10 Movies and Shows Similar to Canterbury Tales (2003)

Description: Like 'Canterbury Tales (2003)', 'The Decameron' is a film adaptation of a classic medieval literary work, featuring a series of interconnected stories. Both films explore themes of human nature, morality, and humor in a historical setting. The storytelling style is episodic, with a mix of comedy and drama, reflecting the bawdy and satirical tone of the original texts.

Fact: Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, who also directed 'The Canterbury Tales' (1972). Part of Pasolini's 'Trilogy of Life', which includes 'The Decameron', 'The Canterbury Tales', and 'Arabian Nights'. The film won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Description: This is another adaptation of Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', similar to the 2003 version. Both films retain the episodic structure and bawdy humor of the original text, with a focus on the diverse characters and their stories. The visual aesthetics are grounded in medieval realism, with attention to period details.

Fact: Directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, who also starred in the film as Chaucer. The film won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. It is known for its explicit content and satirical take on medieval society.

Description: This film, like 'Canterbury Tales (2003)', is set in the Middle Ages and explores themes of religion, morality, and human nature. Both films feature a mix of intellectual discourse and earthy humor, and are based on literary works that delve into the complexities of medieval life.

Fact: Based on the novel by Umberto Eco. Stars Sean Connery as the Franciscan friar William of Baskerville. The film won a BAFTA for Best Actor (Sean Connery).

Description: This film shares with 'Canterbury Tales (2003)' a medieval setting and a focus on adventure and camaraderie. Both films feature a diverse cast of characters and explore themes of justice, loyalty, and rebellion against authority. The visual aesthetics emphasize the ruggedness and grandeur of the medieval world.

Fact: Stars Kevin Costner as Robin Hood and Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Features the hit song '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You' by Bryan Adams. The film was a box office success, despite mixed reviews.

Description: While 'A Knight's Tale' is a more modern and anachronistic take on medieval storytelling, it shares with 'Canterbury Tales (2003)' a focus on the lives and adventures of colorful characters from the Middle Ages. Both films blend humor, romance, and adventure, and feature a mix of high and low culture.

Fact: Stars Heath Ledger in one of his early leading roles. Features a soundtrack with modern rock music, contrasting with the medieval setting. The film was inspired by Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', with Paul Bettany playing a fictionalized version of Chaucer.

Description: This series, like 'Canterbury Tales (2003)', is set in a medieval world and features a mix of adventure, humor, and drama. Both works explore the lives of iconic characters (Merlin and Arthur vs. Chaucer's pilgrims) and blend historical and fantastical elements.

Fact: Stars Colin Morgan as Merlin and Bradley James as Arthur. The series ran for five seasons on the BBC. It was praised for its fresh take on the Arthurian legends.

Description: This series, like 'Canterbury Tales (2003)', is set in the Middle Ages and explores legendary stories (the Arthurian legends). Both works blend drama, romance, and adventure, and feature a mix of historical and mythical elements.

Fact: Stars Joseph Fiennes as Merlin and Eva Green as Morgan. The series was produced by Starz. It was canceled after one season due to high production costs.

Description: This miniseries adapts Shakespeare's history plays, much like 'Canterbury Tales (2003)' adapts Chaucer's stories. Both works explore themes of power, loyalty, and human nature in a medieval setting, and feature a mix of high drama and earthy humor.

Fact: Features an all-star cast including Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The series was produced by the BBC and PBS. It covers the 'Henriad' (Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V).

Description: This miniseries, like 'Canterbury Tales (2003)', is set in a historical period (the Tudor era) and explores the lives of complex characters. Both works focus on the interplay of power, religion, and personal ambition, and feature a rich, detailed portrayal of the past.

Fact: Based on the novels by Hilary Mantel. Stars Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell. The series won multiple awards, including Golden Globes and BAFTAs.

Description: This miniseries, like 'Canterbury Tales (2003)', is set in the Middle Ages and explores the lives of diverse characters against the backdrop of historical events. Both works blend drama, romance, and political intrigue, and feature a sprawling narrative with multiple interconnected stories.

Fact: Based on the novel by Ken Follett. Stars Ian McShane, Eddie Redmayne, and Hayley Atwell. The series was nominated for several Emmy Awards.