What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedVikings
Michael Hirst · Series · 2013
If you loved Vikings, start with Vikings: Valhalla (Jeb Stuart, 2022) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Vikings across media.
If Vikings hooked you with its blend of brutal power struggles and sweeping historical legacy, these stories will satisfy your craving.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Vikings: Valhalla
Jeb Stuart · Series · 2022
Books on the same thread
A Game of Thrones / A Clash of Kings / A Storm of Swords / A Feast of Crows / A Dance with Dragons
George R. R. Martin · Book · 2014
Shares a thread with Vikings: Family Loyalty.
Just as Vikings explores the ruthless pursuit of the throne, this series offers a complex, gritty look at political maneuvering and family loyalty within a high-stakes medieval world.
The Lord of the Rings
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1954
Explores: Good vs Evil, The Power of Friendship, The Corrupting Influence of Power.
Fans of Vikings will appreciate the grand scale of this epic adventure, which mirrors the legendary Norse sagas and the deep focus on heroic quests and societal conflict.
Fire and Blood
George R.R. Martin · Book
Explores: Dynastic succession, Political intrigue, Legacy and power.
This historical chronicle captures the same obsession with dynastic succession and the weight of power that defined the rise of Ragnar Lothbrok throughout the seasons of Vikings.
A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire)
George R. R. Martin · Book · 2011
Explores: Political Intrigue, War and Conquest, Moral Ambiguity.
The political intrigue and moral ambiguity found here will resonate with anyone who enjoyed the shifting alliances and complex power dynamics displayed in the world of Vikings.
Films on the same thread
The Northman
Film · 2022
Shares a thread with Vikings: Viking Saga.
This film dives deep into the same Viking culture and themes of vengeance and fate that drove the narrative intensity of Vikings, providing a visceral look at Norse tradition.
Northmen: A Viking Saga
Claudio Fäh · Film · 2014
Explores: Survival, Pursuit, Brotherhood.
The intense focus on brotherhood and survival against all odds captures the same spirit of Viking resilience that made the warriors in Vikings so compelling to watch.
How to Train Your Dragon
Dean DeBlois · Film · 2025
Explores: Bridging the Divide, Acceptance of the Other, Challenging Tradition.
While lighter in tone, this story explores the same tension between tradition and change that challenged the characters in Vikings as they navigated their evolving Norse society.
The 13th Warrior
John McTiernan · Film · 1999
Shares a thread with Vikings: Viking Saga.
This film echoes the cultural clashes and the outsider perspective seen in Vikings, offering a gritty exploration of different worlds colliding through a shared, dangerous mission.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2026
Explores: civilizational collapse, human nature, moral ambiguity.
If the historical analysis and moral complexity of Vikings fascinated you, this deep dive into the consequences of power offers a similarly intellectual look at human nature.
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
If Vikings hit, The Archers shares the thread.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Vikings: Valhalla a direct continuation of the original Vikings series?
Vikings: Valhalla is a separate series set in the same universe as the original Vikings. While it follows the legacy of the Norse explorers, it serves as a distinct production rather than a direct chronological continuation of the saga of Ragnar Lothbrok.
What is the primary focus of the Vikings series?
The Vikings series focuses on the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. It chronicles the lives of his family and band of brothers while highlighting his devotion to the Norse gods and his status as a legendary warrior.
Should I watch Vikings before starting Vikings: Valhalla?
You do not necessarily need to watch Vikings before starting Vikings: Valhalla, as they are separate stories. However, watching the original Vikings provides essential context regarding the Norse traditions, the rise of the Viking tribes, and the historical legacy that influences the world of Valhalla.
Does Vikings depict the historical origins of Ragnar Lothbrok?
Vikings depicts Ragnar Lothbrok as the greatest hero of his age and a fearless warrior. The series incorporates the legend that Ragnar is a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors, while exploring his journey to power among the Viking tribes.