10 Shows & Movies Similar to Vikings (2013)

Description: 'Rome' and 'Vikings' both offer a visceral, detailed look at ancient civilizations, focusing on the lives of soldiers, leaders, and ordinary people. The political intrigue, brutal warfare, and complex character relationships in 'Rome' mirror those in 'Vikings'. Both series are known for their historical accuracy and high production values.

Fact: The series was a co-production between HBO and the BBC. The show's budget was so high that it contributed to the BBC's decision to withdraw from co-producing future seasons. Many of the sets were later reused for other productions, including 'Game of Thrones'.

Description: 'The Tudors' and 'Vikings' both dramatize the lives of historical figures, blending fact with fiction to create compelling narratives. The series share a focus on the personal and political challenges faced by their protagonists, with lavish production design and strong performances. The themes of power, betrayal, and family are central to both shows.

Fact: The series stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII. Despite historical inaccuracies, the show was praised for its performances and production values. 'The Tudors' was one of Showtime's most successful series, running for four seasons.

Description: 'Game of Thrones' shares with 'Vikings' a focus on power struggles, family dynamics, and brutal warfare in a medieval setting. Both series are known for their intricate plots, morally ambiguous characters, and high production values. The political intrigue and the emphasis on the consequences of leadership in 'Game of Thrones' mirror the themes explored in 'Vikings'.

Fact: Based on George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. The show won a record 59 Primetime Emmy Awards. The infamous 'Red Wedding' episode was based on real historical events like the Black Dinner and the Massacre of Glencoe.

Description: 'Marco Polo' and 'Vikings' both explore the lives of legendary figures in history, blending fact with fiction. The series share a focus on exploration, cultural exchange, and the personal growth of their protagonists amidst political turmoil. The lavish production design and epic scale of 'Marco Polo' are reminiscent of 'Vikings'.

Fact: The show was one of Netflix's most expensive productions at the time, with a budget of $90 million for the first season. Benedict Wong, who plays Kublai Khan, later appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Wong. The series was canceled after two seasons due to high costs and mixed reviews.

Description: 'The White Queen' and 'Vikings' both explore the lives of powerful women in history, set against the backdrop of war and political intrigue. The series share a focus on the personal and political struggles of their characters, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and dramatic storytelling.

Fact: Based on Philippa Gregory's 'The Cousins' War' series of novels. The show was a co-production between the BBC and Starz. The series was followed by two sequels, 'The White Princess' and 'The Spanish Princess'.

Description: 'Black Sails' shares with 'Vikings' a gritty, realistic portrayal of a historical period, focusing on pirates in the Golden Age of Piracy. Both series feature strong, flawed characters, intricate political plots, and intense action sequences. The themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for power are central to both shows.

Fact: The series serves as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island'. The show was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, using real ships and extensive practical effects. 'Black Sails' was praised for its strong female characters, particularly Jessica Parker Kennedy's Max.

Description: 'Outlander' and 'Vikings' both blend historical drama with personal storytelling, focusing on the lives of individuals caught in the tides of history. The series share a strong emphasis on romance, family, and the clash of cultures. The lush cinematography and attention to period detail in 'Outlander' are similar to 'Vikings'.

Fact: Based on Diana Gabaldon's best-selling book series. The show's theme song, 'The Skye Boat Song', is a traditional Scottish folk song. 'Outlander' has been credited with boosting tourism in Scotland, where the series is filmed.

Description: Similar to 'Vikings' (2013), 'The Last Kingdom' is a historical drama that explores the Viking Age, focusing on the conflict between the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse invaders. Both series feature intense battle scenes, complex characters, and a deep dive into the cultural and political dynamics of the time. The protagonist, Uhtred, like Ragnar Lothbrok, is a warrior torn between two worlds, adding a layer of personal conflict to the historical narrative.

Fact: Based on Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories' series of novels. The show's protagonist, Uhtred, is loosely based on a real historical figure, Uhtred the Bold. The series was initially produced by BBC Two before moving to Netflix for subsequent seasons.

Description: Like 'Vikings', 'Knightfall' delves into the medieval period, focusing on the Knights Templar. Both series highlight the clash of cultures, religious conflicts, and the personal journeys of warriors. The visual style and the emphasis on historical authenticity in battle scenes and costumes are also similar.

Fact: The series was partially filmed in the Czech Republic, utilizing its medieval architecture. Tom Cullen, who plays the lead role of Landry, also appeared in 'Downton Abbey'. The show was canceled after two seasons despite a planned storyline for a third.

Description: 'The Pillars of the Earth' and 'Vikings' both depict the medieval period with a focus on the construction of great monuments and the political machinations surrounding them. The series share themes of ambition, faith, and the struggle for power. The ensemble cast and sprawling narrative in 'The Pillars of the Earth' are reminiscent of 'Vikings'.

Fact: Based on Ken Follett's novel of the same name. The series was produced by Ridley and Tony Scott. The show features an early performance by Eddie Redmayne as Jack Jackson.