5 Netflix shows you must watch if you like 'Vikings: Valhalla'

Michael Hirst’s spectacular historical drama series, Vikings came to an epic conclusion in 2020. Following its end, Hirst collaborated with Jeb Stuart to create a spin-off that celebrates the gory glory of the Vikings, titled Vikings: Valhalla. Set nearly a century after the events of the original series, the two have certain connections, especially in terms of the halls of Kattegat where the predecessors exist as legends. 

Valhalla upholds the near obliteration of the Vikings with the English kingdom standing strong against the Scandinavian raiders. The show chronicles the three claims to the throne after King Edward’s demise that changes English history forever. It also depicts the Vikings coming together at Kattegat to lash out against the English and avenge genocide. It also shows how sexual assault turns a Pagan Viking woman into a furious avenger. 

The show stars Sam Corlett, Frida Gustavsson, Leo Suter, Johannes Hakur Johanesson, Laura Berlin, Caroline Henderson and others. Called Netflix’s very own version of Game of Thrones, the series has amassed massive popularity ever since its premiere in February 2022.

With plenty of blood, gore, steamy scenes and more, the series paints a story of revenge, the undying pursuit of glory and courage. While Netflix has ordered 24 episodes, the first season featured only eight. The show will likely have two more seasons, much to the delight of fans. 

If you enjoyed this saucy deep-dive into the rough ways of the Nordic people covered in furs, beards and bloody historicity, here are five other shows on Netflix that you will enjoy:  

5 Netflix shows you must watch if you like ‘Vikings: Valhalla’

5. Frontier (Rob Blackie, Peter Blackie, 2016)

Set in the late 1700s to the early 1800s, this Canadian drama series chronicles the daunting fur trade in Northern America. It chronicles the epic adventures of an outlaw named Declan Harp who crusades a war against the Hudson’s Bay monopoly on the fur trade and help his people. 

Starring Jason Momoa as Harp, the show is single-handedly shouldered forward by his brilliance. With incredible production quality, the series upholds the severe climate conditions as the backdrop where the battle for survival is intense. The show has a myopic focus on the history of the fur trade in North America, and while the scope is not as vast as Vikings, the abundance of beards, heavy coats and overall tension will strike a chord with Vikings: Valhalla fans. 

4. Barbarians (Andreas Heckmann, 2020)

Set in 9 AD, this German take on the Vikings details the notorious battle at Teutoburg Forest where strong women helmed the Germanic warrior front and stopped the Roman Empire from encroaching on their territory. After an intense and grappling first season, the fight is still raging against the Romans.  

Starring Jeanne Goursard, David Schutter and Laurence Rupp among others, the show is currently in production for a second season. Barbarians was the most popular and widely-acclaimed German-language series on Netflix, far-surpassing the numbers of Dark. With plenty of blood and gore, the show provides a deeper insight into the complexities of tribal politics, bravery and loyalty. 

3. Knightfall (Don Handfield, Richard Rayner, 2017)

The show gives an intimate insight into the bizarre but true events surrounding the elite Crusades warriors, called the Knights Templar. It focuses on a fictional templar leader named Landry du Lauzon who is celebrated for his bravery and finds his faith system jolted by the reappearance of the Holy Grail in France. 

Revolving around the historical accounts of the 14th Century, the show focuses on creating an intense drama based on historical relevance. It delves into the secrets of the Templars, their sacred brotherhood, unwavering loyalty and faith that sustained them on the vicious battlefields.   

2. The Last Kingdom (Stephen Butchard, 2015)

Based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Storie, the series revolves around the turbulent political backdrop amidst brutal Nordic invasions when the English monarch must protect his Saxon empire and aim to create the United Kingdom. It is told from the perspective of Uhtred who is forced to choose between his birth country and the people who raised him. 

A bloody and violent tale of loyalties, unwavering courage and impending battles, the series is coming to an end with its fifth and final season. A spin-off film, Seven Kings Must Die is already in the works to continue the story of Uhtred. Fans have often drawn comparisons between The Last Kingdom and Game of Thrones, praising the brilliant production, sublime cinematography and complex characters that make it an incredible experience. 

1. Vikings (Michael Hirst, 2013)

The series focuses on the various adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, a near-legend Viking who eventually went on to become the King of the Viking tribes. Fearless and spirited, Ragnar is considered the direct descendant of the Nordic god, Odin. The series traces his rise from being a mere farmer to a revered hero. 

With six seasons and 89 episodes, the show serves as a prequel to Vikings: Valhalla and is set nearly a century before the events of the spin-off. Partly fictional and partly true, the series stars Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Gustaf Skarsgard and others. With plenty of blood, gore and violence, the series is a brilliant exploration of the complexities of character, power, violence and ancient history.