If you're a Disney fan, then growing up you've probably sung along to "I Won't Say I'm In Love" from Hercules at least once. We wouldn't be surprised if the animated film characters got you interested in learning their backstories: Why was Hades always angry? Did he really have flames for hair? Who were the Muses, and did they always harmonize when they sang? The Greeks and Romans had a vast collection of myths and legends that are still referenced in movies and TV shows today.
If you're in the mood for a bit of ancient history, here's a list of several popular films based on Greco-Roman, Egyptian, and English mythology to get you started.
Want to binge-watch mythology flicks? Here are some films you can check out next:
Percy Jackson series (2010)
Where to watch: Netflix
Before The Perks of Being a Wallflower fame, Logan Lerman starred in the book-to-film adaptations of Rick Riordan's famous series. Percy discovers that monsters exist when he's brought to Camp Half-Blood (no relation to Harry Potter, sorry). There, he learns that he's not the only child of an Olympian god. But what troubles can teens be up to if they're away at camp? Plenty, especially if half their parental DNA refuse to acknowledge them. Pro tip: The books are a great introduction to the world of Greco-Roman mythology, and Riordan has since written another series on Norse gods—perfect timing if you want to know more about Thor and Loki.
Troy (2004)
Where to watch: Netflix
Loosely based on Homer's Iliad, the film narrates the affair between Paris (played by Orlando Bloom post Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean) and Helen of Troy (Diane Kruger) a.k.a. "The face that launched a thousand ships." The movie also stars Brad Pitt as Achilles, a mighty warrior, and Brian Cox as Agamemnon, the king of the Mycenaeans.
300 (2006)
Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime
"This. Is. Spartaaa!" As evidenced by Gerard Butler's memorable line, the film—based on a comic series of the same name—is a fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae. Three hundred Spartans are led by their king into battle against the invading Persian army of hundreds of thousands.
Hercules (1997)
Where to watch: Disney+
What's not to love about this film? From the famous songs ("I Can Go The Distance" is a great life motto) to the love story between Hercules and Meg, Hercules is a fan favorite for good reason. If you're curious about whether the couple got their happily ever after, look up the legend of the 12 Tasks of Hercules—don't say we didn't warn you, though!
The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Where to watch: Disney+
ICDYK, The Sword in the Stone was the last animated film produced by Walt Disney before his death in 1966. In several films, King Arthur and Merlin have been portrayed as strong, powerful men, but not in this movie. Here, Arthur is a 12-year-old boy, and Merlin is an old man looking for the true heir to the throne. What adventures does the magician have in store for the unaware boy-king?
The Mummy series (1999)
Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime
We're talking about the OG Brendan Fraser trilogy, no disrespect meant to The Rock or Tom Cruise. The franchise is actually based on a mashup of Egyptian myths and legends—Imhotep, Ankhesenamun, and queen Nefertiti were all real people, though! If you dream of visiting Egypt and learning more about the land of the pyramids, you have to give this a (re)watch.
Quest for Camelot (1998)
Where to watch: Disney+
It has elements of the King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table legend, but with a twis, thanks to the addition of a female heroine and a two-headed dragon. The musical film is based on the novel The King's Damosel by Vera Chapman. Fun fact: The song's official soundtrack is "The Prayer," initially sung separately by both Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion before a duet version appeared in the latter part of 1998.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1974)
Where to watch: Netflix
Forget every single insult you've ever used against someone else, because this one is unbeatable: "I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries!" This legendary British comedy about King Arthur and his knights is a cult classic for a reason. The source of many an Internet meme ("It's just a flesh wound."), the film will have you crying from laughter from the very beginning.
this strange new world.