The Films About Mythology subgenre primarily includes Greek Mythology, Norse Mythology, English Mythology, Greco-Roman or Classical Mythology, Arabic Mythology and Germanic Mythology Films. The Mythology Films subgenre resides within the Fantasy genre and incorporates other subgenres including Action & Adventure Films, Sword & Sorcery Films, Medieval Era Films, Bronze and Stone Age Films and Epic Fantasy Films.
Films based on Mythology got their start in 1958 with the family-orientated The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958). This film is based on the legend of Sinbad the Sailor and highlighted in Arabic mythology from One Thousand and One Nights. This film would be followed by The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973) and Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977). The 1960’s saw the emergence of a classic Greek mythology tale of Jason and the Golden Fleece with Jason and the Argonauts (1963). All of these films would be notable for the groundbreaking special effects (of the time) that used stop motion technology by legendary Visual Effects artist Ray Harryhausen.
The 1970’s would continue with a string of Mythology-based films with Malpertuis (1971), Gargoyles (1972) and Arabian Adventure (1975). This decade, however, would belong to Monty Python with the English Mythology-inspired tale of King Arthur. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) would become not only a classic film of the subgenre, but also a classic Comedy film. Monty Python followed the Holy Grail with another comedic interpretation of English mythology with Jabberwocky (1977).
In the 1980’s, classic films of the subgenre were released. Excalibur (1981) would become known as the most popular rendition of the Arthurian legend. Clash of the Titans (1981) brought the Greek Mythology tale of Perseus to life with Ray Harryhausen’s stop-motion effects. And Indiana Jones would become a classic franchise with films that featured different action-based pursuits of mythological artifacts and legends. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) would feature the race between Jones and German Nazis to secure the Biblical artifact – The Ark of the Covenant. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) utilized the Hindu god Shiva and the Sankara Stones as the major plot device in its film. And Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) utilized the Arthurian legend of the Holy Grail as the main plot device Indy competes against the Nazis for. Other classic and notable subgenre films of the 1980’s included Time Bandits (1981) and Sword of the Valiant: The Legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (1984).
The 1990’s were down years for Mythology films as only a few notable films were released during this decade including The Runestone (1991), Into the West (1992), Leprechaun (1993) and The 13th Warrior (1999).
A resurgence of Mythology-based Films would occur in the 2000’s and lead to the Golden Age of Films Based on Mythology that would last into the next decade. This decade featured classic films of the subgenre based on various mythologies and legends. Greek Mythology was present in films such as O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Troy (2004), Alexander (2004), Minotaur (2006) and 300 (2007). Norse Mythology would gain a foothold in this decade with Valhalla Rising (2009). And the Old English / Germanic / Norse Mythology tale of Beowulf would see three films based on the story this decade with Beowulf & Grendel (2005), Beowulf (2007) and Outlander (2008). Other classic and notable films of the subgenre this decade included Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Dagon (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Night Watch (2004), Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).
Greek Mythology inspired films would continue to dominate in the 2010’s with Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010), Clash of the Titans (2010), Immortals (2011), Wrath of the Titans (2012), Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013), The Legend of Hercules (2014), 300: Rise of an Empire (2014), Hercules (2014) and Wonder Woman (2017). Norse Mythology would gain in prominence with the release of the blockbuster film Thor (2011). Other films based on Norse (or Nordic) Mythology included Troll Hunter (2010), Thale (2012), Ragnarok (2013), Thor: The Dark World (2013), The Ritual (2017), Thor: Rangnarok (2017) and Valhalla (2019). Other mythologies present in this decade included Egyptian Mythology with Gods of Egypt (2016), Jewish Folklore in The Limehouse Golem (2016), Roman Mythology with The First King (2019) and Irish & Celtic Mythology with Muse (2018) and Leprechaun Returns (2018). Other notable subgenre films of the decade included Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strange Tides (2011), 47 Ronin (2013) and Krampus (2015).
The 2020’s have only produced one classic film based on English Mythology and the Arthurian Legend with The Green Knight (2021). Other notable subgenre films from the 2020’s include La Llorona (2020) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020).
Our list of Films Based on Mythology includes 75+ films from 1958 – 2021. As noted earlier, our collection of Mythology Films includes various mythologies and legends including King Arthur (English Mythology), Perseus and Achilles (Greek Mythology), Leprechauns (Irish Folklore and Celtic Mythology), Odin and Ragnarök (Norse and Nordic Mythology) and more. For our list of Top Films Based on Mythology You Haven’t Seen, we had to leave the following honorable mentions off our list: Jabberwocky (1977), Into the West (1992), Dagon (2001), Valhalla Rising (2009), Ragnarok (2013), Valhalla (2019) and Undine (2020).
Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here is our list of Top Films Based on Mythology You Haven’t Seen:
Plot: Sir Gawain of King Arthur’s court loses a game to the Green Knight.
Mythology: English (Arthurian Legend)
KBZ’s Take: This isn’t a good film and it’s inferior to the much better and more recent The Green Knight (2021). However, it does have one significant edge – Sean Connery. His performance as The Green Knight is much better than the 2021 version and his initial introduction as the Green Knight to King Arthur’s court is worth seeing (even if you decide to skip the rest of the film). While the remainder of the film is watchable, it’s the Green Knight’s introduction that make this a recommended film for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kNCSYx
Plot: A common thief joins a mythical god on a quest through Egypt.
Mythology: Egyptian
KBZ’s Take: What Clash of the Titans (1981) did for Greek mythology, Gods of Egypt (2016) does for Egyptian mythology. This Alex Proyas film is highlighted by its visual extravaganza but it’s plot leaves much to be desired. At least the films’ stars with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerrard Butler and Chadwick Boseman seem to be having fun with their roles which makes it an entertaining popcorn flick. Just don’t go into this film thinking you’ll be getting a deep dive into Egyptian mythology.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Ya54Dr
#8
Immortals
Plot: Zeus chooses Theseus to lead the fight against the ruthless King Hyperion.
Mythology: Greek
KBZ’s Take: If you have seen Director Tarsem Singh’s previous efforts – The Cell (2000) and The Fall (2006) – you’ll be familiar with his amazing visualizations that tend to overwhelm any plot or narrative. The same is true for Singh’s Immortals which is much more style than substance – but the style itself is amazing to watch. You won’t be getting any history lessons on Theseus and his role in Greek mythology with this film, but it’s still an amazing visual film recommended for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3RjzX63
Plot: Norse warrior’s battle against the murderous troll, Grendel.
Mythology: Old English / Germanic / Norse
KBZ’s Take: Gerard Butler seems to be the king of mythology as he’s covered all the bases – Egyptian (as Set in Gods of Egypt (2016)), Greek (as King Leonidas in 300 (2006)) and this primarily Anglo-Saxon legend as Beowulf. The film itself treats Grendel as more of a human figure which makes the film (and tale) much more grounded in emotion and reality. It’s not the best film representation of the Beowulf legend, but it’s recommended for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3DsPWJr
#6
The Ritual
Plot: A group of college friends reunite for a trip in a forest but encounter a menacing presence.
Mythology: Norse
KBZ’s Take: While this film is more of a Horror film in the Witches and Occult film subgenre, it does have elements inspired by Norse mythology (that we won’t go into here). It’s best to go into this film with knowing as little as possible, as it slowly builds tension to a very creepy and horrifying finale. Recommended for fans of the subgenre (primarily for the third act and ending).
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.netflix.com/title/80217312
Plot: Sinbad undertakes a quest to save a princess from an island of monsters.
Mythology: Arabic
KBZ’s Take: We’re listing the first entry into the Sinbad series though all of them are worth seeing including The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973) and Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977). All three films have wonderful action-adventure elements based on Arabic mythology that the entire family can enjoy. They all also feature great stop-motion visual effects from the great Ray Harryhausen. All three films are highly recommended for fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Jtfees
Plot: Jason embarks on quest to find the magical Golden Fleece.
Mythology: Greek
KBZ’s Take: Based on the Greek myth of Jason, this is another great film that delves into Greek mythology and highlights the action-adventure aspects of the tale. Even though the special effects are dated today (but still feature Harryhausen’s stop-motion effects), it’s the adventure of Jason and the Argonauts that make this film a classic of the subgenre and a great family film.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Dqf2Zo
Plot: Teenager discovers that he is a demi-God, son of Poseidon, and must recover Zeus’ lightning bolt.
Mythology: Greek
KBZ’s Take: While this film plays fast and loose with Greek mythology, it is still an entertaining film that incorporates Greek gods and legends into a contemporary setting. Some of the most popular monsters from Greek mythology make appearances in this film including the Hydra and Medusa. You’re not going to learn much about Greek mythology in this film, but it’s still a fun and thrilling ride for a younger demographic.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HK3rHq
#2
Leprechaun
Plot: An evil Leprechaun goes on a rampage after his precious bag of gold coins is stolen.
Mythology: Celtic / Irish folklore
KBZ’s Take: This Horror Comedy stars a pre-Friends Jennifer Aniston and features a very funny performance by Warwick Davis as The Leprechaun. The film incorporates some often-hilarious aspects of the Leprechaun legend including preoccupying the Leprechaun so they can escape by making him shine shoes. This film isn’t for everybody, but for fans of ridiculous Horror Comedies that use legends for comedic effect, then this film will be your new guilty pleasure.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3XQ5n6I
Plot: Perseus must complete various tasks to save the beautiful princess Andromeda.
Mythology: Greek
KBZ’s Take: Still the best film about Perseus that holds up well today. While the remake Clash of the Titans (2010) has some better visual elements, it still can’t compete with the original film’s simple action and adventure narrative. The 1981 film’s sequence with Medusa is still one of the most suspenseful moments in any film. While Ray Harryhausen’s stop-motion effects in this film might make it seem dated, they just add to the charm of the film. If there’s one film to introduce Greek mythology to your youngsters, this film is it. One of the best films of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Rg3duH
