10 Epic Viking Movies that will Awaken your Inner Warrior
1. Vikings (2013–2020)
8.5/10
Vikings is a historical drama television series that premiered in 2013 and concluded in 2020. The show follows the legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok and his adventures as he rises to become a legendary Viking chieftain and explores new lands. With its captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, Vikings has become a fan favorite and has garnered critical acclaim.
Pros
- The show offers a unique blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling, providing an engaging and immersive experience for viewers.
- Vikings boasts a talented ensemble cast, with standout performances from actors such as Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok and Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha. The performances bring depth and complexity to the characters.
Cons
- As the show progresses, some fans feel that it becomes too focused on action and battles, sacrificing character development and storytelling in the process.
- The later seasons of Vikings have received mixed reviews, with some viewers feeling that the show loses its momentum and narrative coherence.
Conclusion: Vikings is a compelling historical drama that offers a thrilling and visually stunning portrayal of Viking culture and exploration. While it may have its flaws in later seasons, the show is still worth watching for its captivating performances and immersive storytelling.
2. The Vikings (1958)
7.1/10
The Vikings is a 1958 epic historical drama film directed by Richard Fleischer. It stars Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, and Ernest Borgnine and tells the story of a Viking prince who seeks revenge against his father’s murderer.
Pros
- Strong Performances: The Vikings features exceptional performances from its lead actors, Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis. Their on-screen chemistry and intense portrayals of their characters add depth and excitement to the film.
- Visually Stunning: The film’s production design, costumes, and cinematography are visually impressive. The grandeur of the Viking ships, the elaborate Viking longhouses, and the majestic landscapes create an immersive and captivating viewing experience.
Cons
- Pacing Issues: Some viewers may find the pacing of the film to be slow at times. The story often takes its time to develop, which may lead to moments of lull in the narrative.
- Limited Character Development: While the main characters of The Vikings are well-drawn and complex, some secondary characters lack sufficient development. This can make it difficult for viewers to fully engage with their stories and motivations.
Conclusion: The Vikings is a classic epic film that offers a compelling story, memorable performances, and visually stunning scenes. Despite its pacing issues and limited character development, it remains an entertaining and visually impressive film that is worth watching for fans of historical dramas.
3. The 13th Warrior
6.6/10
The 13th Warrior is a 1999 historical action film directed by John McTiernan and starring Antonio Banderas as Ahmad ibn Fadlan, a 10th-century Arab poet who travels with a group of Viking warriors. The film is based on Michael Crichton’s novel “Eaters of the Dead” and offers an epic tale of bravery and survival.
Pros
- 1. Action-packed Viking adventure: The 13th Warrior delivers thrilling action sequences and epic battle scenes that showcase the fierce Viking warriors in all their glory. Fans of sword fights and intense combat will not be disappointed.
- 2. Strong performances: Antonio Banderas shines in his role as Ahmad ibn Fadlan, bringing depth and humanity to his character. The supporting cast, including Vladimir Kulich as Buliwyf, adds to the film’s authenticity and intensity.
Cons
- 1. Historical inaccuracies: While the film is based on a historical novel, it takes several liberties with the actual history. Some purists may find this aspect to be distracting or misleading.
- 2. Uneven pacing: The 13th Warrior starts off strong but loses momentum in the middle, resulting in a slightly sluggish pace. This can make the film feel overly long and slow for some viewers.
Conclusion: The 13th Warrior is a visually stunning and action-packed film that showcases the legendary Viking warriors in all their glory. While it may not be the most historically accurate portrayal, it offers an entertaining and thrilling adventure that fans of epic battles and medieval settings will enjoy.
4. Outlander (2008)
6.2/10
Outlander is a 2008 science fiction action film directed by Howard McCain. The movie follows an extraterrestrial warrior named Kainan (played by James Caviezel) who crash-lands on Earth during the time of the Vikings. Kainan soon finds himself in the middle of a battle between the Vikings and a deadly creature known as the Moorwen. As Kainan gets closer to the Vikings and convinces them to help him fight the Moorwen, he also learns about love, loyalty, and the true meaning of heroism.
Pros
- The movie has a unique and intriguing premise, blending science fiction elements with Norse mythology and Viking culture.
- The action sequences in the film are well-executed and visually impressive, featuring intense battles between the Vikings and the Moorwen.
Cons
- The pacing of the movie can be uneven at times, with certain scenes feeling slow and dragging the story down.
- While the visual effects are generally good, there are moments where the CGI creatures, particularly the Moorwen, look slightly fake and take away from the immersion.
Conclusion: Outlander (2008) is an entertaining and action-packed science fiction film that offers a unique blend of Norse mythology and futuristic elements. While it may have some pacing issues and occasional CGI flaws, it still delivers an enjoyable and visually stunning adventure.
5. The Long Ships (1964)
6.0/10
The Long Ships is a 1964 adventure film set in Viking-age Scandinavia. The movie follows Orm, a young Viking who embarks on a journey to find a legendary golden bell, with the help of his friend, Slave. Throughout their adventure, they encounter various obstacles and enemies, including rival Viking leaders, Arab pirates, and a Moorish king. The Long Ships is known for its thrilling action sequences, stunning cinematography, and captivating story.
Pros
- Exciting and action-packed storyline set in Viking-age Scandinavia.
- Stunning cinematography that showcases the beauty of the landscapes and settings.
Cons
- Some viewers may find the historical inaccuracies in the depiction of Vikings and Viking culture.
- The pacing of the movie may be slow at times, especially during certain dialogue-heavy scenes.
Conclusion: The Long Ships is an entertaining adventure film set in the Viking era. While it may not be completely accurate in its depiction of historical events and characters, it offers an exciting and visually appealing experience for fans of action and adventure movies. If you enjoy Viking-themed stories and are willing to overlook some inaccuracies, The Long Ships can be a thrilling watch.
6. Valhalla Rising
6.0/10
Valhalla Rising is a 2009 Danish film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. The film follows a mute warrior named One Eye who escapes captivity and joins a group of Crusaders on a journey to the Holy Land. As they face various obstacles and encounters along the way, One Eye’s mysterious past and his supernatural abilities begin to unfold.
Pros
- Stunning Visuals: Valhalla Rising is a visually striking film with breathtaking cinematography and stunning landscapes. The film’s dark and atmospheric visuals create a sense of tension and unease, adding to the overall experience.
- Intriguing Story: The film’s story is filled with mystery and ambiguity, keeping the audience engaged and guessing. The character of One Eye is intriguing and enigmatic, and his journey through the harsh and unforgiving environment adds to the suspense.
Cons
- Slow Paced: Valhalla Rising is a slow-paced film that may not appeal to viewers looking for more action-packed or fast-paced storytelling. The film focuses more on atmosphere and character development rather than traditional plot progression.
- Lack of Dialogue: As One Eye is a mute character, there is minimal dialogue throughout the film. While this can be seen as a unique and artistic choice, it may alienate some viewers who prefer more dialogue-driven storytelling.
Conclusion: Valhalla Rising is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that may not be for everyone. Its slow pace and lack of dialogue can be polarizing, but for those who appreciate atmospheric storytelling and artistic visuals, it offers a unique and captivating experience.
7. Beowulf & Grendel
7.0/10
Beowulf & Grendel is a 2005 historical fantasy film directed by Sturla Gunnarsson. It is based on the epic Old English poem Beowulf and tells the story of Beowulf’s battle against the monster Grendel. The film offers a different perspective on the classic tale, focusing on the complexities of the characters and exploring themes of revenge, loyalty, and the nature of heroism.
Pros
- Unique interpretation of the Beowulf story, offering a fresh and modern take on the classic tale.
- Strong performances from the cast, particularly Gerard Butler as Beowulf and Stellan Skarsgård as King Hrothgar.
Cons
- Pacing issues, with some scenes feeling slow and dragging down the overall momentum of the film.
- Not entirely faithful to the original poem, which may disappoint purists expecting a more traditional adaptation.
Conclusion: Beowulf & Grendel is an intriguing and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the timeless tale of Beowulf. While it may not be a perfect adaptation, it brings new depth and complexity to the characters and explores themes that resonate with a modern audience. Fans of historical fantasy and those interested in alternative interpretations of classic stories will find this movie to be a captivating watch.
8. Pathfinder (2007)
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Pathfinder is a 2007 action-adventure film directed by Marcus Nispel. Set in AD 700, the movie follows a young Viking boy named Ghost who is raised by Native Americans after his shipwrecked Norse father is killed. When Ghost’s village is attacked by a group of marauding Vikings, he embarks on a quest for revenge.
Pros
- Visually stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the wilderness and the brutality of the battles
- Strong performances from the cast, particularly Karl Urban as Ghost and Moon Bloodgood as Starfire, adding depth to their characters
Cons
- The historical inaccuracies and cultural misrepresentations may be off-putting for some viewers, as the film does not accurately portray the Viking or Native American cultures
- The pacing of the movie can be uneven, with slow moments in between the action-packed sequences
Conclusion: Overall, Pathfinder is an entertaining action-adventure film with stunning visuals and strong performances. While it may not be historically accurate, it succeeds in delivering an engaging story of revenge and survival. If you can overlook the inaccuracies and enjoy it as a work of fiction, it is definitely worth a watch.
10. Hammer of the Gods (2013)
4.5/10
Hammer of the Gods is a 2013 action film directed by Farren Blackburn. Set in Viking Britain in 871 AD, the film follows a young Viking warrior named Steinar who embarks on a perilous journey to find his long-lost brother and fulfill a sacred prophecy. As Steinar encounters dangerous enemies and treacherous allies, he must fight to save his people and prevent a war that could destroy everything.
Pros
- Action-packed and intense battle scenes keep the audience engaged throughout the movie.
- The cinematography and production design beautifully capture the rugged and harsh landscapes of Viking Britain, adding authenticity to the setting.
Cons
- The plot and character development are relatively weak, with some scenes feeling predictable and lacking depth.
- The dialogue and acting can be subpar at times, failing to fully capture the emotional weight of the story.
Conclusion: Hammer of the Gods (2013) is an action-packed Viking film set in 871 AD. While it delivers intense battle scenes and visually stunning landscapes, the weak plot and lackluster character development dampen its overall impact. Fans of historical action films may find enjoyment in the film’s gritty aesthetic and thrilling action sequences, but those looking for a more nuanced and emotionally engaging story may be disappointed.