Can’t Get Enough of Greek Mythology After ‘The Odyssey’? These Ten Films Have You Covered

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is finally in theaters, and to say it seems to be a hit would be an understatement. Despite some people’s complaints pre-release, the film had a bigger opening weekend than any other Nolan movie, debuting to approximately $264 million worldwide.

For those who can’t get enough of the mythology and tragedy of ancient Greece now, here are ten other films to whet your appetite. Featuring numerous Greek tales and coming from various decades, there’s something here for everyone.

The Return (2024)

For those jonesing for more of The Odyssey rather than Greek mythology in general, 2024’s The Return has you covered. This take on the same story focuses on its final moments and approaches the narrative as a study in what happens to those traumatized by war after the war is over. The Odysseus in this story is a man broken and guilt-ridden who comes home to an emotionally wrecked family. He’s possibly still a hero, but also possibly just a man who needs to find his strength again.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Alternatively, for those wanting a lighter take on The Odyssey, the comedy-musical O Brother, Where Art Thou? from 2000 is a loose adaptation of the tale, set in the American South in the 1930s. In this version, three convicts are on the run, including Ulysses Everett McGill, who wants to return home to prevent his wife from remarrying (but only after seeking out buried treasure, of course). Along the way, the group encounters a group of seductive women, a one-eyed Bible salesman, and produces a hit song as “The Soggy Bottom Boys.” It’s a riot, and one of the Coen Brothers’ most popular films.

Hadestown – The Broadway Musical

There are plenty of other tales out there besides that of Odysseus, such as the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. It’s a sad tale, as the narrator of Hadestown tells the audience at the beginning of the hit Broadway show, which is finally seeing a theatrical release. Orpheus and Eurydice are young lovers, but times are hard. After Eurydice ends up in Hadestown, an industrial society run by Hades, Orpheus decides to bring her back home, with tragic consequences. The catch is that it will only be in theaters for five nights beginning July 24^th. (Here’s hoping it eventually comes to streaming, though.)

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Jason and the Argonauts from 1963 is probably one of the most well-known adaptations of a Greek myth. This adventure film tells the legendary tale of Jason and his crew (including Hercules) who must set sail to find the Golden Fleece. Along the way, they must deal with not only deadly monsters, but capricious gods, making for an epic journey. The practical effects in this one may seem a bit dated, especially compared to The Odyssey, but they still hold up (particularly when Jason fights a horde of skeletons).

300 (2006)

For those wanting more Greek warrior action, 300 from 2006 is the perfect movie. This Zack Snyder film offers a historical fantasy adaptation of the Battle of Thermopylae, when 300 Spartans were incredibly outnumbered by soldiers from the Persian army. However, the Spartans managed to hold them off for days. This dramatic retelling’s relentless action and amazing visuals demonstrate how legendary stories become immortalized.

Troy (2004)

2004’s Troy is a bit of a mixed bag as director Wolfgang Petersen removed most of the fantastical elements, like the gods, to make the movie more realistic. Based on the full tale of the Trojan War and the Trojan Horse (which made appearances in The Odyssey), Troy showcases the work of a very buff Brad Pitt as Achilles. While the production values and cast are good, the end of it all is a bit uninspired. Still, there’s plenty more Greek warrior action in this one for those craving it.

Clash of the Titans (2010)

This 2010 remake of the 1981 original is an action-packed adventure that draws from several Greek myths. In it, Perseus must battle a number of legendary monsters, including the Kraken and Medusa, as well as vengeful gods. Featuring a fantastic cast and a smorgasbord of excellent visuals, Clash of the Titans is pure fun.

Immortals (2011)

2011’s Immortals, starring Henry Cavill, tells the tale of Theseus, a mortal chosen by Zeus to battle King Hyperion, as the king is ruthlessly running roughshod across Greece to acquire a weapon that could mean the end of humanity. This film is a stylish (but occasionally silly) interpretation of Greek mythology, featuring plenty of action and an exploration of just what destiny means.

Antigone (1961)

For those needing more tragedy in their lives, look no further than this 1961 Greek adaptation of Sophocles’ Antigone. A far quieter film than many on this list, Antigone follows the titular character, the daughter of Oedipus, as she clashes with her uncle over the burial rites of one of her recently deceased brothers. Antigone wants to follow the laws of the gods in this matter, while her uncle would rather follow the laws of man. It all ends spectacularly tragically, as Greek tragedies are wont to do, so be prepared.

Iphigenia (1977)

1977’s Greek film Iphigenia is an adaptation of a tragedy wrriten by Euripides. The Greek armies are stranded after offending the goddess of the hunt, Artemis. To get back into the gods’ good graces, the gods demand that King Agamemnon sacrifice his first-born daughter Iphigenia. This tragedy examines the human failings that often appear in Greek tragedies, as well as the themes of religious fatalism, the outcome of patriarchal violence, and duty and sacrifice. As with Antigone, expect some tears with Iphigenia.

(feature image: Universal Studios/Melinda Sue Gordon)

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