The Northman (2022)
Kernel Score: 79% · 4,922 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Released: 2022-04-07
Runtime: 137 minutes
Is The Northman worth watching?
Worth watching. A Viking prince grows up to avenge his father's murder in a brutal, mud-and-blood revenge tale. It's ambitious and looks incredible, but it's cold and slow in places.
Watch it if you
- like violent historical epics
- enjoy Robert Eggers's immersive style
- want a revenge story with a mythic feel
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic violence
- want a fast-moving action film
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Northman
- Stream: Netflix
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Prince Amleth is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who kidnaps the boy's mother. Two decades later, Amleth is now a Viking who's on a mission to save his mother, kill his uncle and avenge his father.
The Northman parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Northman is an R-rated Viking revenge saga featuring brutal sword violence and grim mythological themes.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Rated R with graphic sword fights, gore, and brutal Viking-era combat driven by a revenge plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Northman
If you liked The Northman, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Lighthouse (2019) — 86%: Same director's intense, atmospheric period horror.
- The Witch (2016) — 77%: Same director's debut, a slow-building period horror.
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) — 97%: Epic fantasy quest on a huge scale.
- The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (2023) — 81%: Historical action set in the same age of kings and warriors.
- Excalibur (1981) — 77%: Mythic, violent swords-and-legends tale.
- Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King (2012) — 80%: Brutal medieval-style fantasy with dark themes.
Director
Cast
- Alexander Skarsgård as Amleth
- Nicole Kidman as Queen Gudrún
- Claes Bang as Fjölnir the Brotherless
- Ethan Hawke as King Aurvandil War-Raven
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Olga of the Birch Forest
- Gustav Lindh as Thórir the Proud
- Elliott Rose as Gunnar
- Willem Dafoe as Heimir the Fool
- Phill Martin as Hallgrímr Half-Troll
- Eldar Skar as Finnr the Nose-Stub
The Northman FAQ
Is The Northman worth watching?
Worth watching. A Viking prince grows up to avenge his father's murder in a brutal, mud-and-blood revenge tale. It's ambitious and looks incredible, but it's cold and slow in places.
Where can I watch The Northman?
In the US you can stream The Northman on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Northman OK for kids?
The Northman is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Northman is an R-rated Viking revenge saga featuring brutal sword violence and grim mythological themes.
What movies are like The Northman?
If you liked The Northman, try The Lighthouse, The Witch, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die.