15 Best Other Shows Like Vikings That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Other Shows Like Vikings

If you’re a fan of Vikings, you’ll adore these other shows and series!

Matthew Wilkinson made an update to this article on September 24th:

Having just finished season six ofVikingsnow, fans are hungry for their next dose of action and finely textured drama. Fortunately, there are a plethora of fantastic television shows to choose from at the present. The most difficult part of the process is narrowing down the options.

Whether it’s the gritty and immersive action, the rich historical backdrop, or series that simply have a great knack forknocking it out of the park in terms of character development, thesealternatives should scratch the itch for those who have gone without.

1. Deadwood (2004 – 2006)

Deadwood (2004 - 2006)

In spite of the fact that the 1870s American Old West and Medieval Scandinavia may appear to be worlds apart, there are many similarities in both style and premise. Fans were drawn in by the show’s realistically gritty locations, fascinating characters and compelling stories – all of which helped it win eight Emmys and a Golden Globe.

It doesn’t matter how far Deadwood is from Kattegat in terms of geography, this harsh and ruthless civilization has a similar amount of instability and an individualistic mindset of “everyone for himself.”

2. The Bastard Executioner (2015)

Vikings lovers will be right at home with The Bastard Executioner, which offers a lot of historical-based warfare and carnage. In an unusual variation on the typical action hero narrative, it centers on a knight who no longer want to participate in war. It’s what Wilkin Brattle is greatest at, so even if he doesn’t want to get involved, he does. This show features some of the best action and combat choreography around, and it’s sure to please any Vikings fan.

3. The White Queen (2013)

The White Queen (2013)

Based on the Philippa Gregory novel series The Cousins’ War, this little-known BBC One historical period drama has a lot in common with the Vikings. Medieval English location isn’t the only reason it’s a great program, but its concentration on European politics and competing factions throughout this time period makes it a must-see.

Unlike Game of Thrones, which focuses on three queens competing for the throne of England, this drama features three queens striving for power behind the scenes and generating a rippling effect on the lower echelons of society. The lack of action in this show is made up for by its more realistic portrayals, excellent acting, and a few heartfelt moments of romance….

4. Peaky Blinders (2013 – )

You could enjoy Peaky Blinders if you don’t mind the change in time period.

Some of the best characters and performances are on display throughout the film’s course, with a plot that keeps audiences on their toes.

In spite of the lack of sword fights in the story, there is still plenty of action. Fights, grit, and drama abound. The Shelby criminal family in England is the focus of this series, which has an all-star ensemble lead by the incomparable Cillian Murphy.

5. Marco Polo (2014 – 2016)

Marco Polo (2014 - 2016)

Marco Polo, a two-season Netflix adventure series, was discontinued way too early, yet it still managed to be engrossing and distinctive during its short life.

There is a wide variety of places and crucial moments in this drama, which follows the famous Italian explorer, trader, and writer by the same name. The episode focuses on Marco Polo’s early years in the Mongol Empire at the court of Kublai Khan.

Some have criticized this show for its lack of historical authenticity, yet it borrows heavily from real-world events and adds its own unique twists to the mix. It’s hard to believe thatMarco Polois a TV program because of its amazing photography, in-depth characters, and fantastic action scenes.

6. History Channel’s Barbarians (2004 – 2007)

Because of its documentary format (reenactments apart), you could say this miniseries on History is a departure from the rest of our selection. The style and subject matter are similar, but this one has a full episode dedicated to the Vikings, as well as the Vandals and Saxons, who also lived in Europe during the Middle Ages.

This should be a treat for any Vikings fan who appreciates the historical accuracy. As well as some action-packed battle reenactments, each of the show’s eight episodes has a plethora of intriguing information.

7. Sons Of Anarchy (2008 – 2014)

Sons Of Anarchy (2008 - 2014)

Despite Sons Of Anarchy’s present setting, it’s easy to identify with the grittier, more emotional, and more violent criminal drama. Motorcycle club gang wars are just as easy to get caught up in as sword and battleaxe battles, even if the weapons are firearms and explosives.

There is a lot of heartache and pain along the line as one gang tries to become legal and reputable. The show has its ups and downs, but it’s a compelling one for die-hard Vikings fans.

8. Spartacus (2010 – 2013)

Fans of action-packed battles and the sound of swords clashing will be delighted by Starz’ short-lived historical fiction series Spartacus. In spite of its “creative liberties” and “comic-like cheese,” the show adheres to actual ancient locations and the harsh life of a gladiator in Ancient Rome.

Some of the best villains you’ll ever see on television can be found in this film, as well as some of the best cinematography and action sequences you’ll ever see.

9. The Tudors (2007 – 2010)

The Tudors (2007 - 2010)

It is full of backstabbing, political intrigue, as Henry VIII, the notorious King of England, tries to get his hands on a son as a teenager. Among other things, it shows him passing through multiple spouses, which he was well-known for, while also dealing with various political concerns. Even though it doesn’t have the same inclination for violence as Vikings, it is just as fascinating and amusing since it brings history to life with a somewhat modern perspective.

10. Rome (2005 – 2007)

It is able to convey the terrible realities of life in Ancient Rome in a few episodes, just like Spartacus did in its two-season run on HBO. In contrast to Starz’s show, which has a Zack Snyder-esque level of cinematic bluster, this one focuses more on brutal realism and historical authenticity. Regardless, the action and battle scenes are still powerful and engaging.

The show focuses on Rome at the conclusion of the late republic, when infighting and political rivalries are at their peak. Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus were the most renowned figures in Rome’s quest for dominance at the time, but there were many others.

11. Game Of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

It’s difficult to draw analogies between a show based on historical mythology and one that relies heavily on magic, dragons, and ice zombies.

However, there are many similarities between Game of Thrones and Medieval England, which author George R.R. Martin admits is a source of inspiration for the fantasy series. There are several similarities between Ironborn and the Vikings, including the depiction of a northern, seafaring tribe similar to those featured in the show. The last season of Game of Thrones may make it seem like a waste of time to dive into the enormously influential epic, but there is a lot to love.

12. The Borgias (2011 – 2013)

The Borgias (2011 - 2013)

Fans of Vikings who are looking for a different kind of dramatic historical fiction that doesn’t have the same overt Christian themes should take a look at this lesser-known work. Iconic family in the Roman Catholic Church and their battle for power is the focus of Showtime’s The Borgias.

Complex sociopolitical events are surrounded by elaborate, genuine set pieces that transport you back to the fourteenth century in Europe. ” Jeremy Irons’ grandfather Rodrigo (as well as his smart daughter Lucrezia) are some of the film’s most memorable and believable characters (Holliday Grainger).

13. Black Sails (2014 – 2017)

Starz’s historical drama “Vikings,” as it’s known, is essentially a pirate imitation of the original. This film has more than just action and adventure, though. It has a lot of fun swashbuckling themes, as well as some beautiful photography. In the vein of Vikings, you get a good mix of historical context and imaginative flair.

Black Sailsgoes full-throttle with the gore and raunchiness more reminiscent ofSpartacusorGame of Thronescompared to the relatively tameVikings, given the tough, gritty, and morally problematic lifestyles lead by pirates. Nonetheless, there’s a lot of the same awe-inspiring historical fiction here.

14. The Witcher (2019 – )

The Witcher (2019 - )

A riveting and complex first season of The Witcher has made it one of Netflix’s most popular shows in recent years. There was a lot of pressure on the film to meet up to the high standards set by the popular video game series and novels, and it absolutely did.

For fans of action and well-staged fight scenes, there are some terrific fighting scenes in Vikings. Fandoms tend to stick around for the wonderful character development and a real feeling of adventure, rather than magic, monsters, and the like.

15. The Last Kingdom (2015 – )

There are many similarities between this series and The Vikings, including its setting in Medieval England and even incorporating its own version ofRagnar and Alfred the Great. The Last Kingdom, on the other hand, has enough creative distinctiveness to shine on its own merit.

Vikings is more of a Scandinavian show, whereas this one is more English. The action sequences and battles, authentic set pieces, fascinating stories, and a plethora of interesting characters are all present in this film.

vikings

Stephen is a huge fan of Nintendo, indie, and retro games, although he also plays a fair amount of Xbox, mainly through Overwatch binges. He’s a history enthusiast, an aspiring short story writer, and a metalhead who enjoys playing his inexpensive drum set while listening to Black Sabbath. His go-to viewing choices when the Chicago Cubs or Bulls are not in action are strange documentaries or cheesy horror flicks.