More than two decades after its theatrical release, A Knight’s Tale is again among the top streaming titles. The late Heath Ledger’s medieval adventure movie has galloped into the Top 10 on Tubi and is proving its lasting appeal with viewers discovering or revisiting the film years later.
A Knight’s Tale is a hit on Tubi
Initially met with mixed reviews from critics in 2001, A Knight’s Tale has steadfastly evolved into a cult favorite. The film, which creatively mixes jousting tournaments with a modern rock soundtrack, stars Ledger as a peasant who boldly impersonates a knight to change his destiny. Supported by a charismatic cast including Paul Bettany and Mark Addy, the movie’s playful spirit and sweet romance have outlasted its initial critical reception.
According to Flix Patrol, A Knight’s Tale has consistently held a position between 6th and 8th in the platform’s Top 10 charts since January 5. With Tubi offering free access, the film has found an ideal home to reach viewers who might have missed it during its theatrical run.
While its Rotten Tomatoes scores sit at 59% from critics and 79% from audiences, the film was a commercial success in its era. Made on a $65 million reported budget, A Knight’s Tale jousted its way to a robust $117 million global box office haul (via Box Office Mojo). This financial victory, combined with its lasting fan appeal, secures its legacy as a standout in Ledger’s diverse filmography.
Director and writer Brian Helgeland crafted a unique world that, while historically set, prioritizes fun and romance. This approach continues to resonate, offering a lighter, more comedic counterpart for fans of medieval stories like Game of Thrones.
Heath Ledger’s tragic passing in 2008 cut short a brilliant career, but films like A Knight’s Tale remind fans of his versatile talent and charismatic screen presence. His final completed role was in 2009’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, also reportedly available on Tubi. However, his penultimate performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight remains his most iconic.
