'Le Pacte des Loups' (Brotherhood of the Wolf - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0237534/) was a 2001 french movie in which the beast turned out to be a wolf raised, bred and controlled by someone.
Somewhat randomly, that's one of my favorite movies. I'm not especially into any of the themes or anything, it's just so well done. Pacing, story, cinematography, acting, it all comes together in a really excellent way. It's worth watching (even spoiled. ;-P )
I enjoyed that movie. Some silly points but very pretty, lots of horses running in slow motion, etc... If I recall correctly the best turned out to be some exotic creature imported from Africa.
I assumed it was a tiger with some sort of armour around it.
Brotherhood of the Wolf is my very favorite period martial arts action romance horror comedy thriller.
Of course it's the ONLY period martial arts action romance horror comedy thriller, but I feel ya.
Beowulf comes to mind. A quick search indicates that the interpretation of Beowulf as a romance is rather contested, but I think modern renditions frequently fit the bill.
Then Brotherhood of the Wolf is the best period martial arts action romance horror comedy thriller with Monica Bellucci.