Christopher Nolan's idiosyncratic take on Homer's The Odyssey is currently raking in big box office, but film versions of ancient tales have long provided fodder for Hollywood.
Our stories teach us who we are and who we must become. From Greek myths to early Christian history to the Bible, these movies below transmit our oldest archetypes into a modern medium.
The Passion of the Christ (2004) and The Resurrection of the Christ (2027)
Returning to theaters as a Fathom Event on Sept. 10, Mel Gibson's blockbuster film about the final 12 hours of Christ's earthly life reminded Hollywood that Bible-based tales, told authentically, had major resonance with audiences. All the dialogue in the film is in Aramaic, Latin, or Hebrew, the prevalent languages in First Century Judea.
Now, its long-awaited sequel, The Resurrection of Christ, is coming to theaters in two parts, starting on May 6, 2027. The Fathom release of The Passion contains a sneak peek at this film.
The Ten Commandments (1956)
When you picture Moses, you probably think of an old man carrying stone tablets and scolding the Israelites for complaining. But Charlton Heston also portrays a young Moses who must grow into a man capable of saying yes to God.
After living a carefree life in the Egyptian palace, tragedy sends him fleeing into the wilderness where he will receive his mission. Watch on YouTube or Amazon (or on ABC, normally during the Passover/Easter season).
Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
This sweeping three-part series dramatizes the Gospels, from the Annunciation to the Resurrection. A young Olivia Hussey stars as Mary the mother of Jesus, and Robert Powell plays an intense, magnetic Jesus.
While more recent adaptations of the Gospels show a warm, effusive, and affectionate Jesus, this “Jesus of Nazareth” carries a mysterious depth that conveys the weight of His mission.
A masterful soundtrack and talented supporting cast round out the immersive experience. Available on Amazon Prime.
Here's the Sermon on the Mount:
Hadestown (2026)
For the Broadway lovers, this musical tells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice through New Orleans jazz and blues set in the gritty American Dust Bowl.
The story deals with love and loss through the main characters’ marriage and untimely separation. It doesn’t have any scandalous moments or lyrics, but its intricacy will be better enjoyed by older children.
The filmed stage version, with Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney, is currently available for a limited time in theaters as a Fathom Event!
The Robe (1953)
Richard Burton stars as Marcellus Gallio, the Roman tribune in charge of Jesus’ execution, who ends up winning His robe.
Through the influence of a rebellious Greek slave, his childhood sweetheart and bride, and friendship with apostles and martyrs, Marcellus slowly makes his way towards Christianity. Watch on YouTube and Amazon Prime.
Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
The myth of Jason is, in my humble opinion, one of the most engaging Greek myths, following how he receives the favor of Hera, queen of the gods, to his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece.
This movie doesn’t follow Jason’s entire life to its heartbreaking conclusion (a good thing, trust me), but does justice to the adventure and camaraderie at the heart of Jason’s quest.
It’s fairly accurate to the original myth and can be found on YouTube and Apple TV.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
If Nolan’s The Odyssey wasn’t enough for you, how about the Coen Brothers’ satrical comedy-drama-musical version? Until Nolan's film, it was one of the most famous and popular adaptations of the tale.
Set during the Great Depression in the American South, the bluegrass and American traditional music soundtrack is half the fun. Ulysses (George Clooney) faces spooky dangers as he escapes prison and makes his way back to his wife and many, many little daughters.
PARENTS BE WARNED: This one is PG-13, for ...
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Violence: Mild action elements, including a man shooting at police, fistfights, and a brief depiction of a Ku Klux Klan rally with a burning cross.
- Language: Mild profanity, including terms like "son of a b**ch," a racial slur, and occasional use of religious expletives.
- Suggestive Themes: Brief mild sexual humor, and sirens depicted in a seductive style.
Commonsense Media gives O Brother, Where Art Thou four out of five stars, and also rates it for 14 and up.
I agree that it's only for high-schoolers and older, and parents should be prepared to have a conversation about unfortunate racial policies and attitudes in the South at the time.
Available on Amazon or YouTube.
Image: © 2003 Icon Distribution Inc. All Rights Reserved. A Newmarket Films release. Photo credit: Philippe Antonello.
Sophia Sariego is a Los Angeles native working in the pro-life movement. She loves Eucharistic Adoration, making music, and hitting the beaches in her spare time.
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