Liked Apple TV+’s ‘Chief of War’? Here’s What To Watch Next
Apple TV+’s ‘Chief of War’ tells a vital story about a specific time in Hawaiian history. It focuses on the intense conflict between the island kingdoms and the looming threat of outsiders. The series is celebrated for its commitment to an indigenous point of view, featuring brutal action and deep cultural detail. Jason Momoa, as co-creator and star, brings a personal passion to the project, which shines through in its depiction of warrior culture, leadership, and the fight to preserve a way of life.
If you were captivated by its historical depth, fierce battles, and focus on a non-Western culture, many other movies and shows offer a similar experience. This list gathers stories of indigenous resilience, epic historical warfare, and tales from Polynesia and beyond. Whether you’re looking for another powerful warrior’s journey or a deep dive into a culture’s fight for survival, you will find something to watch next.
Moana (2016)
While an animated family film, ‘Moana’ is a celebration of Polynesian culture, myths, and wayfinding. The story follows a determined young woman who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. To do so, she must find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti. The film was praised for its research and collaboration with a council of Polynesian cultural experts.
Like ‘Chief of War,’ ‘Moana’ is a story deeply rooted in the Pacific Islands, showcasing the importance of heritage, leadership, and the spiritual connection to the natural world. It presents a vibrant and respectful look at the traditions that shaped the region, offering a more mythic counterpoint to the historical warfare of ‘Chief of War.’
The Dead Lands (2014)
This New Zealand film is a brutal and unflinching look at Māori warrior culture before European contact. After his tribe is slaughtered, a chieftain’s teenage son, Hongi, must venture into the forbidden “Dead Lands” to seek the help of a mysterious and feared warrior. His goal is to avenge his father and bring peace to the souls of his loved ones.
Featuring authentic Māori language and the traditional martial art of Mau Rakau, ‘The Dead Lands’ shares the raw, intense action and focus on indigenous traditions seen in ‘Chief of War.’ It is a story of revenge, honor, and survival, driven by the codes and beliefs of a warrior society.
Apocalypto (2006)
Directed by Mel Gibson, this film plunges viewers into the final days of the Mayan civilization. When a young hunter’s village is brutally attacked, he is captured and taken on a perilous journey to a city of human sacrifice. He must escape to save his family. The movie is notable for its use of the Yucatec Maya language and its immersive, high-stakes action.
Fans of the intense, non-stop action and the depiction of a pre-colonial, non-Western society in ‘Chief of War’ will find ‘Apocalypto’ compelling. It is a powerful survival story set against the backdrop of a collapsing empire, filled with visceral and brutal sequences.
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Set during the French and Indian War, this film follows Hawkeye, a white man adopted by the Mohican tribe, as he becomes entangled in the conflict while protecting the daughters of a British colonel. The movie is a sweeping historical epic known for its stunning cinematography, romance, and intense battle sequences.
‘The Last of the Mohicans’ shares themes of cultural clashes and warfare on the frontier. It explores the brutal realities of a world where different nations and ideologies are fighting for control, much like the internal and external struggles faced by the Hawaiian kingdoms.
Vikings (2013-2020)
This historical drama series chronicles the adventures of the legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons. It begins with Ragnar’s raids on England and follows the Vikings’ expansion and conflicts across Europe. The show is known for its gritty realism, complex characters, and depiction of Norse culture and religion.
If you appreciated the brutal politics and warfare in ‘Chief of War,’ ‘Vikings’ offers a similar experience from a different cultural perspective. It is a story about a leader’s ambition, the clash of faiths, and the brutal process of forging a legacy through conflict and exploration.
The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Based on Bernard Cornwell’s novels, this series is set in the 9th century when England was a collection of separate kingdoms. The story follows Uhtred, a Saxon noble raised by Vikings, who is torn between his ancestral home and the people who raised him. He becomes a key warrior in King Alfred the Great’s quest to unite the kingdoms.
Much like ‘Chief of War’ depicts the unification of Hawaii, ‘The Last Kingdom’ is about the birth of a nation through brutal conflict. Uhtred’s journey as a man caught between two cultures will resonate with viewers who enjoyed the focus on identity and loyalty in a time of war.
Black Sails (2014-2017)
A prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel ‘Treasure Island,’ this series is a gritty and complex portrayal of the Golden Age of Piracy. It follows Captain Flint and his crew as they fight for the survival of New Providence island, a lawless pirate paradise. The show combines historical figures with fictional characters in a story of rebellion and the struggle for freedom.
While set in a different part of the world, ‘Black Sails’ shares ‘Chief of War’s’ focus on a self-contained society fighting against a powerful external empire. It features brutal action, complex political maneuvering, and characters fighting to protect their way of life from encroaching colonial powers.
Frontier (2016-2018)
Starring Jason Momoa, this historical drama is set in the 18th-century North American fur trade. Momoa plays Declan Harp, a part-Irish, part-Cree outlaw who is campaigning to disrupt the Hudson’s Bay Company’s monopoly. The series is filled with brutal conflicts between trappers, traders, and Native American tribes.
For those looking for more of Jason Momoa in a historical warrior role, ‘Frontier’ is a perfect choice. It has the same raw, physical energy and themes of rebellion against a powerful, oppressive force that are central to ‘Chief of War.’
See (2019-2022)
In a distant future where humanity has lost the sense of sight, society has found new ways to interact, build, and survive. Jason Momoa stars as Baba Voss, the chieftain of the Alkenny tribe, who must protect his two adopted children who are born with the mythical ability to see. This puts his tribe in conflict with a powerful and desperate queen.
Though a fantasy series, ‘See’ features Jason Momoa in a role that echoes his character in ‘Chief of War’—a powerful leader and protector of his people and culture. The show is praised for its unique world-building and intense, tribal-style combat, which was developed with blindness consultants to be distinct and visceral.
The Northman (2022)
This epic historical thriller is based on the legend of Amleth, the direct inspiration for Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’ The film follows a young Viking prince who seeks revenge after his father is murdered by his uncle. The movie is a visually stunning and brutally authentic depiction of the Viking world, filled with Norse mythology and visceral violence.
If the raw, brutal, and culturally specific action of ‘Chief of War’ was appealing, ‘The Northman’ delivers a similar experience. It is a relentless and immersive journey into a specific historical warrior culture, driven by a powerful story of vengeance and destiny.
Whale Rider (2002)
This acclaimed New Zealand film tells the story of a young Māori girl, Pai, who believes she is destined to be the new chief of her tribe. However, her traditionalist grandfather refuses to accept a female leader. Pai must challenge centuries of tradition to prove her worth and lead her people forward.
Like ‘Chief of War,’ ‘Whale Rider’ is a powerful story about leadership and cultural preservation within a Polynesian community. It explores the tension between ancient traditions and the needs of the present, centered on a protagonist with a deep spiritual connection to their ancestors.
Once Were Warriors (1994)
A powerful and confronting film from New Zealand, ‘Once Were Warriors’ portrays the struggles of a modern-day Māori family. The film deals with issues of poverty, alcoholism, and domestic violence, while also exploring the loss of cultural identity and the lingering warrior spirit of the Māori people.
While it has a contemporary setting, the film’s title and themes connect directly to the warrior past that is central to ‘Chief of War.’ It’s a raw and emotional look at what happens when a proud culture is disconnected from its roots, making it a thought-provoking companion piece.
Black Robe (1991)
Set in 17th-century Quebec, this film follows a Jesuit missionary who undertakes a perilous journey through the wilderness to reach a remote Huron mission. Accompanied by Algonquian guides, he faces brutal conditions and a profound clash of cultures and beliefs. The film is noted for its authentic depiction of Native American life.
‘Black Robe’ offers a deep, immersive look into the world of First Nations people during the early days of European contact. Like ‘Chief of War,’ it presents an indigenous culture on its own terms and explores the immense and often tragic consequences of the meeting of two vastly different worlds.
Hostiles (2017)
In 1892, a legendary Army captain reluctantly agrees to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their tribal lands. On the dangerous journey from New Mexico to Montana, the former enemies must forge a truce to survive the harsh landscape and the violent encounters they face along the way.
This film shares ‘Chief of War’s’ theme of conflict and potential reconciliation between different cultures. It is a somber and brutal look at the legacy of violence on the American frontier, with a focus on the humanity of characters on both sides of the conflict.
Braveheart (1995)
This epic historical drama tells the story of William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against the English rule of King Edward I. The film is famous for its large-scale, brutal battle scenes and its powerful story of a fight for freedom against a larger, occupying force.
The struggle of a smaller nation fighting to unite and repel a powerful invader is a theme shared directly with ‘Chief of War.’ Viewers who were stirred by the fight for Hawaiian sovereignty will find the same spirit in the Scottish rebellion depicted in ‘Braveheart.’
Gladiator (2000)
When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by the corrupt son of the Emperor, he is captured and forced into slavery. He rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the deaths of his family and his emperor. ‘Gladiator’ is a sweeping epic of revenge and rebellion.
This film’s story of a powerful warrior fighting a corrupt and tyrannical leader mirrors the core conflicts in ‘Chief of War.’ The intense, visceral combat and the journey of a hero seeking justice against an empire make it a compelling watch for fans of epic action.
300 (2006)
Based on a graphic novel, this film is a highly stylized and hyper-violent retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae. It depicts a small force of 300 Spartan warriors fighting to the death against the massive Persian army. The film is known for its unique visual style and non-stop, brutal action.
If you enjoyed the depiction of a dedicated warrior culture and the spectacle of seemingly impossible battles in ‘Chief of War,’ ‘300’ offers a heightened, mythological version of that same appeal. It is a story of a small, proud nation making a stand against an overwhelming force.
The Revenant (2015)
On a fur trading expedition in the 1820s, a frontiersman is mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting team. He must use his survival skills to find his way back to civilization and exact revenge on the man who betrayed him. The film is a brutal and immersive story of survival against the odds.
‘The Revenant’ shares the raw, visceral feel of ‘Chief of War,’ with a deep respect for the unforgiving power of nature. Its depiction of the brutal realities of frontier life and its interactions with Native American tribes provides a compelling look at another historical setting of conflict and survival.
Shōgun (2024)
This miniseries, set in feudal Japan in the year 1600, follows an English sailor who becomes shipwrecked and embroiled in the complex political machinations of Lord Toranaga, a powerful daimyo fighting for his life against his rivals on the Council of Regents. It’s a deep dive into a different warrior culture on the brink of civil war.
Fans of the intricate political struggles and cultural immersion in ‘Chief of War’ will find ‘Shōgun’ deeply rewarding. It is a meticulously detailed portrayal of a non-Western society with its own strict codes of honor, loyalty, and brutal conflict, where outsiders must adapt or perish.
Tanna (2015)
Set on the island of Tanna in the South Pacific, this film tells the true story of a young couple who fall in love but are forbidden to be together due to inter-tribal politics. Their defiance of their elders’ arranged marriage plans causes a dangerous escalation of an old conflict between the tribes.
This film offers an authentic and intimate look at life and conflict within another Pacific Islander culture. Shot on location with a cast of local people, it shares ‘Chief of War’s’ commitment to an indigenous perspective, focusing on themes of tradition, love, and community conflict.
Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)
This German film follows a ruthless Spanish conquistador who leads a doomed expedition down the Amazon River in search of the mythical city of gold, El Dorado. The journey descends into madness as the leader’s obsession and paranoia consume him and his men.
For those interested in the theme of outside forces encroaching on indigenous lands, this film offers a chilling perspective from the side of the invaders. It’s a dark and mesmerizing look at the greed and insanity that drove much of the colonial era, providing a stark contrast to the heroic resistance in ‘Chief of War.’
Embrace of the Serpent (2015)
Shot in black and white, this Colombian film tells two stories decades apart. In each, an Amazonian shaman, the last of his people, guides a European scientist in search of a sacred, rare plant. It’s a profound meditation on colonialism, memory, and the destruction of indigenous cultures.
This film provides a more spiritual and philosophical counterpoint to the physical conflict in ‘Chief of War.’ It explores the devastating long-term impact of contact with outsiders on indigenous knowledge and identity, making it a powerful and thought-provoking watch.
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)
The first feature film ever to be written, directed, and acted entirely in the Inuktitut language, ‘Atanarjuat’ is based on an ancient Inuit legend. The story involves a rivalry between two brothers that leads to betrayal, murder, and a thrilling escape across the sea ice.
Like ‘Chief of War,’ this film is a landmark in indigenous storytelling, bringing an ancient story to life with complete cultural authenticity. It provides an immersive look into a unique world, its customs, and its timeless stories of love, jealousy, and survival.
Ten Canoes (2006)
Set in pre-colonial Australia, this film is narrated in the Yolŋu Matha language. To teach a young warrior the proper way, an elder tells him a story from the mythical past about another young man who coveted his older brother’s wife, leading to a series of comedic and tragic events.
This film shares the goal of ‘Chief of War’ to tell a story entirely from an indigenous perspective, using traditional language and storytelling methods. It’s a unique and engaging look at a culture’s laws, humor, and relationship with the past, offering a different pace and tone.
The New World (2005)
Directed by Terrence Malick, this film is a lyrical and visually stunning retelling of the story of Pocahontas and the founding of the Jamestown settlement in the 17th century. It focuses on the intense and transformative encounter between the English settlers and the Powhatan people.
This movie explores the theme of first contact between European and indigenous cultures with a poetic and contemplative style. It stands in contrast to the focus on warfare in ‘Chief of War,’ instead delving into the spiritual and emotional dimensions of this historic meeting.
Barbarians (2020-present)
This German historical series is set during the Roman Empire’s occupation of Germania Magna. It tells the story of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, where Germanic tribes united to ambush and destroy three Roman legions. The story is centered on a Roman officer torn between the empire he serves and the Germanic tribe of his birth.
The themes of uniting disparate tribes to fight a common imperial enemy and a protagonist with divided loyalties make this a strong companion to ‘Chief of War.’ The show features brutal, historically-grounded combat and the clash of two very different cultures.
Valhalla Rising (2009)
A silent, one-eyed Norse warrior escapes his captors and joins a group of Christian Crusaders on their journey to the Holy Land. A dense fog throws their ship off course, and they land in an unknown, hostile territory that they believe to be a gateway to hell itself.
This film is a brutal, atmospheric, and highly stylized journey that shares the raw, violent aesthetic of ‘Chief of War’ but with a more surreal and minimalist approach. It’s a visceral and dreamlike experience for those who appreciate action that is both savage and artistic.
Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s Cut) (2005)
Set during the Crusades of the 12th century, this epic follows a French blacksmith who travels to Jerusalem and finds himself defending the city against the formidable army of Saladin. The much-lauded Director’s Cut adds significant depth to the characters and the political complexities of the era.
Like ‘Chief of War,’ this is a story about a massive war fought over sacred land, involving complex politics and questions of faith and honor. It portrays large-scale historical warfare and a leader forced to defend his people against overwhelming odds.
Utu (1983)
A classic of New Zealand cinema, ‘Utu’ (which means “retribution” or “balance”) is set during the New Zealand Wars of the 1870s. After his village is destroyed by the colonial army, a Māori warrior named Te Wheke goes on a bloody rampage, leading his own war party against the settlers.
This film is a direct thematic predecessor to ‘Chief of War’ in its exploration of Polynesian resistance to colonial forces. It’s a powerful and complex story about the brutal cycle of violence and the meaning of justice in a time of intense cultural conflict.
Rapa Nui (1994)
Set on Easter Island before European contact, this film depicts a society in decline due to environmental degradation and internal strife. The story centers on the annual competition where warriors from different clans compete to be the first to bring back a sooty tern egg from a nearby islet, securing power for their tribe for the year.
This movie explores another unique Polynesian culture and the internal conflicts that can weaken a society. While fictionalized, it shares themes with ‘Chief of War’ regarding inter-tribal rivalry and the struggle for leadership in a world with limited resources and intense spiritual beliefs.
