7 Movies About the Crusades You Shouldn't Miss Out On

From modern blockbusters to classic masterpieces, here are the seven movies about the Crusades you need to watch.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Are you looking for the best movies about the Crusades? The Crusades were one of the most important periods in history that changed the world in many ways. These religious wars between Christians and Muslims, fought between the 11th and 13th centuries, affected trade, culture, and religion across Europe and the Middle East.

This era created legendary stories about brave knights, including the famous Knights Templar, heroic kings, and great battles that still capture people's imagination today. Because of these exciting stories and their historical importance, movies about the Crusades continue to attract audiences around the world.

From classic films to modern blockbusters, these movies about the Crusades bring history to life on the big screen. Here are seven great movies about the Crusades that you should watch.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Where to Watch: Starz, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV

This is maybe one of the most popular movies about the Crusades today. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Orlando Bloom, the film follows Balian, a blacksmith who travels to Jerusalem during the Crusades. As war grows between Christians and Muslims, Balian slowly becomes a leader and defender of the city. The movie highlights large-scale battles, political tension, and the struggle to protect civilians during a time of war.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand

This is one of the most iconic versions of all Robin Hood movies ever made. While it is not directly about the Crusades, the story is set during the Crusades era in England, when King Richard is away fighting overseas. Starring Errol Flynn, the film follows Robin Hood as he fights corruption and unfair rule at home. The absence of the king, due to the Crusades, shapes the main conflict.

Arn: The Knight Templar (2007)

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Fandango At Home

This Swedish film tells the story of Arn Magnusson, a nobleman trained by monks to become a skilled knight. After a premarital relationship with his fiancée and being unjustly accused of an affair, Arn is sent to serve as a Knight Templar in the Holy Land. The movie follows his experiences during the Crusades, showing brutal battles, long journeys, and personal sacrifice. It also explores his love story and the difficult balance between faith, duty, and survival.

Ironclad (2011)

Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Ironclad is set in medieval England shortly after the signing of the Magna Carta, during the wider Crusades period. The story follows a small group of knights, including a Templar played by James Purefoy, who are hired to defend a castle. They face brutal attacks from King John’s forces. The film focuses on violent sieges, loyalty among soldiers, and the harsh reality of life as a crusader knight.

Saladin (1963)

Where to Watch: Criterion Channel

This Egyptian movie follows the story of Saladin, the famous Muslim leader during the Crusades. Directed by Youssef Chahine, the film shows Saladin’s rise to power and his military campaigns against the Crusaders. It focuses on his leadership during the struggle for Jerusalem. The movie presents events from a Middle Eastern perspective, highlighting strategy, unity, and moral leadership during a time of conflict.

The Crusades (1935)

Where to Watch: -

This is another great classic movie about the Crusades from early Hollywood cinema. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, the film centers on the Third Crusade and the rivalry between King Richard the Lionheart and Saladin. The story mixes romance, political drama, and large battle scenes. Known for its grand sets and costumes, the movie reflects how historical epics were made in the 1930s.

Ivanhoe (1982)

Where to Watch: YouTube Free, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home

Based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott, Ivanhoe is set in England after the Crusades. The story follows a knight who returns home after fighting alongside King Richard. Starring Anthony Andrews, the film explores tensions between different social groups, rival knights, and royal power. Romance and loyalty play important roles, while the effects of the Crusades help explain the political and personal conflicts shown in the story.