10 Greek Mythology Movies That Will Transport You to Ancient Greece

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Since the dawn of cinema, Greek mythology has provided a captivating tapestry for filmmakers. From riveting stories of gods and goddesses to the heroic exploits of ancient warriors, these narratives often morph into either powerful lessons or inspiring sagas.

We’ve handpicked 10 Greek mythology movies that have entertained film fans over the years. And, while all of them may not be historically accurate, they definitely serve as an entertaining introduction to Greek mythology and all of its aspects.

10 Greek Mythology Movies to Watch

greek mythology movies - 300 — 300 / Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

300 (2006)

The very stylized adaptation of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s comic book series of the same name. Zack Snyder’s approach to making the film, a fictional retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae and the Greco-Persian wars, makes the movie seem like it jumped out of a comic book. 300 follows the Greek King Leonidas, who led 300 Spartans to battle against the Persian king Xerxes and his army of over 300,000 men.

300 was subject to criticism over historical inaccuracies as well as its portrayal of Xerxes and the depiction of the Persian empire as a whole. Even with the caveats, 300 still makes for a Greek mythology movie one should probably watch at least once.

300 stars Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro, Michael Fassbender, Vincent Regan, and Dominic West.

Greek Mythology Movies: Troy — Troy / Photo Credit: Warner Brothers

Troy (2004)

When it comes to Greek mythology movies, it’s almost impossible not to include this 2004 epic. The film is an adaptation of Homer’s The Iliad, which discusses the years-long Trojan War between Troy and Sparta. During a visit to Sparta to meet King Menelaus, Trojan Prince Paris falls in love with Menelaus’ wife Helen and whisks her off to Troy. Menelaus’ brother, King Agamemnon, uses this as an excuse to declare war on the Trojans.

Troy features an ensemble cast including Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Peter O’Toole, Sean Bean, Rose Byrne, Diane Kruger, Garrett Hedlund, and Brian Cox.

Greek Mythology Movies: Hercules — Hercules / Photo Credit: Disney

Hercules (1997)

One of the most popular animated Greek mythology movies is Disney’s adaptation of Hercules. A musical take on one of the heroes in Greek mythology, Hercules is the son of Zeus and Hera. Zeus’s brother Hades plots to overthrow him and take over Olympus. However, Hades finds out through the Fates that in 18 years, the planets will align and allow him to free the Titans to conquer Olympus unless Hercules interferes.

In a murder plot gone sideways, Hercules ends up in the care of a married farmer couple and struggles to fit in amongst mortals only to discover who he really is.

The voice cast of Hercules includes Tate Donovan, James Woods, Danny DeVito, Susan Egan, Rip Torn, and Samantha Eggar.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) / Sea of Monsters (2013)

While the film franchise of this beloved series of books did not turn out as well, Disney is looking to do good with the new adaptation. The films follow the titular character Percy Jackson, a young demigod with Poseidon as his father. The stories mix the modern day with Greek mythology, from hidden elevators leading up to Mount Olympus to a camp specifically for fellow demigods like himself.

The Percy Jackson films star an ensemble cast including Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Jake Abel, Sean Bean, Rosario Dawson, Pierce Brosnan, Kevin McKidd, Stanley Tucci, and Nathan Fillion.

Greek Mythology Movies: Jason and the Argonauts — Jason and the Argonauts / Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures

Jason and The Argonauts (1963)

Another must-watch Greek mythology movie, Jason and the Argonauts features incredible stop-motion claymation by Ray Harryhausen. It also features a score by Bernard Herrmann. The film follows the titular character Jason tasked with finding the golden fleece. Jason goes on the journey, unaware that the quest is to prevent him from taking his rightful place on the throne.

Jason and the Argonauts stars Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack, Gary Raymond, Laurence Naismith, Niall MacGinnis, Michael Gwynn, Douglas Wilmer, Jack Gwillim, Honor Blackman, Jack Cairney, Patrick Troughton, Andrew Faulds, Nigel Green, John Crawford, and Fernando Poggi.

The Odyssey (1997)

While not technically a movie, we’re including this TV mini-series anyway because it was that good. Directed by Andrei Konchalovsky, this is an adaptation of Homer’s epic of the same name. The story revolves around Ithaca’s King Odysseus and his journey home after the Trojan War. In this journey, the Ithacan king finds himself at odds with Poseidon and encounters the other gods. Rich in details, The Odyssey is a must-watch for Greek mythology movie buffs.

The Odyssey stars Armand Assante, Greta Scacchi, Geraldine Chaplin, Jeroen Krabbe, Christopher Lee, Irene Papas, Bernadette Peters, Michael J. Pollard, Eric Roberts, Isabella Rossellini, and Vanessa Williams.

Greek Mythology Movies: Clash of the Titans — Clash of the Titans / Photo Credit: MGM

Clash of the Titans (1981)

Another Greek mythology movie that features the work of Ray Harryhausen, and is also his final work. Clash of the Titans follows Perseus, who is the son of Zeus and is destined to marry Princess Andromeda. Princess Andromeda is set to rule over Joppa. But marrying Andromeda proves to be a challenge.

The satyr Calibos kidnaps her soul every night using a giant vulture. It’s up to Perseus to defeat Calibos along with other mythological creatures to save both Andromeda and Joppa.

Clash of the Titans stars Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, Judi Bowker, Maggie Smith, Ursula Andress, Burgess Meredith, Claire Bloom, Jack Gwillim, and Neil McCarthy.

Spartacus (1960)

Another classic Greek mythology movie, Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus is a romanticized version of the story of the titular character. Spartacus is a Thracian slave who led a rebellion against the Roman Empire and the Third Servile War. Incidentally, Kubrick is known for distancing himself from the film partly due to disagreements with Douglas.

Spartacus stars Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, John Gavin, Jean Simmons, and Tony Curtis.

Alexander (2004)

Oliver Stone’s Alexander follows the king and conqueror himself. Alexander was a Greek mythology movie that drew a divided reaction in the regions where it premiered. The film centers on the Greek king’s rise to power, the forming of his empire, and his inevitable downfall.

Alexander stars Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Hopkins, Val Kilmer, Jared Leto, Connor Paolo, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Christopher Plummer.

Wonder Woman (2017)

The DC Universe has taken inspiration from Greek mythology for many of its prominent characters. The Wonder Woman movie is no exception. Wonder Woman is also heavy with references to Greek mythology through the titular hero’s origins in Themyscira. Diana gets involved in World War I, hoping to stop Ares and restore peace.

Wonder Woman stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, and David Thewlis.