The Knights Templar, also known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, have been a popular subject in cinema due to their mysterious history, renowned martial prowess, and the various legends surrounding their order. Founded in the 12th century, the Templars were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades and managed a large economic infrastructure throughout Christendom. They also became associated with legends concerning secrets and relics, such as the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant, which has made them fertile ground for storytelling in films ranging from historical dramas to action-adventure and fantasy.
Here is a list of existing films featuring or centered around the Knights Templar:
“The Last Templar”, 2009
Director: Paolo Barzman
This adventure miniseries is loosely based on the novel by Raymond Khoury, following an archaeologist and an FBI agent as they hunt for the lost secrets of the Knights Templar.
Starring: Mira Sorvino, Victor Garber, Michael Mando, Scott Foley, Omar Sharif, Christopher Backus, Kenneth Welsh, Anthony Lemke, Claudia Ferri, Vlasta Vrana, Russell Yuen;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: fantasy, action, drama, adventure;
Age: 12+;
Rating: IMDB: 4,5;
More information about the film “The Last Templar” on the website imdb.com
“The Da Vinci Code”, 2006
Director: Ron Howard
While not exclusively about the Knights Templar, this mystery thriller film, based on Dan Brown's novel of the same name, includes references to the order and implies that they were the keepers of ancient secrets and the Holy Grail.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Paul Bettany, Alfred Molina, Jürgen Prochnow, Jean-Yves Berteloot, Etienne Chicot, Jean-Pierre Marielle;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 149 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Da Vinci Code” on the website imdb.com
“Season of the Witch”, 2010
Director: Dominic Sena
Featuring the Knights Templar in a fictional and fantastical context, this film tells the story of a 14th-century knight who must transport a suspected witch to a monastery, believing her to be the source of the Black Plague.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Stephen Campbell Moore, Stephen Graham, Ulrich Thomsen, Claire Foy, Robert Sheehan, Christopher Lee, Kevin Rees, Andrew Hefler;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: fantasy, action, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,4;
“Knightfall”, 2017
Director: Douglas Mackinnon, David Petrarca, Metin Hüseyin, Rick Jacobson
This historical drama television series traces the history of the Knights Templar by focusing on Landry du Lauzon, a brave warrior discouraged by the Templars' failures in the Holy Land who is rejuvenated by news that the Holy Grail has resurfaced.
Starring: Tom Cullen, Pádraic Delaney, Simon Merrells, Julian Ovenden, Ed Stoppard, Nasser Memarzia, Jim High, Jim Carter, Olivia Ross, Sabrina Bartlett;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: action, drama, adventure, history;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Knightfall” on the website imdb.com
“Kingdom of Heaven”, 2005
Director: Ridley Scott
While not solely about the Templars, this historical epic film directed by Ridley Scott depicts the battle between Christians and Muslims for Jerusalem and includes the character Guy de Lusignan, who was affiliated with the Templars.
Starring: Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Marton Csokas, David Thewlis, Ghassan Massoud, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Edward Norton, Brendan Gleeson, Alexander Siddig;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: action, drama, adventure, war, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Kingdom of Heaven” on the website imdb.com
Remember that the representation of the Knights Templar in film ranges from historically-based narratives to those infused with legend, myth, and fantasy.
In conclusion, films about the Knights Templar offer a rich tapestry of historical intrigue, action, and mystery that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Whether these films choose to delve into factual territories or explore the mythical aspects associated with the Order, they all contribute to the enduring fascination with these medieval warriors. From the somber tones of historical epics to the thrilling suspense of conspiracy thrillers, the Knights Templar provide an endlessly appealing subject for filmmakers to explore themes of faith, power, betrayal, and redemption. Through cinematic portrayals, the legacy of the Knights Templar continues to wield a powerful influence on storytelling, keeping their enigmatic legend alive in the collective imagination.
