25 Years Ago, Heath Ledger's Career Was Redefined in This Great Action-Comedy You Can Watch for Free

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Published Jan 24, 2026, 10:16 AM EST

In 2001, Brian Helgeland's A Knight’s Tale took a sword to the rules of the historical action movie. Filled with rock music, irreverent humor, and a loose regard for historical accuracy, all the elements came together to make something that felt unlike anything else you’d see in the theater. It also gave audiences a star unlike anyone else in Heath Ledger, taking on his first Hollywood leading role just two years after arriving from Australia. While he would go on to make many performances in his short but celebrated career, A Knight’s Tale was the movie that truly changed everything. As the movie turns 25, it’s the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with the adventure, as it’s now available to stream for free on Tubi.

'A Knight's Tale' Is the Story of a Young Dreamer Who Changed His Fate

Set in 14th-century Europe, Ledger plays William Thatcher, a common English squire whose master, Sir Ector, dies during a jousting match, leading to William impulsively impersonating him for the rest of the tournament. Although only nobles are allowed to compete in tournaments, he convinces his fellow squires to follow him, posing as a noble to get themselves out of poverty. “A man can change his stars,” he tells his friends, “and I won’t spend the rest of my life as nothing.”

Jack Sparrow and Will Turner looking in the same direction while asea on The Black Pearl.

What makes William so compelling is that this set-up is the idea of an underdog daring to dream big. Motivated by the sacrifice his father made for him as a child, he is driven by destiny and the conviction to do what is right. He is loyal to his team, fights fairly, and treats the woman he loves (Shannyn Sossamon’s Lady Jocelyn) with respect, as opposed to the entitlement displayed by the villainous Count Adhemar of Anjou (Rufus Sewell). William embarks on a classic hero’s journey, and yet, how he carries himself sets him apart from traditional heroes. It’s easy to understand why the crowd cheers when the big joust scenes come, and you may even be joining in.

'A Knight's Tale' Marked the Birth of a New Hero

Heath Ledger as William Thatcher in the middle of a joust in A Knight's Tale.

Having a strongly written character is one thing, but Heath Ledger’s performance brought something to the film that wasn’t on the page. So much more than the cocky hero, he weaved through the tonal shifts in the film as easily as William worked his way through opponents on the jousting field. The cast is full of strong performances – Paul Bettany’s charismatic hype man Chaucer, and Alan Tudyk’s aspirational squire Wat, just to name a couple – but there’s never any doubt where the focus lies.

Indeed, what holds the film together is the quality he brings to the role – sincerity without a hint of irony. Beneath the swagger is a vulnerability that draws you in as an audience, never once being mistaken for arrogance. The future Oscar winner had an ability to leave himself exposed to the camera, moving with the film’s rhythm in order to keep you invested. Ledger didn’t just perform his feelings, he let them leak through the cracks in ways that made his performance feel human. Another leading man might have leaned on the machismo of a would-be knight, another would have focused on the comedy. Ledger did it all, without ever making the audience feel like they were being sold something.

'A Knight’s Tale' Changed How We Saw Heath Ledger

Before stepping into William’s armor, Ledger was mostly known as a talented part of ensembles. As Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You, he was a leading man, but as part of a multicharacter story, despite stealing several scenes with his easy-going charm and sincerity. He also held his own with Hollywood heavyweight Mel Gibson, playing a pivotal supporting role in 2000’s The Patriot. He had proven himself a reliable performer, but like William, was destined for more.

A Knight’s Tale proved he could carry a film with immense scale and ambition. The studio was so confident in his performance that the original poster for the movie didn’t include any of the action or supporting players, simply Ledger’s face. It was an acknowledgment that the young actor had the presence and ability to go it alone, with mature performances well beyond his 22 years.

Just as A Knight’s Tale saw William change his stars, so too did it provide a turning point for Heath Ledger. He would continue to be that one actor on screen that you couldn’t take your eyes off of, whether it was playing romantic cowboys, veteran skaters, or Gotham’s clown prince of crime. The seeds of a short but legendary career were sown in Helgeland’s action-comedy, and in that role, he forged the armor of a star who would redefine what a leading man could be.

A Knight's Tale is available to watch on Hulu and Tubi in the U.S.