There are a lot of Viking movies out there. In fact, you could probably spend weeks or even months watching nothing but Viking movies and still not see them all. With that in mind, we wanted to take a look at the 11 best Viking movies of all time, ranked. From action-packed epics to hilarious comedies, these films will take you on an exciting journey into the world of Norse mythology and legend.
So put on your horned helmet and get ready for some serious Norse adventure!
Also See: 15 Best Norse Mythology Movies [Ranked]
1. The Vikings (1958)
The Vikings is a 1958 historical drama film directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, and Ernest Borgnine. The film is based on the last years of the Viking king Ragnar Lodbrok and his invasion of England in the 9th century.
The film was shot in Technicolor on locations in Norway, the United Kingdom, and Italy. The Vikings was one of the most expensive films made in the 1950s, with a production budget of $6 million. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $11 million at the worldwide box office.
This Vikings was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Kirk Douglas), Best Supporting Actor (Tony Curtis), and Best Cinematography (Jack Cardiff).
2. Valhalla Rising (2009)
Valhalla Rising is a 2009 film which is directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. The film stars Mads Mikkelsen as One-Eye, a mute warrior who is being held captive by a group of Christian crusaders. One-Eye eventually escapes and begins to explore the world beyond his captors.
He soon discovers that he has supernatural abilities and must use them to fight against the forces of evil. Valhalla Rising is a visually stunning film that features some truly harrowing action sequences.
Mikkelsen gives a great performance as the brooding One-Eye, and the film’s supporting cast is also excellent. If you’re looking for an exciting and original film, then be sure to check out Valhalla Rising.
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3. Thor (2011)
Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character and the film was directed by Kenneth Branagh, written by Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz, and stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor.
The film tells the story of Thor, the crown prince of Asgard, who is banished to Earth and stripped of his powers after he defiantly attempts to stop the god of war, Loki, from starting a global conflict. As his hammer Mjolnir is destroyed, Thor must learn what it takes to become a true hero before it’s too late.
Along the way, he juggles his responsibilities as both prince and god with his burgeoning romance with Natalie Portman’s character, Jane Foster. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $449 million worldwide. It received praise for its direction, acting, visuals, and action sequences. A sequel, Thor: The Dark World, was released on November 8, 2013.
4. Beowulf (2007)
Beowulf is a 2007 American animated adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary, and based on the Old English epic poem of the same name.
The film features the voices of Ray Winstone as the titular hero, Crispin Glover as Grendel, Anthony Hopkins as Hrothgar, Brendan Gleeson as Wiglaf, and Angelina Jolie as Grendel’s mother. The film was released in the United States on November 16, 2007. Upon its release, Beowulf received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $196 million on a $150 million budget.
It was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 80th Academy Awards but lost to The Golden Compass. A direct-to-video sequel titled Beowulf & Grendel: An IMAX 3D Adventure was released on April 11, 2006.
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5. The 13th Warrior (1999)
The 13th Warrior is a 1999 action film starring Antonio Banderas as Ahmad ibn Fadlan, aBerber ambassador from Baghdad who is recruited by the king of theVolga Bulgars to help defend his kingdom against the terror of the Northman.
The film is based on Michael Crichton’s novel Eaters of the Dead and was directed by John McTiernan. It also stars Diane Venora, Dennis Storhøi, and Omar Sharif. The 13th Warrior was released on August 27, 1999, in 2,500 theaters and grossed $32 million in its opening weekend.
It went on to gross over $61 million domestically and $160 million worldwide. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and was nominated for four Academy Awards.
6. How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
How to Train Your Dragon is a 2010 American computer-animated action fantasy film directed by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures, partly based on the 2003 book of the same name by British author Cressida Cowell. The film was directed by Christopher No programm and stars the voices of Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, and Justin Rupple.
The plot is set in a mythical Viking world, where a young Viking teen named Hiccup aspires to become a dragon slayer, as is his tribe’s tradition. After finally capturing one, he realizes that he no longer wants to kill it and instead befriends it. The film was released on March 26, 2010, and became a critical and commercial success grossing nearly $500 million worldwide on its $165 million budget.
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7. The Long Ships (1964)
The Long Ships is a 1964 movie that tells the story of the Viking ship Ormen Lange and her crew as they travel to Constantinople in search of treasure. The movie stars Richard Widmark as Rolfe, the captain of the Ormen Lange, and Sidney Poitier as Ay Addin, a Moorish slave who joins the crew. The movie was directed by Jack Cardiff and features an Oscar-nominated score by Dimitri Tiomkin.
The Long Ships was a box office hit, grossing over $5 million in its theatrical release. It received mixed reviews from critics, but audiences enjoyed its exciting adventure story and beautiful cinematography. If you’re looking for a fun, action-packed movie to watch, then be sure to check out The Long Ships.
8. Outlander (2008)
Outlander is a 2008 action-adventure film directed by Howard McCain and starring James Caviezel and Sophia Myles. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Diana Gabaldon. Outlander tells the story of an ancient war between two rival clans, the Highlander and the Picts.
When the Picts’ leader is killed in battle, his daughter, warrior queen Anta (Sophia Myles), sets out to avenge his death. She is joined by her lover, Highland chieftain James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (James Caviezel). Together, they must put aside their differences and fight side-by-side against their common enemy. Outlander is an action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
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9. The Last King (2016)
The Last King is a 2016 action movie starring Daniel Radcliffe and directed by Alex Proyas. The movie is set in the year 2055, after a nuclear war has devastated the world. Radcliffe plays a characterization of the last king of England, who must survive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland with his loyal knights.
The Last King is an entertaining and captivating movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The action sequences are well choreographed and shot, and the acting is top-notch. If you’re looking for a fun and thrilling ride, be sure to check out The Last King.
10. Erik The Viking (1989)
Erik The Viking (1989) is a movie that should be on every person’s must-watch list. It stars Tim Robbins as the title character, Erik, who goes on a quest to save his village from the tyrannical rule of despotic leader, King Arnulf. Arnulf has outlawed laughter and forced his people to live in fear. But Erik won’t stand for it anymore. He sets out with a group of fellow vikings to find the fabled land of Valhalla, where they hope to enlist the help of the gods in defeating Arnulf.
Along the way, they face many challenges, including an encounter with a giant sea serpent. But ultimately they succeed in their quest and return to Erik’s village triumphantly. Erik The Viking is a rollicking adventure story that is sure to please viewers of all ages.
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11. Erik The Conqueror (1961)
Erik The Conqueror is a 1961 film directed by Mario Bava. The film is set in the 9th century, and tells the story of two Viking princes who are feuding over the throne of their kingdom. one of the princes, Erik, is exiled, and sets sail for America, where he becomes a powerful warlord.
After years of fighting, Erik finally returns to his homeland, where he plans to take revenge on his brother and claim the throne. Erik The Conqueror is an epic film that features stunning visuals and exciting action sequences. It is considered one of Bava’s most influential films, and helped to launch the career of its star, Jean-Louis Trintignant.
Conclusion
That’s it for our list of the 11 best Viking movies of all time. Did your favorite make the cut? Are you excited to check out some of these new-to-you titles? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share with your friends who love all things Norse. Thanks for reading!
