Starz's Outlander is one of the most popular TV shows of the past decade. Based on the book series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon, the series follows a 20th Century woman who unknowingly passes through some magical stones and finds herself in 18th-century Scotland, where she would eventually find the love of her life.
Originally set in Scotland during the build up to the Battle of Culloden, the series eventually moved to the United States, showing the eponymous heroes live through another major event in history, the War of Independence. In addition to the time traveling aspect, the different settings and historical events may lead viewers to watch movies based around similar concepts.
The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009): 39%
In a similar manner to Outlander, though without the doomed Scottish rebellion playing in the background, The Time Traveler's Wife is a romance movie based around a librarian from Chicago who randomly travels through time while trying to form a romantic relationship with his future wife.
Based on the book of the same name, The Time Traveler's Wife stars Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana in the lead roles, with many praising their chemistry as one of the best elements of the movie.
Outlaw King (2018): 61%
Netflix's Outlaw King focuses on the legendary Scottish King, Robert the Bruce, following the monarch as he launched a guerrilla war against the invading English army. Based on true events, the film follows Robert the Bruce as he leads a revolt against the English that would have an impact on the future United Kingdom.
While the film has its own historical inaccuracies, it still remains far more accurate than Braveheart, which acts as the spiritual prequel to this movie.
The Patriot (2000): 61%
Similar to how the latter seasons of Outlander focussed on the American Wars of Independence, the Patriot also focussed on the break out of rebellion against the Crown in the United States. The film follows Mel Gibson's character as he finds himself drawn into the rebellion after a series of tragic events.
Despite trying to emulate the spirit of Braveheart, the film didn't live up to Mel Gibson's 1995 movie. That being said, the film did feature strong performances from Gibson, Heath Ledger, Tom Wilkinson, and Jason Isaacs.
About Time (2013): 68%
The first of two time-traveling romance movies to star Rachel McAdams, About Time is a romantic comedy that follows Domhall Gleeson's character as he tries to change his past in order to improve his future after a time travel accident changes reality so he never met his wife.
Written by Richard Curtis, as well as starring Gleeson and McAdams, the film also stars Bill Nighy and Margot Robbie. While the film is often criticized for being too sweet, it certainly balances out these moments with some subtle comedy.
Highlander (1986): 69%
Highlander follows Connor MacLeod as he realizes that he is part of an ancient, immortal species that has lived among humans for centuries. After reviving from death, his villages exile him from their village, then he would go on to meet another of his species.
The film has a mixed reputation, with some hating the film for its campy, over the top style and loved by others for those exact reasons. It's certainly worth watching for fans of Outlander!
Rob Roy (1995): 73%
1995's Rob Roy follows the true story of the titular Rob Roy's battle with a nobleman in 18th Century Scotland. While the film may have been slightly overshadowed by Braveheart, the film is an incredibly well filmed and performed movie that even ties into the same century as Outlander.
The film has an all-star cast, including Liam Neeson as the titular Rob Roy, Brian Cox, Tim Roth, and Jessica Lange. Tim Roth also picked up an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Brave (2012): 78%
Despite being set hundreds of years before the events of Outlander, Brave still does well to capture the majesty of Scotland, despite being an animation. Further, the film also explores the idea of the Scottish Clans, which is still important even in the time of Outlander.
Pixar's Brave follows a Scottish princess named Merida as her refusal to marry leads her on a very personal adventure that deepens the bond between her mother and herself.
Braveheart (1995): 78%
Naturally, it would be impossible to write this list without including Braveheart. The film is one of the most iconic of all time, following the Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace as he led a rebellion against the unfair and oppressive English rule over Scotland (although Braveheart did play fast and loose with historical accuracy).
Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, the film was nominated for 10 awards at the 68th Academy Awards, with the film going on to win 5, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The Favourite (2018): 93%
While not strictly related to Outlander in the clearest ways that others are on this list, The Favourite is still required viewing for almost any fans of historical fiction. The film follows the court of Queen Anne, detailing the love triangle that develops between the Queen and two of her closest servants.
The film was a critical and commercial success, with Olivia Colman even taking home the best Actress Award for The Favourite at the Academy Awards.
Culloden (1964): 100%
The Battle of Culloden will certainly resonate with fans of Outlander, as the infamous battle formed much of the plot surrounding the first two seasons of the science fiction romance series. However, a TV movie from 1964 is often considered to be one of the best movies to explore the battle.
The TV movie is often considered to be one of the best British TV-movies of all time, with the film picking up numerous awards upon its release. Further, the movie also chooses to explore the battle in a unique manner, using the style of war reporting that was familiar at the time to frame the retelling.