How accurate are battles portrayed within movies and TV shows set in the Middle Ages?

by taithau

Just as the title suggests, I was curious about how accurate most war movies depicted actual battles during medieval times. Did both sides just meet in the middle and swing their swords and shields around until the last man standing?

Examples include Game of Thrones and Braveheart for context.

knoperope

While you're waiting, check out these previous answers:

About Game of Thrones:

About general swordfighting and battle:

Also, the FAQ has a section solely on the historical accuracy of GoT and ASoIaF, if you're interested in aspects of the show other than battles.

The section in the FAQ on Medieval Warfare might interest you too.