Are you a fan of the epic historical drama Braveheart? Mel Gibson’s 1995 masterpiece about Scottish warrior William Wallace is considered one of the greatest war films ever made. From the jaw-dropping battle scenes to the powerful, emotional story, Braveheart set a new standard for movies in this genre.
If you loved Braveheart and are craving more sweeping historical epics filled with massive battles, compelling characters, and themes of freedom, courage and honor, look no further. Here are the 20 best movies like Braveheart that every fan needs to see:
1. Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator stars Russell Crowe as Maximus, a Roman general who is betrayed by the emperor’s corrupt son Commodus. After his family is murdered, Maximus is forced into slavery and must fight as a gladiator to seek his revenge.
Like Braveheart, Gladiator features epic battle scenes, a wronged hero seeking vengeance, and powerful themes of honor and freedom vs. tyranny. The Roman setting, gladiatorial combat, and Crowe’s iconic performance make this a must-watch.
2. The Patriot (2000)
The Patriot, like Braveheart, is a fictionalized historical epic about a farmer (Mel Gibson) who leads a militia in America’s fight for independence against the British. After his son is murdered by a cruel British officer, Benjamin Martin reluctantly joins the revolution.
With emotional family drama, brutal battle sequences, a charismatic lead performance from Gibson, and a sweeping story of the fight for freedom, The Patriot is tailor-made for Braveheart fans.
3. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Set during the Crusades, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven follows a French blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) who discovers his noble destiny and rises up to defend Jerusalem from invading forces.
Featuring massive battle scenes and a story of a man finding his greater purpose during a religious war, Kingdom of Heaven shares many themes and a similar epic scope with Braveheart. The Crusades provide a fascinating historical backdrop.
4. The Last Samurai (2003)
The Last Samurai stars Tom Cruise as an American military advisor who is captured by samurai warriors in 19th century Japan. He learns to respect their ways and culture and ultimately joins them in an epic battle against the emperor’s more modern forces.
While set in a very different time and place than Braveheart, this film also depicts an outsider hero who comes to fight alongside a rebel group against a powerful establishment. The samurai battle scenes are breathtaking.
5. Troy (2004)
Inspired by Homer’s Iliad, the historical epic Troy dramatizes the attack on the city of Troy by the united Greek forces, focusing on the stories of the warrior Achilles (Brad Pitt), Prince Hector of Troy (Eric Bana) and Prince Paris (Orlando Bloom) whose love for Helen (Diane Kruger) sparks the war.
With an all-star cast, thrilling battle scenes, and themes of love, honor and glory, Troy is a grand-scale epic in the same vein as Braveheart. The legendary story and setting make it a gripping watch.
6. Mongol (2007)
This Russian film depicts the early life of Genghis Khan, the 12th century ruler who united the Mongol tribes and conquered much of Eurasia. It follows Khan from a young prisoner to a powerful warlord.
Mongol shares Braveheart‘s focus on a historical rebel leader, and its thrilling Mongol battle scenes and gorgeous cinematography are reminiscent of that film’s epic sweep. For fans of Braveheart‘s biographical elements, this is a fascinating watch.
7. The Last Duel (2021)
Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel stars Matt Damon and Adam Driver as two knights in 14th century France whose friendship is torn apart when one accuses the other of assaulting his wife (Jodie Comer). They are ordered to fight to the death to settle the dispute.
Based on a true story, this historical drama has some similarities to Braveheart in its medieval setting, explorations of honor and justice, and climactic duel scenes. The unique Rashomon-style storytelling and focus on a woman’s perspective give it a fresh angle.
8. Outlaw King (2018)
Outlaw King is a Netflix film about the 14th century Scottish King Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine) and his fight to free Scotland from English rule. After being crowned king, Robert is forced into exile and leads a band of outlaws to take back his kingdom.
The Scottish setting, battle scenes, and story of an outlaw hero rising up against the English make this a perfect companion piece to Braveheart. Like that film, it brings an important chapter of Scottish history to life in epic fashion.
9. Rob Roy (1995)
Liam Neeson stars in Rob Roy as an 18th century Scottish clan leader who is forced to become an outlaw to defend his family and honor after being wrongfully accused of a crime. To protect his name, he must take on a villainous nobleman (Tim Roth).
Released the same year as Braveheart, this film also offers gorgeous cinematography of the Scottish Highlands, sword fighting, and a story of a Scotsman fighting for honor and justice with Neeson in a powerful lead role.
10. Centurion (2010)
This gritty action film set in Roman-occupied Britain in 117 AD follows a centurion (Michael Fassbender) who leads a small band of Roman soldiers trapped behind enemy lines as they attempt to rescue their captured general and evade the pursuing Picts.
With intense, bloody battle scenes and a story of a man fighting for the honor of Rome, Centurion will appeal to fans of Braveheart‘s action and themes. The setting in Roman-era Britain offers an intriguing historical backdrop.
11. Spartacus (1960)
Stanley Kubrick’s classic film Spartacus stars Kirk Douglas as the titular Thracian slave turned gladiator who leads a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. This sprawling epic features a legendary cast and iconic scenes.
Like Braveheart, Spartacus is a grand historical epic about a rebel hero fighting for freedom against a powerful empire. Its influence can be seen on many later historical war films, including Braveheart.
12. Brave (2012)
For something a little different, check out Pixar’s animated film Brave. Set in the Scottish Highlands, it tells the story of Merida, a young princess who defies tradition to forge her own path in life.
While not a war film, Brave shares the Scottish setting and themes of freedom, family, and charting your own destiny with Braveheart. The stunning animation brings the Highlands to life and Merida is a memorable heroine.
13. We Were Soldiers (2002)
Mel Gibson stars in We Were Soldiers, based on the true story of the first major battle between American and Vietnamese forces in 1965. Gibson plays Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, who prepares his men for the brutal battle and makes heroic efforts to get them out alive.
Gibson’s commanding presence and the intense, realistic depiction of war will feel familiar to Braveheart fans, even though it’s set in a more modern era. The themes of courage, sacrifice and brotherhood also echo that film.
14. Ironclad (2011)
Ironclad is a gritty action film set in 13th century England which depicts a small group of Knights Templar defending Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John. It’s a violent, bloody siege film with intense battle scenes.
While smaller in scale than Braveheart, Ironclad has a similar medieval setting, themes of resisting a despotic ruler, and a gritty, mud-and-blood depiction of warfare in that era that will appeal to fans of Gibson’s film.
15. The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)
The Messenger stars Milla Jovovich as the legendary French warrior Joan of Arc, depicting her rise from peasant girl to military leader and her ultimate trial and execution.
With Jovovich’s fierce lead performance, epic battle scenes, and a story of a rebel hero fighting for freedom, this film hits a lot of the same notes as Braveheart. The unique historical story of a woman leading an army is also compelling.
16. Apocalypto (2006)
Mel Gibson directed and co-wrote the historical action film Apocalypto, set in the waning days of the Mayan civilization. It follows a young man’s harrowing journey to save his wife and child after their village is attacked and he is captured.
While set in pre-Columbian America, Apocalypto shares Braveheart‘s breathless pacing, intense violence, and depiction of a man fighting against a powerful enemy to save his family. Gibson’s distinctive style is on full display.
17. The War Lord (1965)
Charlton Heston stars in The War Lord as a knight given command of a coastal village in 11th century Normandy just before the conquest of England. His strict rule causes tensions with the local villagers, especially after he falls for a peasant woman betrothed to another man.
This lesser-known film boasts an epic historical setting, massive battle scenes, and a compelling story of an outsider trying to establish his rule. Heston’s commanding star presence also makes it a good pick for fans of epics like Braveheart.
18. Kagemusha (1980)
Akira Kurosawa’s samurai epic Kagemusha stars Tatsuya Nakadai in a dual role as a powerful warlord and the thief recruited to impersonate him after the warlord’s death in order to keep his clan together and prevent rivals from taking power.
While the setting of feudal Japan is very different from medieval Scotland, Kagemusha boasts a similar epic scope, stunning battle sequences, and story of warring clans that Braveheart fans will appreciate. It’s a masterpiece from one of cinema’s greatest filmmakers.
19. Highlander (1986)
The cult classic fantasy action film Highlander stars Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, a 16th century Scottish warrior who discovers he is one of a group of immortals who can only be killed by beheading. The film follows MacLeod through the centuries as he battles other immortals.
With the Scottish setting and sword fighting scenes, Highlander will hold some appeal for Braveheart fans, even though it’s a very different kind of film. The mix of historical action and fantasy is unique and memorable.
20. Hammer of the Gods (2013)
Hammer of the Gods is a brutal Viking action film about a young warrior sent on a quest to find his long-lost brother, who has been banished from the kingdom. To save their people, they must unite to take on a powerful enemy.
With bloody, intense battle scenes and a story of feuding brothers fighting for their kingdom, this film will definitely appeal to fans of the action and family drama of Braveheart. The Viking setting also provides an intriguing change of pace.
So there you have it – a wide range of epic historical action films to satisfy any Braveheart fan’s craving for more. From samurai to Vikings, Roman gladiators to American revolutionaries, these movies span many eras and cultures but all capture the same spirit of thrilling action, compelling characters, and grand storytelling as Gibson’s 1995 classic. Pop some popcorn, grab your sword, and enjoy these sweeping cinematic adventures!
