20 films and series about Vikings: part 2

Scandinavians have not always been tolerant, white and fluffy after barbershops. In the 8th and 11th centuries, the ancestors of Swedes, Norwegians, and Danes made sea raids on European coasts, reaching North America and Africa on drakes. The adventures of the bloodthirsty followers of Odin and Thor are a good choice for fans of brutal cinema. In addition to the best Viking movies and TV series of recent years, the selection includes lesser-known films for fans who don’t want to miss anything to make sure they get to Valhalla.

Vikings (TV series, 2013 – 2020)

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The highest-rated foreign series of its kind has been in the top of Viking movies since its first year of release. Thanks to the project, millions of people around the world began to understand the Jarls and berserkers, and were imbued with the romance of long rowing in salty sea spray and battles for the glory of Odin. In the epic of Ragnar Lothbrok, the sixth and final season of the cult series featured a friend of Ivar, the son of the konung, Prophetic Oleg, a legend of Ancient Russia.

Hammer of the Gods (2013)

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A tough British action movie where all the characters are bathed in blood. The enemy is closing in on the Viking army, and during the battle, the king is mortally wounded. Foreseeing the end, he asks the most fearless of his three sons to find his firstborn son, whom he had banished many years ago. The young warrior and his wife set out on an extreme medieval journey to find their older brother.

Vikingdom (2013)

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The god Thor descends to earth to punish humanity for betraying the pagan faith. Who can resist a deity with a hammer, dice on his stomach and red hair? The mission is entrusted to Eric the Bloody, who would like to forget his past, but he is not allowed to – the hero must pick up the sword again and assemble a fighting team. The Viking action adventure movie cannot be classified as a historical film; it is a low-budget fantasy without pretense from a Malaysian director.

Escape (2012)

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In films about the Vikings and the Middle Ages, women are portrayed as brave warriors who are as good as men in martial arts. The 19-year-old Signe, the heroine of this action-adventure film, is also skilled with a spear and crossbow. After her family is killed by bandits, she is captured by them, but escapes with the daughter of Dagmar, the leader of the gang. The mother and her accomplices give chase after them. The film takes place in Norway after the bubonic plague epidemic in 1363.

Vicky and the Treasure of the Gods (2011)

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The protagonist of the German comedy movie about Vikings could win any redhead contest. Moreover, Vicky has a golden head in every sense – the descendant of warlike sailors solves life’s problems with the help of reason, not brute force. After the kidnapping of Halvar, the head of the clan, the tribesmen hand over power to the heir apparent. A teenager wearing a helmet with horns and a team of men sets out to find his missing father. At the same time, the chief’s son sets out to find Thor’s hammer.

Valhalla Rising (2009)

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The list of the best Viking movies continues with a mystical brutal movie in an original style called hallucinogenic by the author himself. The hero of the film, one-eyed like the god Odin, breaks out of captivity and joins the Vikings sailing to Jerusalem in the year 1000. Due to a storm, the ship changes course and ends up in North America. The story was invented by a Danish director when he heard that scientists could not explain the discovery of ancient runes in the United States.

1066: The Battle for Middle Earth (2009)

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British mini-series about dramatic events involving the English, Vikings and Normans. In 1066, King Edward the Confessor dies, and the throne passes to Harold II, which is not accepted by foreign claimants to the crown. William and Harald the Cruel attack England from two sides, landing in the north and south. In the historical series, the bloody war for the succession to the throne is shown from different angles – and on behalf of those on whom the wheel of history has passed from below.

Outlander (2008)

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The fantasy action movie tells the story of a lonely alien beast’s revenge for the extermination of his kind. The year is 709, and a spaceship crashes on Norwegian soil. The celestial traveler, dressed in iron clothes, is shackled by the Normans. The prisoner still manages to explain to the local boys that the danger comes from another alien, a dragon-like murven. Among the films about Vikings and barbarians, this one is notable for the fact that it was the first time that Old Norse was heard in a movie.

Beowulf (2007)

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In the days of the Vikings and trolls, a noisy feast could be triggered not by the arrival of the police, but by a visit from a monster. That’s what happened at King Hrothgar’s feast, when music and noise woke up the fierce Grendel. The monster appeared at the party and killed many guests, after which he disappeared to his mother, the water demon. The Danish king set a reward of half his gold for the elimination of the ignorant man. This call was answered by Beowulf, who arrived with the getom on a ship. Robert Zemeckis’s fantasy is a free adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon epic, filmed using motion capture and 3D technology.

The Golden Horns (2007)

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The battle of the gods and giants is brought to earth, to modern Copenhagen. Warring factions are hunting for the Golden Horns, which are on display at the National Museum. Children from the family of a museum employee join the fight on the side of Thor and company. Among the Viking movies that are interesting for children, the Danish comedy can be recommended as a family movie to get acquainted with Scandinavian mythology.

Read more:

• 20 films and series about Vikings: part 1