There is something indelibly appealing about Greek mythology movies, from classics like Spartacus to more recent fare like Troy (2004). Incorporating imaginative elements into the sincerity of religion, they are magical realism of the highest order, wherein humans coexist with monsters. The gods were as flawed as humans, making them relatable. They were vain and vengeful, inviting convoluted and operatic drama. Further, Angient Greek civilization was a highpoint of ancient civilization. Their grandiose stories and lives will perpetuate them in eternity - a point proven by how epic in scale so many timeless movies based on Ancient Greek myths are.

Many modern storytelling tropes can be traced to ancient Greek mythology; from the epic journey of Odysseus to the fable of Orpheus and Eurydice, themes of tragedy, triumph, love, and loss are common in these ancient tales. They've proven to be fertile grounds for Hollywood. Not every big-budget interpretation of Greek mythology has succeeded, but the best Greek mythology movies include the most memorable action films on the big screen. From Disney fantasy epics to ambitious, carnage-filled comic book reimaginings, plenty of influential Hollywood projects have been based on stories and themes thought to originate in Ancient Greece.

20 The Odyssey (1997)

A Retelling Of Homer's Odyssey

Clocking in at roughly three hours, The Odyssey can be viewed as a long movie or a two-part miniseries. A terrifically truthful adaptation of the Greek myth of Odysseus, the film recounts his 10-year journey home after the events of the Trojan War. As with many examples of ancient Greek mythology, the tale of Odysseus is long, complex, and full of allegory, and the 1997 film adaptation pulls no punches, including almost every aspect of the original story.

The original miniseries on NBC was an award winner, bringing home the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or Special for Andrei Konchalovsky.

It's a lengthy watch and a lower-budget offering, but it has the added charm of using Jim Henson's Creature Shop for many of its creature effects. However, it's so detail-rich that it could as a documentary of the original Homer myth. The original miniseries on NBC was an award winner, bringing home the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or Special for Andrei Konchalovsky.

19 The 300 Spartans (1962)

Recreating The Battle Of Thermopylae

Zack Snyder's stylish 2006 epic 300 may have served more directly as an adaptation of the 1998 comic series of the same name, but it also borrowed somewhat from 1962's The 300 Spartans. Frank Miller, who wrote the 300 comic series, said he saw this movie as a child, and "it changed the course of my creative life" (via NY Post). The 300 Spartans isn't quite as popular as some other Greek mythology movies in the genre, though it's nonetheless worthy of recognition.

A recreation of the Battle of Thermopylae fought between Xerxes I and King Leonidas, The 300 Spartans features surprisingly large-scale battle sequences and enough intrigue to keep modern audiences engaged. The movie did a lot to make it seem as realistic as possible by filming much of it in Greece, although it mostly focuses on melodrama and the soldiers involved in the giant war.

18 Helen Of Troy (1956)

A Movie Based On Homer's Iliad & Odyssey

Though a few (mostly silent) films preceded it, the 1956 movie Helen of Troy is notable for being one of the earliest Greek mythology movies based on The Illiad and The Odyssey. The plot follows the same large strokes as the source material, though it paints the Greek kings in a poorer light to build up the love-story elements of Helen and Paris. Critics received it relatively well and primarily praised some of the set pieces (including the famous Trojan Horse trick).

What the movie has going for it is the direction of Robert Wise (the Oscar-award-winning director of West Side Story and The Sound of Music). The main story is about the Trojan War and the moment that Paris of Troy meets and falls in love with Helen, Queen of Sparta. This leads to their stance in the middle of the war and Paris's eventual fall when he battles Menelaus, the Spartan King. While it looks perfect, shot in Italy, the original story's drama is mostly missing from this in favor of romantic melodrama.

17 Oedipus Rex (1967)

Based On The Sophocles Greek Tragedy

Based on Sophocles's Greek tragedy, Oedipus Rex is an Italian movie directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini. The film follows Oedipus (Franco Citti) as he is abandoned in the desert as a child and rescued by a loving king and queen. He grows up and learns from the Oracle of Delphi about the prophecy that he will kill his father, King Laius (Luciano Bartoli), and marry his mother, Queen Jocasta (Silvana Mangano).

The movie's first half is a prologue to the play and created by Pasolini himself.

Though much of the dialogue is faithful to the play, Oedipus Rex is set in Pasolni's native country of Italy, giving it a personal touch. The movie's first half is a prologue to the play and created by Pasolini himself. However, the entire second half of the movie is completely and faithfully adapted from the original Sophocles play. The film screened at the 28th Venice International Film Festival and was nominated for the prestigious Golden Lion Award.

16 Antigone (1961)

A Movie Following The Oedipus Story

Though Antigone was released six years before Oedipus Rex, it's another Sophocles tragedy that serves as a sequel, taking place after Oedipus exiled himself. Directed by Yorgos Tzavellas, the film sees Antigone (Irene Papas) fight to see her deceased brother Polynices buried after King Creon (Manos Katrakis), another of her brothers, denies Polynices' burial rights for killing their eldest brother Eteocles.

Antigone is one of the best Greek mythology movies because, while it may be a sweeping tale, it's ultimately a dysfunctional family story, often making for the best drama. Tzavellas’ movie is a smart story that tracks political power and resistance to it, which was a hard sell in Sophocles's day, as many of his stage plays were banned from performances, although this was a rare one that wasn't. The movie adaptation of the play won the Samuel Goldwyn International Award at the Golden Globes.

15 The First King: Birth Of An Empire (2019)

A Movie About Romulus & Remus

The First King: Birth of an Empire is an Italian historical drama film starring Alessandro Borghi and Alessio Lapice. The First King is based on the famous Romulus and Remus myth, the two shepherd brothers raised by a She-Wolf. In the movie, Romulus and Remus take a journey that leads them to discover a new nation and encounter a dark betrayal.

The movie received positive praise from critics, re-telling the mythological story that originated with the image of the She-Wolf and the twin boys in their infancy. Romulus became the legendary founder and first king of Rome. For fans who love Greek mythology movies, this has one unique detail that adds to its accuracy. Director Matteo Rovere made the movie using archaic Latin, although the language was created by a team from the University Guglielmo Marconi (via Classical Reception).

14 O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

The Coen Brothers Remake Homer's The Odyssey

The Coen Brothers movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, is one of the Greek mythology movies based on the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer. It is a satirical story by the Coen Brothers that incorporates many elements from the iconic poem. The George Clooney-starring film follows Ulysses Everett McGill, who escapes from a prison chain gang and goes on the run in rural Mississippi.

While there, he meets with Delmar and Pete. The trio goes on a journey to find a treasure before it is lost forever after the area is flooded to make a lake. During this process, they meet several eclectic characters, encounter many obstacles, and undertake adventures. The movie is only loosely based on the poem, as it is a satire incorporating elements from the original story. The movie earned two Oscar nominations (Adapted Screenplay and Cinematography) and won two Grammy Awards (Album of the Year, Best Soundtrack).

13 Immortals (2011)

Tarsem Tells The Story Of Theseus

The visuals of 2011's Immortals are undeniably engaging, with decent scope and enthusiasm. Yet, like the similar film 300, it contains fairly graphic violence. However, the dark cinematography in Immortals can feel a bit dull by comparison. The story itself bears little resemblance to other Greek mythology movies and instead plays in that sandbox. This movie has amazing visuals, which is expected from Tarsem, the director behind visual masterpieces like The Fall and The Cell.

This movie shows King Hyperion searching for the bow that is supposed to release the powerful, traitorous Titans after the Twelve Olympians imprisoned them. Theseus is a man fated to stand up against Hyperion, while the Greek Gods are bound by Zeus not to interfere unless the Titans are released. This leads to the Titans' release, the fall of the gods, and the eventual legend of Theseus. Anyone looking for accuracy in the Greek myths should look elsewhere, but the visuals here are worth the watch.

12 Medea (1969)

Based On Jason And The Argonauts & Euripides' The Medea

Medea, an Italian movie directed by Pier Paulo Pasolini, is one of the Greek mythology movies that interprets the famous Greek myth Jason and the Argonauts. The film is named after one of the story's essential characters, Medea, who is betrayed by Jason and eventually seeks revenge on him and his family. The movie was considered particularly notable by critics for the excessively bleak handling of its subject matter and refusal to shy away from the grimmer parts of the original myth.

Famous Italian singer Maria Callas leads the cast of Medea in her only acting role. Concerning its accuracy, Medea is mostly a loyal retelling of Jason and the Argonauts and Euripides' play The Medea. However, the movie doesn't use the same dialogue as Euripides' play, but the plot still follows it closely. The journey of Jason to Colchis is also loyal to his story as well. The movie also didn't shy away from the tragic ending.

11 Hercules (2014)

The Rock Stars As Hercules

This film subverts expectations of the genre at every turn, essentially turning fantasy into a recurring joke. Hercules purports to explain how misinterpretations could result in wild speculation and subsequent legends of fantasy. Those who love that aspect of Greek mythology movies will be left disappointed. Part of that, though, is that, like 300, Hercules is based on a comic book, in this case, Steve Moore's graphic novel Hercules.

The story has a lighthearted, juvenile tone, perhaps befitting of its director, Brett Ratner. However, the adventure is buoyant and quick, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays the titular hero well. Though his acting chops aren't always top-tier, he does have plenty of charisma and the right physique. He sells the role with sincere enthusiasm and elevates the story with his presence. The movie was a box office success, carried by Johnson's star power.