15 Must-See TV Shows Like 'The Last Kingdom' You Can't Miss

As a film enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by ‘The Last Kingdom’. This series has gripped me with its raw narrative about Uhtred, a warrior navigating the tumultuous intersection of Saxon and Viking realms, amidst the turbulent 9th-century England. The mix of historical depth, pulse-pounding battles, and intricate characters truly sets it apart. If you’re yearning for more tales brimming with epic confrontations and captivating storytelling, I’ve rounded up 15 series that embody the same exhilarating essence.

These collections delve into epic Viking invasions and intricate medieval conflicts, providing pulse-racing action along with a rich sense of historical atmosphere. Regardless if your preference leans towards actual events or mythical tales, you’ll find engaging content that will hold your attention captive.

15. Rome (2005 – 2007)

Much like “The Last Kingdom,” the captivating historical drama series “Rome” delves into significant events that unfolded during the pinnacle of the Roman Empire in antiquity. The series offers a glimpse into various occurrences that contributed to Rome’s remarkable growth, mirroring “The Last Kingdom’s” portrayal of power struggles between the Danish Vikings and the Saxons of England.

In Rome’s history, there was a lot of power struggle and internal conflict similar to the political intrigue depicted in The Last Kingdom, where various Earls and rulers competed for territory and authority in ancient England’s fragmented realms.

14. The Musketeers (2014 – 2016)

Both The Musketeers and The Last Kingdom share a commonality in that they are adaptations of written works. The Musketeers, inspired by the timeless story penned by Alexandre Dumas, is essentially a live-action television series interpretation of The Three Musketeers. This means we get to witness various actors portraying our beloved classic characters. Interestingly, like The Last Kingdom, it’s a fictional tale that manages to intertwine its narrative with real historical events, making for an intriguing parallel between the two series.

Indeed, the narrative of The Musketeers centers around the legendary trio of musketeers who unite to thwart a nefarious plot aimed at dethroning the rightful king of England. This tale has undergone numerous transformations over time, and The Musketeers represents the most recent live-action portrayal of this enduring story.

13. Troy: Fall Of A City (2018)

Troy: Fall of a City” recounts an epic tale from Greek mythology, focusing on the events leading to the downfall of the prosperous city of Troy during the era of the ancient Greek Empire. Notably, it draws inspiration from a legendary story known as Homer’s Iliad, although it is presented as a work of fiction.

This series, “Troy: Fall of a City,” offers a compelling re-enactment of the tale surrounding Paris and Helen’s affair, which sparked a war that ultimately led Greek forces to assault the seemingly indestructible city of Troy. Much like other shows on this list, “Troy: Fall of a City” is one of several adaptations of this captivating story, and it stands out as one of the finest versions, despite its brief run of only one season.

12. Barbarians (2020)

As a film enthusiast, I must confess that Barbarians might not boast the most visually stunning production values compared to some other series out there. The budget seemingly doesn’t match up with those high-budget productions, which is noticeable at times. However, let me clarify that this does not diminish its merit or originality.

Many critics have labeled it a copy of Vikings, but in truth, Barbarians stands on its own as an engaging tale. It provides a unique perspective on the power struggle between the indomitable German warriors and the mighty Roman Empire, weaving a narrative that is as captivating as it is historically significant.

In this show, we witness an analogous scenario to The Last Kingdom, where an invading force clashes with a kingdom that, though established, faces challenges. Here, we observe the striking disparities between the barbarians and the Roman Empire, as these German warriors instilled terror into the Romans despite their empire’s dominance.

11. Knightfall (2017 – 2019)

One intriguing historical fiction series on our list is Knightfall, though it may not adhere strictly to history, it effectively weaves an engaging tale set during the 14th century, focusing particularly on the tumultuous times faced by the Knights Templar, a band of Christian knights. What makes this show comparable to The Last Kingdom is its depiction of medieval battles, and its exploration of the hardships that the Knights Templar endured.

In my opinion, Knightfall delves into the captivating world of a Knights Templar leader embroiled in a scandalous love affair with France’s queen and a brutal power struggle against the very heart of the Roman Catholic Church itself. This tale is a mesmerizing exploration of political maneuvering among rival factions, weaving a complex web of secrets and personal conflicts between knight and king that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

10. Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)

At first glance, Peaky Blinders appears to be quite distinct from The Last Kingdom. However, when you consider their time settings, you’ll notice several striking similarities. Watching Peaky Blinders can help reveal these parallels. It’s important to note that both series are fictional dramas, each drawing inspiration from historical events to create unique narratives. This is what makes them potentially comparable to The Last Kingdom.

Peaky Blinders’ narrative centers around a criminal gang in early 20th-century Birmingham who hold significant influence over the city through underhanded activities hidden from the law enforcement. This tale is a blend of dramatic events, thrilling actions, and subtle political intrigue.

9. Black Sails (2014 – 2017)

Though Black Sails and The Last Kingdom might not appear alike at first glance due to their different historical settings (one featuring pirates from a later era than the other, which portrays Vikings), they share a commonality in their characters’ penchant for plunder. Pirates in Black Sails, like Vikings in The Last Kingdom, are characterized by their love of raiding; albeit on the seas instead of land. This shared trait is what makes Black Sails analogous to The Last Kingdom, a series that centers around the invasive Vikings in England.

This television series, titled “Black Sails,” delves into various factions battling over a common goal: a hidden treasure. Interestingly, this narrative precedes the well-known tale “Treasure Island,” introducing characters like Long John Silver and Captain Flint who later star in the classic story. Therefore, although Black Sails is a work of fiction, it shares similarities with “The Last Kingdom” as both series are historically grounded, featuring characters that might have existed during specific periods in history.

8. Britannia (2018 – 2021)

Britannia is a show set during a time period preceding the events of The Last Kingdom, as it delves into the history of the original settlers of Britain who encountered the indigenous people inhabiting the island for centuries. Therefore, due to its geographical proximity to The Last Kingdom’s setting, the storylines share some similarities.

Britannia stands out due to its exploration of a historical era seldom depicted in television and film. Unlike the numerous representations of the Viking era in England, it delves into the lives of people who inhabited the island prior to the arrival of the Christian colonizers in Britain. Essentially, it offers a unique perspective on history that is not commonly portrayed.

7. Vinland Saga (2019 – 2023)

Absolutely! Our list includes an anime series, Vinland Saga, which bears a strong resemblance to The Last Kingdom. This is due to the fact that both are set in the same geographical area and follow events only a few centuries apart. Moreover, like The Last Kingdom, Vinland Saga delves into the world of Vikings, offering insights into their society and personalities, similar to how The Last Kingdom portrays the Danes who invaded England long ago.

Vinland Saga centers around Thorfinn, a young man who took up the life of a Viking to avenge his father’s murderer. Simultaneously, he finds himself caught in the complex power struggles surrounding the Danish rulers who governed England during the early years of the second millennium.

6. Norsemen (2016 – 2020)

As a movie enthusiast who enjoys a good mix of history and humor, I’d highly recommend giving “Norsemen” a try if you’re looking for a lighter take on the same characters from “The Last Kingdom.” This hilarious series offers an entertaining perspective on the Viking era, infusing comedy into its narrative in a way that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. If you’ve grown tired of heavy historical dramas about Vikings and are seeking something more light-hearted, then I believe “Norsemen” could be the perfect series for you!

The Norsemen saga centers on Viking siblings embroiled in a power struggle, yet the show offers an amusing and engaging perspective on their tale. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a good chuckle to liven up a dull day.

5. Game Of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

Game of Thrones leans more towards fantasy than reality, as it centers around a fictional land with dragons and undead beings. However, it still fits this list due to its resemblance to The Last Kingdom, featuring similar medieval-style battles that made the latter renowned. Additionally, the power struggles in Game of Thrones share striking similarities with the political strategies employed by leaders in The Last Kingdom.

The narrative of Game of Thrones centers on the continental landmass of Westeros, persistently engulfed in conflicts among various ruling magnates, each aspiring to ascend the throne following the demise of the previous king. Unbeknownst to them, a queen hailing from the eastern realms was making her way towards seizing the throne, backed by three dragons. Meanwhile, there’s an escalating menace in the northern regions as sorcerers who can manipulate ice are resurrecting the deceased with the intention of annihilating all inhabitants on the continent.

4. Frontier (2016 – 2018)

In a different phrasing, Jason Momoa, star of Frontier, gained widespread recognition following his performance as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones for just one season. This show shares some resemblances with The Last Kingdom, as it follows the protagonist’s quest to dismantle the powerful grip of the North American fur trade monopoly during a period when European settlers were starting to establish themselves in America.

In essence, though the scenery and mood may vary from The Last Kingdom, Frontier retains the intense violence and raw feelings that made Uhtred’s series captivating. What’s more, it’s a compact series, making it perfect to complete during a relaxed weekend at home.

3. The Witcher (2019 – Present)

In essence, The Witcher shares resemblances with Game of Thrones, as both series predominantly delve into fantasy rather than historical events. Unlike historical dramas, neither series is based on real-world events; instead, they both portray fictional worlds inhabited by magical creatures and their hunters. However, it also bears a striking similarity to The Last Kingdom in its emphasis on action sequences. Furthermore, like The Last Kingdom, The Witcher offers insights into the political machinations of various kingdoms and leaders as they strive for power.

The tale of The Witcher centers around Geralt of Rivia, an accomplished monster hunter who unknowingly fathered a young princess by chance. What Geralt didn’t realize was that this princess belonged to a powerful dynasty with the ability to alter the very fabric of the world. It falls upon Geralt to ensure her safety.

2. Vikings: Valhalla (2022 – 2024)

Valhalla” is a follow-up TV series to the well-known show Vikings, which gained popularity in the 2010s. Much like “The Last Kingdom,” it delves into the ongoing strife between the Danes and the Saxons of England during the early 11th century.

In “Vikings: Valhalla,” various characters like Leif Erikson, King Canute, and Queen Emma of Normandy find themselves caught up in a complex series of conflicts that have their roots in the deep-seated cultural and religious differences between the Danes and the English. This longstanding enmity fuels numerous power struggles and internal feuds within “Vikings: Valhalla.

1. Vikings (2013 – 2020)

Indeed, if you’re seeking a show similar to “The Last Kingdom,” I would recommend “Vikings.” Interestingly, “Vikings” was launched two years prior to the debut of “The Last Kingdom,” and it shares the same timeframe and setting. However, unlike “The Last Kingdom,” where the protagonist Uhtred is primarily Saxon, “Vikings” centers more around the Vikings themselves.

Vikings takes us through the emergence of the Viking Age, where characters like Ragnar Lothbrok and their fellow Vikings commenced pillaging England and seizing various towns and territories. This aggressive behavior ultimately sparked a war with England, allowing viewers to grasp the historical foundations of the clashes between the Vikings and Saxons. However, the main theme of the series revolves around Ragnar’s journey to power and the power struggles that unfolded among his sons. Although it shares some similarities with The Last Kingdom, it contains more instances of historical inaccuracies.

2025-06-05 16:22

15 Must-See TV Shows Like ‘The Last Kingdom’ You Can’t Miss