The best episodes of Vikings Season 1

Season 1 only — ranked by viewer rating, highs first. Lit marks on the season rail place this list across the run. Vote on a placement to back it or contest it. Fewer than 10 rated episodes — treat this ranking as provisional.

  1. 01

    S01E07 · April 14, 2013 · 1h

    A King's Ransom8.3

    Ragnar presents a proposal to King Aelle.

  2. 02

    S01E06 · April 7, 2013 · 1h

    Burial of the Dead8.1

    Ragnar faces off with the Earl after learning of Rollo's torture.

  3. 03

    S01E08 · April 21, 2013 · 1h

    Sacrifice8.1

    Ragnar attempts to cope with the death of his unborn son; Lagertha seeks answers from the gods.

  4. 04

    S01E01 · March 3, 2013 · 1h

    Rites of Passage7.9

    A Viking warrior seeks approval from his community's leader in the opener of this series chronicling the medieval adventures of a band of Norsemen.

  5. 05

    S01E05 · March 31, 2013 · 1h

    Raid7.9

    A prophet predicts the earl's future; Ragnar's home and farm are destroyed.

  6. 06

    S01E02 · March 10, 2013 · 1h

    Wrath of the Northmen7.8

    Ragnar gathers a crew in preparation for an epic journey; the earl is overcome with paranoia.

  7. 07

    S01E03 · March 17, 2013 · 1h

    Dispossessed7.8

    Ragnar and his crew raid a monastery, securing a bounty of riches that impresses the earl.

  8. 08

    S01E04 · March 24, 2013 · 1h

    Trial7.8

    The Vikings return to England; the earl plants a spy within Ragnar's crew.

  9. 09

    S01E09 · April 28, 2013 · 1h

    All Change7.6

    Ragnar attempts to settle a land dispute; a plague breaks out.

Shows like Vikings

The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.

  1. 01Drama·Action·HistoryThe best episodes of The Last Kingdom2015–2023Also on NetflixThe Last Kingdom is a show of heroic deeds and epic battles but with a thematic depth that embraces politics, religion, warfare, courage, love, loyalty and our universal search for identity.8.2
  2. 02Drama·Action·HistoryThe best episodes of Those About to Die2024–2024Streaming on Peacock PremiumThose About to Die is a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome.6.8
  3. 03Drama·Action·HistoryThe best episodes of Spartacus: House of Ashur2025–2026Streaming on Starz Roku Premium ChannelSpartacus: House of Ashur poses the question: What if Ashur hadn't died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance?6.0
  4. 04Drama·Action·HistoryThe best episodes of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena2011–2011·STARZThe mini-series features the bloody history of the House of Batiatus and the city of Capua before the arrival of Spartacus.8.4
  5. 05Drama·Action·HistoryThe best episodes of Spartacus2010–2013·STARZAlso on NetflixBetrayed by his country. Beaten into slavery.8.5
  6. 06Drama·Action·HistoryThe best episodes of Vikings: Valhalla2022–2024Also on NetflixContinuing the storytelling of Vikings, the new saga begins 100 years after the original series concludes and dramatizes the adventures of the most famous Vikings who ever lived - Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Harada…7.4
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