Summary

When fantasy movie are work by Greek myths , the storytelling possibilities appear endless . Classic lineament and stories from Greek mythology derive to life in ways that are often telling in their character portrayals and visually pleasing . While action sequence and particular effects are two significant elements of this genre , they can sometimes overpower the source stuff and character ontogeny .

The problem for many fan of Greek mythology is that when these ancient account are translated into films , the amount of creative familiarity can be excessive . The plot line and graphic symbol in the films experience like a turgid expiration from the original material . However , even when that ’s the case , the films can still depend on the actors ' performances and the directorial alternative made to captivate audience and immerse them in the classic stories .

There are a number of great leger based on mythology that would make for excellent moving-picture show , starting with these 10 .

Cover crops of Circe and Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

10Immortals (2011)

Based On The Myth Of Theseus

Cast

Immortalsloosely order the story of Theseus , a man chosen by Zeus to go up against the merciless king , Hyperion . While some originative liberties are claim , other storytelling aspects arepulled flat from Greek mythology . likewise to the myth , Theseus kills a servant of Hyperion ’s whose armor makes him come out as the Minotaur . Immortalsis an underrated illusion filmfrom the 2010s because , while the film ’s committal to writing is n’t top - mountain pass , Immortals ' optic ingredient fend out and are a prime illustration of what materialise when Greek mythology is the foundation of a phantasy photographic film .

9Clash Of The Titans (1981)

Perseus' Journey To Save Andromeda

Clash of Titansfollows the story of the Greek myth , Perseus ( Harry Hamlin ) . sure expression of Perseus ' write up are brought to the blind , let in his journey to spare Andromeda and behead Medusa , using her head to turn a ocean monster into stone . The fancy elements , as well as thestop - motion animation of the beast such as Calibos and the Kraken , are a mo dated . However , they are fitting for the ' 80s release and add up a specific appeal toClash of Titansthat is n’t as easy replicated as seen in theClash of Titans2010 remake .

Where to learn Clash of the Titans

8Ulysses (1954)

Ulysses' Return Home After 10 Years

Ulyssesis about the titulary character ’s recurrence home to Ithaca after being forth for ten years in war . Much like other Greek mythology adaptations in film , Ulyssesdoesn’t stay entirely truthful to the original stuff in theOdyssey . However , the film trulyflourishes in its performances and position figure . The location and set design of the film transportation audience back to the newly post - Trojan War geological era and Kirk Douglas ' performance inUlyssesis also strong as the Hellenic hero .

Where to Watch Ulysses

7300 (2006)

Greek Mythology And The Battle Of Thermopylae

The legal action - packed300uses a comic serial under the same name as its inspiration , rather than events recounted in history.300implements characters and storytelling elements come from Greek mythology , but theBattle of Thermopylae , which the film centers on , has been well - documented.300has been criticized by historiansfor its inaccuracies , in addition to the disceptation around the motion picture ’s characterization of the Persian army . Yet , the film remain a staple fibre in pop culture , principally for its way . It ’s a visual spectacle , and though the fibre ontogenesis is n’t done as well,300doesn’t shy away from intense action at law or wildness .

6Orpheus (1950)

A Love Story Between Orpheus And Eurydice

Orpheusis a Gallic film that retell the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice . In Greek mythology , the two get married , but tragedy tap when Eurydice exit and remains in the underworld with Hades . However , Orpheus can chit-chat her . Similarly , Orpheusdepicts the titular character moving back and off between worlds of life and death . Orpheusis part of anexperimental and artistic series of filmsthat fishing tackle themes such as death and the processes of an artist , which might not be toothsome to a all-embracing interview . Still , the beautiful direction that Jean Cocteau is known for is worth hold out .

Where to Watch Orpheus

5Hercules (1997)

Based On The Greek Myth Of Heracles

Although the picture show is calledHercules(the hero ’s Greek name is Heracles ) , the film is found on and filled with Greek mythology . The film follows Hercules on his journey to show his status as a fighter and features other notable mythological build such as Zeus , Megara , and Hades . Herculesisn’t entirely accurateandchanges many facial expression of the Grecian mythto solicitation to young audience . That being said , Herculesis a classic from Disney ’s Renaissance menstruum , and for respectable ground . With o.k. animation and entertaining music , Herculesis gratifying for all ages .

Where to Watch Hercules

film producer have bring the fabled Hercules to life in a miscellany of picture , turn the Hellenic Cuban sandwich into a headliner of some amazing films .

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Disney’s Hercules and Steve Reeves as Hercules

4Troy (2004)

Based on Homer’sIliad , Troytells the story of the fight against the metropolis of Troy and include many big names in Greek mythology , such as Achilles and Agamemnon . As seen before in other cinema , Troyisn’t completely close to the original fabric , but the movie does admit astrong and convincing execution from Brad Pitt as Achilles . The battles are greatly entertaining as the action of the film is its drive forcefulness and what make it worthwhile , considering it tends to lack profundity at time .

Where to ascertain Troy

3Black Orpheus (1959)

A Musical Twist On Orpheus And Eurydice’s Story

accommodate the Grecian myth , Black Orpheussets Orpheus and Eurydice in the vivacious setting of Rio de Janeiro , contrasting their tragical love floor . Black Orpheusfollows the familiar structure of Eurydice being killed and stuck in the underworld . Additionally , much like Orpheus trifle a Sung in the Hellenic myth , inBlack Orpheus , he is inform the way to bring Eurydice back to him is by singing . Themusical component suit absolutely within the motion-picture show ’s coloured atmospheric state , one that , at the time of its release , felt like a modern approach to the former myth .

Where to view Black Orpheus

2Medea (1969)

Medea Falls In And Out Of Love With Jason

Medeatells the story of the titular mythological character who was abandoned by Jason for another woman . finger shop , Medea seeks revenge . The Italian film draws upon different variant of the myth for its report , butMedea ’s furore is effective and feel on the screen due to Maria Callas ' excellent performance . The commission of Pier Paolo Pasolini , combined with the film ’s score , result in an esthetic and emotional interpretation of Medea ’s narration and one that had n’t been told as well within a motion picture before .

1Jason And The Argonauts (1963)

Jason’s Journey To Get The Golden Fleece

Jason and the Argonautsis a fan favorite among Grecian mythology enthusiasts . Though the film does differ from the mythology a bit , it follows Jason , the leader of the Argonauts according to the Greek myth , on his journeying to retrieve the Golden Fleece . Jason and the Argonautsis highly entertaining and use the same optic effects artist , Ray Harryhausen , as the film , Clash of the Titans . Creatures such as theHydra and the skeleton warriors are stylized with stop - movement animation , ready the film remain firm aside from others in the writing style .

Where to Watch Jason and the Argonauts

Keanu Reeves looking over one shoulder as John Wick in Ballerina

Custom image of (left to right) Perseus (Clash of the Titans), Medea (Medea), and Jason (Jason and the Argonauts)

Custom image by Simone Ashmoore

Henry Cavill as Theseus in Immortals

Headshot Of Henry Cavill In The World premiere of ‘Argylle’

Headshot Of Stephen Dorff In The HBO’s True Detective season 3 premiere

Headshot Of Luke Evans

Headshot Of Isabel Lucas

Odysseus laying down and Nausicaa sitting next to him.

Leonidas wielding a sword and roaring in rage in 300

Cast Placeholder Image

Headshot Of Lena Headey In The New York premiere of ‘White House Plumbers’ at 92nd Street

Headshot Of David Wenham

Jean Marais with his hands up.

Brad Pitt wearing armor and starring intensely.

Orfeu smiling while dancing.

Medea starring into the distance.