There is something indelibly appealing about Greek mythology movies. They incorporate imaginative fantasy elements into the sincerity of religion. It is the magical realism of the highest order, wherein humans coexist with monsters. The gods themselves were every bit as flawed as humans, making them unexpectedly relatable. They were vain and vengeful, inviting convoluted and operatic drama. Further, civilization itself was deeply intriguing. Their politics and customs are unique, fascinating pieces of history, from which we are not especially far removed. Their grandiose stories and lives will perpetuate them in eternity as proven by many films in the genre. Here are the best movies for fans of Greek mythology.
Many modern storytelling tropes can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology; from the epic journey of Odysseus to the fable of Orpheus and Eurydice, themes of tragedy, triumph, love, and loss are common in these ancient tales, and they’ve proven to be fertile grounds for Hollywood adaptation. Of course, not every big-budget interpretation of Greek mythology has succeeded, but the best Greek mythology movies are some of the most memorable action films on the big screen. From Disney fantasy epics to ambitious, carnage-filled comic book reimaginings, plenty of influential Hollywood projects have been based on stories and themes thought to have originated in Ancient Greece.
18 The Odyssey (1997)
- Available on Fubo & Shout TV
Clocking in at roughly three hours, 1997’s The Odyssey can be viewed as either one long movie or a two-part miniseries. A terrifically truthful adaptation of the Greek myth of Odysseus, the film recounts his ten-year journey home after the events of the Trojan War. As with many examples of ancient Greek mythology, the tale of Odysseus is long, complex, and full of allegory, and the 1997 film adaptation pulls no punches, including almost every aspect of the original story. It’s certainly a lengthy watch, but it’s so detail-rich that it could almost pass as a sort of documentary.
17 The 300 Spartans (1962)
- Rent now on Apple TV & Prime Video
Zack Snyder’s stylish 2006 epic 300 may have served more directly as an adaptation of the 1998 comic series of the same name, but it also borrowed somewhat from 1962’s The 300 Spartans. Aggrandized and over-the-top, audiences don’t remember The 300 Spartans quite as well as some other Greek mythology movies in the genre, though it’s nonetheless worthy of recognition. A recreation of the Battle of Thermopylae fought between Xerxes I and King Leonidas, The 300 Spartans features some surprisingly large-scale battle sequences and enough intrigue to keep modern audiences engaged.
16 Helen of Troy (1956)
Though a few (mostly silent) films preceded it, the 1956 movie Helen of Troy is notable for being one of the earliest Greek mythology movies based on The Illiad and The Odyssey. The movie’s plot follows the same large strokes as the source material, though it paints the Greek kings in a poorer light to build up the love-story elements of Helen and Paris. It was received relatively well by critics who primarily praised some of the set pieces (including the famous Trojan Horse trick), but the acting and pacing left many underwhelmed.
15 The First King: Birth of an Empire (2019)
The First King: Birth of an Empire is an Italian historical drama film starring Alessandro Borghi and Alessio Lapice. This film is based on the famous Romulus and Remus myth, the story of two shepherd brothers, one of whom was raised by a wolf. In the movie, Romulus and Remus take a journey that leads them to discover a new nation and will encounter a dark betrayal. The movie received positive praise from critics, and it was nominated for multiple awards, winning a couple of them.
14 O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
- Rent now on Prime Video & Apple TV
It might surprise some to learn that O Brother, Where Art Though? is one of the Greek mythology movies based on the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer. It is a satirical film that incorporates many elements from the iconic poem. The George Clooney-starring film follows Ulysses Everett McGill is trying to adjust to his labor sentence in Mississippi and while there he meets with Delmar and Pete. The trio goes on a journey to find buried treasure, and in the process, they meet a number of eclectic characters, encounter many obstacles, and undertake adventures.
13 Immortals (2011)
The visuals of this film are undeniably engaging, with decent scope and enthusiasm. Yet, like the similar film, 300, it contains fairly graphic violence. However, the dark cinematography in Immortals can feel dull by comparison. The story itself bears little resemblance to other Greek mythology movies and instead simply plays in that sandbox. The acting is decent, but the dialogue is stiff. Ultimately, in prioritizing visuals that are so similar to another movie, it mainly asks fans to watch 300 again.
12 Medea (1969)
Medea, an Italian movie by Pier Paulo Pasolini, is one of the Greek mythology movies that interprets the famous Greek myth Jason and the Argonauts. The film is named after one of the story’s essential characters, Medea, who is betrayed by Jason and eventually seeks revenge on him and his family. The movie was considered particularly notable by critics for the excessively bleak handling of its subject matter and refusal to shy away from the grimmer parts of the original myth. Famous Italian singer Maria Callas leads the cast of Medea in her only acting role.
11 Hercules (2014)
- Available on Paramount+ & Prime Video
This film subverts expectations of the genre at every turn, essentially turning fantasy into a recurring joke. Hercules purports to explain how misinterpretations could result in wild speculation and subsequent legends of fantasy. Those loving that aspect of Greek mythology movies will be left disappointed. Instead, the story has a lighthearted, juvenile tone, perhaps befitting of its director, Brett Ratner. However, the adventure is buoyant and quick, and the titular hero is played well by Dwayne Johnson. Though his acting chops aren’t always top-tier, he does have plenty of charisma and the right physique. He sells the role with sincere enthusiasm and elevates the story with his presence.
10 Orpheus (1950)
- Available on Criterion Channel & HBO Max
A French film that works as a modern retelling of the tragedy of Orpheus and Euridice, 1950’s Orpheus is convoluted, strange, and tough for non-French-speaking audiences to decipher. However, it works as an important arthouse endeavor that would come to define French cinema in the 1950s. When the titular character’s wife is killed by a personification of Death, he is forced to traverse a netherworld in order to return her to the land of the living. Orpheus is unquestionably avant-garde, but it remains a striking and well-realized reinterpretation of ancient Greek mythology movies.
9 300: Rise Of An Empire (2014)
Like its predecessor, 300: Rise of an Empire is one of the Greek mythology movies that lean further into fantasy. However, even for all its visual hyperbole, that first outing only carried hints of fantasy. Everything set with an ocean backdrop is inherently beautiful, including the corresponding action sequences. The brutality fits in that harsh, storming weather, but the protagonist is the weakest part of the film, and that is massively detrimental considering how popular Gerard Butler’s Leonidas has remained in pop culture. The true point of intrigue is Eva Green, whose Artemisia is both sympathetic and a magnetic villain.
8 Spartacus (1960)
- Rent now on Apple TV & Prime Video
A movie more or less disowned by director Stanely Kubrick owing to apparent disagreements with star Kirk Douglas, 1960’s Spartacus is nevertheless revered as a classic within the genre of Greek mythology movies. A romanticized version of historical events, Spartacus chronicles the life of its titular character as he stages a revolt against a corrupt Roman Empire. Replete with love, triumph, and tragedy, it’s a must-see film for fans of Greek mythology, though it doesn’t deal with the topic specifically. It’s perhaps best known for its epic battle scenes that, in some instances, demanded thousands of extras on set.
7 Iphigenia (1977)
Iphigenia is the third of his Greek mythology movies for director Michael Cacoyannis, and it’s also the best-received. This film is based on a stage play of the same name and follows the titular Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra (the sister of Helen of Troy), as she and those around her deal with challenging questions of life, duty, and faith. After men offend the goddess Artemis, she orders Agamemnon to sacrifice his daughter. The dramatic story focuses on questions of faith and responsibility, and the movie received several notable awards.
6 Hercules (1997)
The songs in Hercules hold up to anything else in the Disney Renaissance, and the characters are equally memorable. Hercules may be a typical outcast, but his determination and craftiness are fun. Meg is one of the greatest female characters in the Disney canon, with charming sarcasm, empathy, and independence. Further, the villainous Hades is absolutely hilarious. In fact, all the comedy throughout is gold, with a surprising degree of meta-humor. This extends to references to Greek mythology itself. The movie may have been different if Hercules followed the original myth more closely, but the changes made it an instant animated classic.
5 Clash Of The Titans (1981)
The brisk plot of the original Clash of the Titans is essentially another straightforward adventure story. However, the uncanny artistry of Ray Harryhausen is thoroughly enriching and infectious to behold. Every new creature radiates creativity and aesthetic passion. The film also presents some of the most accurate portrayals of gods and goddesses in Greek mythology movies. Perhaps it was behind the times when Star Wars had stolen the hearts of fantasy fans, but Harryhausen was a genius. That fun aside, the tragedy in this tale isn’t lost through adaptation, and the performances hold up. The interference and prioritized perspective of the gods is arguably the most interesting facet of this classic.
4 Wonder Woman (2017)
Wonder Woman was a breath of fresh air for Greek mythology movie fans and the DCU despite the cliché superhero beat. Diana’s origin in Themyscira is utterly gripping, convincing, and visually breathtaking, and her integration into World War I provides deft handling of issues about race, gender, and human flaws. Rarely are such conversations treated with such digestible nuance. The story comes first, and it unfolds with a superb balance of action, heart, and humor. Diana may not battle giant creatures, but she confronts the truest of monsters. This rich storytelling is bolstered by a great cast, dazzling effects, and powerhouse music that made it one of the best-ranked DC movies to date.
3 Jason And The Argonauts (1963)
Jason and the Argonauts is the original classic go-to for fans of Greek mythology movies. Its effects were beyond their time, innovative and captivating for every unique design. The compelling story stands on its own, but was also conducive to a boiling pot of various creatures. The pacing is swift enough, and every scene thoroughly exudes a love for Greek mythology. The characters are boisterous and fun. This movie is a greatest hits compilation for any mythology lover with its inclusions of grand action, prophesies, and familiar mythological figures. Fortunately, the sharp story is sustained by Ray Harryhausen’s timeless work and sturdy performances from the cast.
2 300 (2007)
- Rent now on Prime Video & Apple TV
Frank Miller’s graphic novel, and this interpretation of it, might be one of the most unrealistic Greek mythology movies about ancient wars, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. The plot of 300 is primarily set at Thermopylae. The featured battle is perhaps one of the most famous in history, an underdog story that translates well. There is a robust brotherhood, fatherhood, and marital passion. The characters are larger than life, as is their war, which is narrated throughout the film by a Spartan. That narrative angle pardons any potential fabrications or points of view. While this tale of war may be all exaggeration and style, it is certainly the rawest, most entertaining execution of such wanton excess.
1 Troy (2004)
- Rent now on Prime Video & Apple TV
This grounded approach to the Trojan War shown in Troy may not be as flashy as other Greek mythology movies, but it is certainly the most character-driven. Because audiences are allowed to invest in the entire cast of characters, every battle feels earned. The heightened sense of romance and honor is always driven by convincing circumstances. Even such things as philosophy and destiny are invoked in dialogue that is both grandiose and intimate at once. The characters are perfectly cast and deliver striking performances. The iconography is enthralling, the screenplay is measured for the personal and epic alike, and James Horner’s score is equal parts moving and vast.
Honorable Mentions
Hercules in New York (1970)
Arnold Schwarzenegger has starred in a wide range of films over his decades-long acting career, but Hercules in New York is seldom considered one of Schwarzenegger’s best movies. Among Greek mythology movies, this was the first acting credit for Schwarzenegger, and director Arthur Allan Seidleman took advantage of his peak physique to sell the comically overwhelming strength of the titular hero. The movie is a fish-out-of-water story that sees Hercules travel to the Big Apple after expressing frustration that Zeus never let him have any fun. Unfortunately, the film was widely panned for its lack of humor and the strange choice to poorly dub another actor’s voice-over Schwarzenegger’s.
Alexander (2004)
- Available to rent on Prime Video & Apple TV
Something of a controversial release from the otherwise respected director Oliver Stone, 2004’s Alexander was panned upon release, but it has since developed something of a cult following, with some now electing to see the film as a sort of allegorical biopic about Stone himself. Starring Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, and Jared Leto, Alexander comes across as tedious and long-winded at times, but its epic battle scenes and aggrandized interpretations of the legendary Greek leader make it one of the more worthwhile Greek mythology movies.
Minotaur (2006)
Minotaur is a very loose retelling of the famous Greek myth. It is a horror film that stars Tom Hardy, set during the Iron Age. A village worships a bull as their god, and a woman conceives a child with an animal named the Minotaur. They imprison the beast inside an underground labyrinth, and every few years, the village must sacrifice multiple people to the beast. One year, Theo (Hardy), discovers his girlfriend will be sacrificed, and he asks the king for an opportunity to save her from the Minotaur.
Clash Of The Titans (2010)
Clash of the Titans received a lot of hatred upon its release. The original film was generally a Ray Harryhausen spectacle featuring incomparable claymation wizardry. As a result, the modern CGI monsters seem to lack some of the original Greek mythology movie’s charm. Further, the original focused a great deal more on the gods themselves and their chess matches regarding humanity. The relationship between humans and the gods took precedence. This flashy remake can be fun, with some dazzling realizations of claymation that might be inaccessible to newer audiences. Also, the action has some decent verve to it, but the plot is somewhat rushed, and character development just isn’t there.
Wrath Of The Titans (2012)
- Buy now on Amazon Prime Video
Wrath of the Titans is the sequel to the 2010 film Clash of the Titans. Unfortunately, it was mostly panned by critics, but it still has its share of fans who enjoy it just for its silliness. For fans of Greek mythology movies, it’s worth checking out at least once to see some of the monstrous beings fight. It takes place a decade after the events of the first film with the gods losing their hold over the legendary Titans. Perseus must rescue Zeus and save the human race by defeating the Titans.
Percy Jackson Movies (2010–2013)
- Both movies available on Disney+
A lot of hardcore book fans reject the Percy Jackson movies because they changed a lot from the Rick Riordan novels. That said, fans that haven’t read the books or are able to separate them from the story the movies tell may enjoy them as the fun popcorn flicks they are. There are only two of them, starring Logan Lerman, Jake Abel, Brandon T. Jackson, and Alexandra Daddario. The Greek mythology movies follow Percy Jackson (Lerman), a demigod who strains at a camp with other demigods his age, and the adventures Jackson is forced to go on in the process. While the original wasn’t one of the best Greek mythology movies, a rebooted Disney+ Percy Jackson series is coming next.