10 Best historical action shows you should not miss

Historical drama transports audiences to the past with a combination of gripping storytelling, suspenseful battles, and realistic cultural backdrops. These shows don't merely recreate historical events; they surround us with the unvarnished brutality of ancient warfare, political turmoil, and individual struggles for dominance.

What sets these shows apart is their attention to detail, from meticulously choreographed battle scenes to richly textured characters that capture the complexity of their era. They strike a balance between educational content and edge-of-your-seat drama, demonstrating that history doesn't have to be boring.

With the advent of streaming services, viewers are presented with international histories that were underserved before. Some series trend toward realism, while others dabble in the mashup genre, such as Korea's Kingdom, which is a combination of zombie horror and royal drama.

1. Vikings (2013–2020)

Few historical action series have equaled the brutality and mysticism of Viking life as accurately as Vikings. Tracing the epic adventures of the legendary Norse warrior Ragnar Lothbrok, the show interweaves history and myth, leading viewers through grand raids, betrayals, and power struggles. With its raw and grim battles, realistic combat choreography, and breathtaking cinematography, the show is a must-see. Its sequel, Vikings: Valhalla, carries on the tradition with a new generation of fighters. The most recent rumor suggests a possible Vikings spin-off in the works, keeping the saga going.

2. Rome (2005–2007)

While fleeting, Rome is still a masterclass in political drama and historical action. Following Julius Caesar's downfall and Augustus' ascension, it's Shakespearean in style and cinematic in style. The series was HBO's most costly at the time, ironically leading to its untimely cancellation after two seasons. The brutal battles on the show, the complex characters such as Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, and the unvarnished portrayal of Roman decadence guarantee its place as one of TV's most ambitious historical epics.

3. Marco Polo (2014–2016)

Netflix's Marco Polo may not have had a prolonged shelf life, but it most definitely gave where it was needed when it came to epic visual presentation and drama of Mongol times. After the Venetian adventurer's introduction to Kublai Khan's court, the series became known for presenting Asian dynastic power plays to Westerners. Though cancelled after two seasons, it had its revival in 2024 following the spread of TikTok snippets of Hundred Eyes going viral. Glamorous set pieces, real martial arts choreography, and Benedict Wong's charismatic turn as Kublai Khan ensure it remains a cult film today. It's an eye-popping film that was worth more than it received.

4. The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

Based on Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom chronicles the life of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a warrior whose Saxon heritage and Viking upbringing conflict. The series consistently grew a loyal following across five seasons, which eventually led to the 2023 Netflix movie Seven Kings Must Die. It's differentiated by character development—Uhtred's not just a warrior; he's a loss-haunted, loyalties-torn man." In 2025, fans continued petitioning for the sequel series. The mixture of historical realism, emotional substance, and groundbreakingly choreographed action scenes brought it into ranks with some of the best shows in its class.

5. Spartacus (2010–2013)

Starz's Spartacus burst onto the scene with blood, betrayal, and some of the most brutal fight choreography on television. Based on actual historical events, it tracks the gladiator Spartacus as he spearheads a slave revolt against Rome. Aside from the stylized violence, the show shone in political machinations and emotional journeys. After Andy Whitfield's untimely death, Liam McIntyre respectfully assumed the lead role. The show's graphic visual aesthetic paved the way for many that followed. In 2025, its influence is still being felt in shows that have the audacity to combine graphic gore with the Shakespearean motifs of vengeance, power, and honor.

6. Knightfall (2017–2019)

Knightfall plunges into the fantasy and reality of the Knights Templar on the last days of the Crusades. It follows Tom Cullen as Landry as the show explores betrayal, love on the forbidden, and Holy Grail secrets. While not rated as highly as some others, its realistic, gritty look at religious passion and political intrigue offers it singular character. A welcome addition during Season 2 was Mark Hamill as a veteran Templar, bringing in Star Wars audiences to medieval chaos.

7. Barbarians (2020–Present)

Netflix's Barbarians recounts the dramatic story of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, in which Germanic tribes inflicted a shocking defeat on the Roman Empire. With native German dialogue and graphic battle scenes, it is as authentic as most mainstream productions are not. With Season 2 concluding on a cliffhanger, fans were overjoyed to hear a third season will be released in late 2025. The series finds equilibrium between tribal politics, identity crises, and epic action. Arminius, the empire-bred warrior who turned against his empire, is the highlight. Barbarians teaches us that history isn't recorded by winners; it's battled over in the mud.

8. Shōgun (2024–Present)

FX's Shōgun reboot, adapted from James Clavell's novel, is set to be the go-to hit historical drama of 2024. The story happens in feudal Japan at a time of political tumult, where an English sailor navigates through a world of samurai code, ruthless warlords, and cultural collision. Unlike the somewhat narrow perspective of the 1980 miniseries that launched the novel into the limelight, this version goes further in emphasizing Japanese perspectives, with Hiroyuki Sanada's tour de force Lord Toranaga becoming a high point of acclaim. The production's images captivate, from battlefields shrouded in mist to corridors of delicate court politics.

9. Black Sails (2014–2017)

An exciting prequel to Treasure Island, Black Sails presents an action-thrilled view of the Golden Age of Piracy. The series records Captain Flint and his crew in their fight against the British Empire, with rival sailors and their own personal issues. Intense naval battles, layered character arcs, and believable pirate tactics will definitely leave this one of the best pirate dramas ever made. Having run for four seasons, it influenced much of the modern pirate media. The adventurer on far seas with bloody action and the sharpest storytelling demands watching Black Sails.

10. Kingdom (2019–Present)

Kingdom is that uncommon jewel, an odd mixture of historical drama and zombie horror, during the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. A crown prince named Lee Chang follows the plague that mysteriously spreads throughout the kingdom. The undead threat harks back to some insidious aspects of human life like greed, class, and political decay. Besides all these realistic cultural representations, that has made it a worldwide hit. A fan-theorized third season will come in 2025, much to the delight of fans waiting for it. Kingdom does prove that a mixture of different genres can create better historical storytelling.