25 Shows To Watch If You Like Vikings

Summary

• Shows like
  Vikings
  take viewers on gritty, violent journeys through medieval times with fierce warriors and epic battles.
• While similar shows vary in time period and setting, they all feature strong warriors fighting for their people and beliefs.
• Fans of Vikings will enjoy other series like
  Deadwood
  ,
  The Bastard Executioner,
  and
  The White Queen
  for their compelling storytelling and intense action.

Shows like Vikings take viewers on a journey to a medieval time and present plenty of gritty (and often violent) action. Vikings followed Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a farmer turned warrior turned king. With that setup, the hit series showed the Norsemen of early Scandinavia as they set out to fight for their freedom. The show premiered in 2013 and concluded after six seasons and 89 episodes in 2020 after showing King Bjorn’s reign over Kattegat, Ubbe’s expeditions to Iceland and North America, and Ivar’s adventures in Rus’ and Wessex. This eventually led to the sequel, Vikings: Valhalla.

Throughout the years, there have been a lot of shows like Vikings that followed this same basic setup, although they don’t always take place in the same period and don’t always involve Vikings and Norsemen. While some shows like Vikings include Viking warriors, others take place in the Wild West, post-World War Britain, and even mythical fantasy lands like that of The Witcher. Each of these shows takes a warrior and places them where they have to fight for what is best for them and their people while never surrendering and never giving up.

26

25 1883 (2021-2022)

1 Season, 10 Episodes

Vikings is a terrific mix of the thrill of adventure in these characters exploring the world as well as the brutality of the life they are living. These are similar themes explored in the Yellowstone spinoff series1883. Set at the beginning of the Dutton family timeline that has been explored in this franchise, the series follows James Dutton and Margaret Dutton as they bring their family across the country on the Oregon trail in search of land in Montana.

It could be argued that the main character of the story is actually James and Margaret’s oldest child, their daughter, Elsa Dutton. She has a lot of the adventurous spirit in her that Ragnar has. The series explores her coming-of-age tale as she encounters this exciting yet dangerous world out in the untamed land of America. It is one of the most effective looks at the harshness and brutality of attempting to survive in this era of America.

24 Norsemen (2016-2020)

3 Seasons, 18 Episodes

For those just finishing binge-watching Vikings and looking to jump into another series, returning to another grim tale of brutality and violence can be a daunting endeavor. However, Norsemen might be the ideal palette cleanser for Vikings fans as it deals with the same subject matter, but in a much more lighthearted way. The Norwegian comedy series follows the day-to-day lives of Vikings in the village of Norheim.

There are also some aspects that reflect the storyline of
Vikings
, with the main characters of the story including the ruthless yet dim leader of the tribe.

The show is a hilarious take on the usually overly serious series of this kind, finding a lot of sitcom humor in the way these hardened warriors go about their mundane lives. There are also some aspects that reflect the storyline of Vikings, with the main characters of the story including the ruthless yet dim leader of the tribe as well as a lowly slave who seeks to modernize their community. It is a fun return to this world while also adding some humor that unexpectedly works in such a setting.

23 Shōgun (2024-)

1 Season, 10 Episodes

Shows like Vikings have popularized big and epic series that can explore fascinating aspects of history and cultures that haven’t been told before. Such is the case with Shōgun, a thrilling new series that is based on the 1974 novel by James Clavell. The series is set in the 1600s and follows an Englishman who becomes shipwrecked in feudal Japan where he becomes embroiled in the plans of a notable lord.

The three main characters in Shōgun highlight various similarities in storylines that emerge in Vikings‘ tale of a fight for power. From the adventurer who finds himself in a land he does not understand to the lord who battles with his scheming political rivals to the intelligent woman who is judged by her family connections, Shōgun is a fascinating story of unlikely allies in a dangerous world that makes for one of the most thrilling new shows of 2024.

22 The Great (2020-2023)

3 Seasons, 30 Episodes

Vikings is a show about the struggle for power in a world filled with cutthroat people trying to advance in society. In this brutal Vikings world, this usually has a bloody outcome with challengers and rivals going to literal battle with each other. The Great examines a completely different era in history where the fight for power was more about the shady deals made behind the curtain and the schemes concocted by the major power players. However, it was no less ruthless.

The Great takes the real history and tells a very loose adaptation of the story of Catherine the Great. Like Ragnar in Vikings, she was someone who came from a simpler life and found herself in a sphere of power. Though she was underestimated, she showed a shrewdness for politics, seizing power and finding her own way to rule. The Great also has more of a sense of humor than Vikings, but it is another gripping historical underdog story – albeit a much funnier one.

21 The Winter King (2023-)

1 Season, 10 Episodes

There is something riveting about a forgotten and overlooked warrior stepping into a world of lords and kings and proving themselves. This is the story of Ragnar in Vikings, rising up from a simple farmer to gain respect as a warrior and eventually become a king. The story of King Arthur tells a similar tale, and though many movies and shows have examined the Arthurian legend, The Winter King finds an interesting and exciting approach to the story.

Based on the book series by Bernard Cornwell, the series follows Arthur Pendragon, a young man who has an illegitimate claim to the throne who has been banished by the Saxons but seeks to regain the throne in this family’s name. Like Vikings, Arthur’s story is elevated by the exciting cast of characters, with many of them new interpretations of figures of Arthurian legend, including Merlin, Morgana le Fay, and Tristan.

De Caestecker, who plays the role of Arthur Pendragon also played Leo Fitz in Marvel’s
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

20 Deadwood (2004-2006)

3 Seasons, 36 Episodes

While the premise of a drama taking place in the 1870s American Old West might seem like a far cry from the frozen north of Medieval Scandinavia and its warring tribes, the three seasons of Deadwood have many similarities in terms of style and premise to shows like Vikings. This criminally short-lived drama and subsequent movie captivated audiences with its authentically gritty settings, dynamic characters, and intriguing plots, which helped the show win eight Emmys and a Golden Globe.

While the small town of Deadwood is leagues away from the likes of Vikings geographically, there’s a comparable level of instability and an individualistic sense of “everyone for themselves” in this harsh, cutthroat society. Like Vikings, Deadwood explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power. Characters like Al Swearengen and Seth Bullock embody complex moral ambiguities similar to Ragnar Lothbrok and other Vikings characters, where survival often hinges on making ruthless choices. The immersive world-building and historical authenticity make Deadwood an unforgettable exploration of the American frontier that Vikings fans will appreciate for its raw and uncompromising storytelling.

19 The Bastard Executioner (2015)

1 Season, 10 Episodes

Much like shows like Vikings, The Bastard Executioner features plenty of historically rooted fighting and violence, making it a natural fit for fans. It focuses on a knight who no longer wants to be in a war, which puts an exciting twist on the typical action-hero narrative. However, he does get dragged back into the fighting, and, though unwilling, it’s what Wilkin Brattle does best. Created by Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy), the series doesn’t stop depicting the brutal realities of medieval life and warfare.

The show delves into themes of revenge, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. The richly detailed medieval setting, with its grim villages and imposing castles, creates an immersive atmosphere akin to the rugged Scandinavian landscapes of Vikings. The action and fight choreography in this show are truly superb, and they’ll undoubtedly keep any Vikings fan entertained, despite unfortunately only lasting for a single season. Despite its short run, The Bastard Executioner is packed with intense battles, political intrigue, and compelling character arcs that will resonate with any fan of epic historical drama.

18 The White Queen (2013)

1 Season, 10 Episodes

Based on Philippa Gregory’s novel The Cousins’ War, this little-known historical period drama from BBC One draws some significant parallels to shows like Vikings. This isn’t just because of its Medieval English setting — which is centuries after the events of Vikings — but because The White Queen also focuses on the complexities of European politics and rivaling factions during this time. This underrated show also compares to Game of Thrones, as it centers around three rival queens vying for the throne of England, pulling strings behind the scenes.

The series’ intricate exploration of political machinations, betrayal, and shifting alliances mirrors the power struggles and family dynamics that Vikings fans love. Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville are three formidable women who will stop at nothing to secure power for their families, much like Lagertha and other strong female characters in Vikings. What this show lacks in action, it makes up for in its more realistic portrayals, terrific acting, and some emotionally rich elements of romance.

17 Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

6 Seasons, 36 Episodes

Assuming audiences don’t mind the shift in period settings, Peaky Blinders might just be right up a Vikings fan’s alley. It features some unique characters and fantastic performances, with twists and turns that keep audiences perched on the edges of their seats. There might not be any sword fights, but there’s plenty of fighting, grit, and drama. Featuring an incredible cast led by the inimitable Cillian Murphy, this series revolves around the lives and times of the Shelby crime family in England.

Like Vikings, Peaky Blinders explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power. The ruthless ambition and strategic brilliance of Thomas Shelby draw comparisons to Ragnar Lothbrok, with both leaders navigating treacherous paths in their respective worlds. The series masterfully captures the gritty atmosphere of post-World War I Birmingham, offering a rich, immersive backdrop where gang rivalries, political intrigue, and personal vendettas intertwine. With its stellar writing, stylish cinematography, and a mesmerizing soundtrack, Peaky Blinders offers a captivating and raw look at ambition and survival that Vikings fans will find irresistible.

16 Marco Polo (2014-2016)

2 Seasons, 20 Episodes

The Netflix adventure Marco Polo proved enthralling and unique during its brief run of two compelling seasons. As this show follows the well-known Italian explorer, merchant, and writer by the same name, there is an array of unique, lavish settings and gripping, pivotal moments. The show primarily follows Marco Polo’s early years while in the court of Kublai Khan of the Mongol Empire. While panned by some for its lack of historical accuracy, this is similar to shows like Vikings in that it draws from natural history for its inspiration while adding its own fictional twists and creative flair.

The relationship between Marco and Kublai Khan reflects the mentor-protégé dynamics seen between Ragnar and other characters in
Vikings
.

Like Vikings, Marco Polo explores themes of loyalty, power, and the struggle for dominance within a complex and ruthless society. The relationship between Marco and Kublai Khan reflects the mentor-protégé dynamics seen between Ragnar and other characters in Vikings. The show delivers a blend of epic battles, intricate political intrigue, and personal drama set against the backdrop of the Mongol Empire’s vast and varied landscapes. The rich storytelling create an immersive world that fans of Vikings will find captivating. Despite its short run, Marco Polo remains a visually stunning and narratively engaging series for those seeking an epic historical adventure.

15 History Channel’s Barbarians (2004-2007)

2 Seasons, 8 Episodes

This miniseries on the History Channel follows a documentary format, emphasizing actual historical events rather than fictional narratives. Yet, there is a commonality in both style and subject between this series and Vikings, with even an entire episode dedicated to the Vikings themselves, in addition to other tribes that resided in Europe circa the Middle Ages, such as the Vandals and Saxons.

Like Vikings, Barbarians explores the world of ancient European tribes and their fierce struggles for survival and dominance. The series provides detailed historical context while bringing these barbarian groups to life through vivid reenactments and expert insights. While it doesn’t follow a single narrative, each episode offers a compelling glimpse into the lives and cultures of these warrior societies. There is a wealth of entertaining information conveyed and some fun, action-laden battle reenactments during each of the show’s eight episodes.

14 Sons Of Anarchy (2008-2014)

7 Seasons, 92 Episodes

Sons Of Anarchy is far more modern than the world of shows like Vikings, but that makes it easy to connect with this gritty, emotional, and violent crime drama. It might be guns and explosives at times instead of swords and battleaxes, but it is just as easy to become invested in the gang warfare between the different motorcycle clubs. This show follows one group as they try to become legal and legitimate, with inner politics causing heartbreak and pain.

Much like Vikings, Sons of Anarchy explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for power within a tightly-knit community. The inner conflicts of the SAMCRO motorcycle club, led by Jax Teller, echo the turbulent dynamics within Ragnar’s clan. The series delves into the complexities of leadership, family ties, and the moral ambiguities of pursuing a higher purpose amidst a world of violence and crime. With its raw storytelling, intense action scenes, and deeply flawed yet compelling characters, Sons of Anarchy offers a captivating and modern take on themes that resonate with Vikings fans.

13 Spartacus (2010-2013)

3 Seasons, 39 Episodes

Like
Vikings
,
Spartacus
explores themes of rebellion, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of freedom in a brutal, unforgiving world.

Those who can’t wait to see some thrilling, action-packed battles and hear the clashing of steel in shows like Vikings will undoubtedly find much to love about Starz’s short-lived historical fiction, Spartacus. While the show takes some creative liberties, it loosely adheres to authentic ancient settings and the rough life of being a gladiator in Ancient Rome. Like Vikings, Spartacus explores themes of rebellion, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of freedom in a brutal, unforgiving world.

Spartacus’s journey from enslaved gladiator to revolutionary leader mirrors Ragnar Lothbrok’s rise to power, with both protagonists rallying a diverse group of followers against powerful enemies. The show is packed with visceral, blood-soaked battles, intense political intrigue, and compelling character arcs that keep viewers hooked. It’s not only rife with some flashy cinematography and incredible fight scenes but contains some surprisingly clever writing and narratives, solid performances, and some of the greatest villains in period drama TV.

12 The Tudors (2007-2010)

4 Seasons, 38 Episodes

The Tudors is rife with backstabbing and politics as it follows the infamous King Henry VIII during his youth as he tries to secure himself a son. It showcases him going through various wives, which he was notorious for, all while dealing with his competition and different political issues. While it doesn’t have the same penchant for violence as shows like Vikings, it is just as exciting and enjoyable as it brings history to life with a relatively modern lens. Much like Vikings, The Tudors explores themes of power, ambition, and betrayal within a historically inspired setting.

The ruthless and often unpredictable nature of King Henry VIII mirrors Ragnar Lothbrok’s complex leadership style, both striving to secure their legacies while navigating treacherous political waters. The series delves into the intense rivalries, alliances, and familial conflicts that defined the Tudor court, creating a compelling drama filled with intrigue and unexpected twists. With its lush costumes, lavish sets, and strong performances, particularly from Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII, The Tudors offers an engaging blend of historical drama and modern storytelling that will resonate with Vikings fans seeking tales of power, politics, and passion.

11 Rome (2005-2007)

2 Seasons, 22 Episodes

Like Spartacus, HBO’s two-season epic manages to portray the harsh life and chaotic sociopolitical happenings of Ancient Rome in a few episodes. But while Starz’ show goes full-throttle with cinematic bombast, this show tends to be more grounded in gritty realism and historical accuracy. Regardless, plenty of intense, entertaining battles and action scenes remain to be had. The show follows Rome at one of its most turbulent and event-filled eras – the tail end of the late republic, where infighting and political rivalries are growing.

Rome explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal in a richly detailed world that resonates with Vikings fans. The series brings to life the volatile political landscape of the late Roman Republic, where personal alliances and rivalries determine the fate of empires. Much like shows like Vikings, Rome hones in on a few prominent figures — most notably Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus — in a struggle to gain power, as vying factions are formed and clash with each other.

10 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

8 Seasons, 73 Episodes

Game of Thrones contains many elements that draw fans to shows like Vikings. Yet, there are plenty of commonalities regarding Game of Thrones inspiration, which, by author George R.R. Martin’s own admission, is partially taken from Medieval England. The Ironborn clan is even depicted as a northern, seafaring tribe much like the Vikings of old, and the show is wrought with the same sort of political rivalries and Medieval battles reminiscent of Vikings.

Like Vikings, Game of Thrones explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of power within a richly imagined world. The series brings to life the intricate political dynamics of Westeros, where noble houses vie for control of the Iron Throne in a ruthless struggle for dominance. The controversial final season may make getting into Game of Thrones seem like a wasted effort, but there’s a lot to enjoy in this highly influential epic.

9 The Borgias (2011 – 2013)

3 Seasons, 29 Episodes

Those interested in the Christian and general religious undertones often featured in shows like Vikings would do well to give this little-known dramatic historical fiction a look. Showtime’s The Borgias follows the rise of a prominent family in the Roman Catholic Church and their Game of Thrones-esque struggle to maintain power. There is a wealth of complex sociopolitical happenings decorated with some elaborate, authentic set pieces that transport viewers to fifteenth-century Europe.

Like Vikings, The Borgias explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power within a deeply rooted historical context. The series delves into the ruthless ambition and moral ambiguities of the Borgia family as they navigate the treacherous waters of fifteenth-century politics and religion. There are many memorable, believable characters, particularly in the form of the patriarch Rodrigo (Jeremy Irons) and his witty daughter Lucrezia (Holliday Grainger).

8 Black Sails (2014-2017)

4 Seasons, 38 Episodes

This Starz historical drama’s brief, capsule descriptor is that it’s essentially the pirate version of Vikings. But really, it’s much more than that – as it contains some genuinely entertaining adventures, fun and detailed swashbuckling themes, and some stylish cinematography. Much like Vikings, there’s a nice blend of in-depth premises grounded in history and fictional creative glitz. Considering the rough, gritty, and morally questionable lifestyles led by pirates, Black Sails goes full-throttle with the gore and raunchiness more reminiscent of Spartacus or Game of Thrones compared to the relatively tame Vikings.

The dynamic between pirates and colonial powers echoes the shifting power struggles of Vikings, with both shows delivering intense action, political intrigue, and complex character dynamics. Black Sails immerses viewers in the chaotic world of Nassau, with its vividly detailed sets, costumes, and breathtaking seascapes providing a captivating backdrop for epic battles and high-stakes drama. The series’ blend of historical accuracy and creative storytelling creates a richly layered narrative that will resonate with Vikings fans seeking tales of adventure, ambition, and survival.

7 The Witcher (2019-Present)

3 Seasons, 24 Episodes

The Witcher has been one of Netflix’s biggest successes in recent years, with a gripping and detailed first season that caught the attention of fans worldwide. Taking its cues from the hit video game series and novels, there was a lot of pressure to deliver — and it does. Just like shows like Vikings, some fantastic battle sequences will sustain any fan of action and well-choreographed fight scenes.

There are elements of high fantasy with magic, monsters, and the like, but fans tend to stay for the fantastic character development and a true sense of adventure. Geralt of Rivia’s journey as a monster hunter navigating a morally ambiguous landscape mirrors Ragnar Lothbrok’s complex path, with both protagonists facing shifting alliances and dangerous foes. The series masterfully blends epic battles, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling, creating a captivating saga that resonates with fans of Vikings.