Ridley Scott takes on the legendary outlaw in Robin Hood. This version presents a different origin story for Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe), depicting him as an archer in King Richard the Lionheart's army who becomes involved in the politics of England upon returning home after Richard's death.

The film aims for a more grounded, historical take on the myth, setting it against the backdrop of political instability and peasant rebellion in the early 13th century. It features impressive battle sequences and focuses on the circumstances that might have forged the Robin Hood legend.

While it diverges significantly from traditional portrayals, it offers a serious, large-scale production exploring themes of feudalism, justice, and the birth of a legend. Cate Blanchett co-stars as a strong-willed Maid Marian.

Ironclad delivers brutal, mud-soaked medieval action centered around the siege of Rochester Castle in 1215 England. A small group of Templar knights and mercenaries defend the castle against the tyrannical King John (Paul Giamatti), who is trying to reclaim power after being forced to sign the Magna Carta.

This film is known for its gritty, realistic portrayal of medieval combat – it's visceral and bloody, focusing on the close-quarters chaos of siege warfare. The production design emphasizes the harsh, unromanticized nature of the period.

Featuring a cast that includes James Purefoy, Brian Cox, and Derek Jacobi, Ironclad is a straightforward, no-nonsense action flick that captures the desperation and violence of a pivotal moment in English history.

Black Death plunges viewers into the grim reality of 14th-century England during the bubonic plague. This dark and atmospheric film follows a young monk (Eddie Redmayne) who guides a knight (Sean Bean) and his mercenaries to a remote village rumored to be untouched by the pestilence, believing it's protected by a necromancer.

The movie is a brutal and unflinching look at the fear, superstition, and violence that gripped the era. It's less a historical epic and more a gritty, tense thriller with horror elements, exploring the psychological toll of living in such terrifying times.

Sean Bean delivers a typically strong performance in this bleak but compelling journey into the heart of darkness during one of history's most devastating periods.

Embark on an epic journey with Arn: The Knight Templar, a Swedish film based on Jan Guillou's popular novels. This movie follows Arn Magnusson, a fictional Swedish nobleman trained as a Knight Templar in the Holy Land during the tumultuous 12th century.

The film splits its time between the Crusades in the Middle East and the political struggles in Sweden, offering a broad look at the era from different perspectives. It's a visually impressive production with grand battles and detailed historical settings.

Arn's story is one of love, duty, faith, and conflict across continents. It provides an interesting perspective on the Crusades and the state of Scandinavia during the period, making it a solid entry for fans of historical adventure.

And now for something completely different! Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a comedic masterpiece that hilariously skewers the legends of King Arthur and the Middle Ages. From coconuts used as horses to the Knights Who Say Ni, this film is packed with absurd and endlessly quotable gags.

Directed by the Monty Python troupe members Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, the movie follows King Arthur and his knights on their quest for the Holy Grail, encountering increasingly ridiculous obstacles along the way.

While it's a parody, the film's low-budget aesthetic and on-location shooting ironically give it a certain gritty, medieval feel between the jokes. It's a cult classic that has delighted audiences for decades and remains one of the funniest films ever made about, well, anything, let alone the Middle Ages.

John Boorman's Excalibur is a visually stunning and mystical take on the Arthurian legends. This film plunges deep into the myths of King Arthur, Merlin, the Knights of the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail, covering Arthur's birth to his death.

The movie is known for its gorgeous, dreamlike cinematography and its faithful, albeit sometimes intense, portrayal of the classic tales. It features an impressive cast that includes Nigel Terry as Arthur, Helen Mirren as Morgana, Nicol Williamson as Merlin, and Liam Neeson and Patrick Stewart in early roles.

Set to a powerful score that famously incorporates Carl Orff's 'O Fortuna', Excalibur is a sweeping, operatic fantasy that captures the magic and tragedy of the Arthurian saga. It's a foundational film for modern fantasy cinema.

Step into the viper's nest of the English court in The Lion in Winter. Set at Christmas 1183, this sharp, witty drama centers on the dysfunctional family of King Henry II (Peter O'Toole) and his imprisoned wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn), as they scheme and battle over the succession.

The film is less about battles and more about brilliant dialogue and powerhouse performances. O'Toole and Hepburn are absolutely electrifying together, delivering some of the most barbed and intelligent lines ever put to screen.

Featuring early roles for Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton as the warring sons, this movie is a masterclass in acting and writing, offering a glimpse into the political maneuvering and personal dramas of medieval royalty. It won three Oscars, including Best Actress for Hepburn.

Get ready for a rollicking, anachronistic ride with A Knight's Tale! This movie takes the classic medieval setting of jousting tournaments and injects it with a modern sensibility, featuring a soundtrack packed with classic rock anthems. Heath Ledger shines as William Thatcher, a low-born squire who poses as a knight to compete in the prestigious sport.

The film is pure entertainment, full of humor, action, and a surprising amount of heart. It doesn't take itself too seriously, which is part of its charm, offering a fresh and accessible entry point into the period for many viewers.

Featuring a great supporting cast including Paul Bettany as a flamboyant Geoffrey Chaucer and Alan Tudyk and Mark Addy as William's loyal companions, it's a feel-good underdog story that's simply a lot of fun.

Ingmar Bergman's masterpiece, The Seventh Seal, is a stark and profound exploration of faith, life, and death during the Black Plague in 14th-century Sweden. The iconic image of a knight playing chess with Death is instantly recognizable and has permeated popular culture.

Max von Sydow stars as the knight, Antonius Block, returning from the Crusades to find his homeland ravaged by disease. His existential journey is the heart of the film, as he seeks answers and meaning in a world seemingly abandoned by God.

While deeply philosophical, the film also features moments of dark humor and striking visual poetry. It's not a light watch, but its artistic merit and enduring themes make it an essential, thought-provoking piece of cinema that captures the existential dread of the era.

Step into a dark and mysterious 14th-century Italian abbey with The Name of the Rose. Based on Umberto Eco's brilliant novel, this film stars Sean Connery as Brother William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar investigating a series of bizarre deaths. He's aided by his young novice, Adso of Melk, played by Christian Slater.

The movie is a fascinating blend of historical drama, murder mystery, and theological debate, set against a backdrop of medieval superstition and political intrigue. The atmosphere is incredibly thick and authentic, thanks to detailed sets and costumes that truly evoke the period.

Connery delivers a masterful performance as the sharp-witted, proto-detective friar. It's a film that engages both the mind and the senses, offering a glimpse into the intellectual and spiritual struggles of the era.

Ridley Scott brings his signature visual flair to the Crusades in Kingdom of Heaven. Set in the 12th century, this film follows Balian (Orlando Bloom), a French blacksmith who finds himself defending Jerusalem against Saladin's forces.

The Director's Cut is often cited as the definitive version, adding depth to characters and plotlines that were trimmed from the theatrical release. It's a grand spectacle featuring incredible production design, costumes, and vast armies clashing on screen.

What makes this movie stand out is its nuanced portrayal of the conflict, exploring the complexities and motivations on both sides rather than painting a simple good vs. evil narrative. It's a thoughtful, large-scale historical drama that reflects on faith, duty, and the harsh realities of war in the Middle Ages.

Prepare for an epic sweep of history and heart with Braveheart! Mel Gibson directs and stars as William Wallace, the Scottish hero who rallied his countrymen against English rule in the late 13th century.

This film is renowned for its massive battle sequences, which were groundbreaking for their time and still pack a powerful punch today. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscapes, making you feel transported to the era.

Beyond the thrilling action, the movie delves into themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the spirit of a nation fighting for its identity. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying its place as a modern classic in historical epics. It's a film that truly captures the raw, passionate energy of a fight for liberation.