8 Best Movies Like The Northman (Ranked & Where to Watch)

Nicolas Winding Refn's Valhalla Rising is less a narrative and more an experience, a brutal, hallucinatory fever dream that shares The Northman's deep dive into pagan mysticism and unrelenting violence. Following a mute warrior named One-Eye through a mist-shrouded, desolate landscape, the film foregoes dialogue for atmosphere, painting a stark, unforgiving portrait of humanity at its most primitive. Its deliberate pace, punctuated by moments of extreme gore and visual poetry, aligns uncannily with Eggers' aesthetic ambition, offering a profound, often unsettling, cinematic journey that truly immerses you in its grim world.

John Milius' Conan the Barbarian is the definitive cinematic embodiment of primal vengeance and raw, untamed masculinity, a direct spiritual ancestor to Amleth's journey. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic portrayal of Conan, a warrior forged in slavery and driven by the murder of his parents, captures the relentless, almost instinctual quest for retribution that fuels The Northman. With its lush, often brutal fantasy landscapes, a soaring score, and an unflinching portrayal of violence, it delivers an epic sense of destiny and a hero who lives by the sword, all echoing the mythological grandeur and grim resolve of Eggers’ vision.

John Boorman's Excalibur isn't a Viking film, but its profound immersion in myth, its visual opulence, and its unflinching portrayal of medieval brutality make it a powerful thematic twin to The Northman. Like Eggers, Boorman crafts a world steeped in legend and a pervasive sense of fate, where kings and warriors are bound by ancient curses and prophecies. The film's vivid, almost operatic violence, its dark, earthy aesthetic, and its exploration of cyclical power and tragedy offer a similar sensory and emotional intensity, making it a must-see for those drawn to The Northman's blend of historical grit and mythical weight.

The 13th Warrior offers a more straightforward, yet still compelling, immersion into the Viking age, sharing The Northman's commitment to depicting ancient warfare with a palpable sense of danger. Antonio Banderas's character, a Muslim ambassador forced to join a band of Norsemen against a mysterious, primal threat, provides an outsider's perspective on a brutal, unfamiliar world. The film excels in its depiction of the Vikings' customs, their savage loyalty, and the visceral, mud-and-blood reality of their combat against an almost mythical foe. It’s an adventure epic that captures the raw spirit of survival, cultural clash, and camaraderie in a harsh, untamed land, making it a gritty, accessible entry point into this era.

For viewers who appreciated The Northman's historical backdrop and its deep dive into the Viking age, The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die offers a compelling continuation of the popular series in film form. Set in a fractured Anglo-Saxon England under constant Viking threat, the film follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he navigates political turmoil and epic battles to unite the kingdom. While perhaps less overtly mystical than Eggers' work, it shares the gritty realism of medieval warfare, the powerful themes of identity and belonging, and the brutal consequences of ambition in a world defined by the sword. It’s a grounded, yet expansive, historical drama that consistently delivers on epic scale.

While not featuring Vikings or Norse mythology, Ironclad resonates with The Northman's unrelenting brutality and historical grit, immersing viewers in the visceral chaos of medieval combat. Set in 13th-century England, it plunges us into the desperate siege of Rochester Castle, where a small band of knights defends against the tyrannical King John. The film pulls no punches in its depiction of medieval warfare, showcasing raw, desperate combat with a grounded realism that mirrors Amleth's own arduous battles. It’s a relentless, bloody spectacle that emphasizes survival and the harsh realities of ancient conflict over glory, making it a powerful, if grim, companion for those seeking uncompromising historical action.

Stockholm Bloodbath, a contemporary historical drama, brings a fresh, grim perspective on early 16th-century Nordic conflict that aligns with The Northman's raw historical violence. While shifting from pagan myths to political ambition and religious strife, the film depicts the brutal machinations of Christian II and his quest for the Swedish crown. It promises a similar sense of uncompromising realism in its portrayal of historical atrocities and the harsh consequences of power struggles. For those drawn to The Northman's dark aesthetic and unflinching look at humanity’s capacity for violence within a historical context, this film offers a compelling, visceral experience.

Highlander, a cult classic, shares The Northman's epic scope and the narrative of an ancient warrior driven by a timeless quest, albeit in a fantastical setting. Connor MacLeod, an immortal Scotsman, is locked in a centuries-long struggle, culminating in modern-day New York. While vastly different in genre and tone, the film’s blend of mythical origin, iconic sword combat, and a protagonist marked by profound loss and a singular destiny connects to Amleth's own fated journey. The film’s raw energy and sense of a world where ancient feuds bleed into eternity provide a unique parallel to Eggers' exploration of legacy and vengeance.