Many of Bernard Cornwell’s historical writings are the basis for the British television series The Last Kingdom.
The show is filled with thrilling fight scenes, passionate love, and complex political plots. The narrative centers on Uthred Ragnorson, an English Saxon raised by raiding Viking Danes. Later, he develops into one of the most valiant warriors in English history. Uthred takes cautious steps but with passion to bring peace to the area. However, he pledges that he will one day reclaim his house. With its rapid growth, this BBC success has become arguably the best series of the last 10 years.
The final season of The Last Kingdom is currently available on Netflix, making it the ideal moment to start watching. When the credits eventually roll and you start to feel empty inside after seeing a show this good, here are 8 more similar shows you should check out.
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1. Vikings ( 2013 – 2020)
Watch on Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock
This list of shows about Norse mythology is incomplete without Vikings. It is a show about individuals who are applying everything possible to find purpose in their meaningless existence. However, it is not about good guys vs. bad guys.
The series focuses on the modest farmer Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), who resides with his spouse and kids. Even though Ragnar Lothbrok was a true historical figure, there have been rumors that the main character is a perfect combination of other Viking characteristics. However, the show is renowned for its thrilling action scenes and outstanding character development. Additionally, Vikings delves into religion, leading some of its protagonists to doubt the reality of their gods.
2. Frontier (2016 – 2018)
Watch on Netflix
Jason Momoa, who rose to fame for his one-season role as Game of Thrones’ Khal Drogo, is a star of Frontier. The show features a protagonist who is out to break up the Canadian fur trade monopoly at a time when European immigrants were starting to make their way across North America.
Similarities exist between this series and The Last Kingdom. Frontier showcases the same brutality and pure emotions similar to The Last Kingdom that made Uhtred’s character so well-liked. However, the scenario and ambiance may differ from The Last Kingdom. Fortunately, Frontier is a relatively short series that you can easily complete on a leisurely weekend at home.
3. Barbarians (2020 – Present)
Watch on Netflix
The main conflict in this historical battle series is the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. It took place in 9 AD between the Roman Empire and the Germanic tribes. The narrative of Barbarians is narrated from the viewpoints of Thusnelda and Arminius, and it is based on somewhat true events. Arminius, a native German raised by Romans, battles with his true identity.
The plot is twisted when he faces off against Thusnelda, a Germanic warrior, who views the Romans as a menace that needs to be confronted when they kill her younger sibling. Like Uhtred, Arminius was raised in a different culture after being stolen from his family at an early age, so when the time comes to pick a side and battle, they are torn. Barbarians is a well-written novel with some amazing fight sequences.
4. Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)
Watch on HBO Max
If viewers are missing the alarming and heart-racing scenes of The Last Kingdom, Game of Thrones can certainly satisfy their craving for gory bloodshed and romance. The show features a ton of amazing battle scenes that will captivate audiences with their fantastical qualities.
Game of Thrones has such a big and legendary tale. Politics, family, justice, power, and lust are major themes in Game of Thrones. The story has a fantasy element as well because the country is home to numerous monsters and dragons. The Stark family, like Uhtred, loses their hometown and remains alone and dispersed around the countryside. All by themselves, they have to figure out how to endure, reorganize, and get back to their house.
5. Marco Polo (2014 – 2016)
Watch on Netflix
Watch Marco Polo to witness this legendary explorer discover not only the external world but also his inner thoughts. Together with some of the greatest combat scenes and eye-catching cinematography, this show dramatizes their adventures. After setting off on an adventure with his father, the explorer is tricked and given to Kublai Khan as a captive. He gradually begins to understand the customs of this foreign land and adjust to the new way of life.
The fact that even highly educated history enthusiasts appeared to appreciate the presentation to its high caliber makes viewers more intrigued to watch the show. Like in The Last Kingdom, the main character must choose between the merciless emperor who has granted him a new home, or his father, who has cheated him.
6. Troy: Fall Of A City (2018)
Watch on Netflix
There should be more television shows based on Greek mythology, as the genre has been the topic of many well-known Hollywood productions. All attempts have been made by the BBC to address that. Their latest book, Troy: Fall of a City, explained how Paris and Helen’s relationship was the catalyst for the start of the Trojan War.
The Last Kingdom viewers will surely draw parallels between Uhtred and Paris because both of them make snap judgments that have significant effects on everyone. Despite the parallels and disagreements between Paris and Uhtred, some would consider Paris to be a more courageous figure than Uhtred. This is because, unlike Uhtred, he makes an effort to defend the ones he loves.
7. Black Sails (2014 – 2017)
Watch on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV
Black Sails exposes the struggles that Captain Flint and his men endure both on and off the sea. It is well known that Flint is a cunning and risky pirate who will never quit. Being a pirate is not an easy existence, sailing the open seas gives you a certain amount of freedom. Since they are independent, they don’t have to worry about being conquered by others.
Although the word “freedom” is overused these days, it has a new meaning when one considers these pirates. With numerous novel characters appearing, the first season may be a little complicated, but by the second, you’ll be glued to your seat. Take a ride with these rebelling pirates and get a peek at their way of life.
8. Gunpowder ( 2017 )
Watch on HBO Max
If you enjoyed the tension between competing religious views in The Last Kingdom, you will definitely like Gunpowder, a historical drama. An account of the occurrences leading up to the London Gunpowder Plot in 1605 is given in this three-part BBC drama. Due to their judgments, Catholics in England suffered terribly under the reign of King James I in the 17th century. A God-fearing Catholic named Robert Catesby came up with a scheme to assassinate King James I and his Protestant Parliament on November 5, 1605.
The well-known Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington played the character Robert Catesby. If you’ve ever been curious about Guy Fawkes Day, you can enjoy this series on HBO Max.
