10 Years Ago, Netflix Dropped a Bloody and Brutal Viking Epic That Rivals ‘Game of Thrones’

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When Game of Thrones first aired on HBO in 2011, it was a truly original television experience. While shows featuring historical fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, and family drama had all been created before, none combined these elements as effectively. The adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novels by D.B. Weiss and David Benioff delivered both intense political maneuvering and large-scale battles. Even though the final season proved divisive, fans remained invested in Game of Thrones throughout its run, captivated by its ever-growing story, complex characters, and vast world. The show’s ability to be both grand in scope and deeply personal created a uniquely satisfying experience for viewers.

Shortly after Game of Thrones became incredibly popular, a British series called The Last Kingdom began development. Like Game of Thrones, The Last Kingdom was adapted from a book series – a complete collection of 13 novels by Bernard Cornwell, known as The Saxon Stories. Following its first season in 2015, which earned comparisons to Game of Thrones, Netflix became involved for the second season and took full production control starting with Season 3. The Last Kingdom ran for five seasons, with each season covering two books from Cornwell’s series, and concluded with the feature-length film, Seven Kings Must Die. All 46 episodes and the movie are available on Netflix, and fans of Thrones who are looking for more political intrigue and action may find a lot to enjoy.

‘The Last Kingdom’ Is a Game of Thrones Between the Saxons and the Vikings


Netflix

There are many similarities between Game of Thrones and The Last Kingdom, the most noticeable being that both shows center around the constant struggle for power. Game of Thrones draws inspiration from events like the War of the Roses, which occurred in 15th-century England between the York and Lancaster families. The Last Kingdom (which avoids fantasy elements like dragons or White Walkers) is more directly based on actual historical events… specifically, the Viking invasions of Anglo-Saxon England in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. In both series, potential kings and their groups constantly form and break alliances. Power often shifts from one person to another. And, just as often, important characters die unexpectedly.

The main character of The Last Kingdom – Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) – is a complex figure, similar to a blend of Jon Snow and Theon Greyjoy. He’s caught between two cultures. Born as the second son of a Saxon nobleman who fell in battle against the Great Heathen Army, he was then raised by the Vikings who captured him. He grew up embracing their beliefs, customs, combat techniques, and lifestyle. This upbringing leaves him with a strained connection to both the Saxons and the Danes, as neither group fully accepts him. As a result, he often operates as a solitary figure. Ultimately, Uhtred’s primary goal is to recover his childhood home, which was taken from him.

To reclaim his rightful inheritance, Uhtred needs to be both a warrior and a politician, often working with and supporting King Alfred the Great. Alfred, a deeply religious Christian, is convinced that it is God’s plan for him to unite all the English kingdoms-Wessex, Sussex, East Anglia, and Northumbria-under one rule. Uhtred, however, follows the old pagan beliefs and desires to return to his ancestral home of Bebbanburg in Northumbria, currently held by his treacherous uncle, Aelfric. While they share some common goals, Uhtred and Alfred also have conflicting views, making any understanding between them unstable.

Similar to Game of Thrones, The Last Kingdom features several powerful women whose paths cross with Uhtred’s. He grew up with Brida, a fellow Saxon captured by the Danes who fully adopted the Viking way of life. She is Uhtred’s match-and they were once lovers-but they frequently end up opposing each other in battles. Uhtred also shares a strong connection with Aethelflaed, King Alfred’s daughter, who is married to the ruler of Mercia, a region within Wessex that had some independence, and governed by Alfred. These women-including his wife, Gisela, and daughter, Stiorra-are independent and make their own choices. However, they often test Uhtred’s beliefs and force him to confront difficult situations both personally and politically.

‘The Last Kingdom’ Matches ‘Game of Thrones’ in Scope

It Has a More Satisfying Ending, Too


Netflix

Similar to how it takes Daenerys nearly all of Game of Thrones to finally reach her family’s home, Uhtred takes a long and winding journey to reclaim Bebbanburg. Throughout his travels, he gains numerous friends and makes many enemies, and finds himself unintentionally caught up in major historical events that influenced the world as we know it. Getting lost in Uhtred’s world is a key part of enjoying the show, though keeping track of all the details can be difficult. It’s especially tricky because many of the English characters in The Last Kingdom have names starting with the letter ‘A’ that are hard to distinguish. Instead of names like Aegons, Aemons, and Aemonds, we have Alfred, Aelfric, Aethelwold, Aethelred, Aethelflaed, Aethelhelm, Aelflaed, Aethelstan, Aelfwynn, and Aelfweard.

Similar to the seven kingdoms in George R.R. Martin’s world, the final installment of The Last Kingdom focuses on seven individuals who could potentially claim a throne. Throughout the series, characters frequently face difficult choices, having to decide where their allegiance lies – with their loved ones or their country. Prophecies often play a key role in shaping the story, and differing religious beliefs – both old and new – create further divisions. Both shows are known for their intricate details and feature exceptionally well-done battle sequences, with fight choreography and visuals comparable to big-screen movies. However, viewers may particularly value The Last Kingdom for maintaining a consistently high level of quality and delivering a satisfying conclusion.

Generally speaking, Game of Thrones is likely the stronger show, and definitely the one that had a bigger impact on popular culture – people simply enjoy dragons and zombies! However, The Last Kingdom feels more authentic because it closely follows Bernard Cornwell’s novels, which are themselves based on historical events, and because The Saxon Stories have a complete narrative. Uhtred’s story feels more realistic and fulfilling, delivering on what it set out to achieve. The conclusion of Season 5 would have been a great way to end the series, but it leaves enough unanswered questions to warrant the upcoming Netflix film.

Seven Kings Must Die, released on Netflix in 2023, is mainly based on the thirteenth and last book, War Lord. While The Last Kingdom focuses on Uhtred’s story and Alfred’s vision for a single England, both the series and the movie offer viewers different, yet complementary, conclusions. Expect a lot of Thrones-style betrayal, love stories, and exciting moments throughout. The Last Kingdom is streaming on Netflix.

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2025-10-05 02:49