Anya Taylor-Joy is having a monumental 2026. After the massive success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which became the first film of the year to cross $1 billion globally, she's been everywhere. She's also starring in the underrated crime thriller Lucky on Apple TV+, and later this year, she'll reprise her role as Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three, hitting theaters on December 18. Plus, her wild thriller with Chris Evans, Sacrifice, has been picked up by Netflix for release later this year. It's safe to say Taylor-Joy is one of the busiest stars in Hollywood right now.
But before all that, there's a gem in her filmography that deserves your attention: The Northman. Directed by Robert Eggers, who previously worked with Taylor-Joy on The Witch, this 2022 Viking epic is a brutal, visceral masterpiece. It didn't exactly set the box office on fire—its $90 million budget was too steep, and it only grossed $75 million worldwide—but it has found a massive audience on streaming. And now, it's available for all Netflix subscribers to enjoy.
What Is 'The Northman' About?
The film stars Alexander Skarsgård as Prince Amleth, a young Viking who witnesses his father's murder and his mother's abduction. He escapes with a single vow: avenge his father, save his mother, and kill his uncle. Years later, as a fearsome warrior, Amleth returns in disguise to infiltrate his uncle's fortress, aided by a mysterious sorceress played by Taylor-Joy. What follows is a relentless, bloody quest for revenge.
With a stellar cast including Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, and Ethan Hawke, The Northman is a perfect blend of Gladiator and Vikings. It's packed with some of the most intense historical action sequences ever put to film, all set against a backdrop of immersive Norse mythology. The film has earned a 90% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, cementing its status as a modern classic.
Why You Should Watch It Now
If you haven't seen The Northman yet, now is the time. It's currently streaming on Netflix, and while there's no announced departure date, you never know when a title might vanish. This is one of those movies that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, but even on your living room TV, it's a jaw-dropping experience.
For fans of Taylor-Joy, this is a must-watch. She brings a magnetic, otherworldly presence to the role of the sorceress, and her chemistry with Skarsgård is electric. It's a far cry from her more whimsical roles, but it showcases her incredible range as an actress.
If you're in the mood for more brutal action, check out our list of the most brutal action movies ever made. And if you're looking for more fantasy gems on Netflix, we've got seven shows with zero weak episodes to keep you busy.
Don't miss out on The Northman while it's on Netflix. It's a cinematic experience that will leave you breathless. And stay tuned for more updates on Anya Taylor-Joy's upcoming projects, including Dune: Part Three and Sacrifice.
