5 Movies About Ancient Greece to Watch Before 'The Odyssey', Ranked by IMDb
Epic battles with spears and chariots, dark tragedies, and unexpected interpretations of familiar myths.
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2026. With its star-studded cast, multi-million dollar budget, the film promises to be an event, if not a revolution in the historical genre.
While we await the return of the cunning King of Ithaca, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the ancient world.
5. 'Alexander', 2004
IMDb Score: 5.6/10
Alexander the Great, a great king and military leader, died at the young age of 32. In his short life, however, he destroyed the most powerful empire of his time, the Persian Empire, and built his own on its ruins.
Oliver Stone's three-hour epic will surely appeal to those who appreciate grandeur and high production values in cinema. However, the movie has also been criticized for its casting choices.
The ancient commander was played by Irishman Colin Farrell, while Alexander's mother was played by the actress of his age – Angelina Jolie.
4. 'Ulysses', 1954
IMDb Score: 6.6/10
For ten years, King Ulysses, the hero of the Trojan War, has been unable to reach his native Ithaca to see his beloved wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus. The gods are angry with him and have sent him and his crew through terrible trials.
Meanwhile, a crowd of suitors demands that Penelope marry one of them. Penelope believes that Ulysses will return, however, and tries to stall for time.
The movie is based on Homer's Odyssey, but many iconic scenes from the poem were omitted. Today, the film is worth watching primarily for its legendary cast – Kirk Douglas plays the role of Ulysses.
3. 'Agora', 2009
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Alexandria, 391 AD. The philosopher Hypatia teaches philosophy, astronomy, and mathematics at the local school housed in the famous Library of Alexandria.
Meanwhile, a Christian revolt is brewing in the city, and followers of the new faith begin to openly attack pagans.
The plot unfolds amid the collapse of Hellenistic society, and director Alejandro Amenábar conveys the decline of this ancient culture with incredible tragedy.
2. 'Oedipus Rex', 1967
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
The son of the ruler of Corinth wants to know the story of his birth and destiny. It is prophesied that he will kill his father and marry his mother. In an attempt to prevent the prophecy from coming true, the young man leaves the city, but this only makes matters worse.
The provocative Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini often adapted ancient myths for the modern era. Through this approach, he attempted to reinterpret old legends and understand their characters.
1. 'Troy', 2004
IMDb Score: 7.3/10
The Mycenaean King Agamemnon and his brother, Menelaus, the ruler of Sparta, signed a peace treaty with Troy. After the celebration, however, they discover that the Trojan prince Paris has kidnapped Menelaus' wife, Helen.
Agamemnon then assembles a large army led by the hero Achilles and besieges the enemy city.
Director Wolfgang Petersen made a very loose adaptation of Homer's epic poem, Iliad. First, the movie excludes the gods, who played a significant role in the original plot. Furthermore, the film focuses primarily on Achilles, played by Brad Pitt.
