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From Myth to Motion Picture: Movies About Ancient Greece

Step into a time of gods and heroes, where myths intertwine with history, and the ancient world comes to life through these best movies about ancient Greece we've found just for you. Prepare to be enthralled with the timeless stories as you uncover the allure of Ancient Greece!

a picture of ruins in ancient Greece with caption "best movies about ancient Greece"

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Movies About Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece was like a time machine back to about 9th century BCE. It was this awesome civilization in the Mediterranean, where they gave us the Olympics, democracy, cool philosophers like Socrates and Plato, and epic myths with gods and heroes. Imagine a place where people debated ideas, created amazing art, and had a big impact on how we live and think today – that's Ancient Greece!

Check out some of our favorite movies about ancient Greece:

The Greeks Season 1
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Toby Leonard Moore, Bettany Hughes, Edith Hall (Actors)

The Greeks

They were an exceptional civilization born from the embrace of white cliffs and blue waters. They pioneered the concept of democracy, harnessed the power of logic and reason, explored the depths of the human psyche through their theatrical works, and celebrated the beauty of the human body through sports and artistic masterpieces.

History 360 - Greece
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Isabelle Gendre (Director)

History 360 – Greece

Explore the mysterious tales from Greece's historical narrative! Delve into captivating aspects of this ancient land, including geopolitics, culture, architecture, and more.

The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Robert Garland (Actor)

The Other Side of History: Daily Life in the Ancient World (S1 E10 – Being Greek)

Step into the Greek city-state and the concept of genuine democracies managed by regular, free male citizens. Women were secluded within the household, while slaves undertook significant labor.

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After gaining an overview of this society, you'll experience the perspective of a juror as they vote in the Socrates trial.

The Greek World: A Study of History and Culture
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Robert Garland (Actor)

The Greek World: A Study of History and Culture

This series guides you through Greece's rich history, spanning the remarkable Classical and Hellenistic periods to its tumultuous modern era.

It unravels Greek culture through key elements like Athenian democracy, religious beliefs, dramatic arts, poetry, philosophy, as well as sculpture, vase painting, and architectural achievements.

Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Earth
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • David Wilson (Director)

Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Earth

Hosted by classicist Dr. Michael Scott, this series delves into the remarkable theatrical history of Athens. While life unfolded on the Mediterranean stage, the Athenians frequently attended theaters to witness tragedies and comedies.

These performances weren't merely for entertainment or escapism; instead, they were deeply engaged with the issues of their era.

The Olympic Games as They Were Practiced in Ancient Greece
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Jean de Rovera (Director)

The Olympic Games as They Were Practiced in Ancient Greece

A documentary exploring the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.

Aerial Greece - Season 1
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Smithsonian Channel (Producer)

Aerial Greece

Experience Greece in an entirely new light, from ancient archaeological sites and modern cities to the enchanting Aegean islands and legendary deities.

a picture of a greek goddess with caption "ancient greece"

Hercules
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Voices, Diedrich Bader, Sandra Bernhard (Actors)

Hercules

Hercules needs to transform from an ordinary individual into a hero in order to rescue the universe from Hades.

The Storyteller: Greek Myths: Season 1
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Michael Gambon, Brian Henson, Derek Jacobi (Actors)

The Storyteller: Greek Myths Series

In a maze, a narrator shares the tales of Perseus and Medusa, Icarus and Daedalus, Theseus and the Minotaur, and Orpheus and Euridyce with his faithful dog.

Jason And The Argonauts
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Eva Haddon, Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack (Actors)

Jason And The Argonauts

The renowned Greek hero guides a brave group of explorers on a dangerous mission to find the fabled Golden Fleece.

Great Greek Myths
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • N/A N/A (Actor)

Great Greek Myths

This series aims to retell these age-old tales with specially crafted animations and illustrations spanning the entire history of art.

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This unique combination, linking the past and the present, ancient storytelling with contemporary artistic expression, offers a fresh approach to explore or rediscover this integral part of our shared cultural legacy.

Great Mythologies of the World
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Kathryn McClymond, Julius H. Bailey, Robert André LaFleur (Actors)

Great Mythologies of the World (S1 E1 – The Titans in Greek Mythology)

Step into the world of ancient Greek myths, which are among the most renowned and widely recognized stories in Western culture.

Explore the origins of these narratives and their earliest references in this lecture, delving into the father-son conflicts involving Uranus, Kronos, Zeus, and the Titans, the first-generation gods.

Clash of the Titans (1981)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Laurence Olivier, Claire Bloom, Maggie Smith (Actors)

Clash of the Titans (1981)

Harry Hamlin takes on the role of Perseus, the Greek hero, who confronts the lethal Medusa to rescue a lovely princess from the monstrous Calibos.

If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.

“Oh, I absolutely adore sharing the magic of Ancient Greece with my kiddos through movies! From the mighty gods on Mount Olympus to epic tales of heroes like Hercules and Odysseus, these films turn history into a thrilling adventure. It's like a time-traveling lesson that makes learning about philosophy, mythology, and ancient civilizations feel as exciting as a quest for the Golden Fleece. Plus, who wouldn't want their kids to know the awesomeness of the original Olympics, right?” –a Homeschooling parent

With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:

  • List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
  • List of Monthly Observances
  • List Of Movies for Unit Study
  • Unit Study Resource
  • Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
  • (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher

These resources are worth it if you'd like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.

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What to expect in these movies about ancient Greece

Movies about ancient Greece are like a time machine that transports you to a world of gods, heroes, and epic adventures. You can expect to witness mythological tales come to life, whether it's Hercules battling monsters, Perseus facing off against Medusa, or the legendary clash of Titans and gods.

These films are a blend of ancient myths, breathtaking landscapes, and larger-than-life characters, offering a captivating journey into a world where legends and history intertwine.

Which subjects are included in studying ancient Greece in an elementary school setting?

Studying ancient Greece in an elementary school setting typically includes various subjects to provide a well-rounded understanding. These subjects may include:

  1. History: Exploring the historical timeline of ancient Greece, its city-states, famous figures, and significant events.
  2. Mythology: Learning about Greek myths and gods, including stories like the adventures of Hercules or the tales of Zeus and Athena.
  3. Geography: Understanding the geography of ancient Greece, the Mediterranean region, and the importance of the sea.
  4. Art and Architecture: Exploring Greek art, including pottery and sculpture, as well as iconic architectural structures like the Parthenon.
  5. Literature: Reading or learning about Greek literature, including fables, epics like the Iliad and the Odyssey, and famous philosophers like Socrates.

What themes are found in movies about ancient Greece?

Movies set in ancient Greece often revolve around themes of heroism, mythology, and epic quests. You can expect to see legendary heroes like Hercules or Perseus embarking on daring adventures to battle monstrous creatures and fulfill heroic destinies.

These films also delve into the realm of gods and goddesses, showcasing the intricate relationship between mortals and the divine, making for thrilling and often visually stunning tales that transport you to a world of legends and myths.

Related Questions:

Who were some of the most famous Greek philosophers?

Alright, so picture ancient Greece like a philosophical hotspot, right? Well, some big shots from back in the day were Socrates, the dude who loved questioning everything, Plato, his student with a knack for writing stuff down, and Aristotle, the brainiac who dabbled in everything from ethics to biology.

These guys were the OG thinkers, laying the groundwork for Western philosophy like it was nobody's business.

What were the Olympic Games in ancient Greece, and what was their significance?

Some of the most famous Greek philosophers were like the rock stars of deep thinking. Socrates was the question master who believed in self-examination. Plato, his student, wrote dialogues on everything from politics to love, while Aristotle covered pretty much everything from ethics to biology.

These thinkers laid the groundwork for Western philosophy, and their ideas still echo in our world today.

How did the ancient Greek Olympics contribute to both the celebration of sports and the promotion of unity and peace among the Greek states?

The ancient Greek Olympics were like the Super Bowl, but for sports and held every four years. It was a massive event where athletes from all over Greece competed in various sports, and winners were celebrated like heroes.

Beyond sports, it was a time for truce between warring states, fostering a sense of unity and peace, and showcasing Greek culture. Today's modern Olympics have their roots in these ancient games!

How did geography shape the culture and society of ancient Greece?

Geography was like a silent architect of ancient Greek society. With all those mountains and islands, Greeks had independent city-states that were like little self-contained worlds. This pushed them to become great sailors and traders, spreading their culture and ideas around the Mediterranean.

Plus, the mild climate and beautiful landscapes inspired art, philosophy, and outdoor living. So, geography wasn't just about rocks and seas; it was the backdrop to a whole civilization!

How did the ancient Greek alphabet and language influence the development of written communication?

The ancient Greek alphabet was like the prototype for many alphabets we use today. They had this genius idea of using separate letters for vowels and consonants, making writing a lot simpler.

This innovation spread and evolved into various scripts, including Latin, which became the basis for many Western languages. So, those clever Greeks had a huge impact on how we communicate in writing.

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