If mythology is your teacup, you would have to find something to add the spice to. Norse mythology movies, for some people, are an acquired taste. Be it gory scenes or just straight-up violence, Norse mythology is something you would have to embrace.
Norse mythology has proved that it has a powerful grip on modern culture. Though this genre of movies is incomparable with modern, more widely watched genres, you see a few really good ones here and there.
Moreover, there are many video games that integrate Norse mythology into their characters, instilling a want for such movies amongst the audience.
Here are some Norse mythology movies that you can watch.
1. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
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Based on the Marvel Comics character: Thor, this American superhero film is produced by Marvel Studios.
This movie is the sequel to Thor (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013). Starring Chris Hemsworth as Thor alongside Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, and Mark Ruffalo, the movie follows Thor as he escapes from Sakaar to save Asgard from Ragnarok.
The movie is based on the Norse mythological deity, Thor, who wields thunder and lightning and is one of the best movies about Norse mythology.
Rent or Buy this movie on iTunes, Prime Video, or Google Play Store.
2. The 13th Warrior (1999)
This American historical fiction action film is based on the novel “Eaters of the dead” by Michael Crichton. It accounted for the retelling of the tale of Beowulf and combined with Ahmad ibn Fadlan’s historical account of the Volga Vikings.
The movie stars Antonio Banderas, Diane Venora, and Omar Sharif. Following the story of a man who has fallen in love with the wrong woman, Sultan sent himself on a diplomatic mission to a distant land as an ambassador.
He stops at a Viking village port to restock on supplies when he finds himself embroiled in a quest to banish a mysterious threat in a distant Viking land.
You can watch the movie by renting it, Prime Video, or buying it from the Google Play Store.
3. Beowulf & Grendel (2005)
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One of the best mythology movies, this Canadian-Icelandic fantasy adventure film, is based on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem called Beowulf.
The movie stars Gerard Butler, Stellan Skarsgård, Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson, and Sarah Polley. Grendel, the monster, is not a creature of mythic and mystic powers, but is a creature of immense flesh and raging.
He is blood-driven by a need to seek vengeance from being wronged. On the other hand, Beowulf, a victorious soldier, has become increasingly troubled by the hero-myth going around about his exploits.
The movie is available to watch on Prime video and to rent or buy on Google Play Store.
4. Mortal (2020)
This is an English-language Norwegian fantasy adventure film.
The movie is inspired by Norse mythology. It stars Nat Wolff and follows the story of a young man who discovers that he has god-like powers based on ancient Norse mythology.
While he was hiding in the wilderness of western Norway, he accidentally inexplicably kills a teenager and is subsequently arrested.
However, before he is arrested for interrogation, he meets a young psychologist trying to figure out what happened. She believes him and helps him flee from the Norwegian and American authorities. While hiding, he discovers who or what he is.
5. Outlaw: The Saga of Gisli
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This movie is the Icelandic film adaptation of the Gísla saga. The story follows a blood feud set in 10th century Iceland.
Starring Tinna Gunnlaugsdóttir, Arnar Jónsson and Kristján Jóhann Jónsson the movie portrays very gore and scenic incidents that resemble horror in some ways.
The movie is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
6. Valhalla Rising (2009)
One of the best mythology movies, Valhalla Rising, is an English-language Danish period adventure film.
Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Maarten Stevenson and Alexander Morton, it takes place around the year 1096 AD and follows a Norse warrior named One-Eye and a boy.
As they with a band of Christian Crusaders by ship in the hopes of finding the Holy Land, they find themselves in an unknown land where unseen forces and dark visions assail them.
It is available to stream on Prime Video.
7. Erik The Viking (1989)
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This British comedy-fantasy film encapsulates a Viking with a conscience named Erik who gets tired of pillaging and decides to set out on a quest.
When the wise Freya informs Erik that a great mythic wolf has eaten the sun, the Warrior decides to go to Asgard, the Norse gods’ home, to fix things.
However, before he can reach Asgard, he and his allies must first find a magical horn that resides in the land of King Arnulf.
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
8. Berserker: Hell’s Warrior (2004)
Berserker: Hell’s Warrior, also known as Berserker, is a fantasy-action-horror film based on Norse mythology.
Craig Sheffer, Kari Wuhrer, and Patrick Bergin, Starring Paul Johansson, follows a warlord’s son who is cursed to be reborn lifetime after lifetime and fated to love and lose until the curse is lifted. It highlights Odin, the Norse mythology god.
The movie is available to stream on Prime Video. Regardless of how new you are to Norse mythology, these movies are a good watch.
9. The Mask (1994)
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This American superhero comedy film has the perfect mix of mythology with fantasy. This movie is based on the Mask comics published by Dark Horse Comics.
The movie stars Jim Carrey, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, and Cameron Diaz. The story follows a timid bank clerk, Stanley Ipkiss, as he discovers a mask that depicts Loki, the Norse god of mischief.
However, he is too gentle and cannot handle confrontations and shrinks into himself. As and when he puts it on, he becomes his true inner self, a wild cartoon man. Following the incident, after which his alter ego kills a close friend of a crime boss, it is the fight for life.
It is one of the best mythological movies available on Netflix, Prime Video, and is a great watch if you are just getting into Norse mythology.
10. The White Viking (1991)
The White Viking, also known as Embla is a 1991 film set in Norway and Iceland during the reign of Olaf I of Norway. The film follows the real-life incidents that took place.
The White Viking is the third film in the Raven Trilogy (also known as the Viking Trilogy), and it consists of three ‘Viking’ films: When the Raven Flies (1984), In The Shadow of the Raven (1987) and Embla (2007).
The movie is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
11. Valhalla (2019)
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Valhalla is a 2019 Norwegian historical drama film directed by Eva Sørhaug. The film stars Andrea Berntzen as Erika, a young woman who joins the resistance movement during World War II. While the film is set in Norway, it was actually shot in Bulgaria.
The film follows Erika as she joins the resistance and quickly finds herself in over her head. She’s tasked with carrying out a dangerous mission, and as the stakes increase, she begins to question whether she’s really up for the task.
Valhalla is an exciting and edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you’re looking for a film that’s both entertaining and educational, this is the one for you.
12. Northmen (2014)
A Viking Saga is a 2014 action adventure film directed by Claudio Fäh and starring Tom Hopper, Ken Duken and Ryan Kwanten. The film follows a group of Viking warriors who are stranded in Scotland after their ship is sunk in a storm.
In order to return home, they must brave the dangerous Highland terrain and outwit the deadly Scottish clans who are hunting them. Northmen is a fun and action-packed film that is sure to please fans of Viking lore.
The cast is great and the scenery is beautiful. If you’re looking for a fun historical adventure, be sure to check out Northmen.
13. Trollhunter (2011)
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Trollhunter is a 2011 Norwegian dark fantasy film about a group of students who investigate a series of strange bear killings, only to discover that the culprit is a troll hunter. The movie was directed by André Øvredal and stars Otto Jespersen as the titular troll hunter.
Trollhunter was well-received by critics and audiences alike, with many praising its clever use of trolls as both metaphor and allegory. The film was also nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. If you’re looking for a fun and unique movie experience, be sure to check out Trollhunter.
14. Outlander (2009)
Outlander is a 2009 science fiction thriller directed by Howard McCain. The film stars Jim Caviezel as Kainan, a man from another planet who crash-lands on Earth and finds himself in the middle of a battle between the human race and an alien species known as the Moorwen. Kainan must band together with the humans in order to stop the Moorwen from taking over the planet.
Although Outlander is not without its flaws, it is an enjoyable popcorn flick that is sure to entertain science fiction fans. The film’s impressive visual effects and exciting action sequences make it well worth checking out.
15. The Last King (2016)
The Last King is a 2016 Norwegian historical action movie directed by Nils Gaup. The movie is based on the true story of the escape of King Haakon VII of Norway and his family to the United Kingdom in 1940 during the Second World War.
The movie follows the events of the Norwegian Campaign, in which Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Norway. The Last King was a box office success in Norway, grossing over $8 million. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its direction, acting, and cinematography.
Conclusion
Although not all of these films may be accurate portrayals of Norse mythology, they are all enjoyable movies to watch. If you’re looking for a good film to watch that is based on Norse mythology, any of these fifteen would fit the bill nicely. Have you seen any of these movies? What did you think about them?
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