
These films are set in the period following the fall of the Roman Empire, often depicting medieval warfare, feudalism, and the rise of Christianity.
1. The Seventh Seal (1957)
Ingmar Bergman‘s classic follows a medieval knight playing chess with Death during the Black Plague.
Why it’s great:
- Max von Sydow’s iconic performance as the knight
- Bergman’s philosophical exploration of faith and mortality
- Striking black-and-white cinematography
2. The Name of the Rose (1986)
A Franciscan friar investigates a series of murders at a monastery in 14th-century Italy.
Why it’s great:
- Sean Connery‘s compelling performance as William of Baskerville
- Jean-Jacques Annaud’s atmospheric direction
- Intriguing blend of historical drama and murder mystery
3. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
This comedic take on Arthurian legend satirizes many tropes of medieval films.
Why it’s great:
- Hilarious performances from the Monty Python troupe
- Clever subversion of Dark Ages and fantasy film conventions
- Endlessly quotable dialogue
4. The13th Warrior (1999)
Based on Michael Crichton’s novel, an Arab ambassador joins a group of Vikings to battle a mysterious enemy.
Why it’s great:
- Antonio Banderas’ fish-out-of-water performance
- John McTiernan‘s action-packed direction
- Blend of historical elements with fantasy and horror
5. Becket (1964)
This historical drama depicts the conflict between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Why it’s great:
- Powerful performances from Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole
- Peter Glenville’s stagey yet effective direction
- Exploration of the church-state conflict in medieval England.