Movies and Shows Like Redbad for History Buffs

Description: A blend of historical fiction and adventure, following an Arab ambassador who joins Norse warriors to battle a mysterious, ancient threat.

Fact: Based on Michael Crichton's novel 'Eaters of the Dead', which itself was inspired by the Beowulf legend. The film's production was troubled, with extensive reshoots and a delayed release.

Description: A sweeping historical drama about a betrayed Roman general seeking vengeance, featuring intense combat, political intrigue, and a fallen hero's journey.

Fact: The film's opening battle sequence took over three weeks to shoot with thousands of extras. Oliver Reed died during production, requiring his remaining scenes to be completed using CGI and body doubles.

Description: A grand historical epic about the Crusades, focusing on religious conflict, the defense of a city, and the personal journey of a blacksmith turned knight.

Fact: The director's cut is significantly different from the theatrical version, adding nearly an hour of footage. The film's siege sequences used hundreds of extras and practical effects rather than CGI.

Description: A large-scale retelling of the Trojan War, emphasizing honor, love, and the devastating consequences of pride and vengeance in ancient warfare.

Fact: Brad Pitt trained for six months to prepare for his role as Achilles. The massive Trojan Horse built for the film was later displayed in Canary Wharf, London.

Description: An epic adaptation of the Old English poem, featuring monstrous foes, heroic deeds, and the moral complexities of leadership and legacy.

Fact: The film used performance capture technology, with actors' movements and expressions digitally animated. Angelina Jolie's character was originally designed to be fully nude, but the filmmakers added a 'liquid gold' covering to avoid an R rating.

Description: A gritty, atmospheric journey through a mystical and violent Viking world, blending historical elements with surreal, dreamlike sequences.

Fact: The film features almost no dialogue in its first half. It was shot in Scotland, standing in for Scandinavia and North America.

Description: A brutal and visually stunning tale of vengeance set in Viking-era Scandinavia, with mythological undertones and raw, visceral combat.

Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in Ireland and Iceland. It draws heavily from the legend of Amleth, which also inspired Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.

Description: Centers around Norse culture, raids, and the clash between paganism and Christianity, featuring intense battle scenes and complex character arcs.

Fact: The show's creator, Michael Hirst, also wrote the screenplay for the 1998 film 'Elizabeth'. Many of the outdoor scenes were filmed in Ireland.

Description: While primarily a romance, it features historical conflicts, time travel, and the clash between cultures in 18th century Scotland, with political intrigue and warfare.

Fact: The series is based on Diana Gabaldon's book series, which she initially intended to be a practice novel with no intention of publishing. Many scenes are filmed at actual Scottish castles.

Description: This series shares a focus on historical battles, Viking invasions, and the struggle for power in medieval Europe, with a strong emphasis on personal loyalty and revenge.

Fact: The series is based on Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories' novels. It was initially produced by BBC America before being picked up by Netflix.