The year 2022 saw the release of The Northman, on the heels of 2021's The Green Knight and The Last Duel, which are the epitome of The Middle Ages epoch. The Middle Ages - roughly defined as the period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the Renaissance (via History) - are often mislabeled as "the Dark Ages." In fact, the medieval world was rich with cultural, scientific, and artistic development, as evidenced by the wealth of movies that took place during the period.
Fans over at Letterboxd took to the polls to weigh in on the all-time best films set in the Middle Ages. These films, ranked by Letterboxd rating, were the most mentioned by fans when submitting their rankings for the "Long Ships" showdown. They represent classic Hollywood, international films, satirical comedies, and recent epics.
Kingdom Of Heaven (2005) - 3.4
Ridley Scott's 2005 epic Kingdom of Heaven is loosely based on the life of Balian of Ibelin, a 12th century French crusader. The film takes great liberties with the life of its subject, and its theatrical cut received mixed reviews, but a 2006 extended director's cut saw critical acclaim.
While its historical accuracy is a subject of fierce debate, with some scholars arguing that it conforms to dangerous Orientalist stereotypes about the Middle East, Kingdom of Heaven's greatest strength is its philosophical core. Balian faces a moral crossroads, forced to choose between a peace achieved through an act of violence and sticking to his ethical idealism. The result is a moving - if sometimes problematic - exploration of the ethics of crusading.
The Green Knight (2021) - 3.7
In his adaptation of the finest chivalric poem of the Middle Ages, director David Lowery crafts a surreal, dreamlike experience. The Green Knight translates the astonishing language of its source material into exquisite visual poetry. Familiar faces and symbols - King Arthur, Excalibur, Morgan le Fay, and the eager young Gawain - are re-imagined with postmodern creativity.
While The Green Knight's rendering of medieval society remains intentionally abstract, the film beautifully realizes the tension present in much of the period's literature. Gawain is an avatar of the unending quest for honor - complete with all the hypocrisies that come with such a quest.
The Last Duel (2021) - 3.7
Ridley Scott revisited the Middle Ages for his 2021 film The Last Duel, which explored relevant themes of misogyny and sexual agency. Based on Eric Jager's book and real historical events, the film culminates in one of the last trials by combat authorized in France. Drawing inspiration from the classic Akira Kurosawa film Rashomon, The Last Duel relates its tale in three separate chapters, each from the perspective of a different player in the central conflict.
Though The Last Duel saw disappointing box office returns (via Box Office Mojo), critics and audiences largely praised the film. Scott's direction and the screenplay by Nicole Holofcener, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck were particularly lauded.
Army Of Darkness (1992) - 3.7
The third installment in the Evil Dead franchise, Army of Darkness completely changes genres from its predecessors. Accidentally transported and trapped in the Middle Ages (a la A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court), hero Ash fights Deadites while navigating medieval politics.
Brilliantly satirizing both the time period and the earlier Evil Dead films, Army of Darkness is a whirlwind adventure that's become a cult classic. It's simultaneously a top-notch zombie horror and a hilarious send-up of the Arthurian legend.
Braveheart (1995) - 3.8
Mel Gibson's epic dramatization of William Wallace's life plays so fast and loose with Scottish history that it's considered one of the most historically inaccurate movies ever made. But fans don't flock to Braveheart for its historical accuracy. Braveheart is highly regarded for its strong performances by Gibson and the supporting cast, the high production value, and stunning combat sequences.
Meanwhile, the Academy Award-winning film presented such a breathtaking vision of medieval Scotland that the country experienced a huge boost in tourism after its release (via Herald Scotland).
The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1938) - 3.8
Based on the mostly 14th century legends of the outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor, 1938's The Adventures of Robin Hood remains a supremely rewatchable Old Hollywood movie. Errol Flynn became synonymous with Robin of Locksley for his performance in this swashbuckling delight.
Audiences can see the influence of The Adventures of Robin Hood in everything from Robin Hood: Men in Tights to the lightsaber battle choreography in Star Wars. Eighty-four years later, the film boasts a 100% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Princess Bride (1987) - 4.1
Beloved by generations of viewers, Rob Reiner's The Princess Bride is one of the best fantasy movies with a PG rating. While teeming with anachronisms and modern comedic deliveries, it's a delightful homage to swashbuckling adventure films of the early 20th century.
The Princess Bride's medieval setting may be an imaginary country, yet it presents a comprehensive snapshot of a society. Class struggles, early social mobility, strategic warfare, piracy, and superstition all play a part in the story's unfolding.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975) - 4.1
British comedy troupe Monty Python's medieval lampoon somehow manages to be one of the best film adaptations of the Arthurian legend. From migrating coconuts to the Knights who say "Ni," Monty Python and the Holy Grail delivers near-constant laughs with the troupe's trademark absurdism.
The film satirizes the Middle Ages (and the contemporary academic study of the period) with crackling specificity, much of which it owes to co-director and troupe member Sir Terry Jones. The late Jones, in addition to earning fame as a comedian, actor, writer, and director, was an esteemed medieval historian. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is consistently ranked among the best and most rewatchable comedy films of all time.
The Seventh Seal (1957) - 4.3
In the 14th century, the Black Death took the lives of hundreds of millions across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. From the collective experience sprang significant works of art, like Boccaccio's The Decameron. In 1957, noted Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman made his portrait of the Black Death in The Seventh Seal. Dealing more in allegory than strict historical accuracy, the film nonetheless portrays the despair and hope that arose from the Black Death.
Widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, The Seventh Seal follows a knight, returning to a plague-ravaged country from the Crusades, who challenges Death to a game of chess. Homages to the chess game pop up all over culture, from The Muppets to the Bill & Ted movies.
The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928) - 4.4
Carl Theodor Dreyer's The Passion of Joan of Arc looms large in the development of cinema. The 1928 silent film, based on the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, features a spellbinding performance by Falconetti. The Passion of Joan of Arc broke ground with its pioneering use of close-ups; the technique influenced many contemporary filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino in Inglourious Basterds.
A portrait of a dark period in medieval history, the film aimed for historical accuracy in its presentation of Joan's final days. With its lasting influence, The Passion of Joan of Arc is a fitting tribute to the French cultural icon.