Class On Screen
History class about Greece might not be your favorite place on Earth, but a film inspired by its legends might. Here are 22 times you’ll meet them.
The Odyssey, 2026
Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, scheduled for release on July 17, 2026. The movie features a star-studded cast, with Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron.
The Odyssey, 2026 (Cont.)
The narrative follows the Greek hero Odysseus on his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan battle. Throughout his voyage, Odysseus encounters mythical beings and deities, such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe. These encounters highlight the influence of Greek gods in the story.
Black Orpheus, 1959
Love, music, and tragedy—Orpheus and Eurydice’s tale gets a vibrant twist in this 1959 masterpiece set in Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. Orfeu (Breno Mello), a passionate musician, falls for Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn), but fate plays a cruel hand. The myth’s themes of love lost and destiny loom large.
Black Orpheus, 1959 (Cont.)
Marcel Camus reimagines the underworld as the pulsating streets of Rio, drenching the tragic romance in samba and Afro-Brazilian culture. The film’s poetic cinematography and haunting score won it the Palme d’Or and an Oscar. Watching it, you almost forget you’re witnessing one of mythology’s heart-wrenching love stories play out.
Black Orpheus (1959, trailer, Portuguese Audio) by Black Film History
The Lighthouse, 2019
Isolation. Madness. Fire. The lighthouse itself is Promethean—a beacon of knowledge driving men to ruin. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson spiral into mythological chaos, echoing the torment of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods, and Proteus, the shape-shifting sea deity symbolizing elusive truth.
The Lighthouse (2019) - You Don't Like My Cooking? Scene (3/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
The Lighthouse, 2019 (Cont.)
Director Robert Eggers layers Greek lore into every frame. Pattinson’s character craves forbidden knowledge, just like Prometheus, while Dafoe’s sea-shanty-sputtering keeper personifies Proteus's unpredictable, slippery nature. By the end, one man is devoured by seagulls, and the other is left questioning reality. Fate or folly? The gods decide.
The Lighthouse Original Trailer (Robert Eggers, 2019) by Arrow Video
Moulin Rouge!, 2001
A poet. A doomed love affair. A descent into dazzling darkness. Baz Luhrmann’s dazzling spectacle mirrors the Orpheus myth (again), with Christian (Ewan McGregor) as the bard who believes in love, only to lose his Eurydice—Satine (Nicole Kidman)—to death’s cruel grip. The underworld? A hedonistic cabaret.
Moulin Rouge! (2/5) Movie CLIP - Your Song (2001) HD by Movieclips
Moulin Rouge!, 2001 (Cont.)
Music becomes the lifeblood of this retelling, much like Orpheus’s legendary lyre. Christian’s love tries to defy fate, but like the ancient Greek tale, he cannot save his beloved. With each emotional song and tragic glance, the film asks: Can love conquer passing on, or does it only make the loss more unbearable?
Moulin Rouge! (4/5) Movie CLIP - Come What May (2001) HD by Movieclips
The Warriors, 1979
Greek warriors moving through hostile territory? Sounds like Xenophon’s “Anabasis”. Walter Hill’s 1979 cult classic trades ancient Persia for gang-ridden New York as the Warriors battle their way back home after being falsely accused of a crime. Their odyssey through the city’s dangerous sceneries mirrors Xenophon’s soldiers’ legendary march.
The Warriors (1979) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p] by HD Retro Trailers
The Warriors, 1979 (Cont.)
Every borough is a battlefield, and each gang—a new mythical foe. The Baseball Furies? The Lotus Eaters in street thug form. The Lizzies? Sirens luring men to their doom. With its neon-drenched visuals and pounding synth score, this film doesn’t just adapt history—it modernizes an epic struggle for survival.
The Warriors (1979) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p] by HD Retro Trailers
Troy, 2004
Few films embrace Greek mythology as unapologetically as Troy. Brad Pitt’s Achilles is all brute force and fatal prophecy, while Eric Bana’s Hector inflates doomed heroism. Inspired by Homer’s Iliad, this film retells the Trojan battle but with fewer gods and more human tragedy.
Troy, 2004 (Cont.)
Historical inaccuracies aside, the film stays true to the epic’s core: Glory, pride, and the devastation of war. Achilles’ heel, Priam’s plea, and the iconic Trojan horse—all legendary moments brought to life with sweeping cinematography and visceral battles. In the end, mortals fall, but myths endure forever.
Trojan Horse Scene | TROY (2004) Brad Pitt, Movie CLIP HD by JoBlo Movie Clips
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, 2010
What if Zeus’s lightning bolt got stolen in modern times? Enter Percy Jackson, a dyslexic teen who discovers he’s Poseidon’s son. The 2010 adaptation pulls from multiple myths, from Medusa’s petrifying gaze to Hades’ underworld lair, making Greek lore accessible to a new generation.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief 2010 Trailer by KIWI Classic
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, 2010 (Cont.)
Though the film takes liberties with its source material, it still introduces audiences to figures like the Minotaur and the Furies. Camp Half-Blood serves as a modern-day Olympus training ground, where demigods learn to wield ancient powers. Who says mythology belongs only to the past?
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief - Official® Trailer [HD] by TrailersPlaygroundHD
Clash Of The Titans, 2010
When Perseus (Sam Worthington) embarks on a mission to slay Medusa and defeat the Kraken, it’s straight out of Greek myth. Clash of the Titans revives the tale with breathtaking CGI and intense battle sequences, though it swaps ancient storytelling for Hollywood spectacle.
Clash of the Titans (2010) - Medusa's Lair Scene (6/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
Clash Of The Titans, 2010 (Cont.)
Liam Neeson’s Zeus thunders, “Release the Kraken!”—a line so iconic it transcends the movie itself. While liberties are taken, the essence remains: Perseus, part god, must move through divine politics and monstrous foes. Like all Greek heroes, his path is one of sacrifice, proving fate bows to no man.
Clash of the Titans (2010) - Release the Kraken! Scene (8/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
Hercules, 1997
Disney’s Hercules jazzes up the ancient myths with gospel music and humor, but its core remains mythologically sound. The film follows Hercules’s quest for heroism, obviously drawing from his famous Twelve Labors while adding an underdog storyline that makes him relatable.
HERCULES Clip - Even The Odds (1997) Disney by JoBlo Animated Videos
Hercules, 1997 (Cont.)
James Woods’ Hades steals the show, perfectly blending comedy with menacing charm. Though sanitized for kids, the film still introduces Cerberus, the Fates, and Mount Olympus in a way that sticks. One thing’s certain: Greek mythology has never been this catchy.
Hercules (1997) - Hades Attacks Olympus But Hercules Stops Him [UHD] by Paolo Maggiorelli
Immortals, 2011
Brutality and vengeance drive Immortals, a visually striking reimagining of the Theseus myth. Released in 2011, the film stars Henry Cavill as the heroic Theseus, who faces off against King Hyperion, played by Mickey Rourke. Inspired by Greek mythology, the movie swaps historical accuracy for bold, hyper-stylized action.
Immortals (2011) Trailer HD | Henry Cavill | Mickey Rourke by Film Trailer Channel
Immortals, 2011 (Cont.)
Greek legend tells of Theseus, who braved the labyrinth to slay the Minotaur. While Immortals twists the tale, it retains the essence of destiny and divine intervention. Zeus, portrayed by Luke Evans, plays an active role, unlike the indifferent gods of traditional myth. Love, war, and sacrifice take center stage.
Immortals (2011) - King Hyperion Attacks Scene | Movieclips by Movieclips
Wonder Woman, 2017
Greek mythology breathes life into Diana of Themyscira. The Amazons, fierce female warriors first described by Herodotus, inspire her origin. Trained by the gods and sculpted from clay by Hippolyta, Diana echoes Achilles’ strength and Athena’s wisdom. The film seamlessly integrates other gods into the drama.
Wonder Woman (2017) - No Man's Land Scene (6/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
Wonder Woman, 2017 (Cont.)
Battle scenes mirror Greek epics, with Diana wielding a god-forged sword and golden Lasso of Truth. Her fight against Ares is a nod to mythological clashes between gods and mortals. Wonder Woman bridges past and present. Could the Amazons still be out there, hidden like Themyscira?
Wonder Woman (2017) - Saving Veld Scene (7/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
The Hunger Games, 2012
While the comparison to the Theseus myth is valid, the primary inspiration was the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur combined with Roman gladiatorial games rather than being "straight from" the labyrinth myth alone. Katniss, like Theseus, defies authority, volunteering as a tribute to protect her own.
Hunger Games' Best Scenes by Movieclips
The Hunger Games, 2012 (Cont.)
Even the rebellion parallels Theseus’ triumph over the beast, sparking change. The game makers serve as King Minos, manipulating the rules. The Mockingjay pin? Think of Ariadne’s thread, guiding Katniss through the deadly maze. Greek myths shape dystopian futures, proving their timeless power. Can modern heroes truly escape their fate?
The Matrix, 1999
Plato’s cave is reborn in a cybernetic nightmare. Just as prisoners mistake shadows for reality, Neo’s world is a fabricated illusion. Morpheus, named after the god of dreams, serves as his philosopher-guide, revealing the painful truth: Reality isn’t what it seems.
Neo's Best Fight Scenes [MASHUP] | The Matrix Franchise | TNT by TNT
The Matrix, 1999 (Cont.)
The red pill? It is a metaphor for knowledge, much like a philosopher who leaves the cave and sees the real world. Every fight scene, every mind-bending moment asks a question: Are we living in a dream, shackled by illusion? Would you choose truth, no matter how painful?
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, 2005
Centaurs, fauns, and satyrs roam Narnia, plucked straight from Greek mythology. Mr Tumnus mirrors Pan, the half-goat god, playing his flute to entrance Lucy. The White Witch represents Medusa, her icy stare turning Narnia into an endless winter, a kingdom frozen in time.
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, 2005 (Cont.)
Even Aslan’s resurrection echoes Greek death-and-rebirth myths, akin to Orpheus seeking Eurydice. Lewis, inspired by ancient legends, layers his fantasy with age-old motifs. Next time you step into a wardrobe, consider this: Is it just a portal or a gateway to mythology reborn?
The Battle (Part 1) - Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by Disney ¡Fan!
Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006
A dark fantasy wrapped in ancient waves, Ofelia’s journey mirrors Theseus’ descent into the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Instead of a monster, she faces the Pale Man, a terrifying guardian of the underworld. Her faun guide? A modern Daedalus, leading her through a maze of choices and destiny.
Pan's Labyrinth | Full Movie Preview | Warner Bros. Entertainment by Warner Bros. Entertainment
Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006 (Cont.)
Greek myths often blur the lines between reality and nightmare, and this film does just that. Sacrifice, fate, and the search for truth intertwine in Pan’s Labyrinth. If given the choice, would you brave the labyrinth, knowing what waits in the shadows? No, thank you.
PAN'S LABYRINTH | Ofelia meets the Faun Clip | Directed by Guillermo del Toro by StudiocanalUK
The Fifth Element, 1997
Ancient Greece classified everything into four elements: Earth, air, fire, and water. The missing piece? The divine force binding them all—the mysterious fifth element. Leeloo personifies this cosmic power as a living personification of balance, much like the mythic aether of Greek philosophy.
The Fifth Element, 1997 (Cont.)
Zorg and the Great Evil match chaotic Greek gods, seeking to upend harmony. The stakes are high, but as mythology taught, only balance and unity can preserve life. The next time you watch this cult classic, remember: The Greeks pondered this mystery long before sci-fi did.
The Truman Show, 1998
A man trapped in an illusion, deceived by shadows of reality. Plato predicted Truman’s fate centuries ago. The controlled world he inhabits mirrors the cave prisoners, content with false truths until one dares to escape. It’s often cited as one of the modern interpretations of Plato's Allegory of the Cave.
The Truman Show, 1998 (Cont.)
The moment Truman sails to the horizon, breaking through the set, matches Plato’s philosophical quest to discover the real world. The message? Truth is often hidden, but those who seek it must be brave enough to step beyond the screen.
The Truman Show (1998): Talking to The Creator Ending Scene by Binge Society
Music, 2023
Music, directed by Angela Schanelec, reimagines the Oedipus myth in a poetic, stripped-down narrative. Jon, abandoned at birth in the Greek mountains, unknowingly follows the tragic fate of his mythological counterpart. This German-French-Serbian drama unfolds through haunting cinematography, sparse dialogue, and a dreamlike atmosphere.
Music | Trailer | Berlinale 2023 by Berlinale - Berlin International Film Festival
Music, 2023 (Cont.)
As Jon’s eyesight fades, his perception of life deepens—turning blindness into a gateway to emotional and spiritual clarity. Schanelec masterfully strips away excess, letting silence, movement, and music tell a story beyond words. Like Oedipus, Jon’s fate is sealed, but his journey resonates deeply, almost ethereally.
Music | Trailer | Berlinale 2023 by Berlinale - Berlin International Film Festival
The Book Of Life, 2014
Much like the ancient Greek figure, Orpheus, The Book of Life follows a hero who ventures into the afterlife to reclaim a lost love. Orpheus, the legendary musician and poet, descended into Hades to retrieve Eurydice, just as Manolo journeys to the Land of the Remembered to reunite with María.
The Book Of Life, 2014 (Cont.)
Manolo’s soulful songs mirror Orpheus’s legendary lyre, which even softened the heart of Hades. His refusal to conform to expectations—choosing artistry over bullfighting—reflects Orpheus’s poetic defiance of mortality. This movie makes this ancient myth into a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, proving that love, music, and storytelling transcend time.
Mighty Aphrodite, 1995
In the film, Allen plays Lenny, a man who discovers that his adopted son’s biological mother, Linda, is a kindhearted but struggling professional escort. This one is a literal Greek chorus. It imitates the theatrical traditions of ancient Greece to the tee.
Geliebte Aphrodite ≣ 1995 ≣ Trailer by TrailerTracker
Mighty Aphrodite, 1995 (Cont.)
Like the mythological Aphrodite, who personifies beauty and unexpected twists of fate, Linda’s character represents an unfiltered, raw form of love and self-discovery. The film cleverly modernizes Greek tragedy and comedy, with the chorus serving as both narrators and commentators on Lenny’s misguided attempts to “rescue” Linda.
Geliebte Aphrodite ≣ 1995 ≣ Trailer by TrailerTracker
Chi-Raq, 2015
Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq is a bold reimagining of Aristophanes’s classical Greek comedy Lysistrata, transporting its themes of conflict and protest into the modern scenes of gang uproar in Chicago’s South Side. They do it as the women in Aristophanes’s play. They withhold intimacy to force the Peloponnesian battle’s end.
Chi-Raq TRAILER 1 (2015) - Spike Lee Movie HD by Rotten Tomatoes Coming Soon
Chi-Raq, 2015 (Cont.)
Lysistrata, played by Teyonah Parris, mirrors her ancient counterpart’s strategic leadership, using desire as a weapon for peace. The film retains elements of Greek theater, which include a chorus-like narrator, exaggerated satire, and a mix of comedy and tragedy to address serious social issues.
CHI-RAQ by Spike Lee Official Trailer (2015) HD by FilmIsNow Movies
The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, 2017
Lanthimos’s The Killing of a Sacred Deer draws its name and thematic core from Iphigenia in Aulis, an ancient Greek tragedy by Euripides. In the play, Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis and ensure his fleet can sail to Troy. Similarly…
The Killing of a Sacred Deer | Official Trailer HD | A24 by A24
The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, 2017 (Cont.)
…the film follows cardiac surgeon Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell) as he faces an impossible moral dilemma: choosing a family member to die as retribution for a past mistake. Here, you experience a modernized classical with themes of fate, guilt, and divine punishment—in psychological horror.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer | Official Trailer HD | A24 by A24
