Medieval Series on Netflix: 22 Epic Historical Dramas

1. Vikings: Valhalla (2022–2024)

• Starring: Sam Corlett, Frida Gustavsson, Leo Suter
• Creator: Jeb Stuart
• IMDb Rating: ~7.2/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 3 seasons, ~24 eps total
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~45–55 min
• Why it fits: Viking expansion with crisp, cinematic battles

A century after Ragnar’s legend, Norse explorers crash into ascendant Christian kingdoms and new trade horizons. Battles are muscular yet readable, letting strategy shine as much as steel. Harald, Leif, and Freydís give the saga a three‑pronged emotional core. Sailing sequences keep momentum high while palace scenes sharpen motives. Production design leans into timber, iron, and salt‑spray textures that sell the world. Episode arcs resolve cleanly, ideal for weeknight viewing. It scratches the itch for historical adventure without drowning you in exposition. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it proves the genre can be both brawny and focused.

2. The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

• Starring: Alexander Dreymon, Emily Cox
• Developer: Stephen Butchard (from Bernard Cornwell)
• IMDb Rating: ~8.5/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 5 seasons, 46 eps (+ feature epilogue)
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~55–60 min
• Why it fits: Saxon vs Viking drama anchored by a singular hero

Uhtred of Bebbanburg fights for the land that forged and denied him in equal measure. Character beats punch as hard as shield walls, sustaining investment across long arcs. Court intrigue balances with road‑movie momentum to keep pace lively. England’s muddy fields and smoky halls feel tactile, not stagey. Dialogue stays lean and purposeful, giving weight to oath and loyalty. If you like character‑first epics, this lane is yours. It’s bingeable yet cleanly chaptered. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it stands tall for grounded heroism.

3. Marco Polo (2014–2016)

• Starring: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong
• Creator: John Fusco
• IMDb Rating: ~8.0/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 20 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~50–60 min
• Why it fits: Opulent court intrigue with travel‑epic scope

Kublai Khan’s court becomes a chessboard where loyalty, art, and empire collide. Wide‑angle landscapes and ornate interiors deliver true travel‑epic vibes. Political maneuvering stays legible even as alliances swivel mid‑scene. Action favors purposeful choreography over chaos. Cultural detail and language texture add flavor without drag. It suits viewers who love opulence with stakes. The supporting ensemble keeps corridor conversations charged. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it remains a lavish standout.

4. Barbarians (2020–2022)

• Starring: Laurence Rupp, Jeanne Goursaud
• Creators: Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, Jan Martin Scharf
• IMDb Rating: ~7.2/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 12 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~45–50 min
• Why it fits: Forest warfare and identity conflict against Rome

Arminius stands between Roman discipline and Germanic duty with a heart split in two. Forest skirmishes use terrain as a weapon, not just a backdrop. Latin and Germanic tongues sharpen the culture clash without gimmick. The show favors grit over gloss while keeping motives clear. Episodes spiral toward Teutoburg with mounting inevitability. It’s ideal if you want earth‑close historical drama. Short seasons keep the storytelling tight. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s flinty and focused.

5. Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020–2022)

• Starring: Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu, Tommaso Basili
• Type: Docudrama series
• IMDb Rating: ~7.9/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 12 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~45–50 min
• Why it fits: Siege strategy with expert context and drive

Dramatized reenactments fuse with expert analysis to chart Mehmed II’s campaigns. The fall of Constantinople plays like a heist where cannons and tunnels replace lasers. Maps and models keep tactics crystal clear. Modern interviews puncture myth without draining momentum. It’s perfect for sword‑and‑shield cravings that want receipts. Season two shifts to Wallachia for a thornier duel with Vlad. Sound design and practical effects make siege craft tactile. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s propulsive and informative.

6. The Witcher (2019– )

• Starring: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan
• Developed by: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich (from Andrzej Sapkowski)
• IMDb Rating: ~7.9/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 3 seasons, 24 eps (to date)
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~55–60 min
• Why it fits: Monster‑hunting fantasy threaded with politics

Gravel‑voiced Geralt hunts creatures while kingdoms redraw maps in the margins. Practical stunt work and creature design keep the world bloody but textured. Non‑linear timelines reward attention without becoming homework. Yennefer’s and Ciri’s threads add distinct emotional gears. Tavern humor cuts the gloom before it calcifies. If you like fantasy that can still laugh, this sings. Production scale sells the Continent as a place, not a stage. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s a crossover anchor.

7. The Witcher: Blood Origin (2022)

• Starring: Sophia Brown, Laurence O’Fuarain, Michelle Yeoh
• Type: Limited prequel (4 episodes)
• IMDb Rating: ~4.9/10
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~55–63 min
• Why it fits: Swift, folktale‑bright origins with clean action

Centuries before Geralt, seven misfits barrel toward the Conjunction of the Spheres. Short‑form structure favors momentum over sprawl. Myth beats stage like ballads, keeping tone brisk. It widens the timeline without demanding deep lore. Michelle Yeoh adds steel that anchors the ensemble. Fight geography stays clean, even in busy alleys. It’s a quick taste of the universe. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s compact and energetic.

8. The Letter for the King (2020)

• Starring: Amir Wilson, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Thaddea Graham
• Creator: Will Davies
• IMDb Rating: ~6.1/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 1 season, 6 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~45–50 min
• Why it fits: Family‑friendly quest with classic beats

A squire’s errand blooms into an honor test across wild passes and walled cities. Lean episode counts make it perfect for a weekend sprint. Locations skip from alpine chill to candle‑lit courts with story logic. The show threads earnestness without tipping into syrup. Swordplay stays readable for younger viewers. If you want all‑ages period adventure, start here. The quest structure scratches the fairy‑tale itch. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s an approachable on‑ramp.

Mid‑List Boost: why medieval series on netflix make browsing simple and satisfying

9. Cursed (2020)

• Starring: Katherine Langford, Devon Terrell
• Creators: Frank Miller, Tom Wheeler
• IMDb Rating: ~5.9/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 1 season, 10 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~50–60 min
• Why it fits: Arthurian legends reframed from Nimue’s POV

Nimue’s power reframes the sword’s mythology from the margins inward. Woodland witchcraft clashes with iron‑clad fanaticism in brisk bursts. Graphic‑novel transitions give the visuals a page‑flip snap. It’s less courtly pageant and more rebellion‑on‑the‑run. Romance and rage keep equal time without capsizing tone. Great for viewers chasing Arthurian legends with new POVs. The season closes where the myth usually opens, a neat pivot. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s modern‑toned and punchy.

10. Heirs to the Land (2022)

• Starring: Yon González, Elena Rivera
• Director: Jordi Frades
• IMDb Rating: ~6.9/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 1 season, 8 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~50–55 min
• Why it fits: Guild drama in 14th‑century Barcelona

A shipwright’s apprentice chases craft, dignity, and promises in a city of stone and salt. Guilds, vows, and family debts entwine into steady, human‑scale stakes. Harbor light and church arches give the frame a lived‑in patina. Conflicts hinge on reputation as much as blades. Episodes end with clean hooks that invite one‑more‑episode energy. It pairs well with readers of sweeping European period series. Moral choices feel practical, not mythic. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s quietly substantial.

11. Troy: Fall of a City (2018)

• Starring: Louis Hunter, Bella Dayne
• Creators: David Farr / BBC One & Netflix
• IMDb Rating: ~3.8/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 1 season, 8 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~55–60 min
• Why it fits: Siege drama that humanizes the legend

The Trojan story plays as a human‑scaled political tragedy rather than a distant myth. Camp life and court life share the same moral weather. Combat stays scrappy and close, fitting resource limits. Diplomacy scenes crackle with bruised pride and thin truces. Costume and armor design chase function first, flourish second. Ideal for myth lovers who want plausibility. Eight episodes mean pressure without bloat. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s taut and thoughtful.

12. Norsemen (2016–2020)

• Starring: Kåre Conradi, Nils Jørgen Kaalstad, Silje Torp
• Creators: Jon Iver Helgaker, Jonas Torgersen
• IMDb Rating: ~7.8/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 3 seasons, 24 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~28–30 min
• Why it fits: Deadpan Viking satire to break up the grit

Everyday chores, office politics, and pillaging logistics get the driest treatment imaginable. The show’s bilingual trick gives jokes a weirdly elegant rhythm. Costumes and props are played straight, making the humor land harder. It’s a perfect palate cleanser between heavier war arcs. Sketch‑caliber bits still feed character continuity. Short episodes make time‑boxing easy. Use it when your queue needs laughs between battles. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s a left‑field joy.

13. Kingdom (2019– )

• Starring: Ju Ji‑hoon, Bae Doona
• Creator: Kim Eun‑hee
• IMDb Rating: ~8.4/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 12 eps (+ special)
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~45–55 min
• Why it fits: Joseon‑era politics fused with survival horror

Court intrigue collides with an undead outbreak to stress‑test governance under pressure. Costumes and palatial spaces deliver spectacle without slowing the chase. Action beats are tactical puzzles, not just blade‑swinging noise. The crown prince arc frames duty as both horror story and civic test. Political conspirators feel chillingly plausible. If you want historical drama with thriller teeth, this sings. Geography‑clear set pieces reward big screens. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s globally beloved.

14. Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (2021)

• Featuring: Masayoshi Haneda (reenactments), historians
• Type: Docudrama series
• IMDb Rating: ~7.4/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 1 season, 6 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~40–45 min
• Why it fits: Warlord realpolitik staged with style

Stylized reenactments trace Oda, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu through brutal consolidation. Experts keep the tempo honest while drama carries the weight. Armor and sword forms get room to breathe for craft fans. Maps and calligraphy add texture instead of noise. The edit leans propulsive—more thriller than classroom. Perfect for viewers who crave strategy as much as spectacle. Pair with a campaign‑heavy game night. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s sharp nonfiction.

15. Luna Nera (2020)

• Starring: Antonia Fotaras, Giorgio Belli
• Creators: Francesca Manieri, Laura Paolucci, Tiziana Triana
• IMDb Rating: ~5.8/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 1 season, 6 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~40–45 min
• Why it fits: Folk‑horror edges in rural Italy

Teen witches evade inquisitors in a countryside where superstition powers politics. Moody candlelight and winter fields set a haunting register. The coven dynamic gives the story a found‑family core. Patriarchal pressure cooks private stakes into public danger. If you want period pieces with folk‑horror bite, this fits. Romance complicates survival without drowning it. Episodes move briskly with clean cliff‑hangers. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s moody and magnetic.

16. Knightfall (2017–2019)

• Starring: Tom Cullen, Pádraic Delaney, Simon Merrells
• Creators: Don Handfield, Richard Rayner
• IMDb Rating: ~6.7/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 18 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~42–45 min
• Why it fits: Crusader intrigue with armored heft

Templar politics, relic quests, and royal pressure cook a combustible Paris. Sword fights prize spatial logic and plate‑armor weight. The show’s obsession with legacy keeps choices messy and human. Court scenes push characters into corners without cartoon villainy. If crusader epics are your sweet spot, this scratches it cleanly. Cinematography finds beauty in stone, steel, and candle soot. Season arcs feel novelistic and satisfying. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s stout and satisfying.

Final Stretch Lift: medieval series on netflix that keep the marathon rolling

17. Borgia (2011–2014)

• Starring: John Doman, Mark Ryder
• Creator: Tom Fontana
• IMDb Rating: ~7.9/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 3 seasons, 38 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~50–55 min
• Why it fits: Renaissance power plays at a Vatican boil

The Vatican becomes a battlefield where bloodlines and borders are negotiated in whispers. Poison, policy, and piety mix into a slow‑burn thriller. The series favors human motive over tabloid shock. Costumes and ceremony serve story, not just spectacle. Rival families and foreign crowns complicate every victory. It’s ideal for viewers who savor long‑game intrigue. Each season tightens the noose with patient confidence. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s rich and ruthless.

18. Medici (2016–2019)

• Starring: Daniel Sharman, Richard Madden (S1)
• Creators: Frank Spotnitz, Nicholas Meyer
• IMDb Rating: ~7.9/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 3 seasons, 24 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~52–60 min
• Why it fits: Banking dynasties as bloodless warfare

Florence turns finance into warfare with velvet gloves and iron wills. Architecture and art are deployed as political weapons. The show treats family meetings like miniature parliaments. Rival houses keep tension humming even between set pieces. If you crave period pieces where ink can be deadlier than steel, start here. Romance operates as leverage, not window dressing. Episodes balance civic stakes with private costs. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s elegant and sharp.

19. The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (Animated Special, 2024)

• Voices: Doug Cockle, Anya Chalotra (ENG dub)
• Type: Animated feature‑special
• IMDb Rating: ~7.2/10
• Length & Format: ~90 min (standalone)
• Why it fits: Self‑contained monster hunt with maritime magic

An underwater contract pushes Geralt into murky politics and older magic. Animation frees the camera for balletic, readable action. Lore nods remain optional, not gates. The score leans maritime without novelty gimmicks. It’s a gateway for animation fans curious about the franchise. Self‑contained structure fits a school night perfectly. Creature design feels mythic without losing biology. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s sleek and splashy.

20. Barbarians Rising (2016)

• Featuring: Reenactment ensemble + historians
• Type: Docudrama miniseries
• IMDb Rating: ~7.5/10
• Seasons & Episodes: 1 season, 8 eps
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~42–44 min
• Why it fits: Strategy‑first reenactments with expert framing

Profiles of chieftains and legions map how migrating peoples pressured an empire into change. Each chapter frames a self‑contained decision under pressure. Interviews keep the spine factual while staged drama adds skin and heat. Battle staging privileges terrain and logistics over gore. The series reads like illustrated history without feeling stiff. It’s perfect for learners who want strategy with story. Watch in any order without losing context. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it scratches the tactics itch.

21. Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021)

• Starring: Jun Ji‑hyun, Park Byung‑eun
• Type: Feature‑length special (92 minutes)
• IMDb Rating: ~7.0/10
• Why it fits: Frontier tragedy that reframes the plague

This origin narrows to one survivor whose grief becomes a geopolitical fuse. Tundra palettes and quiet blocking make violence feel sudden and human. It reframes the series’ plague as consequence, not gimmick. Cultural borders and resource scarcity do as much harm as swords. A single performance shoulders moral weight with chilling restraint. Watch it solo or as a prologue to the main seasons. It’s austere, moving, and hard to shake. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s potent and precise.

22. Norsemen: Season 0 (Prequel, 2020)

• Starring: Kåre Conradi, Silje Torp, Nils Jørgen Kaalstad
• Type: Prequel season (6 episodes)
• IMDb Rating: ~7.7/10
• Runtime (avg/ep): ~28–30 min
• Why it fits: Deadpan prehistory that seeds later chaos

The prequel rewinds to show how petty feuds and civic plans plant future disasters. Jokes remain bone‑dry while plot threads quietly click into place. Production plays it straight so the absurdity can breathe. You’ll spot throwaway lines from later seasons landing as setups here. It’s great as a nightcap after heavier fare. The village politics mirror modern office life with spears. Short runtime means zero filler. As one of the medieval series on netflix, it’s a playful closer.