A Knight's Tale | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

59% Tomatometer 153 Reviews 79% Audience Score 250,000+ Ratings Peasant-born William Thatcher (Heath Ledger) begins a quest to change his stars, win the heart of an exceedingly fair maiden (Shanynn Sossamon) and rock his medieval world. With the help of friends (Mark Addy, Paul Bettany, Alan Tudyk), he faces the ultimate test of medieval gallantry -- tournament jousting -- and tries to discover if he has the mettle to become a legend. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

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A Knight's Tale

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Critics Consensus

Once you get past the anachronism, A Knight's Tale becomes a predictable, if spirited, Rocky on horseback.

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Critics Reviews

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A Knight's Tale | Rotten Tomatoes (1) David Ansen Newsweek There are worse crimes than crowd pleasing, but at least do it with some finesse. Mar 6, 2018 Full Review A Knight's Tale | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Nell Minow Common Sense Media Slightly edgy medieval tale with rock music. Rated: 4/5 Dec 21, 2010 Full Review A Knight's Tale | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Geoff Andrew Time Out Whipping along at speed, with elaborate camera movements and rousing speeches, this knows how to engage a crowd. It's corny, of course, but a guilty pleasure: romantic, diverting, with mildly amusing modern gags. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review A Knight's Tale | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Andrew Collins Radio Times It's tremendous, infectious fun, with a rocking soundtrack, and everyone concerned enters into the spirit of it Rated: 4/5 Feb 9, 2024 Full Review A Knight's Tale | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Graeme Tuckett Stuff.co.nz If all you want to do tonight is watch something funny, exciting and deeply likeable, A Knight's Tale is a vintage gem. Nov 11, 2022 Full Review A Knight's Tale | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Toussaint Egan Polygon An oddball comedy filled with surprising needle-drops. Oct 22, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Neo K An amazing movies with a great story. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/11/24 Full Review Anthony H This is an excellent film. The modern take on an old story with a setting in the past but script and music of this century is an excellent mix. The acting is great, Paul Bettany is especially stand out for his portrayal of Chaucer. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/07/24 Full Review alan g Watch the first half then turn it off. Young actors with amazing chemistry. Second half unbelievable. No knight would ever joust without armor. It would be suicidal at best. Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 05/06/24 Full Review Bryan E I can't put my finger on why, but this is a movie I can watch over and over. The cast has amazing chemistry. The movie knows what it is: a light-hearted movie that never takes itself too seriously yet still delivers the kind of growth and message you would expect in something deeper. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/29/24 Full Review JonNookI A Knight's Tale is a good adventure and comedy film that takes place in 14th century Europe. It is very funny, though predictable, and has great performances all around, and it's particularly great to see Heath Ledger in another role besides Joker, which is what I know him for. It's got some emotional beats, and plenty of romance, and it's just an all-around fun film to watch. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/24 Full Review Kevin P Thoroughly awesome movie worthy of changing its stars... to five stars! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/24 Full Review Read all reviews

A Knight's Tale

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Cast & Crew

Brian Helgeland Director Heath Ledger William Mark Addy Roland Rufus Sewell Count Adhemar Paul Bettany Chaucer Shannyn Sossamon Lady Jocelyn
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Movie Clips

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A Knight's Tale

A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Take the Bad With the Good A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Take the Bad With the Good 2:10 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Sir William A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Sir William 2:44 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Father and Son A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Father and Son 2:06 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - My Foxy Lady A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - My Foxy Lady 2:08 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - A Dance From Gelderland A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - A Dance From Gelderland 3:19 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Dance Lessons A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Dance Lessons 2:37 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Do It For Love A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Do It For Love 2:37 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - The Tournament A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - The Tournament 3:03 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Tournament Training A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Tournament Training 2:20 A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Love Letter A Knight's Tale: Official Clip - Love Letter 2:21 View more videos

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A Knight's Tale

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A Knight's Tale

Rising star Heath Ledger stars as would-be knight William Thatcher in the Columbia Pictures presentation, A Knight's Tale. Rising star Heath Ledger stars as would-be knight William Thatcher in the Columbia Pictures presentation, A Knight's Tale. Brian Helgeland is the writer, director and producer of the Columbia Pictures presentation, A Knight's Tale. Writer/director/producer Brian Helgeland (left) and star Heath Ledger discuss a scene during the Prague-based filming of the Columbia Pictures presentation, A Knight's Tale. A young squire with dreams of knighthood, William (Heath Ledger, second from left) is one step closer to changing his destiny after winning yet another match. (From left to right) Roland (Mark Addy), Kate (Laura Fraser) and Wat (Alan Tudyk) are three of William's biggest fans in the Columbia Pictures presentation, A Knight's Tale. (From left to right) William (Heath Ledger) and Chaucer (Paul Bettany) celebrate one of the young knight's many victories on the tournament field. Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon) surprises her brave but battered knight (Heath Ledger) with a secret rendez-vous in the Columbia Pictures presentation, A Knight's Tale. Rising star Heath Ledger stars as would-be knight William Thatcher in the Columbia Pictures presentation, A Knight's Tale. At a festive banquet, William (Heath Ledger) woos fair maiden Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon) to the tune of David Bowie's "Golden Years." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Peasant-born William Thatcher (Heath Ledger) begins a quest to change his stars, win the heart of an exceedingly fair maiden (Shanynn Sossamon) and rock his medieval world. With the help of friends (Mark Addy, Paul Bettany, Alan Tudyk), he faces the ultimate test of medieval gallantry -- tournament jousting -- and tries to discover if he has the mettle to become a legend.

Director
Brian Helgeland

Producer
Brian Helgeland, Tim Van Rellim, Todd Black

Screenwriter
Brian Helgeland

Distributor
Columbia Pictures

Production Co
Columbia Pictures, Finestkind, Black and Blu Entertainment

Rating
PG-13 (Sex-Related Dialogue|Action/Violence|Some Nudity)

Genre
Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
May 11, 2001, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012

Box Office (Gross USA)
$56.1M

Runtime
2h 12m

Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital

Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
Most Popular at Home Now
A Knight's Tale | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

FAQs

Why is a knight's tale so good? ›

This film has everything - action, adventure, comedy, romance and rock songs. It's feel good entertainment and Helgeland's unique approach still feels fresh, sassy and on point. Ledger is surrounded by a good supporting cast of Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy, Shannyn Sossamon and James Purefoy.

What is the best choice in the Knight's Tale Witcher 3? ›

The best choice is here to tell her that you will Lift the Curse by Yourself. If you choose this and pick up Sir Gareth's Bone before going back to the cursed tree, you will get the best outcome of the quest.

Why do people refuse to joust against the prince? ›

Why do people refuse to joust against the Prince? What does this mean? Because they will commit treason against the prince.

What is the moral of the knight's tale? ›

The moral of the Knight tale was anyone can change their destiny in life through courage, determination, and knowing when to ask for help.

How historically accurate is A knight's Tale? ›

As a final point, despite some minor inaccurate information, the movie A Knight's Tale is historically accurate based on factual evidence that was displayed. There are several main events for the plot of A Knight's Tale. Initially, William, a peasant, decides to go on a journey in order to become a knight.

What is ironic about the Knight's Tale? ›

"The Knight's Tale" features dramatic irony as all three members of the love triangle pray for a different outcome to the tournament, yet by a twist of fate, all three actually get exactly what they prayed for. Dramatic irony is a situation in which the audience knows something the characters do not.

Can you lift Daphne's curse? ›

You will have 3 ways to deal with her: threaten her, say you can lift the curse yourself, or plead with her. The latter is only available if you read the book Jacob gave you.

What happens if you give the witch a lock of hair? ›

The witch agrees to advise how to lift the curse if Geralt agrees to give a her a lock of his hair, which she claims to use on a spell so that she will remain hidden from him from now on.

Is Philippa Eilhart a good person? ›

Philippa Eilhart is one of the most cunning and cruel sorceresses in The Witcher franchise. However, in the games, she is depicted as a treacherous and malevolent egomaniac.

What happens to William at the end of a knight's tale? ›

At the end of A Knight's Tale, William defeats the villainous Count Adhemar, kisses Jocelyn, and then shares his prize winnings with the group in celebration.

Who is the black prince of Wales in a knight's tale? ›

The film stars Heath Ledger as William Thatcher, a peasant squire who poses as a knight and competes in tournaments, winning accolades and acquiring friendships with such historical figures as Edward the Black Prince (James Purefoy) and Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany).

Did they actually joust in A knight's Tale? ›

Since A Knight's Tale was filming real jousting - the most they did for safety was padding and easily breakable lance - it was simply too dangerous for their stars to take part. None of the actors were allowed to do their own stunts, despite some of them wanting to.

Does A knight's tale have a happy ending? ›

The secret of William's low birth is revealed at the most dramatic moment. But there's a happily-ever-after ending that is just right for this fairy tale. Ledger holds his own well in his first leading role, and.

Is there a knight's tale 2? ›

Given how beloved A Knight's Tale is, one would think a sequel would be greenlit. It turns out that Netflix and Sony almost greenlit a sequel. However, those plans never went through with Netflix's algorithm not favoring a sequel despite the original movie's popularity.

What year does a knight's tale take place? ›

According to Variety.com, the film takes place circa 1360. This is reasonable, as jousting became an especially popular sport in the fourteenth century. A Knight's Tale follows the story of William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a squire to a Sir Ector (Nick Brimble).

Is King Arthur Knight's Tale a good story? ›

If you're a fan of turn-based strategy games and love a compelling, yet dark story, I can't recommend King Arthur: Knight's Tale enough, it's an exceptional game. Aside a few complaints here and there, King Arthur: Knight's Tale is a grim, compelling take on the legend of Camelot.

What is the symbolism of the Knight's Tale? ›

The Knight represents chivalry and honor within The Canterbury Tales. The tale deals with medieval tropes of courtly love and chivalry, yet uses those to comment on classical ideals of justice and reason.

Why is The Canterbury Tales good? ›

The characters in The Canterbury Tales represent a cross-section of medieval society that provide valuable historical insight into gender roles, political issues, and the impact of major historical events like the Black Death on the lives of ordinary people.

Why is the Knight respected in Canterbury Tales? ›

The Knight represents the best of the nobility— he is honorable, polite, just, and very competent at applying martial effort to protect his people, country, and faith. However, his mindset and expectations are somewhat antiquated, which Chaucer best alludes to via the Knight's choice to set his story in ancient Greece.

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