Christopher Nolan never fails to create a cinematic masterpiece that keeps society buzzing for months. His most recent work, The Odyssey, showcased a modern twist on the century-old tale. The scenery and effects were stunning; however, the Cyclops was nothing compared to that Other Mommy trailer, which scared me for weeks.
Anyways, Nolan brought back a genre that hasn’t been touched in a couple of years, and it made me nostalgic for other great Greek-centered movies. If you’re like me and still want more after an almost three-hour movie, I’ve curated a list of five films that I think are the best next additions to dive a bit deeper into the world of Greece.
- Troy
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At the top of this list, we have an all-time favorite, Troy, by Wolfgang Petersen. This film has a great list of actors like Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, and Diane Kruger.
Of course, everyone loves a movie with Brad Pitt, although personally, Orlando has my heart. Besides all this, Troy is a great rendition of The Iliad, the prequel to The Odyssey.
The story describes the 10-year battle of the Greeks to besiege the city of Troy. Achilles, played by Pitt, is the main character, and the movie explores his constant rage, whether that be against his own men or in battle with Hector.
In this film, Odysseus is played by Sean Bean, who effortlessly displays the cunning and strategic mind of the famed hero. He’s a major contrast to the short-tempered Achilles, and it helps you understand what Odysseus has been through before he can make his journey home.
- O Brother, Where Art Thou?
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Up next is O Brother, Where Art Thou? by Ethan and Joel Coen. This movie is loosely based on The Odyssey but is set in Mississippi during the Great Depression.
It follows Ulysses Everett McGill as he escapes from prison with his two friends, Delmar and Pete, making their way home and experiencing all kinds of troubles.
The casting is great, with George Clooney, Tim Black Nelson, and John Turturro. As this is a comedic take on the classic, it’s interesting to see which characters are inspired by famous events and how they connect them to American society in the 1930s. It’s a terrific watch if you’re looking for something a bit lighter but still connected to the plot.
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
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Moving away from the central story, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Chris Columbus is an awesome retelling of Greek myths. This is technically part of a two-movie series, but for the sake of time, I’ll just list the first one. It is based on the book series by Rick Riordan, and it follows a teenage boy, Percy Jackson, as he learns he’s the son of Poseidon.
As with many Greek stories, Percy must fulfill a quest to find Zeus’s missing lightning bolt and save the world from the gods’ wrath. This is a unique blend of the modern world with ancient ties. Also, it speaks to a younger audience, with the main character experiencing friendships, romance, and teenage life.
The actors include Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, and Alexandra Daddario. It would be the perfect watch for a bit of an introduction to Greek myth and has some characters you might recognize from Nolan’s film.
- Hercules
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Taking a different turn, we have the classic Disney’s Hercules, directed by Ron Clements. Even though it’s animated, Hercules is a great story about what it means to truly be a hero. Just like many Greek icons, Hercules is consistently challenged while he tries to reach his goals.
Also, the score and movie soundtrack have fun and catchy songs that will be stuck in your head for days. The stars of the film include Tate Donovan, Susan Egan, and James Woods. It’s a feel-good comedy with small hints at famous Greeks, even mentioning Odysseus himself!
- Mamma Mia!
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Last but certainly not least, we have Mamma Mia! You might be wondering why this film is on the list due to its lack of Greek myths. However, it’s set on a Greek island and has enough drama to count! This film by Phyllida Lloyd has an amazing cast with Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, and Colin Firth.
It follows Sophie (Seyfried) as she prepares for her wedding with her mom, Donna (Streep), when she sends an invitation to her three potential dads, who are also Donna’s exes. Using music from the band ABBA, this movie is filled with romance, singing, and laughter. Although there are no ancient warriors, the film incorporates a chorus of villagers, similar to traditional Greek plays.
Additionally, it has themes of love and fate, which are quite common in myths. Even if it differs from the others, this movie is a necessary watch for anyone wanting to explore Greece and listen to some of ABBA’s greatest hits.
Of course, this is just a small range of amazing movies that complement The Odyssey, but I hope you’ll take some of my recommendations. Who knows, maybe Christopher Nolan’s next movie will be about the Romans. Whatever he plans, I’ll be first in line for a seat and, of course, saving one for you, too. See you there!
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