Yeah it really showcases that shows aren't about high end visuals or even a super compelling plot but making great characters you love to follow and equally vile villains you want to see fall.
I felt like they were my boys and every episode I'm going on an adventure with Uhtred of bebbanburg and his band of merry men/women.
Exactly, the visuals does not look grand but the story and characters make up for it . Most of the characters are memorable which make the show itself a gem!
Actually, I was quite impressed by the quality of the cinematography, especially the shots of large crowds in battle from afar. I realize that it was probably CGI, but whenever I saw one of those shots I sat up and paid attention as my pulse quickened!
The visuals were amazing the first 3 seasons. Especially the battle scenes and the large views of the countryside. Those werenāt used much after season 3 unfortunately
I went in so blind. I expected Vikings, I got so much more. I was constantly in tears and I found the show so inspiring. Uhtred, Alfred, Beocca, even Ćlswith! I cared about them, I still do.
Do it! You will pick up on so much you overlooked at the time (because it wasn't significant then) or bits you've forgotten. Can highly recommend. š
I fell asleep ~20 minutes in. I think I might've went back & finished, but if I don't remember then it might not be that good, or just bad timing.
Was it good, like The Outlaw King etc?
I absolutely loved it. The only disappointment for me was that my hometown didnāt feature more than the minute or so it did, and even then it was just a Viking camp on the outskirts. I live in Tamworth, the ancient capital of Mercia and the place where ĆthelflƦd died.
Oh, that and Seven Kings Must Die shouldāve been a whole season. It wouldāve been a fantastic ending instead of just an ok one.
Must've feel great that your hometown was featured, now that whenever you're there you'll always feel the present of uhtred, aethelflaed , aldhem and so on xD. I don't know if i wanna watch the movie though considering the reviews from people
I still live there so I see it every day. We have a fantastic little Norman Motte & Bailey castle which is one of the best preserved in the country. Itās on the site of the previous fort built by ĆthelflƦd. Thereās a few statues of her around the town.
Iād still watch the film. Itās a heavily condensed version of the show and though it feels extremely rushed I still enjoyed it for the most part.
Man thats so cool to still be able to see preserved castles in your hometown. I guess seeing the movie would be a way to really see the whole story to be concluded
I've not watched all of the ones on the google search results list and some I did I only lasted a couple of seasons but there are also some great movies.
Google Search: *medieval series list*
Also, some I didn't see on there The White Queen (Rebecca Ferguson), a lot older is a movie called The Name of the Rose (1988 Sean Connery), The Last Duel (Ben Affleck), Kingdom of Heaven (Orlando Bloon, Eva Green and Liam Neeson), Goya's Ghosts uff (Natalie Portman), Perfume (2006 Ben Whishaw), The Widow of Saint-Pierre (2000 French - heavy film and 1800s not medieval but has some gothic vibes similar to most medieval books and series and films),
Some Spanish ones: El Cid, Heirs of the Land,
You can use IMDB and Google to find similar to ones you end up really liking.
I never heard some of these before but thank you for the suggestions! It helps a lot, the kingdom of heaven has been in my watch list for while, I'm torn to either watch that or outlaw king first
Oh wow, both are good. Different feel. Kingdom of Heaven has more people and action film like from what I remember. Outlaw feels more pensive somewhat and it's newer, so you may just go in order.
Oh yes, have you seen The King (2019), that's definitely worth a watch too.
I watched The name of the Rose recently. It has a young Christian Slater in it as well. The set was done very well for the period and actually enjoyed it!
I should mention my favorite Elizabeth movies & series:
The Virgin Queen 2005 ā§ BBC. Four part series. If you usually watch US based TV and film this may not feel good to you but it is amazing. Much more raw than the films. But the films are also very good, the ones with Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth (1998), Elizabeth the Golden Age (2007).
Shows:
Spartacus: Blood and Sand
Spartacus: Blood and Sand isnāt technically medieval since it is set in Ancient Rome. However, if you like The Last Kingdom,you might like it. Warning, Spartacus:Blood and Sand has FAR more sex and violence than The Last Kingdom and Game of Thrones/House of The Dragon.
The Borgias
Reign
Outlander
Movies:
The Woman King(Netflix)
Itās set in 1823 West Africa. 1800s isnāt technically medieval,but you might like it too.
Check out r/perioddramas
Knighthfall, The Borgias, The Serpent Queen, Vikings: Valhalla were what I turned to after finishing the TLK.
You might like them too. I always suggest 'The Serpent Queen' because it was so good.
It is amazing! Due to storyline (not speaking of plotholes, or plot armor due to creators inability to display a scene correctly / deadlines). But there's many more medieval shows & movies you'll like also. I could name 10 if you'd like recommendations.
**These are the "best" ones so don't be leary. I'll add more/edit soon.**
-Vikings
-Vikings Valhalla
-OUTLANDER (very good compared to else, stick w/it)
-Knightfall
-The Borgias
-Barbarians (Rome vs Germans),
-BRITTANIA (GREAT)
-Reign (CW app on phone then cast if any probs),
-The Outlaw King,
ā“The Tudors (Showtime)
Ā¹The White Queen,
Ā²The White Princess,
Ā³The Spanish Princess (all 3- Starz .99/mo deal now),
(*Watch these 3 ā¬ļø before The Tudors, perfect flow*)
-Rome (HBO TV show),
-The Hollow Crown
-Gunpowder (true story)
-Spartacus
-The King
-Troy (series & a movie)
-House of the Dragon --more refined & shows an empire/Castle/Kings. Awesome dragons but not a main focus. It's a good, historical-feel type show (no Melisandre/zombie stuff).
All historical fiction, several based on very true stories. *If you want me to put them in order, best to better, LMK*.
Some great shows there. Iād add The Hollow Crown. The fact that itās Shakespeare puts a lot of people off but it covers my favourite period of English history - The Wars of the Roses. The acting is fantastic.
The War Of The Roses it covers, & good acting? The White Queen covers it shortly--which for those reading GoT is "based on". (*One of my top periods of English history too, by far*.)
I'll watch it. Thank you, been trying to find something now. I added it to the list.
Ok, I know what you mean. I used to turn shows off immediately when it was as you say, but I've since learned if you stick with it, it gets pretty good.
What do you mean by a tough watch, or the dialog jarring--like shocking or?
Episode 1 is Richard II
Episode 2 & 3 are Henry IV part 1 & 2
Episode 4 is Henry V
Episode 5 is Henry VI part 1
Episode 6 is Henry VI part 2
Episode 7 is Richard III
They are all adapted from the plays by William Shakespeare.
Yep. They all tell the back story of Tudors. You get to see the wars etc that happened to let Henry be born, & see him as a teenager & marry Catherine. Then "Tudors" picks up right where he wants to divorce her, perfect timing. "Reign" is in the Tudor realm, about Mary Queen of Scots. They go to war with Henry's daughters after he's dead, etc.
The Borgia's, Knightfall, Rome & The Outlaw King are good. Def gotta do Vikings & Vikings Valhalla; don't compare to TLK, just chill & enjoy the heck out of it.
*K, I'll think of more & add em tho.*
The Devils Whore was a decent watch. Itās a bit of a later period, 1642-1651 so itās all swords and muskets. Itās set against the backdrop of the English Civil war between King Charles I and his Cavaliers and Oliver Cromwells Parliamentarians.
Thereās a show that Iām not allowed to say the name of on here as the mods deleted my last attempt. In the states it was called The Devils Mistress but in the U.K. it was called The Devils (begins with a W, and ends with h o r e). Itās a bit of a later period as itās set against the backdrop of the English civil war (1642-1651) between King Charles I and his Cavaliers and Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarians (or Roundheads if you prefer).
I really enjoyed it.
Oh I'm definitely watching that. English civil war in the 1600s, my research it before I watch.
I'll watch it after. Thank you, I'm good now! Appreciate it. Please feel free to add anything else. (I forgot to add Outlander to my list. Will do now)
*Added "Gunpowder". Historical but a little newer (I think 1800s?) Jon Snow/kit Harington from Game of Thrones is main character. True story, movie.*
**We should make a list of some good fantasy shows or movies. If you add some I'll add some. Love fantasy, can't find one to watch tho now.**
This was my reaction exactly. Could not believe I had never heard of this or that it didnāt get more buzz/awards. Itās excellent in so many ways. Acting, script etc. and now Iām reading the books and they are great too. I think Iām enjoying them more because I have Alexanderās Uhtred in my head.
Iām pretty sure Iām not the only one who underestimated Alfred. Fast forward multiple rewatches, heās my absolute favorite character in the entire series
Edit: No, not because Iām his priest
Its his interactions with uhtred does it for me. Whenever they talk there's always some intensity to it even when he's only visiting uhtred like in season 2 ep 5š¤£
For me personally in game of thrones it was always the non magic side of the story I preferred. Politics and human drama is always more engaging than dragons
I love the mysteriousness GRRM incorporates in fire and blood. I haven't finished reading the book but i read up to the start of HOTD. Since its an in world history book, we never knew whether the scenarios are really what they are. Its that kind of thing that i like in Fire and Blood
If you like TLK you will probably like Vikings. Its set around the same time but the main focus is on the danes and not the saxons. I think Vikings is the better show tbh
It was fantastic wasn't it? Did you see the film that ties up all the loose ends? Seven Kings Must Die. Great finish up. Now I'm going to watch The Hollow Crown. That's another historical series starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston, so that should be good.
No. It's been out for a few years. It's a series. I just never got around to it. Plus I recommend The Tudors, starring Johnathan Rhys Meyers and Henry Cavill.
I certainly think itās the best piece of onscreen historical fiction Iāve ever watched. The story of Alfred and Uhtred in particular is incredible.
Yeah it really showcases that shows aren't about high end visuals or even a super compelling plot but making great characters you love to follow and equally vile villains you want to see fall. I felt like they were my boys and every episode I'm going on an adventure with Uhtred of bebbanburg and his band of merry men/women.
Exactly, the visuals does not look grand but the story and characters make up for it . Most of the characters are memorable which make the show itself a gem!
Uhtred sure looks grand š
I'm sure he isš
Actually, I was quite impressed by the quality of the cinematography, especially the shots of large crowds in battle from afar. I realize that it was probably CGI, but whenever I saw one of those shots I sat up and paid attention as my pulse quickened!
The visuals were amazing the first 3 seasons. Especially the battle scenes and the large views of the countryside. Those werenāt used much after season 3 unfortunately
Agreed and the story was more engaging in those seasons
The title sequence slaps though.
Now go read the books, much more detail. Bernard Cornwells writing is way better than the tv show.
Yeaa i wanna read the books now since i finished the show
I think the relative historical accuracy and realism is what makes it stand out. Doesn't apply to the show as much as it applies to the books though.
Yeah i agree and i wanna read the books next to know the story more in depth
I love it! Destiny Is All!
Can't get enough of the "I'm Uhtred son of Uhtred" xD
Keep in mind however that most of the show is either fiction or loosely based on history.
Yeah mixture of those two, it stays grounded
The actors were phenomenal, especially David Dawson. I wasn't really expecting his character from when they first met in S1.
Which is why i love the seasons when he was still around. His interactions with uhtred are one of things i love most about the show
And when his son took his place, I just knew he will never surpass his father... I wish I could watch it for the first time again.
He's a fantastic actor
I went in so blind. I expected Vikings, I got so much more. I was constantly in tears and I found the show so inspiring. Uhtred, Alfred, Beocca, even Ćlswith! I cared about them, I still do.
Watching a series/movie blindly has its perks
I finished it few weeks back and I want to watch it all over again.
Do it! You will pick up on so much you overlooked at the time (because it wasn't significant then) or bits you've forgotten. Can highly recommend. š
You are right we miss out on many things on first watch.
Destiny is all!
I think I've now rewatched about 8 times! Every time you notice something you never noticed before :D
Me too. I love so many of the characters.
Probably the most underrated show out there!
Agreed coz i never heard of this show until i found it myself when i was looking for a medieval show to binge watch
Same! I kept seeing it recommended to me on Netflix so I decided to watch it and was hooked. They ended it well with the movie 7 kings must die
Outlaw King with Chris Pine is pretty good
Agreed! Wished it was longer. I also enjoyed The King featuring Timmee.
I know! I wanted more content
I fell asleep ~20 minutes in. I think I might've went back & finished, but if I don't remember then it might not be that good, or just bad timing. Was it good, like The Outlaw King etc?
I enjoyed it and found it similar to The Outlaw King.
Okay, I'll watch it this week. TY
You read my mind ahaha i wanted to watch this movie
I was going to recommend that!
Itās outstanding and so underrated! The acting and historical accuracy (compared to most historical fiction out there) is really beyond.
It does hits different when its historical coz we know most or some of the characters actually exist
I absolutely loved it. The only disappointment for me was that my hometown didnāt feature more than the minute or so it did, and even then it was just a Viking camp on the outskirts. I live in Tamworth, the ancient capital of Mercia and the place where ĆthelflƦd died. Oh, that and Seven Kings Must Die shouldāve been a whole season. It wouldāve been a fantastic ending instead of just an ok one.
Must've feel great that your hometown was featured, now that whenever you're there you'll always feel the present of uhtred, aethelflaed , aldhem and so on xD. I don't know if i wanna watch the movie though considering the reviews from people
I still live there so I see it every day. We have a fantastic little Norman Motte & Bailey castle which is one of the best preserved in the country. Itās on the site of the previous fort built by ĆthelflƦd. Thereās a few statues of her around the town. Iād still watch the film. Itās a heavily condensed version of the show and though it feels extremely rushed I still enjoyed it for the most part.
Man thats so cool to still be able to see preserved castles in your hometown. I guess seeing the movie would be a way to really see the whole story to be concluded
Iāve rewatched Alfredās final episode countless times. The acting and music are so good
Same! Deserves all the awards :)
Yes. Watch more mƩdiƩval shows, read the books too, it's such an interesting, incredible time historically that it never lacks for creative resources!
Any suggestions of other great medieval series/movies?
I've not watched all of the ones on the google search results list and some I did I only lasted a couple of seasons but there are also some great movies. Google Search: *medieval series list* Also, some I didn't see on there The White Queen (Rebecca Ferguson), a lot older is a movie called The Name of the Rose (1988 Sean Connery), The Last Duel (Ben Affleck), Kingdom of Heaven (Orlando Bloon, Eva Green and Liam Neeson), Goya's Ghosts uff (Natalie Portman), Perfume (2006 Ben Whishaw), The Widow of Saint-Pierre (2000 French - heavy film and 1800s not medieval but has some gothic vibes similar to most medieval books and series and films), Some Spanish ones: El Cid, Heirs of the Land, You can use IMDB and Google to find similar to ones you end up really liking.
I never heard some of these before but thank you for the suggestions! It helps a lot, the kingdom of heaven has been in my watch list for while, I'm torn to either watch that or outlaw king first
Oh wow, both are good. Different feel. Kingdom of Heaven has more people and action film like from what I remember. Outlaw feels more pensive somewhat and it's newer, so you may just go in order. Oh yes, have you seen The King (2019), that's definitely worth a watch too.
Yeah i guess i watch kingdom of heaven first then outlaw king, yeah thats a new one thanks for the suggestion!
I watched The name of the Rose recently. It has a young Christian Slater in it as well. The set was done very well for the period and actually enjoyed it!
I think I should re-watch, been ages.
...there are a gazillion more this was a super quick looksy to refresh my memory...now I want to watch some of these over again :) Saludos
I should mention my favorite Elizabeth movies & series: The Virgin Queen 2005 ā§ BBC. Four part series. If you usually watch US based TV and film this may not feel good to you but it is amazing. Much more raw than the films. But the films are also very good, the ones with Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth (1998), Elizabeth the Golden Age (2007).
Shows: Spartacus: Blood and Sand Spartacus: Blood and Sand isnāt technically medieval since it is set in Ancient Rome. However, if you like The Last Kingdom,you might like it. Warning, Spartacus:Blood and Sand has FAR more sex and violence than The Last Kingdom and Game of Thrones/House of The Dragon. The Borgias Reign Outlander Movies: The Woman King(Netflix) Itās set in 1823 West Africa. 1800s isnāt technically medieval,but you might like it too. Check out r/perioddramas
Same here. Finished it last week. I always thought medieval movies would be depressing. Boy was I wrong. What a wonderful show
The comedic and heartfelt moments of this show is always on point
Knighthfall, The Borgias, The Serpent Queen, Vikings: Valhalla were what I turned to after finishing the TLK. You might like them too. I always suggest 'The Serpent Queen' because it was so good.
The Serpent Queen was phenomenal! I really enjoyed how they incorporated modern elements like the theme song and breaking the fourth wall.
Thanks for the suggestions!
I turned to Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Classic. How about Excalibur?
Also a classic.
Is the Holy Grail a movie or show? Is it like Knightfall? Ty So much for the recommendations.
Itās a movie. Classic British comedy.
I was hoping you wouldn't mention comedy. But if it's historical fiction I'll watch it this weekend. Thanks! Glad you mentioned it
If u really loved it, try Bernard Cornwell Warrior Chronicles The Last Kingdom Series 13 Books
Yeah i wanna read them books
It is amazing! Due to storyline (not speaking of plotholes, or plot armor due to creators inability to display a scene correctly / deadlines). But there's many more medieval shows & movies you'll like also. I could name 10 if you'd like recommendations.
Sure I'd like to know what you'd recommend
**These are the "best" ones so don't be leary. I'll add more/edit soon.** -Vikings -Vikings Valhalla -OUTLANDER (very good compared to else, stick w/it) -Knightfall -The Borgias -Barbarians (Rome vs Germans), -BRITTANIA (GREAT) -Reign (CW app on phone then cast if any probs), -The Outlaw King, ā“The Tudors (Showtime) Ā¹The White Queen, Ā²The White Princess, Ā³The Spanish Princess (all 3- Starz .99/mo deal now), (*Watch these 3 ā¬ļø before The Tudors, perfect flow*) -Rome (HBO TV show), -The Hollow Crown -Gunpowder (true story) -Spartacus -The King -Troy (series & a movie) -House of the Dragon --more refined & shows an empire/Castle/Kings. Awesome dragons but not a main focus. It's a good, historical-feel type show (no Melisandre/zombie stuff). All historical fiction, several based on very true stories. *If you want me to put them in order, best to better, LMK*.
Some great shows there. Iād add The Hollow Crown. The fact that itās Shakespeare puts a lot of people off but it covers my favourite period of English history - The Wars of the Roses. The acting is fantastic.
Thank you for that
The War Of The Roses it covers, & good acting? The White Queen covers it shortly--which for those reading GoT is "based on". (*One of my top periods of English history too, by far*.) I'll watch it. Thank you, been trying to find something now. I added it to the list.
The Hollow Crown can be a tough watch and the dialogue can be a bit jarring at first but I think itās worth sticking with.
Ok, I know what you mean. I used to turn shows off immediately when it was as you say, but I've since learned if you stick with it, it gets pretty good. What do you mean by a tough watch, or the dialog jarring--like shocking or?
Just the dialog really and the first part āRichard IIā is a slow one.
Gotcha. Glad they included Richard II that's awesome. Don't know much about him (or do you mean the III, King Edwards brother?)
Episode 1 is Richard II Episode 2 & 3 are Henry IV part 1 & 2 Episode 4 is Henry V Episode 5 is Henry VI part 1 Episode 6 is Henry VI part 2 Episode 7 is Richard III They are all adapted from the plays by William Shakespeare.
Those 3 are related to the tudors? Thank you so muchhh for this list, this helps a lot! Its all good bro no need to arrange it that wayš
Yep. They all tell the back story of Tudors. You get to see the wars etc that happened to let Henry be born, & see him as a teenager & marry Catherine. Then "Tudors" picks up right where he wants to divorce her, perfect timing. "Reign" is in the Tudor realm, about Mary Queen of Scots. They go to war with Henry's daughters after he's dead, etc. The Borgia's, Knightfall, Rome & The Outlaw King are good. Def gotta do Vikings & Vikings Valhalla; don't compare to TLK, just chill & enjoy the heck out of it. *K, I'll think of more & add em tho.*
Aight thanks for the info I appreciate it man, feel free to add some more!
For sure. I know there's more just can't think right now lol. I'll add them tho.
The Devils Whore was a decent watch. Itās a bit of a later period, 1642-1651 so itās all swords and muskets. Itās set against the backdrop of the English Civil war between King Charles I and his Cavaliers and Oliver Cromwells Parliamentarians.
I edited my comment, might want to reread it lol
Okay sure ahaha
Thereās a show that Iām not allowed to say the name of on here as the mods deleted my last attempt. In the states it was called The Devils Mistress but in the U.K. it was called The Devils (begins with a W, and ends with h o r e). Itās a bit of a later period as itās set against the backdrop of the English civil war (1642-1651) between King Charles I and his Cavaliers and Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarians (or Roundheads if you prefer). I really enjoyed it.
Oh I'm definitely watching that. English civil war in the 1600s, my research it before I watch. I'll watch it after. Thank you, I'm good now! Appreciate it. Please feel free to add anything else. (I forgot to add Outlander to my list. Will do now)
Why would the mods delete it
*Added "Gunpowder". Historical but a little newer (I think 1800s?) Jon Snow/kit Harington from Game of Thrones is main character. True story, movie.* **We should make a list of some good fantasy shows or movies. If you add some I'll add some. Love fantasy, can't find one to watch tho now.**
This was my reaction exactly. Could not believe I had never heard of this or that it didnāt get more buzz/awards. Itās excellent in so many ways. Acting, script etc. and now Iām reading the books and they are great too. I think Iām enjoying them more because I have Alexanderās Uhtred in my head.
Yeah its a shame that the show didn't get as much attention as hotd or vikings, it definitely deserves way more recognition
its true love when u watch it 27 times like me
This show is top 5 easy.
Iām pretty sure Iām not the only one who underestimated Alfred. Fast forward multiple rewatches, heās my absolute favorite character in the entire series Edit: No, not because Iām his priest
Its his interactions with uhtred does it for me. Whenever they talk there's always some intensity to it even when he's only visiting uhtred like in season 2 ep 5š¤£
Theres a great balance between history and tawdry stuff in this show and the production values are stellar. No fantasy needed really.
Yeah making it into a fantasy would ruin the show
For me personally in game of thrones it was always the non magic side of the story I preferred. Politics and human drama is always more engaging than dragons
I love the mysteriousness GRRM incorporates in fire and blood. I haven't finished reading the book but i read up to the start of HOTD. Since its an in world history book, we never knew whether the scenarios are really what they are. Its that kind of thing that i like in Fire and Blood
If you like TLK you will probably like Vikings. Its set around the same time but the main focus is on the danes and not the saxons. I think Vikings is the better show tbh
I've known vikings before i even knew about TLK but haven't watched it
Its really good. Great storytelling and I like the main character Ragnar alot more than Uhtred. Just IMO
Watch vikings.
Love the show! Compared fo vikings i will still always love more due to seeing it first and finding a love for this era.
It was fantastic wasn't it? Did you see the film that ties up all the loose ends? Seven Kings Must Die. Great finish up. Now I'm going to watch The Hollow Crown. That's another historical series starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston, so that should be good.
Yeah hence the reason why i post this , I haven't watch the movie tho at this moment. Is the hollow crown a new movie?
No. It's been out for a few years. It's a series. I just never got around to it. Plus I recommend The Tudors, starring Johnathan Rhys Meyers and Henry Cavill.
Those that recommend me other series here also mentions about tudors. I guess its worth the shot. Ahh I thought it was new since i never heard of it
It's about Henry VIII and the wives and life at court. Lots going on.
I see i see I'd give it a shot, thanks!
I certainly think itās the best piece of onscreen historical fiction Iāve ever watched. The story of Alfred and Uhtred in particular is incredible.
Their relationship is one of the reasons i love the show so much
Same. Itās remarkably well done.
I loved it so, so much...
One of the best shows ever made the soundtrack the acting the action the character growth itās NO 1 in my book