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| Love The Odyssey (2026)? These 21 Mythology and Fantasy Movies Should Be Next. (Photo: IMDb) |
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has done exactly what many expected—it has reignited interest in large-scale mythological adventures that actually take their time telling a story. Rather than relying purely on spectacle, the film blends ancient legends, psychological drama, brutal survival and breathtaking adventure into one ambitious journey. Naturally, audiences who have walked out of cinemas are already asking the same question: what should they watch next? Thankfully, cinema has produced plenty of unforgettable epics that explore heroic quests, impossible odds, legendary warriors and gods who seem determined to make everyone else's day significantly worse.
Fans remain divided over which film deserves to be called The Odyssey's closest companion. Some believe nothing comes close to the emotional scale of The Lord of the Rings, while others argue classics such as Troy, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven better capture the human cost of war.
Meanwhile, fantasy lovers insist mythical creatures, curses and impossible journeys are the real attraction. One thing most viewers seem to agree on is that watching heroes walk peacefully home would make for an incredibly short film.
Movies Like THE ODYSSEY
1. Troy (2004)
If The Odyssey leaves you wanting more from ancient Greece, Troy is the obvious place to begin. Featuring Brad Pitt as the legendary Achilles, the film explores the famous Trojan War that sets the stage for Odysseus' long journey home.
Massive battles, political rivalries and flawed heroes dominate every scene, creating a grounded epic that focuses more on human ambition than divine intervention. It may not feature Cyclopes, but stubborn kings cause almost as much destruction.
2. Gladiator (2000)
Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning masterpiece follows Maximus, a betrayed Roman general who fights his way from slavery to the Colosseum while seeking justice.
Like Odysseus, he is driven by honour, resilience and an almost impossible determination to return to the life stolen from him. Grand action sequences combine with deeply emotional storytelling, making this one of cinema's defining historical epics.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Epic journeys rarely become more satisfying than Frodo and Sam's final push towards Mount Doom. While the setting belongs entirely to fantasy, the themes closely echo The Odyssey—friendship, sacrifice, survival and the desperate hope of finally reaching home.
It also reminds viewers that long walks can become surprisingly complicated when the fate of the world insists on getting involved.
4. Kingdom of Heaven (2005 Director's Cut)
Often regarded as one of Ridley Scott's finest historical dramas, the Director's Cut transforms this Crusades epic into an emotionally rich story about leadership, faith and survival.
Balian faces impossible political choices while defending Jerusalem, reflecting many of the leadership dilemmas that define Odysseus' journey.
5. 300 (2006)
Stylised, relentless and visually unforgettable, 300 follows King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors during the Battle of Thermopylae.
Although far more stylised than The Odyssey, it celebrates courage, mythology and larger-than-life warriors standing against overwhelming odds. It also proves capes can apparently survive battles better than most soldiers.
6. Clash of the Titans (1981)
The original Clash of the Titans remains one of the great mythology adventures. Perseus battles monsters, sea creatures and divine challenges while attempting to rescue Andromeda.
Greek mythology takes centre stage throughout, making it an easy recommendation for anyone fascinated by gods interfering in absolutely everything.
7. Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Long before modern visual effects existed, this classic adventure delivered unforgettable encounters with skeleton warriors, mythical beasts and dangerous quests.
Jason's search for the Golden Fleece shares the same adventurous spirit that powers The Odyssey, proving great storytelling rarely goes out of fashion.
8. Immortals (2011)
Visually ambitious and heavily inspired by Greek mythology, Immortals follows Theseus as he faces the ruthless King Hyperion and earns the support of the Olympian gods.
The film blends fantasy, brutal combat and mythology into a stylish spectacle that complements Nolan's interpretation of ancient legends.
9. Wrath of the Titans (2012)
Returning to the world of Greek mythology, Perseus must once again battle monsters, Titans and divine conspiracies threatening civilisation itself.
The adventure embraces large-scale fantasy while maintaining strong emotional stakes centred around family and responsibility.
10. Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
Although rooted in biblical history rather than Greek mythology, Ridley Scott's retelling of Moses shares the same grand scale, spectacular visuals and exploration of leadership under extraordinary pressure. Massive journeys and impossible challenges remain central throughout.
11. The Northman (2022)
Robert Eggers delivers one of recent cinema's most atmospheric revenge epics. Amleth's brutal Viking quest combines mythology, destiny and psychological struggle in ways that feel surprisingly similar to The Odyssey's darker moments. The journey is violent, haunting and refuses to offer easy answers.
12. Beowulf (2007)
Based on another legendary epic poem, Beowulf follows the heroic warrior confronting terrifying monsters including Grendel and an enormous dragon.
Heroism, legacy and mortality all play major roles, while mythical creatures constantly remind audiences that ancient heroes really had terrible luck.
13. The Green Knight (2021)
Slow, mysterious and deeply symbolic, The Green Knight follows Sir Gawain on a surreal journey filled with supernatural encounters and personal reflection. Rather than focusing purely on action, it examines identity, courage and what truly makes someone worthy of becoming a legend.
14. The Eagle (2011)
Set during Roman Britain, The Eagle follows young officer Marcus Aquila as he embarks on a dangerous expedition beyond Hadrian's Wall to restore his family's honour. The harsh landscapes and relentless survival elements create an adventure driven more by determination than spectacle.
15. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Adventure, mythology and fast-paced action come together as Prince Dastan uncovers magical secrets capable of altering history itself. While considerably lighter in tone than The Odyssey, it delivers exciting sword fights, ancient mysteries and charismatic heroes throughout.
16. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakthrough fantasy epic follows Conan's relentless search for vengeance across a brutal world filled with sorcery and ancient cults. The mythic atmosphere, sweeping landscapes and larger-than-life storytelling make it a natural companion piece.
17. The Last Duel (2021)
Although based on real historical events, The Last Duel explores honour, betrayal and justice through multiple perspectives.
Its mature storytelling and emotional complexity will appeal to viewers who appreciated The Odyssey's focus on flawed human decisions alongside spectacular action.
18. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Fantasy adventures rarely become more timeless than Narnia. Four ordinary siblings enter a magical world where mythical creatures, epic battles and ancient prophecies shape their destinies. It captures the sense of wonder that many viewers seek after watching The Odyssey.
19. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Swap Greek gods for cursed pirates and you've still got an unforgettable sea adventure. Captain Jack Sparrow, supernatural threats and dangerous voyages across unpredictable waters create a surprisingly fitting recommendation. Travelling across the sea clearly never gets any safer, regardless of which century you're sailing through.
20. Ben-Hur (1959)
One of Hollywood's greatest epics, Ben-Hur combines breathtaking spectacle with deeply personal storytelling. From its legendary chariot race to its emotional themes of redemption and perseverance, the film remains essential viewing for anyone who enjoys grand historical cinema.
21. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Every legendary journey begins somewhere, and few opening chapters are as compelling as this one. Frodo Baggins leaves the comfort of the Shire for an uncertain adventure that gradually transforms him forever.
Much like Odysseus, his greatest battle is not simply surviving dangerous enemies but holding onto who he is along the way. It perfectly captures the emotional heart of an epic quest while reminding audiences that accepting mysterious jewellery from elderly strangers usually ends badly.
Next: Where Was The Odyssey Filmed?
Whether you were captivated by Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey because of its mythological creatures, emotional storytelling, sweeping battles or unforgettable adventure, these 21 films offer plenty to explore next. Some embrace ancient legends, others focus on history or fantasy, but each delivers the kind of ambitious storytelling that rewards patient viewers. Which one deserves to be your next watch, and did we miss a hidden masterpiece that belongs on this list?