Historical epics are some of the most delectable works of art to ever grace big and small screens. They’re incredibly popular and consumable because they immortalize ancient civilizations and their legendary battles and heroes, allowing just enough of what’s needed to successfully transport audiences into a certain time period. They’re gritty, bold, brutal, and insightful while continuing to resonate with contemporary themes, and that’s why we love them. We’re lucky, then, thatNetflixis home to so many good ones.
These are the 11 best historical epic series and films streaming on Netflix, ranked. This list does not include series dating beyond the 18th century.
2 hours 7 minutes
Starring
Park Jeong-min, Gang Dong-Won, Kim Shin-rok, Jung Sung-il
Set in the late 16th century during the Joseon Dynasty—the final imperial period in Korean history that lasted for 505 years, from 1392 to 1987—Uprisingfollows the story of two childhood friends turned adversaries after the Japanese invasions of Korea.
The film follows the tumultuous aftermath of the war, when Cheon Yeong (Gang Dong-won) and Jong-ryeo (Park Jeong-min), who grew up together as master and servant, reunite post-war as enemies on opposing sides. Cheon Yeong possesses remarkable martial prowess but struggles to break free from an unjust servitude. Jong-ryeo is the scion of Joseon’s most influential military family. The film examines how the chaos of war impacts the personal relationship between two childhood friends who become enemies and features a spectacular display of martial arts.
Why I love it:Admittedly, the storytelling is all over the place and leaves little to be desired, but visually and artistically,Uprisingis stunning to watch–especially those martial scenes.
2 hours 20 minutes
Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson, Ben Mendelsohn
Loosely based on several of Shakespeare’sHenriadplays,The Kingfollows a young Henry V as he moves from reluctant prince and carouser to King Henry V of England and warrior.
In addition to confronting the responsibilities of his crown and leading his kingdom into a legendary battle against France, King Henry (Timothée Chalamet) must also contend with deceit and treachery from inside his castle walls, in the wake of his brother’s death. WhileThe Kingis not based on a true story, it does draw inspiration from historical events surrounding the real life of Henry V. The film yields gripping performances, especially from Chalamet, who gives a pretty powerful exploration of leadership and legacy amid an evolving identity, even if the story is a little slow-moving.
Why I love it:Plain and simple, the performances that Chalamet, Edgerton, Pattinson, and Mendelsohn give are equally impressive.
3
18
~ 30 minutes per episode
Silje Torp Færavaag, Mikkel Bratt Silset, Nils Jørgen Kaalstad, Kåre Coonradi
Okay, admittedly, it’s not necessarily a historical epic tale as much as it is a historical satire, but it’s still an epic watch.Norsemenis a hysterical Norwegian deadpan comedy about Vikings, and some of it is even historically accurate.
It’s 790 A.D., and the fictional Vikings of Norheim have a busy day ahead of them, pillaging, plundering, and enslaving others while solving their own problems the Viking way: violently. When they experience the discomfort and frustrations that come with political rivalry, social change, and innovations, they find their entire culture and way of life completely upended.
Why I love it:The Viking Age is one of my favorites in history, so to see them depicted this way is uniquely entertaining.Norsemenis raunchy, violent, crude, and absurd, but its humor lies in its memorable performances and use of modern language with contemporary social attitudes.
~ 46 minutes per episode
Jason Momoa, Greg Bryk, Landon Liboiron, Zoe Boyle
Frontierflew under the radar, so if you missed it, I recommend adding it to your watchlist. It chronicles the North American fur trade in 18th-century Canada.
In the 1700s, a lot of money stood to be made in the fur trade. Everyone knows it, including outlaw trapper Declan Harp (Jason Momoa), who leads a campaign to breach the Hudson’s Bay Company’s monopoly on fur in Canada, as an Englishman works to restore their stranglehold and, in the process, get rid of Harp.
Frontieris a solid historical drama providing an immersive look at a critical period in North American history, featuring intense action and a captivating story of power struggles.
Why I love it:Jason Momoa’s performance is effective and palpable. His authentic portrayals of rage, pain, and ambition cultivated by a tortured past and fueled by revenge will grip you by the throat.
2
20
~ 56 minutes per episode
Benedict Wong, Tom Wu, Lorenzo Richelmy
Marco Polois based on the famed explorer’s adventures in Kublai Khan’s court in 13th century Mongolia, following the legendary Venetian explorer as he navigates the political landscape of 13th century China, caught between the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan and his ambitious rivals.
The series’ lavish portrayal of medieval China is visually impressive and, when combined with its intricate sets and vibrant costumes, helps bring the era to life, as it should. The historical epic had an insane budget of $200M, which also helped achieve a level of grandeur you just didn’t see very often at that time.
Why I love it:The fascinating character One Hundred Eyes (Tom Wu, who gives an exceptional performance), who arrived at court as a defiant Taoist warrior-monk and wound up a blind one in service to the emperor. How he wound up blind is for you to discover. As a skilled martial artist, he became a trusted advisor to the emperor and ultimately trained Marco Polo. His nickname is metaphorical, as, despite his affliction, he possesses the heightened awareness, ability, and skill of someone with a hundred eyes. He is badass.
24
~ 52 minutes per episode
Frida Gustavsson, Leo Suter, Bradley Freegard, Sam Corlett
Intended to be a spinoff to the epic historical fiction seriesVikings,Vikings: Valhallatakes place nearly a century later and follows a new set of historical figures as they fight for political and religious dominance in early 11th-century Europe.
WhileVikings: Valhalladoes include descendants of Ragnar Lothbrok and explores how their legacy influences the storyline, our narrative mostly follows the adventures of famous Vikings Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett), Freydis Eriksdotter (Frida Gustavsson), and Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter). Though it doesn’t hold a candle next to its predecessor,Vikings: Valhallais still a solid watch with compelling storylines and excellent battle scenes, of which I could’ve used more. I mean, we’re talking about Vikings here: They weren’t known for their basket-weaving skills.
Why I love it:The series stands as a testament to the end of the Viking Age, and it wrapped up the era nicely, even though it left us wanting more.
2 hours 17 minutes
Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tony Curran
A hit Netflix Original film,Outlaw Kingis a generally historically accurate story that takes place shortly after the events of 1995’sBraveheartmovie, depicting the First Scottish War of Independence and the life of legendary warrior Robert the Bruce. After being crowned King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine) is forced into exile by the English. In return, he leads a band of outlaws in a rebellion for freedom against the oppressive rule of the monarchy, and to reclaim his throne.
Outlaw Kingfeatures authentically solid performances and pays close attention to historical accuracy and details in things like costumes, armor, weaponry, and different event depictions, which I won’t spoil any outcome of here in case you haven’t seen it.
Why I love it:It’s a great piece of history adapted and retold, with creative liberties, of course, and Chris Pine makes a good outlaw king. However, for me,Outlaw Kingis most noteworthy for its epic battle sequences, which are brutal, bloody, and bewildering to the max.
4
38
~ 60 minutes per episode
Zach McGowan, Toby Stephens, Eleanor Guthrie, Ray Stevenson
Black Sailsis a fabulous gritty series about the outlaws of the oceans, with many of its characters based on actual historical figures. It also serves as a prequel to one of the mostpopular fantasy novels worthy of a series,Treasure Island.
Set in 1715, our narrative follows the tales of Captain Flint (Toby Stephens), who’s known throughout the West Indies as the most brilliant, yet most feared, of all pirates in the Golden Age. In the aftermath of British and Spanish threats, he fights for the survival of New Providence Island, a den of prostitutes, pirates, thieves, and fortune seekers who are, most importantly, free.
Why I love it:Pirates! The series also features a great mix of adventure and intrigue with clever dialogue, high-quality acting, and striking visuals. Its plot twists are some of the best explorations of sex, sexuality, race, and colonialism while still remaining gripping and funny.
12
Laurence Rupp, Jeanne Goursaud, David Schütter
Barbariansis an absolutely tremendous historical production on every level. This epic series is a German historical war drama following three friends with intertwined fates as they fight for freedom amid the drama of love, loyalty, bloodshed, and betrayal. It depicts the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, a pivotal 9 A.D. battle in which the Germanic tribes united and rebelled against Rome’s invasion, targeting their oppressors in an epic clash that resulted in three obliterated Roman legions.Thatis exciting.
Why I love it:Barbariansis a ruthless, bloody good binge full of heart and action—even some historical accuracy. Whether you’re a history buff or just a fan of historical epic dramas, there’s plenty here to keep you glued to the screen.
6
89
~ 45 minutes per episode
Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig, Gustaf Skarsgård
A massive golden nugget of epic historical entertainment,Vikingshails from award-winning author and screenwriter Michael Hirst and is a beast of a masterpiece riddled with fierce shield maidens, ravenous Viking warriors steeped in emotional depth, and raw tribal violence wrapped in near-perfect narratives.
The series follows legendary chieftan Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), who claims to be a direct descendant of Odin, and his band of Norse warriors as they explore and conquer new lands. While working to secure his legacy, Ragnar must also deal with betrayals, unexpected turns of fate, and the growing power struggle at the hands of his enemies. We also delve into his descendants and explore their paths as well.
Why I love it:Vikingsis one of the rarest shows on earth that is never, ever dull and fully entertaining in every single aspect. It remains one of the most bingeworthy historical fiction series ever.
