17+ Best Movies About Knights (List)

Knights movies have been a way to capture our imagination with chivalry, honor, and bravery.

These noble warriors have been the subject of countless movies, each offering a unique perspective on the world of knights.

From epic battles to romantic tales, the best movies about knights transport us to a time of castles, jousting tournaments, and quests for glory.

Best Movies About Knights

Here is a list of movies centered around knights, their quests, and their adventures in various historical and fantastical settings:

“Excalibur” (1981)

Directed by John Boorman

A retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

“A Knight’s Tale” (2001)

Directed by Brian Helgeland

A squire, posing as a knight, competes in jousting tournaments.

“Kingdom of Heaven” (2005)

Directed by Ridley Scott

A blacksmith becomes a knight and defends Jerusalem during the Crusades.

“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)

Directed by Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones

A comedic take on King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail.

“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991)

Directed by Kevin Reynolds

Robin Hood, a nobleman turned outlaw, leads a group of Merry Men.

“First Knight” (1995)

Directed by Jerry Zucker

The romantic and chivalrous adventures of Sir Lancelot and King Arthur.

“The Black Knight” (1954)

Directed by Tay Garnett

A blacksmith creates a new identity as a knight to uncover a plot against King Arthur.

“Ivanhoe” (1952)

Directed by Richard Thorpe

A Saxon knight seeks to regain his honor and rescue his love.

“Black Death” (2010)

Directed by Christopher Smith

A young monk and a group of knights investigate a village untouched by the Black Plague.

“King Arthur” (2004)

Directed by Antoine Fuqua

A demystified take on the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

“The Last Duel” (2021)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Two knights engage in a duel to settle a grievous insult.

“The Sword in the Stone” (1963)

Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman

A young King Arthur learns valuable lessons from Merlin the wizard.

“Timeline” (2003)

Directed by Richard Donner

A group of archaeologists travels back in time to medieval France.

“The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc” (1999)

Directed by Luc Besson

The story of Joan of Arc, who led the French army to victory over the English.

“The Kid Who Would Be King” (2019)

Directed by Joe Cornish

A young boy finds King Arthur’s legendary sword Excalibur and must stop an ancient evil.

“Outlaw King” (2018)

Directed by David Mackenzie

The story of Robert the Bruce, who led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England.

“Season of the Witch” (2011)

Directed by Dominic Sena

Two knights transport a suspected witch to a monastery where monks deduce her powers could be the source of the Black Plague.

“Tristan & Isolde” (2006)

Directed by Kevin Reynolds

A romantic drama centered on the love affair between Tristan, a knight, and Isolde, an Irish princess.

These films span different eras and styles, from historical epics to fantasy adventures, offering a diverse array of stories centered on knights and their chivalrous exploits.

Below we look at some of the most compelling movies about knights, looking into their historical accuracy, critical acclaim, and enduring popularity.

Table of Contents

The Historical Accuracy of Movies About Knights

When it comes to historical accuracy, movies about knights often take creative liberties to enhance the storytelling.

While some films strive for authenticity, others prioritize entertainment value over historical precision.

It is important to approach these movies with an understanding that they are works of fiction, albeit inspired by real historical events and figures.

That being said, there are movies that make a concerted effort to portray knights and their world with accuracy.

These films meticulously recreate medieval settings, costumes, and weaponry, providing viewers with a glimpse into the life of a knight.

One such example is the critically acclaimed movie “A Knight’s Tale” (2001), directed by Brian Helgeland.

While the film incorporates modern elements such as rock music and anachronistic dialogue, it still captures the essence of medieval tournaments and the code of chivalry.

On the other hand, movies like “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975) take a more comedic approach to knights, intentionally exaggerating historical inaccuracies for comedic effect.

While these films may not be historically accurate, they still offer an entertaining portrayal of knights and their adventures.

The Best Movies About Knights

Now, let’s dive into some of the best movies about knights that have captivated audiences over the years:

1. “Excalibur” (1981)

Directed by John Boorman, “Excalibur” is a visually stunning retelling of the Arthurian legend.

The film follows the journey of King Arthur, played by Nigel Terry, as he wields the mythical sword Excalibur and establishes the Knights of the Round Table.

With its epic battles, magical elements, and memorable performances, “Excalibur” remains a classic in the genre.

2. “Braveheart” (1995)

“Braveheart,” directed by and starring Mel Gibson, tells the story of William Wallace, a Scottish knight who leads a rebellion against English rule in the 13th century.

While the film takes some historical liberties, it is known for its powerful portrayal of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom.

“Braveheart” won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

3. “Kingdom of Heaven” (2005)

Ridley Scott’s “Kingdom of Heaven” is set during the Crusades and follows the journey of Balian of Ibelin, played by Orlando Bloom, as he becomes a knight and defends Jerusalem against overwhelming odds.

The film explores themes of religious conflict, honor, and redemption. With its grand scale and impressive battle sequences, “Kingdom of Heaven” is a must-watch for fans of medieval epics.

4. “First Knight” (1995)

“First Knight” offers a romantic twist on the tale of King Arthur, focusing on the love triangle between King Arthur (Sean Connery), Sir Lancelot (Richard Gere), and Lady Guinevere (Julia Ormond).

Directed by Jerry Zucker, the film combines elements of adventure, romance, and chivalry, making it a captivating watch for those seeking a different take on the Arthurian legend.

5. “The Princess Bride” (1987)

While not solely focused on knights, “The Princess Bride” is a beloved fantasy film that features a memorable knight character, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin).

Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie combines adventure, romance, and humor in a story that has become a cult classic.

With its quotable lines and charming characters, “The Princess Bride” has stood the test of time.

The Critical Acclaim of Movies About Knights

Movies about knights have received varying degrees of critical acclaim over the years.

While some films have been praised for their storytelling, performances, and visual effects, others have faced criticism for their historical inaccuracies or lack of depth.

One movie that stands out for its critical acclaim is “A Knight’s Tale.”

Despite its anachronisms, the film was well-received by both audiences and critics for its energetic performances, engaging story, and unique blend of medieval and modern elements.

It showcased the talents of the late Heath Ledger and introduced audiences to a fresh take on the knight genre.

On the other hand, movies like “King Arthur” (2004), directed by Antoine Fuqua, received mixed reviews.

While some praised its gritty portrayal of the Arthurian legend, others felt that it lacked depth and failed to live up to its potential.

The critical reception of movies about knights often depends on factors such as storytelling, character development, historical accuracy, and overall execution.

The Enduring Popularity of Movies About Knights

Despite the passage of time, movies about knights continue to captivate audiences and maintain their popularity.

The enduring appeal of these films can be attributed to several factors:

Escapism: Movies about knights transport viewers to a different time and place, allowing them to escape the realities of the modern world and immerse themselves in a world of honor, adventure, and romance.
Inspiration: Knights embody qualities such as bravery, loyalty, and honor, which can inspire and resonate with audiences. These films often explore themes of heroism and the triumph of good over evil.
Visual Spectacle: Many movies about knights feature grand battles, stunning landscapes, and elaborate costumes, creating a visual spectacle that appeals to the senses.
Timeless Themes: The themes explored in movies about knights, such as love, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice, are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

These factors contribute to the enduring popularity of movies about knights, ensuring that they remain a beloved genre in the world of cinema.

FAQs – Best Movies About Knights

1. Are movies about knights historically accurate?

Movies about knights often take creative liberties for storytelling purposes, so they may not be entirely historically accurate.

However, some films make an effort to portray knights and their world with authenticity.

2. What are some critically acclaimed movies about knights?

“A Knight’s Tale” and “Excalibur” are examples of movies about knights that have received critical acclaim for their storytelling, performances, and visual appeal.

3. Which movie offers a romantic twist on the tale of King Arthur?

“First Knight” is a movie that focuses on the love triangle between King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, and Lady Guinevere.

4. What makes movies about knights enduringly popular?

Movies about knights offer escapism, inspiration, visual spectacle, and explore timeless themes such as love, loyalty, and justice, which contribute to their enduring popularity.

5. Are there any comedic movies about knights?

“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is a comedic movie that intentionally exaggerates historical inaccuracies for comedic effect.

6. Which movie tells the story of William Wallace?

“Braveheart” is a movie that tells the story of William Wallace, a Scottish knight who leads a rebellion against English rule.

7. What is the appeal of movies about knights?

Movies about knights offer an escape to a different time and place, inspire with tales of bravery and honor, provide visual spectacle, and explore timeless themes that resonate with audiences.

8. Do movies about knights always have epic battles?

While many movies about knights feature epic battles, not all of them focus solely on combat. Some explore romance, adventure, or other aspects of knightly life.

9. Are there any modern movies about knights?

“A Knight’s Tale” is an example of a movie about knights that incorporates modern elements such as rock music and anachronistic dialogue.

10. Can movies about knights be enjoyed by all ages?

Movies about knights often have broad appeal and can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, as they offer a mix of adventure, romance, and themes that resonate with different generations.

Summary – Best Movies About Knights

Movies about knights have enthralled audiences for decades, offering a glimpse into a world of chivalry, honor, and adventure.

While historical accuracy may vary, these films provide entertainment, inspiration, and a sense of escapism.