The union of Greek myth and movies is a Mount Olympus match—grand, dramatic, and somewhat unbelievable. For as long as we can remember, Hollywood has been delving into Greek mythology’s rich library of tales about gods, monsters, and heroic figures of the myth to create its own stories. And really, who could fault them? The myths have it all: epic adventures, characters of immense power, and enough quarrels between brothers and sisters to make the most over-the-top reality show look like a saint by comparison. If you are an old-school tragedy fan or a blockbuster action fan, these films are ancient Greece coming to life in a way that you will never forget. We are starting at number 10 and moving down to number one.
10. Immortals (2011)
If you like your myths gold-painted and dripping with style, Immortals does not disappoint. Under Tarsem Singh’s direction, the film is a feast for the eyes—each frame looks like an oil painting brought to life. Henry Cavill stars as Theseus, selected by the gods to prevent King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) from releasing the Titans. Historical accuracy is sacrificed here, but when the gods resemble couture models and war occurs like art in motion, one cannot complain.
9. Medea (1969)
Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Medea isn’t your standard swords-and-shields epic—it’s raw, unsettling, and steeped in arthouse style. Maria Callas commands the screen as Medea, the sorceress who aids Jason in winning the Golden Fleece before turning to vengeance when betrayed. Bleak, dreamlike, and unforgettable, it captures the darker soul of Greek tragedy.
8. The 300 Spartans (1962)
Before 300 became a cultural phenomenon, this earlier version of the Battle of Thermopylae presented the story in a more conventional, cinematic epic manner. Shot in Greece with the blessing of the official government, it depicts King Leonidas and his soldiers as beacons of bravery and insubordination. Less stylized than subsequent versions, but its ambition—and its impact on Frank Miller’s work—cannot be overlooked.
7. Troy (2004)
Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy condenses Homer’s Iliad into a few frenetic days of warfare. Brad Pitt’s Achilles embodies both swagger and rage on the battlefield, joined by Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, and Diane Kruger in a cast of stars. It’s big, bold, and unapologetically Hollywood, raking in box office profits and an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design.
6. Antigone (1961)
Few Greek tragedies cut as deeply as Antigone. Irene Papas is unforgettable as the young woman who resists King Creon to pay respect to her dead brother. This film adaptation of Sophocles’ play remains faithful to its moral complexity, probing sacrifice, duty, and defiance—issues as potent now as when Sophocles first explored them.
5. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Though not the most loyal translation, The Lightning Thief introduced Greek mythology to an entire new generation. Percy learns he’s a demigod and embarks on a journey filled with monsters, gods, and contemporary chaos. The CGI is generous, the tone is current, and to many young eyes, it ignited a lifelong passion for the myths.
4. Iphigenia (1977)
Michael Cacoyannis’s Iphigenia is unadulterated tragedy at its best. When Agamemnon is faced with the choice of sacrificing his daughter to satisfy Artemis, the play is a heart-wrenching moral crisis. Irene Papas’s Clytemnestra and Tatiana Papamoschou’s Iphigenia give performances that penetrate to the very core. The movie received international recognition and an Oscar nomination.
3. 300 (2006)
Zack Snyder’s 300 is every bit as much a graphic novel as it is a historical retelling—stylized, hyper-violent, and oozing with machismo. Gerard Butler’s Leonidas, impossible battle scenes, and stylized presentation rendered it an immediate pop culture sensation. Nitpicking history aside, it’s pure spectacle from beginning to end.
2. Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
This classic adventure is motion-picture magic. Jason’s journey for the Golden Fleece boasts iconic stop-motion battle scenes by the great Ray Harryhausen, such as the duel with bronze giant Talos and the skeleton army battle. It’s a must-see for all who adore traditional filmmaking and immortal mythic tale-telling.
1. Hercules (1997)
Disney’s Hercules might take liberties with the classic myths, but its appeal is irresistible. From its gospel-inflected Muses to James Woods’ snappy Hades, it’s hilarious, vibrant, and infinitely quotable. Chock-full of catchy tunes and visual jokes, it’s one of the most popular interpretations of Greek mythology ever committed to film.
From epic tragedies to fantasy epics, these films show that Greek myths have the power to entertain, inspire, and awe even today. Popcorn, please—Mount Olympus awaits.