There are many stories of the Greek mythology that have manifested themselves into films known as Greek myth movies. These movies are usually adaptations of Greek myths portrayed on a screen, but sometimes there is only an underlying thread of Greek mythology that is separate from the main story and often difficult to detect.
For example, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl is actually considered a controversial Greek mythology movie, as it features a Sumerian god, Gazer, and an Aztec curse, which are all popular aspects of Greek mythology.
Because Greek mythology is considered by most people to be the most fascinating aspect of ancient Greek history, creating movies that successfully portray the complex Greek mythology creatures, characters, and plot lines is a difficult task to undertake. There have been many myths-turned-movies that have been complete disasters.
These films are usually the ones that stray too far from the original Greek myth, such as Disney’s Hercules, which drastically changed the motives and underlying personalities of some of the original characters and Greek mythology gods. Although Hercules received positive feedback from professional critics, it was badly received by the public.
There is a very long list of favorite Greek mythology films;
based on their entertainment value, world-class star cast and their acting, the portrayal of the Greek mythology characters, the screen adaptation of ancient Greek mythology and lastly photography and effects that gave life to many fascinating Greek myths.
From among all of these excellent movies, 10 stand out as totally unforgettable – in my opinion. The scale shows 10 at the least and 1 as the best in the ranking of the movies.
No10: Hercules and Xena (Video movie, 1998)
This is a movie that has the appeal of animation, superb story, great picturization and excellent rendering of voice over by Kevin Sorbo, Renee O’Connor, Lucy Lawless and Michael Hurst. This is a movie that makes you fall in love with the Greek mythology Gods.
No9: Percy Jackson And The Olympians: The Lighting Thief (released in 2010)
Percy Jackson is one of the most endearing portrayals of Greek mythology characters – as a wayward teenager who suddenly realizes that he is the direct descendant of the Gods. His adventures show the failings of the Greek mythology Gods as he tries to settle a life-and-death clash between the Greek Gods. Logal Lerman remains in your mind long after THE END flashes on the screen.
No8: Troy (released in 2004)
Directed by the talented director Wolfgang Petersen, this is one of the Greek myth movies that make you appreciate the famous epic of Homer even more. Brad Pitt through his very impressive performance gives the movie an unbeatable charm. Greek mythology comes alive in this tightly packed adventure and it will want to see more when The End” flashes on the screen.
No7: Clash of the Titans (animation movie released in 1981)
A memorable animation movie that tells the story of Perseus and the trials he must endure to save Andromeda. Perseus is helped in these tasks by his faithful friends and protectors, Pegasus the flying horse and Ammon a happy-go-lucky type playwright. The animation movie’s lively pace keeps you on the edge of the seat till the end. This is one of the best mythology movies that went into animation.
No6: Jason and the Argonauts (TV Movie released in 2000)
You will find that this legendary ancient Greek mythology comes alive with Jason London in his depiction of one of the most intriguing of Greek mythology creatures in the depiction of his adventures. Where from the terms ‘argounauts’ came is still a mystery, but that adds to the charm of the movie. This is one of the most entertaining of tales about Greek mythology Gods. The movie’s success inspired many remakes, one of which in animation.
No5: Clash of the Titans (released in 2010)
This is one of the mythology movies that has seen plenty of remakes. Louis Leterrier – the director of the movie “Incredible Hulk” has outdone himself with this movie. Right from the cast, to the screenplay, to the sound and visual special effects this is one movie that competes with perfection. The gory fights, the capturing of the head of Medusa and the many trials of Perseus make this a phenomenal movie that deserves to be seen again and again and again.
No4: Immortals (released in 2011)
You will learn more about the Greek mythology characters and Greek mythology Gods in this movie more than through any other media. Some say it is really messed up in terms of accuracy – but the movie is so well put together that you do not care for the imperfections it gives in representing the ancient Greek mythology on screen. This is the story of Theseus who fights bravely for humanity. The story is superbly depicted, the narration crisp and the pace of the movie utterly engaging. This is one of those Greek myth films you’ll love seeing on the big screen.
No3: Hecules (animation movies released in 1997)
This is another one among the animated Greek mythology movies that are evergreen in their appeal. A musical comedy, this excellent rendering of Greek mythology is extremely entertaining and educative. The story depicts the Greek mythology creatures as colorful and complex, which is both comic and very interesting. The story, narration and voice over are so well executed that by the time the movie ends, you feel like you have seen a real movie not animation.
No2: Wrath of the Titans (2012)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, Sam Worthington role is very impressive and larger than life. This is one of the Greek mythology characters that you will not forget in a hurry. The movie takes you through the travails and trials with so much realty that you almost feel what the hero, Perseus feels as he fights his way to help his father, the greatest of Greek mythology Gods, Zeus. The drama, the pace, the superb effects and the accurate narration of the ancient Greek mythology makes this movie worthy of its place on the top-10 list.
No1 and Uncontested by far: 0 Brother, Where Art Thou
This is heartwarming comedy based on the Greek myths about Odysseus’ return (back to his home) journey. Remarkably executed and with impeccable acting by George Clooney and Cohen brothers, this is one of the Greek mythology movies you would like to watch every time you want to laugh from your heart The director has outdone himself while making this movie, and of course, he had great help from the cast – which was perfect in all aspects.
This list of exceptional and unforgettable Greek mythology movies is by no means all inclusive. There are many other movies on Greek myths that are exceptionally good in their representation of the Greek mythology Gods, creatures and heroes and their very entertaining adventures. This list also did not look too close at the TV mythology movie series, which also has its own masterpieces.
In other words; this list should not be taken as box-office facts-based selection; nor should be considered as an all time countdown list because this selection focuses mostly on the last two decades. This best Greek mythology films list is an indicative enumeration of some of the most popular and successful movies of modern times – in my opinion.
For every ten
of the Greek mythology movies that leave a bad taste in your mouth, there is always one gem that reminds you why watching the Greek mythological characters and creatures come alive on the screen can be so riveting.
One of these precious films is Troy, a 2004 movie featuring stars such as Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. Troy is based on Homer’s epic of the same name. It follows the united Greek forces attack on the city of Troy, but it reaches deeper than simply chronicling the main events of the assault. Troy actually delves into the hearts and motives of the men involved in the gruesome battle, giving it a complex bit of human drama.
Another gem is The Odyssey (1997). Although the adaptation of one of Homer’s most well known epics never reached beyond the small screen, it has many positive aspects. Chronicling a Greek hero (Odysseus king of Ithaca)’s voyage home from the battle of Troy, The Odyssey features many great shots of exotic Turkish and Maltese locations, not to mention fantastic special effects.
The film also follows Odysseus’s loyal wife Penelope as she has many run-ins with the leering suitors that have burst out of the woodwork following her husband’s departure.
Last, we have Mighty Aphrodite, a unique 1995 twist on the tale of Pygmalion. Mighty Aphrodite follows a New York sportswriter’s discovery that his adopted son is a genius, and then his obsessive quest to find the boy’s birth mother, who turns out to be a prostitute.
Although this film is certainly one of those that strays far from the original plot line, Mighty Aphrodite somehow managed to pull through, receiving positive reviews from critics at The New York Times, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
