Movies like Light Arose (2017)
The best movies like Light Arose (2017) are Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher (2022), Anna and the King (1999) and Anna and the King of Siam (1946). If Light Arose hooked you with its history, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe King (2019)7.2/10 from 3,729 votes
- Newestלוחם המדבר (2026)Released 2026
Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher (2022)
At the turn of the 19th century, Pugilism was the sport of kings and a gifted young boxer fought his way to becoming champion of England.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnna and the King (1999)
The story of the romance between the King of Siam (now Thailand) and the widowed British school teacher Anna Leonowens during the 1860s. Anna teaches the children and becomes romanced by the King. She convinces him that a man can be loved by just one woman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnna and the King of Siam (1946)
In 1862, a young Englishwoman becomes royal tutor in Siam and befriends the King.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDavid and Bathsheba (1951)
King David enters into an adulterous affair with the beautiful Bathsheba, which has tragic consequences for his family and Israel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
SnoozefestMovies like thisKings of the Sun (1963)
In order to flee from powerful enemies, young Mayan king Balam leads his people north across the Gulf of Mexico to the coast of what will become the United States. They build a home in the new land but come into conflict with a tribe of Native Americans led by their chief, Black Eagle, while both Balam and Black Eagle fall in love the beautiful Mayan princess Ixchel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe King (2019)
England, 15th century. Hal, a capricious prince who lives among the populace far from court, is forced by circumstances to reluctantly accept the throne and become Henry V.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIronclad (2011)
In the year 1215, the rebel barons of England have forced their despised King John to put his royal seal on the Magna Carta, a seminal document that upheld the rights of free men. Yet within months of pledging himself to the great charter, the King reneged on his word and assembled a mercenary army on the south coast of England with the intention of bringing the barons and the country back under his tyrannical rule. Barring his way stood the mighty Rochester castle, a place that would become the symbol of the rebel's momentous struggle for justice and freedom.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHenry V (1944)
In 1415, in the midst of the Hundred Years' War, the young King Henry V of England embarks on the conquest of France.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisלוחם המדבר (2026)
In 7th-century Arabia, Princess Hind becomes a warrior to defy the ruthless Emperor Kisra. Forged into a warrior and aided by legendary bandit Hanzala, Hind unites warring tribes for a last stand—the historic Battle of Dhi Qar—that will change history.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
SnoozefestMovies like thisOutlaws - For Greater Glory (2012)
A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929), which was touched off by a rebellion against the Mexican government's attempt to secularize the country.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMedieval (2022)
The story of fifteenth century Czech icon and warlord, Jan Zizka, who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Last Rifleman (2023)
A WWII veteran escapes his care home in Northern Ireland and embarks on an arduous but inspirational journey to France to attend the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, finding the courage to face the ghosts of his past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisVictoria & Abdul (2017)
Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTaras Bulba (1962)
Ukraine, 16th century. While the Poles dominate the Cossack steppes, Andrei, son of Taras Bulba, a Cossack leader, must choose between his love for his family and his folk and his passion for a Polish woman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFirebrand (2024)
Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, is named regent while the tyrant battles abroad. When the king returns, increasingly ill and paranoid, Katherine finds herself fighting for her own survival.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLittle Buddha (1993)
After the death of Lama Dorje, Tibetan Buddhist monks find three children — one American and two Nepalese — who may be the rebirth of their great teacher.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Scarlet and the Black (1983)
Fr. Hugh O'Flaherty is a Vatican official in 1943-45 who has been hiding downed pilots, escaped prisoners of war, and Italian resistance families. His activities become so large that the Nazis decide to assassinate him the next time he leaves the Vatican.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Vikings (1958)
Einar, brutal son of the viking Ragnar and future heir to his throne, tangles with clever slave Eric, for the hand of a beautiful English maiden.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMary (2024)
A miraculous conception. A merciless king. A murderous pursuit. Mary's journey to give birth to Jesus unfolds in this biblical coming-of-age epic.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Call to Spy (2020)
The story of Vera Atkins, a crafty spy recruiter, and two of the first women she selects for Churchill's "secret army": Virginia Hall, a daring American undaunted by a disability and Noor Inayat Khan, a pacifist. These civilian women form an unlikely sisterhood while entangled in dangerous missions to turn the tide of the war.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIvanhoe (1952)
Sir Walter Scott's classic story of the chivalrous Ivanhoe who joins with Robin of Locksley in the fight against Prince John and for the return of King Richard the Lionheart.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTower of London (1939)
In the 15th century, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, aided by his club-footed executioner Mord, eliminates those ahead of him in succession to the throne, then occupied by his brother, King Edward IV of England.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisZen (2009)
In the early 1200s, Dogen brought Chinese Zen philosophy to Japan, and established the Japanese Zen school of Buddhism. He taught that a person was capable of realizing Buddhahood within himself, by way of Zazen. Zazen is extended hours of sitting and meditating to achieve a state of “Mu” (nothingness, or empty existence).
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Dragon Gate (1975)
King and prison escapee join forces. Hsu Feng & Carter Wong Play Yuan Loyalists who thwart an attack from the Mongol General and Mantis Master Chang Yi.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Bhavatharana (2021)
The film is based on the political and cultural events of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe and his reign.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Cromwell (1970)
Disgusted with the policies of King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell plans to take his family to the New World. But on the eve of their departure, Cromwell is drawn into the tangled web of religion and politics that will result in the English Civil War.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAnne of the Thousand Days (1969)
Henry VIII of England discards his wife, Katharine of Aragon, who has failed to produce a male heir, in favor of the young and beautiful Anne Boleyn.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKundun (1997)
From childhood to adulthood, Tibet's fourteenth Dalai Lama deals with Chinese oppression and other problems.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMad Love (2001)
The tragic fate of Juana I of Castille, Queen of Spain, madly in love to an unfaithful husband, Felipe el Hermoso, Archduke of Austria.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAśoka (2001)
A young Prince Asoka works to perfect his skills in battle and also deals with family conflict. During a struggle with one of his step-brothers, his mother urges Asoka to escape to stay alive. While away, Asoka meets Kaurwaki and falls in love, but must use his skills as a warrior to protect her. A dangerous and heartbreaking web of conspiracy follows, which leads Asoka to embrace a Buddhist path.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both history
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Light Arose?
The closest matches to Light Arose are Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher (2022), Anna and the King (1999) and Anna and the King of Siam (1946). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Light Arose?
Start with Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher (2022), the closest match to Light Arose.
What is the highest-rated movie like Light Arose?
The King (2019), rated 7.2/10 by 3,729 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Light Arose?
לוחם המדבר (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Light Arose chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Light Arose, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.