Period series can be romantic, comedic, and faithful to history. But some are bloody, violent, and filled with gore, especially those about battles, warriors, and power struggles.
The past is still interesting. That’s why many series look back to tell stories from different times, with different ways of life and rules.
Streaming platforms are full of stories about pirates, witches, legendary warriors, and wars that shaped humanity’s destiny. These stories are more exciting than we ever learned in school. Action, intrigue, and adventure make them much more interesting, even if it means moments of violence and bloody deaths.
The gore genre can take many forms, and some period series use it to make a bigger impact.
15 Bloody Gore Period Series and Where to Watch Them
Vikings: Valhalla – Netflix
This series is a sequel to Vikings and takes place 100 years after Ragnar Lothbrok’s conquests. It follows Leif Eriksson and Freydis Eiríksdóttir, two Vikings from Greenland, who join Harald of Norway. They seek revenge after the English kill hundreds of Vikings in a colony. Leif seeks glory, Freydis must protect her gods and faith, and Harald aims to become the next king of Norway, even though his brother is the heir.
Vikings – Netflix
Travis Fimmel stars as Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior who becomes one of the most powerful kings and brutal conquerors. The series shows Ragnar’s rise as a great warrior and his invasion of Europe. His children later become leaders and seek to avenge their father and conquer England.
Rome – Max
This was one of HBO’s most expensive and bloodiest series. It recreates ancient Rome, showing life during the Roman Republic. It follows both the poorest and the most important characters, exploring the chaos and power struggles of the time.
Shogun – Star+
Shogun isn’t the goriest series, but it has brutal moments, including a torture scene where someone is boiled alive. Based on James Clavell’s novel, it follows John Blackthorne, a 17th-century British navigator, who arrives in Japan with his crew. He faces conflict and must survive, gain allies, and understand a new world.
American Horror Story – Star+
This horror anthology can be very brutal and gory. Each season takes place in different times and places, like a brutal psychiatric hospital, a witch school in New Orleans, or a murder house. Each season has disturbing and violent moments.
Game of Thrones – Max
Based on George RR Martin’s novels, Game of Thrones is a fictional story about families and characters fighting for power and the throne of the seven kingdoms. It involves conflicts, battles, alliances, murders, torture, and abuse among those wanting power. The Lannisters, Targaryens, Baratheons, and Starks are at the center of it all.
Spartacus – Prime Video
Andy Whitfield and Lucy Lawless star in this action series based on a true story. Spartacus is about a man betrayed and sold into slavery who becomes a gladiator. He later leads a violent rebellion against the Roman Empire, seeking revenge on those who destroyed his life and separated him from his family.
Blue Eye Samurai – Netflix
This animated series shows the life of samurais and their codes. Featuring the voices of Maya Erskine and George Takei, it follows a young woman in the Edo Period who becomes a sword master and warrior. She seeks revenge on those who ruined her life, embarking on a bloody mission to destroy her enemies and fulfill her destiny.
Kingdom – Netflix
This Korean series is about dynasties, traditions, and zombies. It follows a prince accused of betraying his father and trying to steal the crown. When the emperor falls ill and withdraws from public life, the prince suspects something is wrong. While fighting an enemy clan, he faces a monstrous threat that endangers his kingdom.
The Witcher – Netflix
Henry Cavill stars as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire in a world full of beasts and magic. The series is based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski and features plenty of bloody battles, brutal monster hunts, and political intrigue, making it a must-watch for fans of dark fantasy.
Outlander – Netflix
This series follows Claire, a World War II nurse, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. She finds herself caught up in the Jacobite risings. The series has intense battles, political intrigue, and moments of brutal violence, making it both romantic and gory.
Penny Dreadful – Showtime
This series weaves together classic horror characters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dorian Gray in a dark, gothic setting. It features plenty of bloody and gory moments, as well as intense psychological horror.
The Last Kingdom – Netflix
Based on Bernard Cornwell’s books, this series follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon noble raised by Vikings, as he fights to reclaim his birthright. The series is full of brutal battles, political intrigue, and violent revenge.
Britannia – Amazon Prime
This series is set during the Roman invasion of Britain. It combines history with mythology, featuring Druids, Roman legions, and Celtic tribes. The show is known for its bloody battles and dark magic.
Taboo – FX
Tom Hardy stars as James Delaney, a man thought to be dead who returns to London to claim his father’s shipping empire. Set in the early 19th century, the series is dark, violent, and full of intrigue, with plenty of bloody and gory moments.
