The Films Set During the Medieval Era subgenre reside in the History, Action and World Cinema genres and typically includes additional subgenres such as Sword & Sorcery Films, Romantic Dramas, War Films with Massive Battle Scenes, War Films Set During Medieval Asia, Epic War Films and Films About Mythology. Films Set During the Medieval Era (or Middle Ages) includes the Dark Ages, feature European historical events or people and are set from approximately 600 AD to 1500 AD. For purposes of this subgenre film list, we have also included Asian films set during these years which include the Medieval China Period of the Sui Dynasty (581 AD – 618 AD), Tang Dynasty (618 AD – 907 AD), Five Dynasties Period (907 AD – 979 AD), Song Dynasty (960 AD – 1279 AD), Yuan Dynasty (1271 AD – 1368 AD) and the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). For War Films specific to this era in Asia we also have a separate list of War Films Set During Medieval Asia.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) was one of the first (and classic) films of the Medieval Era Films subgenre and set a precedent for romanticizing the Medieval Era in Film. In later decades starting with the 1960’s, Biopics and War Film Epics became popular with El Cid (1961), Becket (1964) and The Lion in Winter (1968).
The 1970’s would only feature one large scale epic film set during the early Medieval era with The Message (1976). Most historical epic films to this point had featured Christianity and The Message was the first epic film covering the rise of the Islamic religion. Other films set during the Medieval Era this decade included Lancelot of the Lake (1974), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Robin and Marian (1976) and Jabberwocky (1977). One note: Lancelot of the Lake (1974) has some unintentionally funny moments in the film that seem like they were the inspiration for Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) – especially the infamous sequence with the Black Knight.
The 1980’s would see Medieval Era Films soar in popularity as another subgenre grew popular in the decade – The Sword & Sorcery Film subgenre. Films that shared both subgenres this decade included Excalibur (1981), Dragonslayer (1981), Sword of the Valiant: The Legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1984), Ladyhawke (1985), Flesh + Blood (1985), Highlander (1986) and Willow (1988). This decade would also produce classic films of the subgenre with Knightriders (1981), Ivanhoe (1982) and Henry V (1989).
In the 1990’s, there were less (Stannis Baretheon “fewer”) films set during the Medieval period but there was a noticeable trend of the romanticized portrayal of the period vs. a raw and gritty view. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) and First Knight (1995) would feature the romanticized outlook of Medieval times while Braveheart (1995) was a classic film of the subgenre showing the raw realism of the period (especially during its battle scenes). Other notable subgenre films during this decade included Hamlet (1990), Army of Darkness (1992), The Hour of the Pig (1994), The 13th Warrior (1999) and The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999).
Three trends would emerge in the 2000’s for Medieval Era Films. Asian films set during this period (and mostly during the Chinese and Korean Medieval periods) would become popular with Musa The Warrior (2001), House of Flying Daggers (2004), The King and the Clown (2005), The Banquet (2006), Curse of the Golden Flower (2006), Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007), The Divine Weapon (2008) and A Frozen Flower (2008). Sci-fi films set during the Medieval Era would also see releases with Timeline (2003) and Outlander (2008). And Medieval Era films with modernized elements (including modern language and soundtracks) would succeed in A Knight’s Tale (2001) and fail in Virgin Territory (2007). Other classic and notable subgenre films of the 2000’s included The Reckoning (2003), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Pathfinder (2007), Arn: The Knight Templar (2007) and Valhalla Rising (2009).
The 2010’s would feature a shift back to the savage brutality of the Medieval Era in films such as Robin Hood (2010), Black Death (2010), Ironclad (2011), Pilgrimage (2017) and Outlaw King (2018). Medieval Asian Films would also continue in popularity with Reign of Assassins (2010), Sacrifice (2010), Sword of the Assassin (2012), The Concubine (2012), Kingdom of Conquerors (2013), Saving General Yang (2013), The Face Reader (2013), The Pirates (2014), The Assassin (2015) and The Great Battle (2018). Other classic and notable subgenre films of the decade included Dracula Untold (2014), Last Knights (2015), Macbeth (2015), The Last King (2016), The Pagan King (2018), The Last Warrior (2018), The Head Hunter (2019) and The King (2019).
The 2020’s have already produced two classic films of the subgenre with The Green Knight (2021) and The Last Duel (2021). Other notable subgenre films from this decade include Mulan (2020) and The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021).
Our list of Films Set During The Medieval Era includes over 112+ films primarily from 1960 – 2021. As noted earlier, though our list focuses on the European Medieval Era and Middle Ages, we have also included films set in Medieval Asia during this same time period. One other note about our list, though most films cover the actual Medieval Era, we have included a few films set in modern times that feature LARP (Live Action Role Playing) or Medieval Era elements as prominent parts of their narrative. Knightriders (1981) and The Wild Hunt (2009) are two examples of films in this list that have Medieval elements in a modern-day setting. For our list of Top Films Set During The Medieval Era You Haven’t Seen, we couldn’t include the following honorable mentions in our Top 10: Jabberwocky (1977), Knightriders (1981), Hearts and Armour (1993), The Hour of the Pig (1994), The Reckoning (2003), House of Flying Daggers (2004), Curse of the Golden Flower (2006), Outlander (2008), Valhalla Rising (2009), The Wild Hunt (2009), Black Death (2010), The Pirates (2014) and The Great Battle (2018).
Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Films Set During the Medieval Era You Haven’t Seen and more details on these films can be found in the list below.
#10
The Last Warrior
Plot: In Eastern Europe, the few remaining Scythians are mercenary assassins, and a captured Scythian helps a warrior on a journey to save his family.
Year(s): ~1000 AD
KBZ’s Take: We are not sure where to begin with this Russian film. It has elements of Conan the Barbarian (1982), Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985) and has some crazy, blood-soaked action and fight scenes. The saying, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” would apply to this film as the costumes, characters and just overall medieval nuttiness during the warrior’s journey make it more than a worthwhile recommended film for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HK4FSL
#9
Ironclad
Plot: Rebel barons and Knights Templar defend Rochester castle against King John and his mercenary army.
Years(s): ~1215 AD
KBZ’s Take: Of all the films in our list of Medieval Era films, this one is probably the most accurate in showing the brutality and savagery of war during Medieval times. It’s not for the faint of heart as there are many gruesome and bloody scenes in this film. However, it’s a great film depicting not only the era of King John and the Magna Carta, but also how medieval warfare was fought. Highly recommended film for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Hg7HNc
#8
Pilgrimage
Plot: A group of English monks must escort a sacred relic from Ireland to Rome.
Year(s): ~1205 AD
KBZ’s Take: This film is mainly about the fluidity of Christianity and belief during the Medieval Era. While it also has some action and battle scenes, its focus is more on the journey of the monks and what necessary evils need to be committed “in the name of God”. While Kingdom of Heaven (2005) tackles this issue on a broader scale, Pilgrimage is a smaller film focusing on the individual belief system of the time. Recommended for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kXOCYN
Plot: Two warriors must protect the last remaining heir to the throne of Norway.
Year(s): ~1206 AD
KBZ’s Take: This is a hidden gem of a film that isn’t well-known but it’s a great film of the subgenre. While most Medieval Era films focus on lower Europe (France, England, Italy) and Ancient China, this film’s focus is on the civil war ravaging Norway in the early 1200’s. Though it follows familiar Medieval Era film tropes, it’s still a breath of fresh air to see the costume designs of the time, how Medieval-era battle was fought in Norwegian snow and how those Norwegians became such great skiers. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XWkE5V
#6
Ivanhoe
Plot: The doomed affair between a British knight and Irish princess.
Year(s): ~1194 AD
KBZ’s Take: While Ivanhoe (1952) is considered a classic film of the novel by Walter Scott, we actually prefer this TV movie. It features jousting, some great battle scenes and even has a more prominent appearance by Robin Hood and his band of merry men. It also features a great cast with Anthony Andrews, James Mason, Olivia Hussey, John Rhys-Davies and Lysette Anthony. But it’s Sam Neill as Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert and Julian Glover as the Black Knight who both steal the show and every scene they are in.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HpdXSO
#5
The Message
Plot: Epic film about the story of the prophet Mohammed and rise of the Islamic faith.
Year(s): ~600 AD
KBZ’s Take: While most Biblical films and historical films about Religion generally focus on Christianity, this is the major epic film about Islam. Regardless of your faith, it’s a great film to see how a specific religion took hold in earlier eras and evolved over time. This film also shows some epic battles scenes and the danger Islam posed to the elite hierarchy and slave structure of the time. Recommended film for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3JsHUUT
#4
The Warrior
Plot: A group of Korean diplomates are expelled from Ming China and soon find themselves pursued by Mongolian warriors.
Year(s): ~1375 AD
KBZ’s Take: This is one of the best films of the Medieval Era in Asia as it highlights three different groups of the time – Ming China, the Koreans and the Mongolians. The film is action-packed with many battle scenes and a third act final where the Koreans defend a fortress against a Mongolian army. It has amazing costumes of the period and also highlights the class structure present at the time (specific to Korea and China). It’s a highly recommended film of the subgenre that you shouldn’t miss.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kVJapg
Plot: A Knight and his former squire duel over a dispute.
Year(s): ~1386 AD
KBZ’s Take: This Ridley Scott film does for Jousting what his previous film Kingdom of Heaven (2005) did for Medieval Era siege warfare. This film basically has 2 parts. The first two acts are more of a Rashomon-style format with 3 versions of a story that make each participant appear different in a specific viewpoint of the tale. The third act features the much-touted Jousting and Duel scene which is one of best depictions ever of Medieval warfare. The entire film is great and should not be missed by any fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/40j3wJ2
Plot: Medieval warrior protects the realm from monsters.
Year(s): Unknown
KBZ’s Take: Made for only $30,000 USD and with a short runtime of 72 minutes, there’s not enough that can be said of how great this film turns out. There’s not much of a plot other than the mysterious warrior going to battle (off screen) and returning with the heads of monsters. However, once we get to the final act, there’s a ‘monster’ you won’t be prepared for. Excellent film and highly recommended to check out if you love the Sword & Sorcery and Medieval Films subgenres.
Additional Lists: Top Sword & Sorcery Films You Haven’t Seen #3
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kQFRj3
Plot: Story of how Genghis Khan went from a slave to a conqueror of half the world in the 13th century.
Year(s): ~1200 AD
KBZ’s Take: We assume if you are a fan of the Medieval Era Films subgenre that you have already seen this film. But we are including it for people who might have missed this excellent film that is one of the best of the subgenre. It’s a classic Biopic film that chronicles Genghis Khan’s life from slave to leader of the Mongols. It also features one of the most impressive battle sequences you will ever find on film. We can’t say enough about this film other than to watch it immediately if you’ve somehow missed this gem of a film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3RzzrRT
