Vikings on Screen: A Curated Look at Bold Stories and Legendary Characters
The director behind the acclaimed El hombre del norte, Robert Eggers, helped shape a visually faithful portrayal of Viking life that honors both myth and history. Across decades, audiences have enjoyed a wide range of Viking tales, from wild B-movie adventures to grand historical epics and animated adventures. The following list collects ten diverse films and TV series that center on Viking history, legend, and culture, offering a spectrum from brutal battles to wry parity and mythic journeys.
Vikings (1958)
The era’s first major Hollywood treatment of Viking myth makes a bold statement in Cinemascope. Led by a celebrated star, the production delivers memorable sea-borne action and starkly drawn rivalries. Viewers follow Ragnar’s sons, Einar and Eric, as they contend for a princess amid war and romance. The film balances fierce authenticity with the kind of measured sentiment that makes it an enduring classic.
Wrath of the Vikings (1961)
This Franco-Italian co-production emphasizes a family’s fracture and a long-armed conflict sparked on an English coast. A British queen’s ward becomes the pivot in a saga of kinship, betrayal, and vengeance—an era where fraternal strife often echoes through generations. Frantic battles and a tragic arc anchor the tale as a notable entry in Viking cinema.
Invaders (1964)
Not every Viking story sticks to the stone-through-ice formula. This adventure-leaning film follows a horned, bearded Viking warrior in search of a legendary golden bell, joined by a caravan of allies including an Arab ruler. Filmed in Technirama on Yugoslav backdrops, the production is a vivid demonstration of the era’s bold, wide-screen ambition. Cinematography by a renowned veteran helps capture the sweeping drama of sea raids and cultural clashes. This title has found life on contemporary streaming platforms in recent years.
Warrior No. 13 (1999)
Antonio Banderas stars as a nobleman swept into exile after a doomed romance. His path intersects with fierce Vikings and a brutal campaign against a rival horde. The adaptation draws on evocative source material tied to legendary conflict and survival. Though production details shifted during filming, the result remains a vigorous, cinematic voyage into the Viking world, now accessible on major streaming services.
Viking (2016)
This Russian-made epic narrows its focus to a princely figure whose struggle to reclaim his rightful throne unfolds amid a harsh icebound landscape. The narrative pivots on treachery within the royal line and the gathering of sworn warriors as the protagonist seeks to restore order. With a distinctly northern sensibility, the film has been available on major streaming platforms, expanding global access to these ancient-set adventures.
Valhalla Rising (2019)
Director Nicolas Winding Refn pairs Mads Mikkelsen in a stark, brutal odyssey that blends mythic resonance with a raw, visual intensity. The lone warrior’s voyage aboard a Viking ship advances through an austere, almost primal world where power, faith, and vengeance collide. The film’s tone and imagery have sparked strong reactions, making it a standout for viewers who crave a darker, more meditative Viking tale. It has been made available through streaming channels in recent years.
Vicky the Viking (1974-1975)
This animated series travels across borders with funding from Austria, Germany, and Japan, adapting Runer Jonsson’s children’s adventure into a lively tale. It won hearts with a lighthearted blend of exploration, humor, and historical flavor as Vicky, the clever son of Chief Halvar, navigates a world of voyages and mischief. The English-language voice cast helped cement its popularity, and fans recall its playful spirit and inventive storytelling. Today it remains a touchstone for family-friendly Viking storytelling on streaming platforms.
The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
The late 9th century era sees Wessex standing firm against a sweeping Viking advance. Alfred the Great, a towering figure in English resistance, guides a kingdom through brutal battles and strategic campaigns. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, the series follows Uhtred the Bold as he navigates shifting loyalties, epic battles, and the tension between Danish invaders and Anglo-Saxon rulers. Produced for television and later streamed by major platforms, the series delivers a compelling blend of character-driven drama and historical conflict.
Scandinavians (2016-2020)
This Norwegian series stages Viking life with a tongue-in-cheek twist, leaning into satirical humor rather than solemn history. Filmed in English, it offers a modern, comic take on Norheim’s daily routines, raiding escapades, and mystic intrigues. The show plays with anachronisms and contemporary sensibilities to deliver a playful, accessible portrait of Viking culture that diverges from Eggers’ more earnest approach. It stands out for its witty tone and fresh perspective on the era, now streaming on popular platforms.
Vikings: Valhalla (2022-)
Supplying a new chapter to a beloved saga, this series keeps high-stakes drama at center stage. It follows Leif Erikson and his sister Freydis as they navigate a perilous landscape of alliances, betrayals, and personal quests for justice. The showrunners, including an experienced screenwriter behind classic action franchises, bring a blend of large-scale action and intimate character moments. Available on major streaming services, it continues to expand the Viking universe for new generations.