If The Odyssey left you wanting more larger-than-life adventures, here's a watchlist of epic films inspired by mythology, history, classic literature, and fantasy that deserve a spot in your next movie marathon.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is proof that audiences will always come back for a great epic. Whether it's an ancient Greek poem, a medieval legend, or a fantasy saga that has become a modern classic, these stories are so grand they make the world feel bigger.
So if you’re craving another adventure filled with unforgettable heroes, impossible quests, and battles that feel larger than life, here's watch to watch next.

Troy (2004)

If you're not quite ready to leave Ancient Greece behind, Troy is the obvious next stop. Inspired by Homer's The Iliad, the film revisits the Trojan War that sets the stage for Odysseus' long journey home.
The story follows the legendary conflict sparked by Paris' abduction of Helen, bringing together iconic figures like Achilles, Hector, and King Agamemnon. While it takes creative liberties with the source material, Troy delivers sweeping battles, political intrigue, and all the drama you'd expect from one of history's greatest myths.

Gladiator (2000)

Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning classic isn't based on a single literary work, but it channels the grandeur of ancient Roman history and classical storytelling.
The film follows Maximus, a respected Roman general who is betrayed after Emperor Marcus Aurelius' death and forced into slavery. Fighting his way through the gladiatorial arena, he sets out on a path of revenge while becoming a symbol of hope for the Roman people. If The Odyssey is about finding your way home, Gladiator is about fighting for everything you've lost along the way.

300 (2006)

Loud, and action-packed, 300 turns the Battle of Thermopylae into pure spectacle. Adapted from Frank Miller's graphic novel, which draws from Herodotus' historical account, the film transforms Spartan history into modern myth.
It follows King Leonidas and his 300 Spartan warriors as they make a last stand against the massive Persian army led by Xerxes. The visuals are bold, and the story has become one of cinema's most recognizable portrayals of heroism against impossible odds.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

One of Ridley Scott's most underrated films, Kingdom of Heaven trades fantasy for medieval history without losing any of the scale.
Set during the Crusades, it follows Balian, a blacksmith who unexpectedly becomes a knight and finds himself defending Jerusalem amid religious and political conflict. If you can, watch the director's cut—it's widely considered the definitive version and gives the story much greater emotional depth.

The Northman (2022)

Robert Eggers' brutal Viking epic feels like stepping into an old Norse saga. Based on the legend of Amleth—the story that eventually inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet—The Northman mixes mythology, revenge, and fate into one unforgettable ride.
After witnessing his father's murder as a child, Prince Amleth grows up determined to reclaim his kingdom and avenge his family. Visceral action, haunting folklore, and striking cinematography make this one of the most immersive historical epics in recent years.

The Green Knight (2021)

Based on the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, David Lowery's fantasy is quieter, stranger, and beautifully mysterious.
The film follows Sir Gawain, King Arthur's impulsive nephew, as he embarks on a perilous journey to confront the enigmatic Green Knight after accepting a dangerous challenge. It's a mesmerizing meditation on honor, mortality, and what it truly means to become a hero.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001–2003)

Adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novels, the trilogy draws from Norse mythology, Anglo-Saxon legends, and centuries of folklore to create a world that feels timeless.
The story follows Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship as they set out to destroy the One Ring before it falls into the hands of the Dark Lord Sauron. Across three films, the trilogy delivers unforgettable battles, breathtaking world-building, and one of the greatest adventures ever put to screen.

The Dune Series

Frank Herbert's Dune novels changed science fiction forever, and Denis Villeneuve's adaptations prove why. Across the series, politics, religion, prophecy, and war come together in a sweeping saga that feels every bit as mythic as the classics that came before it.
The story centers on Paul Atreides, a young noble whose family takes control of the desert planet Arrakis—the only source of the universe's most valuable resource. As rival houses, ancient prophecies, and the native Fremen become intertwined with his destiny, Paul is forced to decide what kind of leader he is willing to become.
Finishing The Odyssey is really just the beginning. The best epics have a way of sending you down a rabbit hole of heroes, kingdoms, impossible quests, and the occasional three-hour runtime. Luckily, this watchlist is more than ready to keep the adventure going.

Just Saw 'The Odyssey'? Here Are 8 Epic Films to Watch Next

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