The medieval era was a time of knights, battles, and epic quests—a fertile ground for gripping narratives brought to life in movies about the Crusades. The Crusades have been a source of fascination for filmmakers and viewers alike, spurring a genre of crusades films that transport audiences back to the clashing of swords and the fervent quests of religious warriors. This curated list offers a collection of the finest movies about the Crusades, ranked by fans, and providing insights into the creative minds behind these works, their release dates, and the star-studded casts that bring the age of the Crusades to life.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore the captivating world of the Crusades through movies set in this historical period.
- Learn about the creative minds behind these films, their release dates, and star-studded casts.
- Discover the diversity of Crusades-themed movies, ranging from epic battles to legendary figures.
- Experience a mix of action, drama, and historical context in the top Crusades films.
- These movies provide a cinematic adventure for history buffs and movie enthusiasts alike.
Table of Contents
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Directed by Ridley Scott, “Kingdom of Heaven” is a highly acclaimed historical film that delves into the tumultuous era of the Crusades. This 2005 masterpiece stars Orlando Bloom and Eva Green in unforgettable performances that bring the gripping storyline to life.
The film follows the journey of Balian of Ibelin as he embarks on a perilous quest to defend Jerusalem during the 12th century Crusades. With stunning visuals and meticulous attention to historical detail, “Kingdom of Heaven” transports viewers to a time of epic battles and religious fervor.
This visually captivating film offers a mesmerizing portrayal of the Crusades, capturing the essence of the tumultuous era. Ridley Scott’s brilliant direction combined with exceptional performances by Orlando Bloom and Eva Green make “Kingdom of Heaven” a must-watch for fans of historical films on the Crusades.
Arn: The Knight Templar (2007)
“Arn: The Knight Templar” is a Swedish film released in 2007. It tells the captivating story of Arn, the son of a high-ranking Swedish nobleman, who is educated in a monastery and later sent to the Holy Land as a knight templar to do penance for a forbidden love. Starring Joakim Nätterqvist and Stellan Skarsgård, the film offers a fascinating portrayal of the Crusades, showcasing the religious fervor and battles of the time. With its compelling narrative and stellar performances, “Arn: The Knight Templar” is a must-watch for anyone seeking historical films on the Crusades.
Main Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Joakim Nätterqvist | Arn Magnusson |
| Stellan Skarsgård | Birger Brosa |
| Simon Callow | Brother Guilbert |
| Morgan Alling | Cecilia Algotsdotter |
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” is a classic film released in 1991. Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the movie stars Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman and offers a unique take on the Crusades. The plot revolves around Robin Hood, who decides to fight back as an outlaw when faced with the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham. While not solely focused on the Crusades, the film showcases the historical context of the era and provides an entertaining exploration of the legend of Robin Hood.
From thrilling battles to daring escapes, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” captures the essence of the medieval era and delivers an action-packed adventure for viewers. With Kevin Costner’s portrayal of the charismatic and noble Robin Hood, and Morgan Freeman’s captivating performance as his loyal friend and ally, this film is a must-watch for fans of historical films on the Crusades. The movie’s stunning cinematography and memorable score further enhance the overall viewing experience.
| Directed by | Starring | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Reynolds | Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman | 1991 |
Join Robin Hood and his band of outlaws as they strive to bring justice to the oppressed and challenge the corrupt establishment. With its timeless themes of heroism, love, and freedom, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” continues to captivate audiences and remains a beloved entry in the genre of historical films on the Crusades.
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
“The Da Vinci Code” is a thrilling film released in 2006, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks. While not primarily centered on the Crusades, the movie incorporates elements of the historical period. It follows the story of a murder inside the Louvre and the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years. With its captivating storyline and star-studded cast, “The Da Vinci Code” offers a unique twist on the Crusades theme in cinema.
Tom Hanks and Ron Howard collaborated in “The Da Vinci Code” to create a visually stunning and thought-provoking film. The movie takes audiences on a thrilling journey through history, unraveling ancient secrets and exposing hidden truths. While the Crusades serve as a backdrop to the main plot, the film’s exploration of religious symbolism and historical artifacts adds depth and intrigue.
Throughout the film, the audience is led on a quest to uncover the truth behind the Da Vinci code, a secret that could challenge the foundations of Christianity. With its blend of mystery, action, and historical references, “The Da Vinci Code” appeals to a wide range of viewers, whether they are history enthusiasts, fans of conspiracy theories, or simply looking for an entertaining adventure.
Public reception to “The Da Vinci Code” was mixed, with some praising its thought-provoking narrative and stunning visuals, while others criticized its deviations from the source material. Despite the controversy, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $757 million worldwide.
Whether you’re drawn to historical films on the Crusades, intrigued by religious symbolism, or simply a fan of Tom Hanks and Ron Howard, “The Da Vinci Code” is a film that offers an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Robin Hood (2006-2009 TV Series)
The “Robin Hood” TV series, which aired from 2006 to 2009, offers an exciting and modern take on the Robin Hood legend set during the Crusades. Starring Jonas Armstrong and Gordon Kennedy, the show follows Robin as he returns to England after fighting in the Crusades and leads a band of outlaws to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham. With its action-packed episodes and compelling storylines, “Robin Hood” is a great choice for fans looking for Crusades themed movies.
- Renewed Interest: The “Robin Hood” TV series brought renewed interest in the Robin Hood legend with its modern storytelling and dynamic characters.
- Captivating Performances: Jonas Armstrong delivers a charismatic and compelling portrayal of Robin Hood, captivating audiences with his wit and charm.
- Strong Supporting Cast: Gordon Kennedy shines as Little John, bringing a sense of loyalty and strength to the character.
- Action-Packed Episodes: The series is packed with thrilling action sequences, from exciting sword fights to daring rescues.
- Intriguing Storylines: “Robin Hood” offers a mix of adventure, romance, and political intrigue, keeping viewers hooked from episode to episode.
Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas or simply enjoy a good adventure, “Robin Hood” is a must-watch for anyone interested in Crusades themed movies. With its captivating storyline and memorable characters, this TV series brings the Robin Hood legend to life in a fresh and exciting way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, movies about the Crusades provide a captivating journey into one of history’s most tumultuous periods. Whether it’s the epic battles, the religious quests, or the exploration of legendary figures like Robin Hood, these films offer a mix of action, drama, and historical context.
From the highly acclaimed “Kingdom of Heaven” to the thrilling “Da Vinci Code,” there is a diverse range of movies about the Crusades to choose from. These films transport viewers back in time, allowing them to experience the intensity, bravery, and conflicts that defined this era.
So, grab some popcorn and embark on a cinematic adventure through the Crusades. Explore the best Crusades movies list and lose yourself in the world of history, legends, and heroism. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply enjoy epic tales, movies about the Crusades are sure to leave you entertained and enlightened.
