Top Greek mythology movies:
- Enjoy the classic adventures of Perseus in the 1981 film Clash of the Titans.
- Watch Jason and the Argonauts (1963) for epic, groundbreaking fantasy.
- 300 (2006) is a stylized retelling of Thermopylae with lots of special effects and dark, graphic novel elements.
- Disney's Hercules (1997) is a rollicking, musical twist on the demigod’s tale.
- Troy (2004) is a A star-studded retelling of the Trojan War that centers the story of humans over divine intervention.
Classic Greek Mythology Films 🏛️
Classic Greek mythology films bring ancient legends to life on the big screen, blending epic storytelling with gods, heroes, monsters, and timeless themes. These films offer timeless ways to explore classic myths while also getting a glimpse into the popular culture of bygone eras.
| Film Title | Year | Director | Notable Cast | IMDB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clash of the Titans | 1981 | Desmond Davis | Laurence Olivier | 6.9 |
| Jason and the Argonauts | 1963 | Don Chaffey | Todd Armstrong | 7.3 |
| 300 | 2006 | Zack Snyder | Gerard Butler | 7.6 |
| Troy | 2004 | Wolfgang Petersen | Brad Pitt, Eric Bana | 7.2 |
| Hercules | 1997 | Clements & Musker | James Woods | 7.3 |
| Blood of Zeus | 2020 | Parlapanides Bros. | Derek Phillips (voice) | 7.5 |
| Immortals | 2011 | Tarsem Singh | Henry Cavill | 6.0 |
| The Odyssey | 1997 | Andrei Konchalovsky | Armand Assante | 7.0 |
Clash of the Titans
📅 Release Year: 1981
🎬 Director: Desmond Davis
⭐ IMDb Rating: 6.9
🎭 Main Cast: Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier
Starring a young Harry Hamlin as Perseus and the renowned Laurence Olivier as the Zeus, Clash of the Titans is a fantasy adventure film that brings mythology journey to life. In this film, Perseus embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Andromeda and the city of Joppa. Armed with advice from the gods and aided by magical items, including a sword from Zeus, Perseus faces numerous mythological creatures like Calibos, Medusa, and the sea monster, Kraken.
Clash of the Titans is known Ray Harryhausen’s legendary stop-motion effects (pay close attention to Medusa’s hair), which brings the mythical beasts to life. This film became a cultural touchstone in a myth-inspired fantasy, blending classic storytelling with cinematic spectacle in a time when special effects were nothing like the glossy, CGI heavy visuals we see today. The film remains remains a beloved classic in the fantasy genre.
Greek mythology TV shows bring ancient legends to life through epic storytelling and dramatic visuals.
Jason and the Argonauts
📅 Release Year: 1963
🎬 Director: Don Chaffey
⭐ IMDb Rating: 7.3
🎭 Main Cast: Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack
In this classic 1963 adventure film, director Don Chaffey presents a faithful adaptation of the famous Greek myth. The story follows Jason, a young hero chosen by the gods to reclaim his rightful throne from the usurper Pelias. To do so, he must embark on a perilous journey aboard the ship Argo, accompanied by a band of warriors known as the Argonauts. Jason faces a series of challenges, including the bronze giant Talos, the harpies, deadly Clashing Rocks, and the guardian of the Golden Fleece. The mission is a test of character, leadership, and strength.
This film influenced later fantasy films like the Lord of the Rings and, like Clash of the Titans, features the realistic special effects of Ray Harryhausen in the iconic skeleton fight scene. Its innovative blend of mythology and high-impact visuals continues to inspire filmmakers today.
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Modern Retellings of Greek Myths
Modern movie retellings of Greek myths bring ancient legends into contemporary cinematic landscapes through bold visuals and emotional depth. While some prioritize historical realism, others embrace stylized fantasy or reinterpret mythic characters for modern audiences. These films keep Greek mythology relevant for a broad audience, captivating new generations of viewers.
300
📅 Release Year: 2006
🎬 Director: Zack Snyder
⭐ IMDb Rating: 7.6
🎭 Main Cast: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey
300 is a heavily stylized depiction of King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fighting against the Persian army of King Xerxes in the Battle of Thermopylae. With stylized combat, dramatic slow-motion, and a dark, graphic-novel aesthetic, the film emphasizes themes of honor, sacrifice, and defiance.
Starring Gerard Butler and Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey, 300 sparked a buzz in popular culture with the battle cry “This is Sparta!” While based on the writings of Herodotus, 300 takes significant artistic liberties, presenting a mythic version of Spartan heroism.
Greek mythology video games let players step into the roles of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures.
Troy
📅 Release Year: 2004
🎬 Director: Wolfgang Petersen
⭐ IMDb Rating: 7.2
🎭 Main Cast: Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom
Troy is a star-studded retelling of the legendary Trojan War, focusing on Achilles and the fall of Troy. Featuring box-office heavy hitters Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, and Orlando Bloom, the film delivers drama, stunning battle scenes, and emotional tension.
Inspired by Homer’s Iliad, Troy puts a spotlight on Achilles (Pitt) and his internal conflict during the siege of Troy after the kidnapping of Helen by Paris. Unlike other myth-based films, Troy de-emphasizes the divine, preferring a more human-centred and realistic point of view. With plenty of battle scenes, intrigue, and tragic romance, the film delves into themes of glory and complexity of heroism.
Animated Interpretations
Animation is not just for the kids anymore - in fact, you can find plenty of animated stories that are adapted for an older audience. Here are two animated, Greek-myth inspired pieces that are sure to grab your attention!
Hercules
📅 Release Year: 1997
🎬 Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
⭐ IMDb Rating: 7.3
🎭 Voice Cast: Tate Donovan, James Woods
Disney does Greek Mythology in this 1990s classic animated movie featuring catchy songs like “Go the Distance”, which takes the form of a joyful and inspiring Gospel-pop ballad. Vibrant and comedic, Disney’s take on the story of Hercules is family-friendly and comedic with side characters like he sarcastic Pegasus.
The movie follows the story of Hercules, son of Zeus and Hera, who is kidnapped by Hades, god of the underworld. Though he is stripped of immortality, Hercules retains superhuman strength and grows up an outcast among mortals. Determined to prove himself a true hero and reclaim his place among the gods, Hercules trains under the grumpy satyr Philoctetes, or “Phil”. Hercules battles fierce monsters and falls in love with Megara, who is secretly working with Hades to dismantle Olympus.
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Blood of Zeus
📅 Release Year: 2020
🎬 Creators: Charley & Vlas Parlapanides
⭐ IMDb Rating: 7.5
🎭 Voice Cast: Derek Phillips, Jason O'Mara
Though actually a mini-series and not a movie, Blood of Zeus is an animated take on Greek mythology that will delight anime fans. The series combines mythological references and original storytelling, and has been praised by critics for modernizing myths while staying true to core themes of the genre.
The series centers on Heron, a commoner in ancient Greece who discovers he’s the illegitimate son of Zeus and destined to defend humanity. As celestial and infernal forces clash, Heron must embrace his divine heritage. He battles a rising demonic army and confronts the jealous wrath of Hera. For fans of Greek mythology and action-packed animation with darker themes, Blood of Zeus offers a compelling modern take on ancient legend.
Check out the reviews: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/blood_of_zeus/s01
Lesser-Known Gems
These Greek Mythology retellings are not as well-known as the ones we have described already, but are perfect for any true fan of the genre. Check out these titles to get your mythology fix!
Immortals
📅 Release Year: 2011
🎬 Director: Tarsem Singh
⭐ IMDb Rating: 6.0
🎭 Main Cast: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke
Tarsem Singh’s Immortals is a visually striking fantasy-action film inspired by Greek mythology. Known for its stylish visuals, intense fight scenes, and mythological themes, Immortals offers a darker, artistic take on Greek legend, emphasizing fate, vengeance, and sacrifice. Though the film received mixed reviews, it still pleases the viewer through visual aesthetics and exciting action sequences.
The story follows Theseus, a mortal chosen by Zeus to stop the ruthless King Hyperion. Hyperion seeks the powerful Epirus Bow—a weapon capable of unleashing the Titans and destroying the gods. Guided by the oracle Phaedra, Theseus embarks on a journey to prevent Hyperion from bringing chaos to the world.
The Odyssey
📅 Release Year: 1997
🎬 Director: Andrei Konchalovsky
⭐ IMDb Rating: 7.0
🎭 Main Cast: Armand Assante, Greta Scacchi
The Odyssey is a two-part television miniseries that faithfully adapts Homer’s poem about the long journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. Starring Armand Assante as Odysseus, the series captures the trials he faces, including encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchantress Circe, the seductive Sirens, the deadly Scylla and Charybdis, and the vengeful sea god Poseidon.
While Odysseus struggles against divine obstacles, his wife Penelope remains loyal, fending off suitors who believe he is dead. Their son Telemachus grows up in his father’s absence, hoping for his return. With sweeping scope, strong performances, and use of special effects for mythological creatures, The Odyssey is known as one of the most faithful adaptations of Homer’s classic tale. Available on various streaming platforms and DVD.
Recent and Upcoming Releases
The Greek Mythology genre is still going strong with new projects in the works. The fact that the entertainment industry is still creating new work is a true testament to the timelessness of Greek storytelling.
Kaos
📅 Release Year: 2024
📺 Platform: Netflix
⭐ Projected IMDb: TBA
Kaos is a dark, comedic, and modern reimagining of Greek mythology created by Charlie Covell. Set in an alternate Greece in contemporary times, it explores the dysfunctional dynamics between gods and mortals. Jeff Goldblum is a neurotic and powerful Zeus, while Stephen Dillane narrates as Prometheus, chronicling a prophecy that threatens divine rule: “A line appears… and Kaos reigns.”
Across eight episodes, the series weaves multiple storylines, focusing on characters like Eurydice, Orpheus, Ariadne, and a transmasculine Caeneus. The show mixes satire, intricate mythological references, and human drama. Early critics its ambitious storytelling, inventive tone, and performances, though some viewers found its modern adaptation unfaithful to the source myths. Despite drawing solid viewership, Netflix canceled Kaos after one season.
A Dozen Tough Jobs
📅 Projected Release: TBA
🎬 Creator: George R.R. Martin
⭐ Projected IMDb: TBA
A Dozen Tough Jobs is an upcoming adult animated feature film co-produced by George R.R. Martin. This retelling depicts the Twelve Labors of Hercules in the harsh realities of 1920s Mississippi, reimagining Hercules not as a godly demigod but as Houlka Lee, a Black man and former convict striving to reclaim his freedom.
Under the oppressive oversight of Boss Eustice, Houlka must complete a brutal sequence of challenges—mirroring the original labors (like slaying a lion or stealing golden apples)—to avoid return to prison. The journey spans treacherous bayous, chain gangs, and even a mythic descent into gates of Hell. This adaptation aims to blend mythic storytelling with magical realism, racial and historical depth, and rich Southern Gothic aesthetics.
Learn Greek Mythology through the Silver Screen
Greek mythology movies offer epic storytelling across genres and generations. Whether you're watching with family, re-living classics, or diving into bold new takes, these films and series continue to bring mythologies to life for contemporary audiences.
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