Learning about Greek mythology can seem like quite a daunting task until you realize that there are many blockbuster films based on Greek mythology so you can learn whilst being entertained.
From the most famous action movies to some classic hidden gems as well as a number of TV series, you can learn about Hercules, Zeus, Hades, and many more characters of Greek Mythology whilst curling up on the sofa with a big bucket of popcorn. Use this list as a starting point for some good greek mythology movies to watch.
Best Greek Mythology Movies to Watch
Troy (2004)
This war/action film involving a love story is based on the Iliad, an ancient Greek poem written by Homer which portrays the famous battle between the ancient kingdoms of Troy and Sparta. In the movie, directed by Wolfgang Peterson, Paris (Orlando Bloom) a Trojan Prince falls in love with Helen (Diane Kruger), wife of the Spartan King Menelaus.
Helen (who later becomes the famous Helen of Troy) runs away to Troy with Paris which starts a war between Troy and Sparta with King Agamemnon who is Menelaus’ Brother, and the defeater of every army in Greece except Troy, using his brother’s fury as a pretext to declare war.
300 (2006)
Set in 480BC this film, directed by Zack Snyder, follows King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) as an alliance of 300 Spartans hold off the invading Persian army in the mountain pass of Thermopylae.
Mostly based on real-life events, the battle of Thermopyles actually taking place, this movie also has some Greek Mythology thrown in with Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) portrayed as a god-like figure, add to this a giant emissary, a claw-armed executioner, as well the metal-masked Immortals and it’s one of the best action-packed great Greek myth movies to watch when you like to combine your fiction with facts too.
Percy Jackson Movies: Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief (2010) and Percy Jackson and The Sea of Monsters (2013)
These action-packed films both star Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson. In the first film, directed by Chris Columbus, we follow the adventures of Percy Jackson as he discovers he is a direct descendant of Poseidon and starts to explore his full potential.
One of the best Greek mythology movies for children, we witness Percy’s battle against minotaurs and Hades in an attempt to save his mother, put a stop to the war between the Gods, and obtain the lightning bolt of Zeus.
In the 2nd movie, directed by Thor Freudenthal, Percy, accompanied by his friends Annabeth Chase, Clarisse La Rue, and Tyson, Percy’s half brother, go on a journey to the Sea of Monsters to retrieve the Golden Fleece which is guarded by a giant cyclops and in doing so they save the Half-Blood Camp too.
Hercules (1997) by Disney
Hercules, son of the Greek God Zeus, is turned into a half-god, half-mortal by evil Hades, God of the Underworld in this animated movie which is just perfect for introducing the kids to films about greek gods.
Raised on Earth, Hercules has a god-like strength, but when he discovers his immortal heritage, his Father tells him that to return to Mount Olympus he must become a true hero.
With the help of his friend Pegasus the winged horse and his personal trainer, Phil the satyr who is based on the mythological centaur Chiron, Hercules battles monsters, the god of the underworld Hades, and the Titans, but it is his self-sacrifice to rescue his love Meg which makes him a true hero.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Loosely based on Homer’s “Odyssey,” this movie directed by The Coen brothers, and starring Goerge Clooney, follows the adventures of Ulysses Everett McGill and his companions in 1930s Mississippi.
After escaping a chain gang and trying to reach Everett’s home to find buried money from a bank robbery, the friends are met by a series of strange characters, some of whom are modern day versions of Greek mythological beings, among them sirens, a cyclops, and a blind prophet.
Clash of the Titans (2010) and its sequel Wrath Of The Titans (2012)
In the first movie, Clash of the Titans, we follow the story of demigod Perseus, the son of Zeus who has been raised by humans, as he battles against Hades, God of the underworld. Not only does the evil Greek God kill Perseus’ human family but also threatens to release the Kraken (a huge mythological sea monster) to destroy the world.
Perseus is forced to face his destiny and battle the Titans in order to save the world. Directed by Louis Leterrier and featuring an all-star cast with Liam Neeson as Zeus, Sam Worthington as Perseus, and Ralph Finnes as Hades, Clash Of The Titans is a great action-packed Greek mythology film to watch.
In the 2nd film, Wrath of the Titans, directed by Jonathan Liebesman, 10 years have passed since the Kraken was defeated and Perseus is seen trying to live a quiet life as a fisherman and father. But a struggle for power rages between the gods and the Titans. Zeus is captured by Kronos and Perseus must once again try to save the day.
Immortals 2011
Directed by Tarsem Singh and starring Henry Cavill as Theseus and Mickey Rourke as King Hyperion, this Greek mythology movie is set thousands of years after the Gods had defeated the Titans.
Now a new evil is unleashed on ancient Greece by King Hyperion who has amassed a bloodthirsty army in his search for the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon forged by the Greek God Ares – the only weapon powerful enough to release the Titans.
Although ancient law prevents the Gods from being directly involved, Zeus has secretly chosen Theseus to lead the fight against King Hyperion, and he receives help along the way from Poseidon, Athena, and Ares.
Hercules (2014)
In 1400 B.C., demigod Hercules (played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) is the mighty son of Zeus. But his life is anything but easy. After completing twelve arduous labors, and witnessing the death of his family, he has turned his back on the gods finding solace in war and battle instead. He forms a small army of 6 battle-hardened warriors that follow him without question.
They are so good that the King of Thrace, Lord Cotys (played by Sir John Hurt) hires the mercenaries to train his men to become the greatest army of all time. Hercules does so but comes to realize that they are fighting for evil purposes and how far his reputation has fallen having created an army that’s as ruthless and bloodthirsty as they come.
Wonder Women (2017)
This American superhero film, based on the DC Comics, is the fourth installment in the DC Extended Universe series of movies. Directed by Patty Jenkins, it’s probably not going to be your first choice when thinking of Greek mythology films like Wonder Woman (played by Gal Gadot) is not a Greek God herself but her history is intertwined with Greek mythology.
Amazon princess Diana aka Wonder Woman sets out to stop World War 1 after an American pilot and spy crash-lands on the hidden island where she was raised. The island, Themyscira, is home to the Amazon women warriors created by the Olympian gods to protect mankind.
Diana (Wonder Women) believes that WW1 was started by the long-time enemy of the Amazons, the Greek God Ares who has become jealous of humanity and wants to destroy the world. Diana must train as a warrior to save the day.
Iphigenia (1977)
Based on the Greek mythological tragedy “Iphigenia in Aulis” written by Euripides, one of Ancient Greece’s best poets and playwrights, this classic movie directed by Michael Cacoyannis is a tremendous example of movies based on greek mythology yet also featuring classic Greek tragedy.
The movie starts 2,500 years ago when the Greek army is about to cast off and set sail for an epic battle, but the winds refuse to blow. King Agamemnon, while hunting for food for the troops, accidentally kills a sacred deer and the gods punish him and demand he sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia.
Medea (1969)
This movie directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini follows Jason and the Argonauts on a quest to retrieve the fabled Golden Fleece from a remote barbarian land inhabited by natives who worship the Golden Fleece as a sacred artifact that protects the crops.
There they meet the beautiful high priestess named Medea, the land’s most powerful sorceress who betrays her beliefs to follow Jason back to Greece but a cruel fate awaits her and she must plot her revenge.
Greek Mythology TV Series
The Odyssey (mini-series 1997)
An adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek poem, this American mini-series has Armand Assante starring as Odysseus, King of the mythical island of Ithaca, who is on an arduous 10 year quest to reach home after the Trojan war. During his journey, King Odysseus must overcome mythical monsters, seductive nymphs, and the powerful forces of nature using his wits and intelligence.
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999)
Filmed in beautiful New Zealand, this American television series is based on the classic stories of Greek mythology. Set in Ancient Greece it follows Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) and Lolaus (Michael Hurst) on their adventures saving villagers from monsters, evil warlords, and the selfish whims of the Greek gods.
Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)
Xena, played by Lucy Lawless, is a mighty Warrior Princess with a dark past who sets out to redeem herself by turning over a new leaf and fighting for the greater good. Joined by a small-town poet called Gabrielle (played by Renee O’Connor) who is hungry for adventure, the pair journey the ancient world fighting Warlords and Gods.
Blood of Zeus (2020) Animation currently on Netflix
This animated Greek Mythological series, made for adults, follows Heron as he discovers he is the son of Zeus. The story is set long after the gods have defeated the giants, but a new threat of demons cursed with the blood of the fallen giants now ravish the earth so Heron is tasked with destroying the evil demonic army.
Good movies