Gustaf Wasa (film)

Gustaf Wasa is the title of several films based on the life of Gustav Vasa (1496-1560), the King of Sweden who liberated the country from Danish rule in the 16th century. These films generally focus on his efforts to unite the Swedish people, fight for independence, and establish himself as the first king of a unified Sweden.

The most well-known film titled Gustaf Wasa is a Swedish historical drama directed by Carl Sandblad and released in 1928. This silent film starred Gösta Ekman as Gustav Vasa and was a grand production of its time, aimed at depicting a patriotic narrative of Swedish history. The film portrays key events such as the Stockholm Bloodbath, Gustav Vasa's flight and rallying of the peasants in Dalarna, and his eventual victory against King Christian II of Denmark.

Due to the historical significance of Gustav Vasa in Sweden, his story has been adapted for film and television on multiple occasions, often as part of larger historical dramas covering the Kalmar Union and the early Vasa era. The 1928 film, however, remains a significant early example of Swedish historical filmmaking focusing specifically on Gustav Vasa's life and reign. Other portrayals may exist under different titles or as parts of miniseries.