If you loved
The Northman
Film · 2022
What hooked you in The Northman was the way the crushing weight of ancestral vengeance dictates a character's bloody path.
Start with the source
The source
Hamlet
Kenneth Branagh · Film · 1996
Adaptation
Ophelia
Claire McCarthy · Film · 2019
Adaptation
Mufasa: The Lion King
Barry Jenkins · Film · 2024
Books on the same thread
The Great Alone
Kristin Hannah · Book · 2019
Explores: Abuse, Survival, Isolation.
Like the suffocating legacy of Amleth in The Northman, this story explores how a volatile father figure and an unforgiving environment force a child into a harrowing struggle for survival.
The Legend Of Sigurd And Gudrún
J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien · Book · 2012
Shares a thread with The Northman: Fate.
If you were drawn to the mythic, fated nature of The Northman, you will appreciate this foundational text that explores the same ancient Norse legends and cycles of heroic betrayal.
Eaters of the Dead
Michael Crichton · Book · 2006
Explores: Vikings, Monsters, Cultural Clash.
This novel mirrors the visceral Viking world of The Northman, replacing Amleth's personal quest for vengeance with a terrifying encounter against unknown creatures that challenge the limits of human endurance.
The Road
Cormac McCarthy · Book · 2007
Explores: Parent-child bond, Moral ambiguity, Existential dread.
The Northman captures the bleak, relentless pursuit of a goal, and this story similarly follows a parent and child navigating a desolate, cold world defined by existential dread and survival.
Series on the same thread
Vinland Saga
Series · 2019
Explores: Revenge, War, Vikings.
This series shares the core DNA of The Northman, focusing on a young man who spends his entire life hardening himself for a singular, bloody act of vengeance against his father's killer.
Vikings
Michael Hirst · Series · 2013
Shares a thread with The Northman: Viking Saga.
While The Northman offers a focused revenge tale, this series expands the scope of Viking culture, exploring the same themes of power struggles, family loyalty, and the warrior code of ancient tribes.
My Name
Kim Jin-min · Series · 2021
Shares a thread with The Northman: Vengeance.
This show translates the uncompromising revenge arc of The Northman into a modern crime setting, following a daughter who sacrifices her own identity to avenge her father's brutal, witnessed murder.
Vikings: Valhalla
Jeb Stuart · Series · 2022
Shares a thread with The Northman: Viking Saga.
If the historical immersion of The Northman captivated you, this sequel continues the exploration of Norse mythology and the violent, shifting power dynamics of the Viking age in a new era.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2025
Explores: civilizational collapse, human nature, moral ambiguity.
The Northman portrays the brutal reality of history, and this podcast provides the deep, analytical context regarding the civilizational collapse and human nature that drive such legendary, violent power struggles.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
While it leans into satire, this show captures the same spirit of high-stakes, epic fantasy adventuring found in the world of The Northman, but through a collaborative and comedic lens.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Northman based on the same story as Hamlet?
Yes, The Northman shares the same foundational narrative as the play Hamlet. Both stories center on a prince seeking vengeance against an uncle who murdered his father and seized the throne. You can compare this classic tale of betrayal by watching the 1996 film adaptation of Hamlet.
Are there other movies similar to The Northman that focus on royal betrayal?
If you enjoyed the themes of revenge and royal succession in The Northman, you can explore Ophelia, which offers a different perspective on the Hamlet narrative. Additionally, Mufasa: The Lion King explores similar dynamics of family conflict and the quest to reclaim a stolen legacy.
How does the plot of The Northman compare to the story of Hamlet?
The Northman follows Prince Amleth, who spends two decades preparing to avenge his father's murder and rescue his mother from his uncle. This mirrors the core arc of Hamlet, where a prince seeks justice for his father. Both narratives examine the heavy personal cost of pursuing such violent retribution.
Should I watch Hamlet after finishing The Northman?
Watching the 1996 version of Hamlet is a logical step after viewing The Northman if you want to see the original inspiration for the story. Both films depict a prince dealing with the aftermath of a king's murder and the subsequent struggle to reclaim his family honor.