The Hundred Years’ War, fought between England and France from 1337 to 1453, has inspired countless stories about knights, kings, and legendary figures. While not as commonly filmed as later conflicts, this war has nonetheless provided British filmmakers with dramatic material. Courage, betrayal, and national pride are recurring themes in these cinematic works. The following article explores 15 British war movies that touch on the Hundred Years’ War. These films use history, legend, and imagination to portray one of the most turbulent centuries in European history.

1. Henry V (1944)

Directed by Laurence Olivier, Henry V is one of the most celebrated British war movies about the medieval era. It adapts William Shakespeare’s play and highlights the Battle of Agincourt, one of the defining clashes of the Hundred Years’ War. Olivier himself stars as the English king who leads his outnumbered army to victory. The film is remembered for its patriotic spirit, stirring speeches, and colorful stylization. Released during World War II, it also served as morale-boosting propaganda for Britain.

2. Henry V (1989)

Kenneth Branagh’s version of Henry V offers a darker and more realistic take on the story. This film emphasizes the brutality of medieval warfare, the moral dilemmas of leadership, and the human cost of victory. The Battle of Agincourt sequence is particularly visceral, with mud, chaos, and exhaustion vividly portrayed. Branagh’s performance as Henry captures both the king’s determination and his inner doubts.

3. The King (2019)

Though a British-American production, The King draws heavily on English history and Shakespeare’s Henriad plays. It tells the story of Henry V’s rise from a wayward prince to a decisive monarch. The film culminates in the Battle of Agincourt, highlighting the clever tactics that led to English victory. It balances historical drama with modern cinematic realism, making it accessible to new audiences while grounded in the themes of the Hundred Years’ War.

4. Saint Joan (1957)

This adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play focuses on Joan of Arc, one of the most famous figures of the Hundred Years’ War. Directed by Otto Preminger, the film follows Joan’s visions, her leadership in battle, and her eventual trial and execution. While French history dominates the narrative, the English presence is central to the drama. The movie examines themes of faith, nationalism, and martyrdom within the broader context of war.

5. The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)

Directed by Luc Besson, this film is more European in scope but includes strong British involvement, as the English forces are central adversaries. Joan’s campaigns against the English armies are shown with intensity and spectacle. The film portrays the brutality of siege warfare and the complexities of Joan’s divine mission. For audiences interested in the Hundred Years’ War, it provides a visually striking interpretation of the conflict.

6. Joan of Arc (1948)

In this earlier Hollywood-British collaboration, Joan’s story is presented with reverence and grandeur. Starring Ingrid Bergman, the film highlights her leadership in driving English forces from French territories. Though more romanticized than later versions, it remains significant in the cinematic history of the Hundred Years’ War. The film emphasizes not only battles but also the personal convictions that shaped Joan’s destiny.

7. Henry VI (BBC Shakespeare Adaptation, 1960s–1980s)

The BBC adaptations of Shakespeare’s Henry VI trilogy provide a cinematic window into the later stages of the Hundred Years’ War. These productions cover the decline of English fortunes in France and the eventual rise of the Wars of the Roses. The drama explores political intrigue, weak leadership, and the collapse of English power. As television films, they still reflect the craft and seriousness of British war movies rooted in Shakespeare.

8. Joan of Arc (1995 TV Film)

This British television film focuses again on the French heroine and her clashes with English leaders. Miranda Richardson stars in a production that emphasizes character-driven drama as much as military events. The film portrays Joan’s determination and the political maneuvering of the English crown. It illustrates the religious and national dimensions of the Hundred Years’ War.

9. Shakespeare’s An Age of Kings (1960)

This monumental television series adapts Shakespeare’s Henriad plays in one cohesive narrative. The Hundred Years’ War is a central theme, with depictions of Henry V’s campaigns and the decline of English fortunes. Its theatrical style is matched with cinematic ambition, showing both the glories and tragedies of war. For many viewers, it remains one of the most thorough dramatizations of this period.

10. The Trial of Joan of Arc (1962)

Directed by Robert Bresson but widely distributed in Britain, this stark film presents Joan’s imprisonment and execution at the hands of the English. Its minimalist style highlights the tension between faith and politics. The film strips away spectacle to focus on dialogue and character, presenting the war through its human consequences.

11. Once More, O Gentlemen (1970s TV Production)

This lesser-known British production dramatizes Henry V’s leadership at Agincourt. It emphasizes the loyalty of common soldiers and the burden of kingship. While not as famous as Olivier or Branagh’s versions, it contributed to keeping the Hundred Years’ War alive in British storytelling.

12. Agincourt (Planned Productions and Adaptations)

Though many films have touched on Agincourt through Shakespeare, some British war movies have attempted more historically focused narratives. These projects explore tactics such as the longbow and the muddy terrain that shaped victory. While dramatized differently, the emphasis is always on courage against overwhelming odds.

13. Joan of Arc (1999 TV Miniseries)

This television miniseries, broadcast in the UK, presents Joan’s rise and fall with both spectacle and intimate drama. It examines the English occupation of France and the desperate resistance led by Joan. The war is shown as a backdrop to personal conviction, betrayal, and the clash of nations.

14. The Hundred Years’ War Documentaries with Dramatic Reenactments

Several British documentaries with dramatized reenactments also count as British war movies of this period. They bring the battles of Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt to life with actors, costumes, and cinematic style. While educational, they also provide dramatic entertainment rooted in authenticity.

15. Adaptations of Shakespeare’s War of the Roses Cycle

The plays following Henry VI and Richard III, while technically focused on events after the Hundred Years’ War, often dramatize its consequences. British film and television adaptations highlight how the collapse of English power in France led to internal conflict. These works serve as a coda to the century-long war.

Conclusion

The Hundred Years’ War remains an enduring source of drama for British filmmakers. From Shakespearean adaptations to modern reinterpretations, these British war movies present both the glory and the tragedy of medieval conflict. Whether focusing on Henry V’s triumphs or Joan of Arc’s martyrdom, they reveal the human stories behind the battles. Through these films, audiences can connect with a pivotal era in European history, reimagined for the screen with passion, artistry, and historical resonance.