1964 for another evergreen classic and another international project, this time courtesy of England and Yugoslavia. (Very) The story of the movie is loosely based upon the Swedish novel Frans Ge. Bengtsson. Long Ships centers around a legendary golden bell, the “Mother of Voices,” and the Moorish king Aly Mansuh (played by Sidney Poitier) who is desperate to possess it. Enter shipwrecked Viking Rolfe (Richard Widmark), who professes knowledge of the mythical bell’s location.

There follows a convoluted yet entertaining story involving kidnapped princesses, stolen longships, unexpected revelations, and an epic quest in search of the “Mother.” Direction is by Jack Cardiff, whose career stretched across several decades, and who is remembered for his highly influential cinematography on many celebrated films, including It’s a matter of life and death (1946), The African Queen(1951), The Red Shoes (1948). Here, he conjures a suitably epic, sweeping feel, ably supported by a fantastically lush score by Serbian composer Dušan Radić.

Long Ships This is digitally available to rent or buy AmazonApple.

The Last Viking

Image: World Serpent Productions

A short and striking modern film concludes the program. 2016’s The Last VikingIt is an intimate and atmospheric drama with Philip Stevens as Harald Hardrada. His heroic exploits are the inspiration for many other works. Hardrada, who was fifteen years old, won his first battle. In 1066 his last war at Stamford Bridge saw the English King Harold Godwinson’s forces attack and kill the Norseman. Hardrada’s death is often cited as signaling the end of the Viking age.

The Last Viking centers on Hardrada’s final moments as, gravely wounded, the king recounts his story at the request of a mysterious one-eyed visitor (the Norse god Odin, played by David Clayton). Stevens has justly received praise for his stirring piece. This simple set allows Stevens to extract a tremendous amount. The film’s confined, intimate setting coupled with its superb, lyrical script allows the viewer’s imagination to fully engage with the material in a way few movies can. Through it’s largely just one voice and backdrop, Stevens makes long-dead history feel both immediate and relevant. It’s as fine a way as any to end your visual Viking feast.

The Last Viking You can watch it online YouTube.