The amount of positive attention certain movie genres get really depend on what’s happening at any given time in the industry. The 50s, for example, presented an influx of popular Western movies that became the Hollywood craze of that decade. Similarly, the 80s and 90s saw the emergence of exciting action movies. Today, Hollywood’s fixation is on comic book superheroes and, on a smaller scale, mythical films involving vampires and other fictional creatures.

One subgenre that has not received as much critical attention as it deserves — but has nonetheless been otherwise present through the last couple of decades — are movies about Vikings. We’ve seen more TV series that focus on Vikings, like Netflix’s Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla (the latter of which was recently renewed for two more seasons); however, they haven’t dominated the big screen as much as they could. Coming up, and hoping to change that is Robert Eggers’ The Northman, which releases April 22 and already holds a 83% Metacritic rating. Those who see The Northman may be inspired to check out other movies about Vikings — here’s a list of the best.

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7 Outlander

     TWC

Not to be confused by the fantasy TV series of the same name, Outlander was released in 2008 and explores what would happen if Kainan, who is a man from another world, landed in Norway during the Viking era, a land that is totally unfamiliar to him. Upon his dramatic arrival, he brings a predator along with him known as the Moorwen. He then had to combine the advanced tech he is bringing from his planet with the weapons and the force of the Vikings in hopes of defeating his enemy. The idea seems far-fetched when first considered, however, the film works and is a unique entry when considering the classic archetype of what would constitute a classic Viking film.

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6 The Last King

     Newgrange Pictures

The Last King is a more recent addition on our list, being released in 2016. The story follows two Vikings who are tasked with protecting a child who is the final heir to the throne of Norway in the 13th Century. Meanwhile, a civil war is breaking out, which creates a dangerous setting for the trio as they navigate trying to stay alive. The film is actually based on real events and has all the elements that make for an authentic Viking feel throughout.

5 The 13th Warrior

     Touchstone Pictures

In 1999, The 13th Warrior was released, and it chronicles a Muslim ambassador who, exiled, quickly becomes part of a Viking community. At first, Ahmad ibn Fadlan feels out of place with the Vikings and has a difficult time adjusting to their different way of life. However, as they travel more, and he sees the difficulties they have to face, he finds a newfound respect for them. As the film progresses, they learn about each other’s cultures and bring them together so that they can fight their enemies. The film is totally unique in its substance and features a stellar performance, as highlighted by The Guardian, from Antonio Banderas.

4 The Northman

     Focus Features

Spring 2022 will see the revival of the Viking genre with The Northman, which was released last month in Stockholm, and is set to debut worldwide on April 22. The film features an ensemble cast including: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe. The film follows Prince Amleth (Skarsgård), who is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who then kidnaps the boy’s mother. Two decades later, Amleth is now a Viking who raids Slavic villages. He soon meets a seeress who reminds him of his vow to save his mother, kill his uncle, and avenge his father. It’s already received rave reviews and is a breath of fresh air in the Viking genre.

3 The Vikings

     United Artists

Being one of the original films about Vikings, The Vikings was released in 1958, and the plot focuses on exactly that. The film stars Kirk Douglas as the Viking prince known as Einar, as well as Tony Curtis who plays Eric the Slave. They become locked in a feud that grows when the Viking Princess, Morgana is kidnapped while all the men want to claim her as a bride. The cast is extremely talented, and the film has a Thespian feel. The film doesn’t feel too dated today and the real set pieces in place of GCI feel refreshing.

2 Thor

     Marvel Studios

Thor was a huge success upon its release in 2011. While not explicitly a Viking movie, Thor centers around elements of Norse mythology. Thor, the God of Thunder is banished from Asgard before he is due to inherit the throne to his kingdom from his father, Odin. After he is cast out from his people, he is commanded to inhabit earth and can no longer live alongside his peers on Asgard. When he arrives on Earth, he is discovered by a group of scientists who introduce him our customs, which he struggles to adapt to. Meanwhile, his brother, Loki is plotting to take over the throne in his absence, making for a gripping story throughout. It’s easy to see why the film was such a huge success. With respect to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at large, Thor’s release offered mythological and extra-terrestrial elements in what was otherwise a grounded universe.

1 Valhalla Rising

     IFC Films

In 2009, Valhalla Rising was released and is a true Viking epic from start to finish. The plot focuses on a slave known as ‘One Eye’ who earned his name due to the extreme wounds he has across his face. He begins to revolt against the men who imprisoned him, uniting with religious followers to achieve his mission. The setting of 11th century Scandinavia is fully explored, and the film possesses some incredible visual moments. Once he is freed from his captors, he heads to Jerusalem and must battle against starvation and constant attacks from enemies. It’s slow in pace, however, the visuals are worth it, and the audience are brought fully into the world of the Vikings.