25 of the best movies set in the Middle Ages

Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images Movies have always allowed us to travel through time. From thousands of years in the future to thousands of years in the past, films allow us to experience worlds much different than the one in which we currently live. And some of the best period pieces out there are those that take place in the Middle Ages. The medieval times are fertile ground for historical dramas, Shakespearean adaptations, biopics, and fantasy films. They are fruitful for such classic films as Disney’s animated “Hunchback of Notre Dame” and gripping epics like “Braveheart” to farcical parodies like “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” There are many films set in the Middle Ages to dig into. However, there are no significant Middle Ages-set films made by women, but one of the most retold Middle Ages stories is that of Joan of Arc. Likewise, very few, if any, Middle Ages-set films have been made by people of color. But if you’re interested in finding a place to start, we have you covered. Stacker researched cinema set in the Middle Ages and spotlighted 25 features with at least a 7.0 on IMDb or a 75 on Metacritic. So, before spending too much money at your local Renaissance fair to get your medieval fix, sit back, relax, and check out these great period films. You may also like: Different movies with the same plots ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996) Walt Disney Animation Studios – Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise – IMDb user rating: 7.0 – Metascore: 74 – Runtime: 91 minutes This classic Disney animated film follows the tragic story of hunchback Quasimodo, the isolated bell-ringer for Notre Dame in Paris, as he yearns to explore the outside world and be free from the oppression of his father figure, Claude Frollo. Loosely based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” received nominations for its musical score at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. ‘Highlander’ (1986) Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment – Director: Russell Mulcahy – IMDb user rating: 7.1 – Metascore: 24 – Runtime: 116 minutes From 16th-century Scottish Highlands to 20th-century America, two immortal warriors reach the climax of their age-old feud, settling the score once and for all in the streets of New York City. Even though it takes place a century after the Middle Ages, “Highlander” still plays like a medieval film due to its design and proximity to the official Middle Ages (within 100 years). Though production doesn’t appear to have started just yet, a reboot of “Highlander” is in the works with Henry Cavill confirmed to star and “John Wick” director Chad Stahelski to helm. ‘The Sword in the Stone’ (1963) Walt Disney Animation Studios – Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi, David Hand – IMDb user rating: 7.1 – Metascore: 61 – Runtime: 79 minutes Disney’s animated adaptation of the Arthurian fable follows King Arthur from his childhood as an orphan known as “Wart” to cementing his place in legend and proving himself to be the rightful king of England. A live-action remake from Disney was announced in 2018, with “28 Weeks Later” director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo pegged to direct and “Game of Thrones” scribe Bryan Cogman penning the script. However, there have been no updates on the project since 2018. ‘Brother Sun, Sister Moon’ (1972) Euro International Films – Director: Franco Zeffirelli – IMDb user rating: 7.1 – Metascore: data not available – Runtime: 121 minutes This film concerns the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who returns from war and disavows his opulent upbringing in favor of working with the poor and planning to rebuild an old church. While released in Italian, the songs in the English-language version of the film were written and performed by famous Scottish artist Donovan. ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ (2021)