If we talk about period dramas, Shogun has set the bar for how one should be carried out. Shogun’s only downside is that once you have watched this series, there is no going back from it. However, Shogun has come to an end with an epic finale. Well, no need to worry because, in this article, I will suggest 8 movies and shows that are like Shogun that you should definitely watch. Now this series includes dramas and action content similar to the tone set in Shogun so you don’t have to worry about facing content fatigue. With that being said, let us waste no more time and dive right into the process of updating your current watchlist!
1. Macbeth (2015)
Based on the legendary play by William Shakespeare, Macbeth brings Michael Fassbender in the titular role of Macbeth. This movie is by far, the best adaptation of a Shakespearean play. Marion Cotillard appears in the role of Lady Macbeth the brains behind the evil carried out by Macbeth. One of the best points about this movie is the cinematography carried out with the utmost perfection. This movie will make you feel as if you are witnessing the tale of Macbeth standing right beside him. Overall, this movie incorporates every element you witnessed in Shogun and even in itself, is an absolute cinematic masterpiece.
2. 13 Assasins (2011)
13 Assasins is a remake of a movie made in 1963 revolving around a real historical event from 19th-century Japan. This movie revolves around Shinzaemon Shimada hired in secrecy by the government to assassinate Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira, a ruthless man bringing all her down to the people under his regime. Shimada recruited the 13 best Samurais in Japan in his mission to kill this tyrant and go down in a blaze of glory. This movie is by far one of the best period action-drama movies I have ever watched and I insist that you guys give it a shot as well.
3. Troy: Fall of a City (2018)
This series is an adaptation of the tale of Paris and Helen. This series is set during the siege of Troy by the Greeks. Paris is the young prince of Troy who falls in love with Helen, the Greek king Menelaus’ wife and both of them leave Sparta for Troy. This series received a mixed response from the viewers with a rather low rating. Maybe the way this story was brought to us by Netflix did not appeal to many people but as far as my opinion goes, it was not as bad as people say it is. However, I will let you guys be your own judge for this one.
4. Kingdom (2019)
If you are a fan of zombie fiction. This series will make you feel like you are watching Shogun but with the incorporation of Zombies, Kingdom is a series that is set in the 17th Century right after the end of the Imjin War, also known as the Japanese invasion of Korea. In this series, there is a perfect blend of Drama and action mixed with the theme of Zombies. Kingdom is a rather unique take on the Zombie plague which keeps you invested in the show throughout the entire catalogue of its episodes. In my opinion, If you loved watching the political element of Shogun just add a bit of brutal action to it and you get Kingdom.
5. Vikings (2013)
Vikings is by far one of the most popular period shows ever made. This show brings us the tale of Vikings from the perspective of a Viking leader named Ragnar who acts as the protagonist for the series for the first few seasons of it and after that, his wife and sons take up the role of the protagonist. Vikings is a show that even after being six seasons long, never lost its essence and was always able to hold on to its audience. If you have not watched Vikings, I urge you to give it a shot.
6. 300 (2006)
If you ask me, 300 was easily one of the best examples of cinematography when it came out. This movie revolves around Leonidas and his 300 Spartans against the whole army of the Persian king Xerxes. This movie revolves around the true story of the king of Sparta Leonidas and his men whose sacrifice became an inspiration for the whole of Greece to stand against the Persians in a united effort. If you have not watched 300, it is high time that you do.
7. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
The Kingdom of Heaven is a movie that takes up the setting of the Holy Crusade to Jerusalem. It revolves around a Blacksmith who joins the Crusade to Jerusalem after the tragic death of his wife. The armies are led by King Baldwin IV. This movie packs the perfect blend of political drama, action, and every other aspect a work of cinema needs to be called a perfect period drama. Moreover, if you know about King Baldwin IV and his legend, the way he was adapted in this movie, will absolutely blow your mind.
8. The Green Knight (2021)
We all know who King Arthur is, his legendary adventures, and his legendary sword Xcalibur. However, not a lot of us know about a quest carried out by his nephew Gawain. This movie revolves around the mysterious appearance of a mystical giant called Green Knight at Camelot. The Green Knight says that any knight who lands a blow on him will win the green axe wielded by him but will have to come to the Green Chapel a year later and receive the same blow from him.
Gawain takes the chance and cuts off the Green Knight’s head. The story of the movie revolves around the quest taken by Gawain to keep his end of the bargain and the cinematic beauty of this movie will absolutely blow you away.
