If you loved the epic action and mythological depth of 'God of War 2' (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same thrilling blend of intense combat, rich storytelling, and legendary lore. Whether you're a fan of Kratos' journey or crave more mythic adventures, these picks will keep you hooked.

Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Description: Classic sword-and-sorcery tale of a lone warrior seeking vengeance against a tyrannical ruler, featuring brutal combat and mythological elements.
Fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger performed most of his own stunts. The film's iconic musical score was composed by Basil Poledouris.


The 13th Warrior (1999)
Description: Follows a foreign warrior joining forces with Vikings to battle supernatural threats, blending historical action with mythological horror elements.
Fact: Based on Michael Crichton's novel Eaters of the Dead, which itself was inspired by the Beowulf legend. The production faced numerous delays and went significantly over budget.


Gladiator (2000)
Description: Epic historical drama about a warrior's quest for vengeance against a corrupt ruler, featuring intense combat sequences and themes of honor and redemption.
Fact: Won five Academy Awards including Best Picture. The Colosseum scenes were created using CGI and a partial set built in Malta.


Beowulf (2007)
Description: A motion-capture animated retelling of the classic epic poem, featuring monstrous foes, heroic battles, and themes of legacy and mortality.
Fact: Used performance capture technology similar to The Polar Express. Angelina Jolie's character was specifically designed to be androgynous and otherworldly.


The Legend of Vox Machina (2022)
Description: An animated fantasy featuring a band of warriors battling mythological creatures and gods, with a mix of brutal combat and dark humor.
Fact: Based on the first campaign of the popular Critical Role web series. The project was funded through one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns for a TV show.


Marco Polo (2014)
Description: Blends historical drama with martial arts action, featuring political machinations, large-scale battles, and a warrior protagonist navigating a foreign culture.
Fact: One of Netflix's most expensive original series at the time, costing about $90 million for the first season. The show was filmed in Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Italy.


Vikings (2013)
Description: This historical drama series shares a focus on brutal combat, exploration of Norse mythology, and the personal struggles of warriors seeking glory and vengeance.
Fact: The show's creator, Michael Hirst, also wrote the screenplay for the 1998 film Elizabeth. Many of the battle scenes were filmed using real weapons and minimal CGI.


Black Sails (2014)
Description: A gritty, violent tale of warriors and outlaws fighting for survival and power, with complex characters and intense action sequences.
Fact: Serves as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. The show combined historical pirates with fictional characters from literature.


The Last Kingdom (2015)
Description: Features a protagonist torn between two cultures, engaging in epic battles while navigating political intrigue and personal vendettas in a historical setting.
Fact: Based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories novel series. The main character Uhtred is loosely based on a real historical figure from 9th century England.


Troy: Fall of a City (2018)
Description: A mythological epic depicting legendary warriors, divine interventions, and the brutal realities of war, with a strong focus on personal honor and destiny.
Fact: This series was a co-production between BBC and Netflix. It tells the Trojan War story from the perspective of the Trojans rather than the Greeks.
