The medieval period was a fascinating time in history, full of tales of swords and sorcery, battles and bravery, classic love stories and epic battles. Movies set in this age of castles and catapults have been enthralling us for decades, providing us with stories of adventure, romance and drama. From thrilling action to touching romance, these films give us a glimpse of a different world and an exciting past. In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best medieval movies that really got it right.
Braveheart: A Historie Epic
This classic from 1995 has everything a medieval movie should have. Directed and starring Mel Gibson, Braveheart tells the story of Scottish resistance leader William Wallace against English occupation. Wallace rallies the Scots to rise up against their invaders, culminating in a bloody, but ultimately victorious, battle of Stirling Bridge. The beautiful cinematography captures the struggle for freedom and the characters’ raw emotions throughout the battle scenes. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and it’s easy to see why.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Grandeur and Adventure
This epic trilogy of films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels also features a medieval-like setting. The Lord of the Rings tells the story of the Fellowship of the Ring, a group of heroes united to save Middle Earth from the forces of evil. The trilogy is full of grand battles, breathtaking landscapes, magical creatures and epic quest scenes, all of which were brilliantly brought to life in the movies. The sweeping music and stunning imagery bring the tales to life, transporting viewers to the world of Middle Earth and making the movies incredibly immersive.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Comedy Gold
This classic comedy from 1975 is sure to make anyone laugh. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a hilarious parody of the medieval period, with its wacky characters, over-the-top humor and zany plot progression. The movie follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they search for the Holy Grail, and it’s full of hilarious scenes and gags from start to finish. The movie is a masterclass of physical comedy, combining slapstick and satire to amazingly funny effect.
The Several Adventures of Robin Hood: Classic Adventure
Released in 1938, The Adventures of Robin Hood is a classic adventure film chock full of swashbuckling action and thrilling set pieces. The movie follows Robin of Loxley, an outlaw of Sherwood Forest who steals from the rich to help the poor. The cast, which includes such luminaries as Errol Flynn and Claude Rains, among others, give incredible performances, while the music and fight scenes are incredibly entertaining. Despite being over 80 years old, the movie holds up incredibly, retaining its charm and excitement.
The 13th Warrior: Epic Action
The 13th Warrior, directed by John McTiernan, is an action-packed movie set in the fictional kingdom of Herot. The movie follows the daring adventures of a band of warriors who must fight to save their kingdom from an evil force. The film is full of intense battle scenes, compelling visual effects and epic fight choreography. Antonio Banderas gives a stellar performance as the lead protagonist, and the movie is a thrilling adventure all the way through.
Game of Thrones: Dark Fantasy at Its Finest
Based on George R.R.
Martin’s popular novels, Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy series set in the mythical kingdom of Westeros. The series follows the lives of several powerful families as they struggle for power, and the show is full of intense drama, intrigue and, of course, lots of spectacular fight scenes. The show was undoubtedly one of the best examples of medieval fantasy ever put to the screen, and it was a staple of pop culture for its entire run.
From thrilling romantic epics to sidesplitting comedies, these movies all demonstrate the success that can be achieved when filmmakers truly understand the medieval period. Whether it’s the discovery of romance, the search for adventure or the joy of laughter, these movies have served as both entertainment and insight into a fascinating era. So, if you’re looking for an exciting escape to a distant realm, these are some of the best medieval movies that got it all right.
