Many film-loving history buffs consider the Middle Ages to be an underutilized setting when it comes to cinema. The nearly 1,000 years that constitute this time period were full of epic battles, regicide, and religious and spiritual turmoil; all things that would provide great material for writers to adapt to film.

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However, there have been filmmakers who have taken advantage of the creative opportunities offered by the medieval period and produced impressive movies as a result. Whether you’re looking for a fun rom-com, a historical epic, or an animated classic, the medieval genre has something for everyone.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

King Arthur and Co on their Quest Monty Python

Few comedies have withstood the test of time quite like Monty Python and the Holy Grail, directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. The beloved film is a comical portrayal of King Arthur’s journey throughout medieval England to recruit knights for his Round Table.

It’s far from an accurate depiction of the Middle Ages, but the juxtaposition between Arthurian legend and Monty Python's irreverent humor is part of what makes the film so great. The most famous and frequently referenced of the troupe's films, Holy Grail introduced the rest of the world to deadpan British humor, and the effect it had on comedy can still be felt to this day.

Rashomon (1950)

Two characters in Rashomon
Image Via Daiei Film

Iconic director Akira Kurosawa's film Rashomon portrays four individuals’ contradictory accounts of the murder of a local samurai (Masayuki Mori). Based on the 1912 book of the same name, Rashomon and its unique story structure have inspired several films in the 70 years since its release, the most recent including Ridley Scott’s 2021 film, The Last Duel.

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While many medieval films are set in western Europe, Rashomon gives audiences a look at 8th century Japan. Some viewers even consider it to be an allegory about the history and future of Japan itself.

A Knight's Tale (2001)

Heath Ledger on a horse in A Knight's Tale
Image Via Columbia Pictures

A Knight’s Tale, directed by Brian Helgeland, is by no means a historical epic. Instead, it’s an exciting, funny, and romantic sports movie that happens to be set in medieval Europe. A rocking soundtrack, colorful hair dye, a play on the famous Nike Swoosh, and other anachronisms set this film apart from others that take place in the Middle Ages.

The story revolves around a poor squire named William Thatcher (Heath Ledger) who discovers he is very skilled at jousting. However, it is illegal for anyone who is not a nobleman to participate in jousting tournaments, so William, with the help of his friends, creates the persona of Sir Ulrich and continues to advance in the competitions. A Knight’s Tale is an examination of what life might’ve been like for those living in the Middle Ages, yet it's presented in a fun way that makes it easier for modern audiences to connect with.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Errol Flynn as Robin Hood

It’s just one of countless films about Sir Robin of Locksley, yet The Adventures of Robin Hood continues to be the definitive adaptation over 80 years after its release. Directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, the film stars Errol Flynn as the legendary Robin Hood and Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian in a thrilling, fun adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

The film is visually exciting as well, with the set and costumes designed to take full advantage of the three-color Technicolor process. The film influenced the storyline of nearly every Robin Hood production that followed it, and many fans believe no adaptation will ever live up to The Adventures of Robin Hood.

The Court Jester (1955)

Danny Kaye as Giacomo The Court Jester

Melvin Frank and Norman Panama's The Court Jester is a musical comedy, a rarity when it comes to films set in the Middle Ages. The film centers around carnival performer Hubert Hawkins (Danny Kaye) who disguises himself as the jester Giacomo in order to become a member of the evil King Roderick’s (Cecil Parker) court and begin the process of restoring the rightful heir, who is just a baby, to the throne.

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The Court Jester isn't the most historically accurate movie, but it’s highly unlikely that any viewer was hoping to get a history lesson out of the film. It exists purely to make audiences laugh.

The Lion in Winter (1968)

Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II look at each other in The Lion in Winter

In Anthony Harvey’s Oscar-winning historical drama, The Lion in Winter, King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) has reached the time in his life when he must choose an heir. All three of his sons would like to become the future king, but Henry doesn’t think any of them are fit to succeed the throne.

He’s leaning toward his youngest, John (John Castle), but Henry’s wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn), whom he has temporarily released from prison, would prefer to see the eldest, Richard (Anthony Hopkins), become king. The film is an excellent depiction of a feuding royal family, complete with snarky quips and underhanded inheritance schemes. Although it’s largely a drama, it has many comedic elements as well. That is part of what made it a commercial success when it was released, and why it continues to entertain audiences today.

The Seventh Seal (1957)

Death in the Seventh Seal

Many consider The Seventh Seal to be Ingmar Bergman’s best work. Set in Sweden during the Black Plague, the film is an existential drama that centers around a returning crusader (Max von Sydow) as he comes to terms with the imminence of death.

He meets and challenges Death (Bengt Ekerot) himself to a game of chess, intending to postpone his approaching demise and to see if winning will be enough to save his life. The overall feel of The Seventh Seal is dark and hopeless, yet there are some small moments of happiness that manage to shine through. The themes of the film remind audiences that their isolating thoughts about life and morality have been continuously felt by humans throughout history.

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Sword in the stone (2)

Disney’s The Sword in the Stone, directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, is an animated adventure that tells the story of Arthur (Rickie Sorensen, Richard Reitherman, and Robert Reitherman), also known as Wart, and his time as a young boy before he becomes king. Arthur befriends an old wizard named Merlin (Karl Swenson) who takes him under his wing and teaches him about work, magic, and how the world operates.

Arthur dreams of one day being a squire, but Merlin knows that bigger things are in store for him and that someday he will pull the titular sword from the stone. The Sword in the Stone is a funny, family-friendly film that has a light-hearted take on the legend of King Arthur. For many viewers, it is the sense of nostalgia the film generates that makes it such a great film.

Die Nibelungen (1924)

Kriemhild in Die Nibelungen

Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen is not for everyone, as it is a two-part silent film that is altogether over five hours long. However, if you’re interested in fantasy epics about a dragon whose blood turns people invincible, a battle against an evil, invisible dwarf, and a wife who vows to avenge her murdered husband no matter the cost, then Die Nibelungen is definitely worth finding the time to watch.

Part one, Die Nibelungen: Siegfried, introduces audiences to Siegfried (Paul Richter), a bladesmith who battles his way to greatness and wins the heart of Kriemhild (Margarete Schön), the princess of Burgundy. Shortly after they are wed, he is killed by a traitor, prompting part two, Die Nibelungen: Kriemhild’s Revenge. In this finale of the series, Kriemhild dedicates the rest of her life to exacting revenge on the man who killed her husband, setting castles ablaze and killing several people in the process.

The Name of the Rose (1986)

Sean Conner and Christian Slater as William of Baskerville and Adso of Melk talking in The name of the Rose (2)

Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, The Name of the Rose tells the story of two Franciscan monks trying to solve a series of murders that are taking place in a monastery. Sean Connery stars as William of Baskerville, and a young Christian Slater, now known for his roles on Inside Job and Mr. Robot, as his apprentice, Adso of Melk.This whodunit film is based on the novel written by renowned medievalist Umberto Eco, and while many claim the movie does not do the book justice, others laud it as a one-of-a-kind, entertaining, and meaningful story in its own right.

Thematically, The Name of the Rose explores the dangers of religious extremism and the power of knowledge, but even if you’re not looking to get into the heavy stuff and just want a fun, unique mystery, this film is worth the watch.

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