The gods have descended upon our screens once more! A new ranking has emerged, crowning the top 20 films that bring ancient myths and legends to life. As excitement builds for Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey', we're reminded of a renewed fascination with the timeless tales of old. From sword-clashing epics to modern retellings with a twist, this list is a treasure trove of cinematic magic.
Take, for instance, 'Immortals' (2011), where Henry Cavill battles it out as Theseus in a visually stunning extravaganza directed by Tarsem Singh. While its depiction of Mount Olympus and the Titans will leave you breathless, the ranking suggests there's more to the film than meets the eye – or should we say, there's more beneath its surface-level action.
'Troy' (2004) is another Hollywood behemoth that's got everyone talking, with Brad Pitt starring as Achilles. But, just like a warrior in a duel, this film's true strength lies not in its star power but in the rich Homeric heroism it brings to life – or so some critics would argue. Don't expect to see the Olympians making an appearance, though, and be prepared for some dramatic liberties taken with key character dynamics.
And then there's 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' (2000), a rip-roaring American take on Homer's epic that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. The Coen brothers have woven their own brand of magic here, transplanting the tale to the American South and injecting it with comedy gold. Get ready for Ulysses, Odysseus's modern-day namesake, as he navigates a world full of satirical nods to mythological figures.
Looking to more recent releases, we find ourselves in the land of Norse mythology with Robert Eggers' 'The Northman' (2022). This is no straightforward historical drama; no, this film dives headfirst into the dark, mystical world of the Vikings, exploring themes of revenge and destiny that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Meanwhile, Uberto Pasolini's 'The Return' (2024) takes a more sombre approach to Odysseus's journey home, focusing not on reunion but on the long-term psychological damage inflicted by trauma.
Finally, we come to biblical epics like Darren Aronofsky's 'Noah' (2014), where elemental forces clash in a story that's both timeless and uniquely Gnostic. And Marcel Camus's 'Black Orpheus' (1959) brings the vibrant Carnival atmosphere of Brazil to life as it retells the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice – though some may criticise its exoticism.
Whatever your taste in mythological cinema, there's something on this list for you. And with many of these films streaming in the UK, now's the perfect time to revisit or discover them for yourself!