Vinland Saga is an anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura's widely successful manga series. One of the main attractions of the show is its beautiful and realistic depiction of early 11th-century Northern Europe. From the snow-filled landscapes of Iceland to the lush and fertile fields of Anglo-Saxon England, Vinland Saga is a treat for the eyes and medieval fans alike.
Thankfully for fans of the anime, the medieval period is a popular setting for filmmakers and as such there are plenty of movies set in and around the 11th century or in the same regions that Vinland Saga is home to.
7 Margrete: Queen Of The North (2021)
Vinland Saga spends plenty of time in Scandinavia and features a host of characters from the region. For fans who want to see more beautiful northern landscapes in the later medieval period,Margrete: Queen of the North is the perfect film.
Fraught with drama, the Danish movie follows Queen Margrete's attempt to navigate the political landscape of medieval Europe, and hold onto control of the kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden which she previously managed to unite. This is all while dealing with the shock and implications of a man being brought before her who claims to be the son she buried fifteen years ago.
6 Valhalla Rising (2009)
Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Valhalla Rising follows the story of the mute and enslaved warrior One-Eye on an unlikely and unsuccessful journey from the Scottish Highlands to the Holy Land. With a boy in tow, an interesting duo is formed making the journey one to remember.
With the story set less than a century after the events of Vinland Saga and featuring a Norse protagonist as well as a plethora of combat scenes, fans of the anime will easily be able to sink their teeth into this film. Similarly to Vinland Saga, the movie also touches upon the contrast and conflict between Christians and the pagan Norse.
5 Macbeth (2015)
Shakespeare's Macbeth is one of the most well-known stories across the world and one of the playwright's finest pieces. As such it has received many adaptions and will continue to do so for eternity. One of the best film adaptations of the dark and bloody play is the 2015 film Macbeth, which stars Michael Fassbender as the protagonist with Marion Cotillard playing his wife.
With the story set in the 11th century like Vinland Saga, but this time north of the Scottish border fans can expect similar aesthetics and methods of warfare as seen in the anime. The performances of the main cast are what truly make this film and would be at home on any theater stage.
4 The Physician (2013)
For those who want to see a completely different portrayal of the 11th century from Vinland Saga, look no further than The Physician, which is based on the book of the same name by author Noah Gordon. Although the film begins in England, protagonist and would-be physician Rob Cole, soon travels to Egypt and subsequently Persia with the hope of finding the famous teacher Ibn Sina.
This film offers Vinland Saga fans the opportunity to see what was going on in another part of the medieval world just slightly after the events of the anime. It also features a wider array of cultures and religions and focuses on more peaceful themes as opposed to war.
3 Outlaw King (2018)
One of the many things that Vinland Saga has received praise for is its realistic and vibrant depiction of medieval clothing, especially when compared to shows such as Vikings, which would lead viewers to believe the period was dominated by proto-leather-clad bikers. Outlaw King, which is set around 300 years after Vinland Saga, is also known for showing off the medieval world in the rich colors and fabrics it should be known for.
Similarly set on the British Isles, the story follows the claimant to the Scottish throne Robert The Bruce, and his attempt to wrest independence from the English. With stunning visuals, epic medieval combat, and a true historic story, fans of Vinland Saga will love this film.
2 How To Train Your Dragon (2010)
For a more whimsical and family-friendly depiction of a world inspired by Norse culture, there is no film better than Dreamworks' How To Train Your Dragon. This action-filled comedy follows protagonist Hiccup on his journey to change the minds of his village about the nature of dragons, and how they can be friends rather than foes.
Although the movie doesn't touch on the same mature themes as Vinland Saga, the charm of the Viking world is perhaps even more present. The success of the film is shown by the fact that it spawned a series of sequels and spinoffs.
1 The Northman (2022)
For Vinland Saga fans who prefer the grittier and more violent aspects of the anime, The Northman is the perfect follow-up film. Set around a hundred years before the anime, in the early 10th century, the film also offers viewers more of the Viking ways of life that have begun to fade by the start of Vinland Saga.
Just as Thorfinn seeks revenge for the death of his father, so does The Northman's main character Amleth, who was also a boy when tragic events unfolded. While both the film and anime draw inspiration from Norse culture and the sagas, The Northman differs by also including fantastical elements from Norse Mythology, which is a huge plus for fans of medieval fantasy.