In need of a movie marathon? We got you covered!
Greek Mythology is an inspiration throughout the modern world. The legends have been passed down through the centuries, and in the age of cinema and television, we have never before had as many visual opportunities as now to see Greek Mythology in all its glory. Without further ado, here is our list of the best Greek Mythology movies to watch right now!
25. Hercules (2014)
Hercules (2014) Trailer
Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the titular character, the 2014 production of Hercules was a Box Office success, compared to the other film produced in 2014, The Legends of Hercules.
This story of the iconic Greek hero is unlike the other iterations of the hero, revolving around Hercules as the mercenary group leader set on making as much gold as possible.
But when he is called to action, Hercules must find the hero he was meant to be once again.
24. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Moulin Rouge! (2001) Trailer
While you might not think a film set in 1900 Montmartre quarter of Paris would qualify as Greek Mythology, Moulin Rouge! is loosely based on the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. It also has other influences such as Puccini’s La Boheme. Moulin Rouge takes the story of Orpheus and transports it to a musical number directed by Baz Luhrmann.
23. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013)
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013) Trailer
The second instalment of the Percy Jackson movies sees Percy and friends set out on a voyage across the Sea of Monsters. Based on the fantastic books of Rick Riordan, Percy has to save his home, Camp Half-Blood, by setting out to find the mythical Golden Fleece and crossing the Bermuda Triangle, i.e., the Sea of Monsters.
22. Medea (1969)
Medea (1969) Trailer
Keeping with the theme of stealing the Golden Fleece, Maria Callas plays the eponymous character of Medea, a powerful sorceress that when banished from Greece by the king (after helping Jason with his quest) plots her revenge. Who doesn’t love revenge stories?
21. Antigone (1961)
Antigone (1961)
Based on Sophocles’ Antigone, the 1961 Greek movie follows Antigone (Irene Papas) as she goes against King Creon’s wishes. Antigone buries her disgraced brother and is forced into imprisonment for it. A tragedy worth watching.
20. Orphée (1950)
Orphée (1950) Trailer
Part of Jean Cocteau’s Orphic Trilogy, Orphée follows the Greek Mythological story of Orpheus. However, it is set in France. A fight ensues between Orphée and another poet, Cègeste, before he is struck down. When a Princess in a Rolls-Royce takes both in her car, the fantastical story of Orpheus really begins.
19. 300: Rise of an Empire (2014)
300: Rise of an Empire (2014) Trailer
The sequel to the critically acclaimed 300 came out 8 years after the original. The story of the sequel follows Themistocles against the Persians at sea. While the plot and character development are lacking in comparison to the first movie, the imagery and scenery are breathtaking.
18. Edipo Re [Oedipus Rex] (1967)
Oedipus Rex (1967) Trailer
Pier Paolo Pasolini, who later directed Medea, adapted the Greek Tragedy of Oedipus Rex for film. If you are unfamiliar with the story of Oedipus, hold on to your hat, because it is a wild ride. The film begins in Italy, but as Oedipus is abandoned, the scene changes to Ancient Greece. When Oedipus is rescued, his tragic story begins.
17. Wrath Of The Titans (2012)
Wrath of the Titans (2012) Trailer
The sequel of the 2010 film Clash of the Titans is set 10 years after the events of the first film. With a lack of devotion, the gods' powers are weakening. Coupled with a betrayal by Hades and Ares, Zeus is captured by the titans. It is up to our hero, Perseus, played by Sam Worthington, to save the day.
16. Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief (2010)
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (2010) Trailer
The Percy Jackson series begins with Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. While some fans were upset due to the divergence from the books, the movie can be enjoyed if you haven’t read the books or can separate the two. It has some fun action scenes and is family-friendly.
15. Xanadu (1980)
Xanadu (1980) Trailer
While Xanadu was heavily negatively criticised at the time of its release, it grew to have a cult following in the years that followed. A struggling artist is attracted to a woman in the background of one of his jobs, only to find out she is one of the Muses from Greek Mythology. A musical number featuring Olivia Newton-John.
14. Clash of the Titans (2010)
Clash of the Titans (2010) Trailer
A remake of the 1981 classic, Clash of the Titans doesn’t quite live up to the original but still has some fun action-adventure scenes based on Greek Mythology. Perseus, who is the child of Zeus, must stop Hades from his plot to overthrow the gods of Olympus and ruin Earth.
13. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) Trailer
Set in 1984, Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) fights a villainess known as the Cheetah due to her superpowered speed and agility. But, if you are aware of DC’s Wonder Woman, you’ll know she is the daughter of Zeus and also an Amazon. Her origins in Greek Mythology are a nice touch, and great for action scenes on the big screen.
13. Iphigenia (1977)
Iphigenia (1977) Trailer
Agamemnon, after killing a deer (a sacred animal to the goddess Artemis) must sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the enraged goddess and continue on his way to the battle of Troy. Based on the Greek Tragedy by Euripides. Sacrifices, monsters, goddesses, Iphigenia has everything!
12. Immortals (2011)
Immortals (2011) Trailer
Before he was Superman, he was Theseus. Henry Cavill plays the Greek hero as he is told by an oracle that he must help stop King Hyperion as he tears through Greece in his attempt to find the lost Bow of Epirus. A fun action movie that helps pass the time quickly.
11. Minotaur (2006)
Minotaur (2006) Trailer
Unlike Immortals, Minotaur takes inspiration from the most famous story of Theseus. Tom Hardy stars as Theo, who learns that his girlfriend is chosen to be sacrificed to the Minotaur and asks to go into the Labyrinth to save her. Minotaur leans into the horror and fantasy genres more so than others on the list.
10. Alexander (2014)
Alexander (2004) Trailer
Starring Colin Farrell and Angelia Jolie, Alexander is a film that follows the life of Alexander the Great (Farrell), the King of Macedonia. Focusing on the myth and legend surrounding Alexander the Great (rather than the historical figure), this movie shows his personal relationships with his mother, Olympias (Jolie), his father, King Philip (Val Kilmer) and his friend, Hephaistion (Jared Leto).
9. The Lighthouse (2019)
The Lighthouse (2019) Trailer
You might be surprised to see The Lighthouse make an appearance on a Greek Mythology movie list considering it is a story about two lightkeepers losing their sanity on a remote island in the 1890s. But if you watch it with the story of Prometheus, Titan god of fire, in your mind, you’ll understand why it made the list. The movie is a far cry from actor Robert Pattinson’s vampire days.
8. The First King: Birth Of An Empire (2019)
The First King: Birth of an Empire (2019) Trailer
An incredible Italian film following the story of Romulus and Remus, the famous twins on their journey to establish the greatest empire of the ancient world: Rome. Slavery, action, Greek Mythology, and betrayal all come to a head in this historical drama piece. You’re sure to enjoy it.
7. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) Trailer
Have you ever wondered what the Odyssey would look like if it took place in the deep south of the USA during the 1930s? No? Me neither. But someone did. With the Coen Brothers directing, George Clooney stars as the lead, Ulysses Everett McGill, as he leads two other escapees to freedom in search of treasure. Highly recommended!
6. Wonder Woman (2017)
Wonder Woman (2017) Trailer
The first of DC’s Wonder Woman movies follows Diana Prince, daughter of Zeus, and an Amazonian warrior, as she leaves her home (an island hidden from the world) to fight alongside an American pilot in a brutal war. If you are a fan of superheroes and/or Greek Mythology, you’ll like this one.
5. Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Jason and the Argonauts (1963) Trailer
The famous Greek hero, Jason, is convinced to go on a quest in search of the Golden Fleece by his father’s usurper, Pelias. With a saboteur on board, Jason begins the quest with his crew, which includes the famous Hercules. A classic tale, one that you should watch and enjoy!
4. Troy (2004)
Troy (2004) Trailer
Following the story of Homer’s Iliad, the Prince of Troy, Paris, has an affair with the Queen of Sparta, Helen. Furious that the prince slept with his wife, King Menelaus, asks his brother King Agamemnon to help get Helen back. King Agamemnon uses this as a motive to wage war on Troy. Lots of fighting for any fans of action and adventure stories.
3. Clash of the Titans (1981)
Clash of the Titans (1981) Trailer
The original Clash of the Titans stars Harry Hamlin as Perseus, destined to marry Andromeda, the Princess of Joppa. Finding out that Andromeda is under a curse, and no one can marry her until it is broken, Perseus must fight and kill Calibos, an evil satyr, in order to save Andromeda. Even though the movie is older than its remakes, it still stands up!
2. Hercules (1997)
Hercules (1997) Trailer
The Disney classic has Hercules try and prove himself worthy to live amongst the gods in Olympus. Hercules has to defeat a number of monsters with his sidekick, Philoctetes. The Disney classic has musical numbers, fantastic (and camp) portrayals of the gods such as Hades. It’s a must-see for everyone. If you haven’t seen it, where have you been?
1. 300 (2006)
300 (2006) Trailer
Number one on our list is the critically acclaimed 300. Gerard Butler plays King Leonidas, leader of Sparta, as he leads his Spartans on a suicide mission against the hordes of Persia armies. Great action scenes, with a great story, 300 ticks every single box!
That is the end of our list of top 25 Greek Mythology movies to watch right now. Did your favourite make the list? Would you change our number one spot? Let us know in the comments!
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- [Top 25] Best Greek Mythology Movies To Watch Right Now
