You may be interested in some of the following mainstream media depictions of the Knights Hospitallers.
These books and films do not necessarily reflect the values and missions of our Order, and they are listed here as a convenience for people who want to learn more about the history and culture of our Order. The Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem does not receive any payments or other benefits if you choose to watch any of these productions, or read any of the literature listed on this page.
Films and Documentaries:
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Directed by: Ridley Scott, set in late 12th-century Jerusalem, shortly before the Battle of Hattin (1187).
Hospitaller Content: A character simply called The Hospitaller (played by David Thewlis) is a philosophical, spiritual guide to Balian (Orlando Bloom). While not a combat-heavy role, he reflects the religious-military ethos of the order. Characters wear black with a white cross — the correct Hospitaller colors.
Historical Accuracy: Visually and contextually strong, but with dramatic liberties (e.g., Balian’s role in history is fictionalized). Hospitallers, Templars, and secular knights are shown as distinct groups.
Arn: The Knight Templar (2007, Sweden)
Directed by Peter Flinth, set in 12th-century Sweden and the Crusader States.
Though the protagonist is trained by Templars, the movie includes interactions with other orders, including Hospitallers, in the Holy Land. Includes references to the Battle of Montgisard (1177), where both Templars and Hospitallers were present.
Fairly well-researched and based on Jan Guillou’s novels, which are grounded in medieval history. Strong visuals and realistic political-religious context.
Knightfall (TV series, 2017–2019) – History Channel
Set in France and the Holy Land, late 13th century.
Hospitallers are a secondary presence; mostly background characters. However, the show acknowledges multiple knightly orders and their different political and religious roles.
Offers some genuine insights into the fall of the Templars and inter-order rivalry, but the series is dramatized and often sensationalized. The costumes and sets are solid.
The Crusades: Crescent and the Cross (2005, History Channel – Documentary)
This is a docu-drama, set in the First through Third Crusades. Re-enactments + expert interviews.
The Hospitallers are accurately presented in context with their emergence and development as a major military-religious order. Discusses their role in treating pilgrims and fighting in key battles.
Strong historical accuracy. Combines dramatized re-enactments with expert commentary.
The Crusades (1995, Terry Jones, BBC Documentary Series)
Satirical historical documentary
Content related to the Hospitallers is presented in educational segments alongside other orders. It's not a dramatic portrayal, but informative and accurate.
The historical accuracy is very good, well-researched, and includes primary source references.
Ancient Warriors: The Knights of Saint John (1994 – Discovery Channel)
This is focused entirely on the Hospitallers, from their roots as a caregiving order to their military exploits. It is one of the few docuseries to focus solely on the Hospitallers.
Good historical accuracy, although the presentation style is somewhat dated.
Lost Worlds: The Knights Templar (2007 – History Channel)
This is one of a series of related documentaries.
While centered on the Templars, it includes the Hospitallers as major rivals and allies in various regions.
The show is useful for providing context and understanding about the broader system of Crusader military orders.
The Crusaders (2020 – Prime)
There are three episodes: The Knights Templar, The Teutonic Knights (Black Knights) and The Knights Hospitaller. They lean toward the military narrative of the history of the order
The viewer is given a solid introductory overview of the Knights Hospitallers, faithfully capturing their origins, dual roles, and architectural legacy.
Books (Historically Accurate and Well-Researched)
White Cross: Story of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem
Author: Robert W. Y. Formhals Prince Grand Master of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem
This is considered by the Order to be their definitive history.
The Knights Hospitaller: A Military History of the Knights of St John
Author: Stephen Turnbull
Covers battles, fortresses (like Rhodes and Malta), and the Order’s evolution into a naval power.
Reliable historical accuracy: Mr. Turnbull is a respected historian of medieval warfare.
The Knights of Malta
Author: H.J.A. Sire
Deep history of the order from its early days to its establishment in Malta and its political/religious role in Europe. One of the best overviews of the Hospitallers after the Crusades.
The book is written in a scholarly but readable style.
The Hospitallers: The History of the Order of St John
Author: Jonathan Riley-Smith
Written by one of the leading Crusade historians. Very authoritative and deeply researched. Covers both their spiritual mission and military campaigns.
The content is at a higher academic level: Higher, but accessible to interested lay readers.
The Knights of St John in the Holy Land
Author: Malcolm Barber is a major authority on Crusading orders, and this book emphasizes the Hospitallers’ role in Outremer.
Grounded in primary sources; includes analysis of their hospitals, diplomacy, and military actions.
The Crusades Through Arab Eyes
Author: Amin Maalouf
Offers valuable context on how the Hospitallers and other military orders were perceived by their Muslim opponents.
Not centered on Hospitallers, but useful for understanding their impact.