The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Listen to After Watching a Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Fans of George R.R. Martin’s books (and their television adaptations) were captivated by the first season of HBO’s new spinoff , A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, as it offered a fresh take on the fictional universe of Westeros. Set roughly between the events of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones , the series follows the misadventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Duncan) and the future King Aegon V (Egg) as the former tries to establish himself as a knight errant in the brutal, dragon-less, but relatively stable world of the Seven Kingdoms. It’s a show about a fresh, sincere, and noble protagonist who doesn’t get his head chopped off at the end of the first season, so it’s a nice change of pace.
If you’re missing that—and the dark, incredibly brutal world the series still depicts—you might want to wait for season two or find similar entertainment. We’ve already provided you with a list of series with a similar atmosphere, but here are the best movies, books, games, and podcasts to listen to while you wait for Dunk and Egg’s new adventures.
The best books similar to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a film adaptation of a book , so of course, it’s a great place to start. But if you’ve already read the original, here are a few other books worth checking out.
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buhlmann
Darker and more terrifying than “The Knight,” “Between Two Fires” offers a similar dynamic between a knight and an innocent girl. In the 14th century, as the Black Plague ravages Europe, Thomas, a disgraced knight, meets a young girl in a village devastated by the plague. She tells him of a Second War in Heaven, led by Lucifer himself, and that he must bring her to Avignon so she can save the world—and perhaps herself.
“Ivanhoe ” by Sir Walter Scott.
This classic novel , published in 1819, remains a must-read for anyone interested in chivalry, tournaments, and adventure. In late 12th- century England, Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe is one of the last Anglo-Saxon nobles in a country under the rule of the Norman conquerors. Disinherited by his father, he secretly participates in a tournament presided over by Prince John while King Richard II is imprisoned after a recent crusade, and becomes embroiled in the political intrigues of the prince, who fears the return of his brother, the king.
“The Last Wish ” by Andrzej Sapowski
Sapowski’s Witcher universe contains more overt magic and monsters than Martin’s more realistic Westeros, but the endless wanderings and bloody adventures of Geralt of Rivia satisfy similar needs. Geralt is as homeless as Dunk, and travels, solving local problems (and the locals themselves, who are often less than friendly). If you liked Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms , then this is the beginning of a series you’re sure to enjoy.
Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams
George R.R. Martin explicitly cited “The Dragonbone Chair ” (and Williams’ entire “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn” series) as a key inspiration for A Song of Ice and Fire , so it’s an obvious choice. While the authors have very different styles and approaches, the story of Simon, a cook’s assistant caught in the epic struggle between a crumbling human kingdom and the inscrutable, inhuman Storm King, will be just as charming and gripping as the adventures of Dunk and Egg—if a little less restrained.
“The Spear” by Nicola Griffith
It’s a somewhat unexpected twist, but one that will delight fans of the series: “Lance” is a queer reimagining of Arthurian legends, centering on a girl named Peretur who, disguised as a man, becomes one of King Arthur’s knights on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Like Dunk, who pretends to be a knight until he becomes one, Peretur does whatever it takes to find her purpose in a world marked by violence, betrayal, and magic. The episodic nature of her adventures fits perfectly with the plot of ” Knight ,” which features a wandering knight-for-hire, prepared for anything that may come his way.
Best movies similar to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Nothing compares to the thrilling spectacle of knights in shining (or bloody and rusty) armor, sparring with spears or exchanging sword blows. If that’s what you’re missing from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms , these films will help.
A Knight’s Tale (2001)
Tonally, it’s spot on. Heath Ledger plays William Thatcher, a peasant squire who disguises himself as a knight to compete in tournaments, with the support of his fellow squires and a brilliant young writer/forger named Geoffrey Chaucer. The film has a stunning soundtrack and the same positive energy as Dunk’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms , plus plenty of jousting and even an unexpected royal ally. Rent A Knight’s Tale on Prime Video .
Excalibur (1981)
If you’re looking for plenty of knightly adventure (and armor that’s as shiny as anything Dunk wears in the series), this gorgeous, over-the-top take on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table will exceed your expectations. There are castle sieges and bloody battlefields, plenty of dark, unfathomable magic, and, of course, an epic quest—all delivered in a frenetic visual style that never gets old. Rent “Excalibur” on Prime Video .
The Last Duel (2021)
Offering a realistic portrayal of the Middle Ages and chivalric culture, The Last Duel not only includes, yes, at least one thrilling duel with lance and shield, but also explores the complex personal and political relationships between knights and lords in a way familiar to fans of Knights . Based on true events, the film tells the story of the last officially sanctioned duel in 14th- century France. It’s not as funny or upbeat as The Knight , but it’s no less captivating. Watch The Last Duel on Hulu or rent it on Prime Video .
Black Death (2010)
Darker and more violent than A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms , this 2010 horror film tells the story of a knight named Ulric, played by Sean Bean, who travels to a remote village untouched by the plague to arrest a necromancer suspected of protecting it. He is mentored by a novice named Osmund (Eddie Redmayne), giving the story a dynamic similar to the relationship between Dunk and Egg, though the ending is much, much darker. Black Death is available to stream on Hulu or rent on Prime Video .
Dragonslayer (1981)
This realistic fantasy film, distinguished by its gritty and brutal visual style, makes up for what A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms lacks: dragons. In the sixth century, the small kingdom of Urland sacrifices virgins to appease Vermithrax Pezhorativ, a massive and deadly dragon. The king sends a knight named Valerian (actually a virgin disguised to avoid the sacrifice) to retrieve Ulrich, the last sorcerer, but the old man dies, and his apprentice, Galen (Peter MacNicol), is sent in his place. Full of charm and swordplay, the film is the perfect complement to the series. Watch Dragonslayer on Kanopy or rent it on Prime Video .
The best video games like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
If watching “The Trial of the Seven” in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms makes your hands twitch, you might want to play some of these games that offer similar enjoyment.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Like the book series that inspired it, this game is perfect for knight fans. Geralt of Rivia isn’t a knight sworn to protect the innocent, but he is a skilled marksman, and his quest to save his adopted daughter echoes Dunk’s determination to persevere in a world that doesn’t make things easy. Geralt’s numerous battles as he travels through this open world are what you imagine Dunk and Egg will be doing after the end of the first season: a series of adventures. Plus, it’s a blast to play.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Kingdom of Heaven: Deliverance II
The plot of this role-playing game is so closely related to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms that it’s a little unnerving: Henry of Skalitz comes from a humble background, has many emotional problems, and starts from scratch, begging for armor and other supplies. You then control Henry as he attempts to regain his knighthood and prove his worth, and the game’s combat mechanics and detailed universe are almost perfectly suited to fans of the series—if you look closely, you can almost imagine playing as Dank.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Steam
Half-sword
If you’re not looking for a similar storyline, but simply want to imagine yourself as a knight fighting your way through a tournament, then Half Sword is for you. It focuses on a realistic depiction of the physics and mechanics of medieval combat. The controls take a little getting used to, as you’re actually wielding a sword or spear, not just pressing buttons, but once you get the hang of it, it’s as close as you’ll get to fighting like Dunk and his fellow knights. There’s no story here, just a series of challenging duels, offering an innovative and engaging take on combat games.
Platforms: Steam
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
In this fantasy sandbox game, you can play as a wandering knight-for-hire, completing quests and competing in tournaments, or you can assemble your own army and lead it into battle. It’s a captivating game in its own right, reminiscent of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in atmosphere. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can install a full modification called Realm of Thrones , which literally transforms the map into Westeros .
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Steam
Ghost of Tsushima
In this game, you play as a Japanese samurai rather than a medieval knight, but it has many parallels with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms . First, the character you control, Jin Sakai, must make a series of moral choices regarding his code of honor, reminiscent of Dunk’s struggle to uphold his chivalric ideals. Second, you must fight armies of enemies with a sword on horseback, although you can also choose a more stealthy approach to the main storyline and numerous side quests. But where’s the fun then?
Platforms: PlayStation, Steam
The best podcasts like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
If your ideal way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is to relax with headphones, then these podcasts are perfect for you.
The Official Game of Thrones Podcast: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Why not go straight to the source for all the information you need? Hosts Jason Concepcion and Greta Johnsen are well-versed in the subject (they’ve been reviewing and discussing all the A Song of Ice and Fire series for a long time), and they skillfully combine analysis with fan admiration when discussing episodes. They also beautifully connect the series to the wider universe and deeper lore.
Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – Hounds of Knowledge
Speaking of lore, if you want to really dive deep into Westerosi history and learn where the Knight fits into it, this podcast is for you . It discusses deviations from the books (both positive and negative), as well as highlights characters and small details featured in the show that will likely impact future storylines.
Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – The Unofficial Baldness Podcast
If you’re looking for a community-focused podcast that engages listeners more actively, this one from Bald Move is a great choice. It’s filled with intelligent and engaging reviews and analysis, and actively solicits feedback and suggestions from other podcast enthusiasts to keep the discussion engaging.
Side issues
If you’re looking for a narrative podcast with a similar vibe, Sidequesting is the perfect fit. It follows the adventures of Rion, a wandering adventurer who constantly avoids the main challenges plaguing the places he visits—you know, dark lords, fearsome dragons, legions of the undead—and instead pursues any side quests he can find. It’s fun, entertaining, and delivers that same good-natured, heartfelt atmosphere that’s so typical of the Dunk podcast.
The Tale of the Manticore
The premise of “Tale of the Manticore” is simple: it’s the story of a group of adventurers, told using classic Dungeons & Dragons game mechanics, including dice rolls. If you’ve ever played D&D, you know what that means: suffering. Lots of suffering, because dice rolls rarely consistently favor a character. However, it’s a joyful chaos, and it perfectly fits the show’s desire to show the more chaotic side of life in Westeros.