20 Shows like the last kingdom
The Last Kingdom delivers many lessons to its fans. This Netflix and BBC series focuses on the great battles fought in England in the 9th and 10th century between Viking and Brit. The peace that’ll come after the end of this war will lead to the creation of one of the most powerful nations.
The show has done a great job in mixing drama with real historical figures. The Last Kingdom fans know that is based on a fictional character- Uhtred of Bebbanburg who often feels to be a part of the real world.
Vikings kidnap a noble boy and he is later on raised as one of them. Upon reaching his adulthood, he comes back to his homeland to claim what is rightfully his. He is a noble and a rebel at the same time. Things are done by him in such a manner that he forced the king to ask for his help despite being getting insulted by the same individual.
Historical fiction dramas are becoming popular these days as they show stories about men and women who made their name on the battlefield.
The epic battle scenes form an integral part of these shows as they are the center of attraction. Another interesting part is politics, how alliances get formed and broken and result in the formation of a nation. Here is the list of historical shows like The Last Kingdom.
20.Spartacus
Source: Amazon.com
- Director: Kyle Newman
- Writer: Steven S. DeKnight, Brent Fletcher, and others
- Cast: Manu Bennett, Andy Whitfield, and others
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 64%
- Where to watch: DirecTV
Many people might already be familiar with this four-time Oscar winner film. Those who wish to watch shows like The Last Kingdom because of its high-end, can watch this one. It is based on Spartacus, a historical figure, a gladiator. He led a slave uprising against the Roman empire
. This show focuses on the early life of this hero and his origins before history. He led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic which was departing from Capua.
The story of this classic Tony Curtis film is simple. A slave who comes from a rebellious tribe fights in gladiator games so that he can make his space on the top. In the same process, he starts a rebellion that takes a heavy toll on the Roman empire.
this version is intense as compared to its film that came in 1960. The characters are also more bloodier. Just like Uhtred, Spartacus is a ferocious fighter. He is also a man in a foreign kingdom and he is pushed to take on responsibilities that he doesn’t even want. These both men inspire others to come with them and go against the king.
19.Vikings
Source: Netflix
- Director: Johan Renck, Ciarán Donnelly and Ken Girotti
- Writer: Michael Hirst
- Cast: Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, and others
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- Where to watch: Amazon prime video
It won’t be wrong to say that The Last Kingdom and Vikings are companion series. The sons of Ragnar Lothbrok who appear in Vikings are also mentioned in The Last Kingdom.
The regions of Mercia and Wessex are seen playing an important role in both the series. King Alfred is also seen in Vikings and if this is historically accurate then, it hints to us that this show came before The Last Kingdom.
Vikings is a perfect mix of reality and myth in which the timelines have been changed for commercial success. But, it is entirely not fiction as some characters, historical tools, and habits remain the same. Sometimes, Vikings might just seem similar to The Last Kingdom but with less epic battle scenes
. Vikings is inspired by the tales of Ragnar Lothbrok who then became a Scandinavian King. Just like Æthelflæd and Brida, this show also has powerful women.
18.Frontier
Source: Pinterest
- Director: John Vatcher
- Writer: Peter Blackie, Rob Blackie, Greg Spottiswood, and others
- Cast: Zoe Boyle, Jessica Matten, and others
- IMDb: 7.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
- Where to watch: Netflix
Frontier is about the North American fur trade that was in the late 1700s. Frontier Netflix Original’s series stars Jason Mamoa and he is playing the role of Declan Harp who is half Irish and on his mission to single-handedly destroy Hudson’s Bay company’s monopoly on the trade
. The show is violent and emotional and The Last Kingdom fans will enjoy this which has just 18 episodes.
there are a lot of battles, and deaths, and in many ways, it resembles The Last Kingdom. Although it may not sound like it the fur trade played an important part in the kingmaking process of that time.
17.Knightfall
Source: Den Of Geek
- Director: Don Handfield and Richard Rayner
- Writer: Don Handfield and Richard Rayner
- Cast: Tom Cullen,Mark Hamill, and others
- IMDb: 6.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Knights Templar were the ones who were given the responsibility in 12th century to protect the European Christians while they were on their way to Holy Land. These were then known as the most powerful and the largest military organizations and are known till now
. The series focuses on the last few years of Warrior Monks. Many historical facts and legends like Holy Grail are present in the show. Many fans consider Knightfall to be a hidden gem and it has similar themes of TLK.
16.Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan
Source: SCMP
- Director: Stephen Scott
- Writer: Riyoko Shibe
- Cast: Hayate Masao, Masayoshi Haneda, and others
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- Where to watch: Netflix
This is a historical war series and those who love the historical elements present in TLK should definitely check this one out. It focuses on a period when Japan finally gave a nod to unification. The series also gives the vibes of a documentary.
The political maneuverings and battles are shown which get interrupted by relevance and actual history from time to time. This can prove to help those who have not read anything about British history.
Like TLK is about a unified England, Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan is about the war for a unified Japan. Age of Samurai also brings the birth of samurai into light who are among the most iconic warriors.
15.War & Peace
Source: BBC
- Director: Tom Harper
- Writer: Andrew Davies
- Cast: Paul Dano, Tuppence Middleton, and others
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Where to watch: Buy on Amazon TV, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, and Vudu
War & Peace is based on Tolstoy’s novel of the same name. There has been just one season but it was definitely full of battle scenes and drama. War & Peace is about five aristocratic families who find themselves enmeshed in Napoleonic wars.
Just like TLK, there are many scandals and political disclosures shown. The amazing set designs and costumes will leave you in awe. Actors like Paul Dano and Lily James have kept their roles as real and authentic as possible in War & Peace.
14.Versailles
Source: Hollywood Reporter
- Director: Jalil Lespert, Christoph Schrewe, Thomas Vincent, Daniel Roby, Mike Barker, Louis Choquette, Richard Clark, Edward Bazalgette, Peter Van Hees
- Writer: Simon Mirren, David Wolstencroft, Sasha Hails, Andrew Bampfield, Tim Loane, Martha Hillier, Steve Bailie
- Cast: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, and others
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
- Where to watch: Netflix
The historical drama-loving fans for sure will know about Versailles. And, if you don’t then, pop out some popcorn and get ready to watch this series, and is the right one. Many know about the Palace of Versailles but, do they know about the powerful king who was behind the construction of this place?
The series is set in the mid-1600s when Versailles was under construction. It is about the rule of Louis XIV and the political intrigue, arrogance, and ambition surrounding his life. It might just sound like Alfred’s reign in TLK but, there has been a lot of insight offered into the decisions the king used to make.
13.Rome
Source: HBO
- Director: John Milius, William J. MacDonald, and Bruno Heller
- Writer: Bruno Heller,William J. MacDonald, Bruno Heller, and others
- Cast: Polly Walker, Ray Stevenson, and others
- IMDb: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
- Where to watch: HBO Max
Rome is a historical fiction showing real historical figures, amazing fight scenes and is about the ancient Rome. It is about the life of two Roman soldiers- Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus. They both witnessed several important historical events that took place when Rome’s influence and power shifted. Everything about Rome is epic.
The sets, costumes, cinematography, locations, and battle scenes are great. The audience will feel as if they are traveling back to ancient times and witnessing the Roman Empire themselves.
12.Barbarians
Source: Netflix
- Director: Steve St. Leger
- Writer: Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting and Jan Martin Scharf
- Cast: Jeanne Goursaud, Laurence Rupp, and others
- IMDb: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
- Where to watch: Netflix
The battle of Teutoburg Forest has been shown in this historical war series that happened in 9AD between the Roman Empire and Germanic tribes. It is loosely based upon the facts and has been told from the perspective of Arminius and Thusnelda. Thusnelda is a German warrior who sees Romans as a threat.
He thinks that they need to be dealt with after they killed Arminius, his younger brother. Arminius is a German who was raised by the Romans and he struggles with his own identity.
Just like Uhtred, Arminius was also taken from his family at a young age and was raised in a different culture that was not his. They feel conflicted when the time to fight comes as, at that time, they needed to choose a side.
There are great fight scenes and the plot has also been very well written in this series. Both TLK and Barbarians are set centuries ago and have similar power struggles.
11.El Cid
Source: Film Affinity
- Director: Anthony Mann
- Writer: Guillén de Castro
- Cast: Jaime Lorente, Sarah Perles, Alicia Sanz, and others
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Out of the whole western history, only a couple of legendary generals are worth watching and El Cid tops that list. This Amazons series shows the journey of a boy who is the son to a minor nobleman. He serves a shady king and then becomes a prince who fights all those who get in his way.
This sound like the journey of Uhtred himself and the story takes take just after the Viking struggles. The character of Uhtred is fictional but, El Cid is real. He is legendary as he served under both Muslim and Christian leaders.
10.The Tudors
Source: Amazon.com
- Director: Michael Hirst
- Writer: Michael Hirst
- Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, and others
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- Where to watch: Hulu
King Henry VIII is probably among the most famous kings of England of all time. He threw away the Catholic Church and played an important part in giving more power to his councilors.
He also threw aside and killed his several wives for his quest for a male heir. Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays the role of King Henry in this.
The Tudors is mainly about King Henry VII and his reign and several marriages. TLK though touches the topics like scandals and murders seen during Edward and Alfred the Great’s reign but it is not in-depth as The Tudors. Not all events shown in this series are accurate but it gives us a great look in the 16th century Tudor dynasty.
9.The White Princess
Source: Variety
- Director: Jamie Payne, Alex Kalymnios
- Writer: Emma Frost, Sarah Dollard, Loren McLaughlan, Amy Roberts, Alice Nutter, Sarah Phelps
- Cast: Jodie Comer, Jacob Collins-Levy, and others
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
- Where to watch: Amazon Channel
Michelle Fairley and Jodie Comer are seen in The White Princess. This is another television series that is based upon a book and is set in the 15th century. It follows the love of Elizabeth of York and how she ended up marrying King Henry VIII.
Just like Æthelflæd in The Last Kingdom, an empowering female is seen in The White Princess also. She ended up becoming a strong queen and got a lot of love from the people also. There are some historical inaccuracies present but the viewers will still find it enjoyable.
8.The Borgias
Source: Amblin Partners
- Director: David Leland
- Writer: Neil Jordan, David Leland, Guy Burt
- Cast: François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, and others
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
- Where to watch: Netflix
The Last Kingdom has the fighting scenes as its integral part and there are several games, political maneuvering, and marriage alliances that are equally important. The Borgias has all of them in it. Just like the lust for power is seen in The Last Kingdom, in this we can see Borgia pope, a character who is full of lust and corruption.
Pope Alexander VI is known as a man who was hungry for power and there is a lot of bloodsheds that can be seen in this. Not many battles are seen during this period in the western world, the Pope was the most powerful person.
7.Marco Polo
Source: VOX
- Director: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg, and others
- Writer: John Fusco, Elizabeth Sarnoff, and others
- Cast: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, and others
- IMDb: 8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
- Where to watch: Netflix
At the time when Alfred’s descendants were starting to realize their dream of a united England, Marco Polo was busy uniting the rest of the world. Marco Polo didn’t receive a great reception as it made Netflix lose $200 million. Over the years, it has accumulated a cult following and many fans come back to watch it again and again.
This show is inspired by Polo’s early years in Kublai Khan’s court who was the founder of the Yuan dynasty and also was the Khagan of the Mongol Empire. The series was highly praised for its accuracy and action sequences.
6.Rise of Empires: Ottoman
Source: Netflix
- Director: Emre Şahin
- Writer: Kelly McPherson
- Cast: Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, Selim Bayraktar, and others
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Where to watch: Netflix
Most of these historical fiction series is about unifying a kingdom. Rise of Empires: Ottoman is about conquering others. The main character of this series is Mehmed the Conqueror who is a young man with huge ambitions. Through his fighting powers, inspiring abilities, and creative mind he was able to establish the current day Istanbul.
Rise of Empires: Ottoman is more on the historical side and the battles have been brilliantly choreographed in this series. Just like Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan, it also has cuts that explain the things that have been happening on the show. Several references to the Ottoman empire have also been provided.
5.Northmen: A Viking Saga
Source: Variety
- Director: Claudio Fäh
- Writer: Matthias Bauer, Bastian Zach
- Cast: Tom Hopper, Charlie Murphy, and others
- IMDb: 5.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Where to watch: Netflix
A band of Vikings crossed the enemy lines. What follows is a panicked race and the losers will have to pay the price with their lives. This band of Vikings crossed the enemy lines after the captivation of their boats. Their sole aim becomes their safety in this journey as they get attacked by a rival king.
4.Troy: Fall of a City
Source: IndieWire
- Director: Owen Harris, Mark Brozel
- Writer: David Farr
- Cast: Bella Dayne, Louis Hunter, and others
- IMDb: 3.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
- Where to watch: Netflix
The Trojan War setting is among the best-known stories based on a war that is known. Those who don’t know why this war was fought, it was due to Helen of Troy as she was probably stolen from the Greeks of Paris of Troy. When the Greeks came to take her back, this led to an epic battle.
Just like in The Last Kingdom, in this brutal and ancient battles are shown. Helen’s affair with Paris was the catalyst in starting this Trojan War.
3.Game of Thrones
Source: HBO
- Director: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, David Nutter and Miguel Sapochnik
- Writer: Dave Hill
- Cast: Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and others
- IMDb: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
- Where to watch: HBO Max
Game of Thrones is the perfect one to watch while the fans of The Last Kingdom are watching for its next season to arrive. Those who have already watched, it can replay it as they might have forgotten several things. The storyline of Game of Thrones is quite vast.
For those who haven’t watched it till now, they should definitely go for it as it is like a real treat to the eyes. There are several battle scenes in this one that will keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.
2.The Witcher
Source: Digital Spy
- Director: Alik Sakharov, Yasen Atour, and others
- Writer: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, Andrzej Sapkowski, and others
- Cast: Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, and others
- IMDb: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
- Where to watch: Netflix
More fantasy elements are present in The Witcher when compared to The Last Kingdom. They are both Netflix series and The Witcher serves you a magical and fantastic time. It is based on a famous book series of the same name and no one should miss this series which is based on Geralt of Rivia (the role is played by Henry Cavill) the monster hunter.
Those looking for another show like The Last Kingdom which has awesome fight scenes and a world that can be explored should watch The Witcher. It also has great friendships and romantic scenes just like The Last Kingdom.
1.The Musketeers
Source: IMDb
- Director: Toby Haynes
- Writer: Adrian Hodges
- Cast: Luke Pasqualino, Howard Charles, and others
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Musketeers is a BBC show that has had a total of three seasons now. It is based on the novel The Three Musketeers by Alexander Pasqualino. It shows us the story of d’Artgnan and other numerous soldiers working in the Musketeers of the Guard.
They work day and night to uncover the conspiracies made against King Louis XIII. Unlike The Last Kingdom, the battle scenes are not that violent but The Musketeers manages to impress its audience by showing villains and romance.
