12 Shows Like Chief of War You Must See

Created by Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa, ‘Chief of War’ chronicles the unification and colonization of Hawai’i near the end of the 18th century. While the four major kingdoms of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi, are in a state of war, the warrior chief of Kauaʻi, Ka’iana (Jason), finds himself opposed to bloodshed. Traveling outside the islands, he learns of the impending threat of colonization. This forces him to join a bloody campaign upon his return to unite the warring groups before the existential threat can reach their shores. The visually stunning Apple TV+ series with masterful attention to detail deals with the themes of greed among men, their obsession with power, and the brutality of war. If you’re hungry for more such narratives, the following curated list of shows similar to ‘Chief of War’ will satiate your craving.

12. Knightfall (2017-2019)

Taking place in the early 14th century, ‘Knightfall’ by Don Handfield and Richard Rayner revolves around the final days of the Knights Templar. As their numbers wind down, the brotherhood hears a rumor about the lost Holy Grail being in the region of Acre, one of their former strongholds. Led by the noble Templar Knight Landry (Tom Cullen), they wage wars to regain control of the Holy Land. However, their advances gain them newer and more powerful enemies, which include the King of France. With loyalty and faith strengthening their armor, the brotherhood protects not only relics but also secrets that hold the power of bringing down the Church. The Knights fight to preserve their beliefs, similar to the Hawaiians against the foreign aggressors in ‘Chief of War.’

11. Britannia (2018-2021)

From the minds of Jez Butterworth, Tom Butterworth, and James Richardson, ‘Britannia’ is a historical fantasy set in AD 43. Ninety years after Julius Caesar’s failure, the Roman Imperial Army returns with the aim of destroying the Celtic heart of Britannia. The previous defeat continues to haunt them, but they refuse to let it dampen their spirit and determination. The leaders of the Roman Army learn that the land is ruled by wild warrior women and powerful druids who are able to channel the daunting forces of the underworld. Like the warring Hawaiian kingdoms, the two great powers of Europe clash over their obsession to dominate and prevail.

10. Frontier (2016-2018)

‘Frontier’ by Rob Blackie and Peter Blackie stars Jason Momoa as Declan Harp, a half-Irish and half-Cree Native-Canadian outlaw trapper in the 1700s. He leads a campaign to breach the monopoly of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the extremely profitable fur trade in Canada. Lord Benton (Alun Armstrong), an iron-fisted leader of the Company, is determined to thwart Declan’s plans and sets bounty hunters to get rid of him. In response, Declan reaches out to old allies and eventually devises an elaborate plot to plunder Hudson’s Bay. Similar to his role of Ka’iana in ‘Chief of War,’ Jason Momoa shines as another fearless leader who fights to prevent exploitation of his people and land.

9. Rome (2005-2007)

Helmed by John Milius, William J. MacDonald, and Bruno Heller, ‘Rome’ chronicles the transition period of Ancient Rome from a Republic to an Empire in the 1st century BC. With two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), as the protagonists, the narrative weaves war, politics, assassinations, family tragedies, and more, featuring historical figures like Gaius Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Gaius Octavian, and Cleopatra. The lives of both nobles and commoners are depicted in the series, the turbulent setting of which brings to mind a similar state of unrest in ‘Chief of War.’

8. Barbarians (2020-2022)

Developed by Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, and Jan Martin Scharf, ‘Barbarians’ takes place in 9 AD during the Roman Empire’s occupation of Germania. After being ruled over by the Romans for two decades, discontentment brews among the Germanic tribes over the heavy burden of taxes and incessant demands for tributes. There have been attempts to form a unified Germanic resistance, but it has failed to take shape as a result of petty infighting among tribal chieftains and the presence of selfish, traitorous tribesmen allying themselves with Rome in search of peace and prosperity. Ultimately, the tribes unite under a brave leader and meet the Roman Army for a historic battle, much like how Ka’iana seeks to unite Hawaii against colonization in ‘Chief of War.’

7. Medici (2016-2019)

Created by Frank Spotnitz and Nicholas Meyer, ‘Medici,’ also known as ‘Medici: Masters of Florence’ in the first season, and ‘Medici: The Magnificent’ in the second and third, is centered around the House of Medici in Florence in the early 15th century. A supremely wealthy banking dynasty family that serves as banker to the Pope himself, it finds itself amid political turmoil as Cosimo de’ Medici rises to the head of the family following the sudden death of his father, Giovanni. However, the family hides a terrible secret, and Cosimo and his brother need to get to the bottom of it to protect their status. Medici captures the heart of the ‘Chief of War,’ with power plays and political intrigue punctuated with acts of violence.

6. Rise of the Raven (2025)

Based on the Hungarian novel series ‘Hunyadi’ by Mór Bán, ‘Rise of the Raven,’ also known as ‘Hunyadi’ or ‘Hunyadi – Aufstieg zur Macht,’ was created by Balázs Lengyel and George Mihalka. The story takes place in 15th-century Europe, where a fearless warrior, Janos Hunyadi, leads a life filled with scandals and political power plays among the noble families in Warsaw, Rome, Belgrade, and Vienna. When the Ottoman Army attempts to push into Europe and conquer the Vatican, Hunyadi unites the armies of the warring houses and builds up a strong defence, altering the course of European history. As in ‘Chief of War,’ it is an external threat that brings an end to the infighting.

5. Marco Polo (2014-2016)

‘Marco Polo’ by John Fusco is a retelling of the adventures of the famous explorer in the court of the Mongolian ruler Kublai Khan in the 13th century. The son of a Venetian merchant, Marco (Lorenzo Richelmy) sets out on an epic adventure while he is a teenager, traveling thousands of miles to reach present-day Beijing. He earns the trust and gratitude of Kublai Khan for once saving his life. During his stay in the latter’s court, he becomes involved in defending his host as the expansive empire faces threats from both inside and out. Much like Ka’iana, traveling extensively shapes Marco’s views, while his bravery makes him a legend.

4. Vikings: Valhalla (2022-2024)

A sequel to the ‘Vikings’ by Michael Hirst and set 100 years after the events of the series, ‘Vikings: Valhalla’ by Jeb Stuart chronicles the life of historical Vikings Leif Eriksson, Freydis Eriksdotter, Harald Hardrada, and the Norman King William the Conqueror. It opens at a time when the internal conflict between the Viking descendants and the native English has reached a breaking point, marking the beginning of the end for the Age of Vikings. Like ‘Chief of War,’ the story traces the events that change the lives of Vikings forever.

3. Shōgun (2024-)

Based on James Clavell’s novel of the same name, ‘Shōgun’ by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks is set in Japan in the 17th century, during which time the country finds itself at the beginning of a civil war. Lord Yoshii Toranaga, one of the shōguns or military commanders, wages a seemingly losing war at the beginning, as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. However, when an English merchant ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Toranaga learns of the secret with the potential to turn the tide of the war. The fight between the warlords to establish control over the Japanese Empire brings to mind the similar conflict seen between the Hawaiian kingdoms in ‘Chief of War.’

2. The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

Adapted from Bernard Cornwell’s novel series ‘The Saxon Stories,’ ‘The Last Kingdom’ by Stephen Butchard follows Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon child who sees his father killed and their army defeated by invading Danish troops. Captured and raised by the Viking warlord Earl Ragnar, Uhtred grows up to be a powerful warrior. When his adopted home is set on fire and Ragnar is killed, Uhtred vows vengeance and sets out to reclaim his homeland. However, he is faced with making a choice between his birth country and those who raised him. A story of warring factions and political ambitions, the series is reminiscent of ‘Chief of War.’

1. Vikings (2013-2020)

Created by Michael Hirst, ‘Vikings’ follows the exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok, a young farmer and family man who disapproves of his local chieftain Earl Haraldson. While the latter sends his raiders eastward to the economically poor Baltic states and Russian territories, Rangnar wishes to sail west in search of new civilizations. With the help of his friend Floki, Ragnar builds a faster, sleeker fleet of boats capable of carrying out his wish. This puts him further at odds with the Earl, making a final confrontation inevitable. There are many parallels between ‘Vikings’ and ‘Chief of War,’ with both protagonists holding an unfavorable view of meaningless bloodshed. They seek inspiration beyond their borders and wish to lead their people to a new age.