Greek mythology exhibits have been widespread throughout numerous genres for many years, with the epic myths and legends of the traditional civilization recreated for the small display screen, and even merely inspiring new tales for the trendy period. Greek mythology is frequently tailored for the small display screen attributable to how poetic, tragic, and philosophical it may be. That has allowed it to be relatable for followers of every thing from romantic tales to excessive drama to superhero tales. There are even some Greek mythology exhibits that disguise their inspiration by the myths and legends of Ancient Greece so nicely most viewers do not know they’re based mostly on millennia-old supply materials.

Whether it is epic heroes or the gods on Mount Olympus themselves, Greek mythology is infamous for the way wild and unpredictable it may be, making it the proper supply materials for thrilling TV exhibits. Even one thing as seemingly innocent as having an illegitimate baby like Hercules or getting misplaced on a return journey house modifications dramatically when the gods take discover. Greek mythology exhibits show that the style stays in vogue with a mixture of classic and modern entries, each in status codecs and in lighter fare within the swords and sandal style.

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From classics like Spartacus to choices from the twenty first century like Troy (2004), Greek mythology films usually showcase Hollywood at its best.

25 Kaos (2024)

The Bombastic Vision Of A Modern World Run By Zeus

One of the newest TV exhibits about Greek mythology is 2024’s Kaos, which arrived on Netflix in August 2024. Not solely does Kaos embody one of the star-studded casts amongst exhibits about Greek gods and legends, it is also one of the modern takes on the mythos of the traditional empire. Kaos is about in a contemporary world that’s dominated over by the Greek gods, together with Zeus (as performed to paranoid perfection by Jeff Goldblum).

Kaos makes use of a number of characters from Greek mythology, together with each Gods from Olympus and heroes (and villains) of traditional legends, together with Orpheus (Killian Scott), his muse Eurydice (Aurora Perrineau), Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan), and the Trojan priestess Cassandra (Billie Piper). Many traditions of Ancient Greece have been masterfully reworked into the trendy setting, and for viewers looking for a present about Greek mythology with a slick and fashionable twist, Kaos is certain to fulfill.

24 The Great Greek Myths (2016)

A Solid Documentary That Lays The Foundations For Understanding Greek Mythology

There are dozens, if not tons of, of documentaries specializing in Ancient Greece, and the most effective for studying about Greek mythology is 2016’s The Great Greek Myths. Featuring animations to accompany every story, the 20-episode sequence (which is obtainable on Amazon Prime Videos) takes viewers by 20 key legends or themes throughout Greek mythology.

For instance, the story of Prometheus will get its personal episode, whereas Zeus focuses on a number of, with episode’s 1 and a couple of being “Zeus and the Conquest of Power” and “Zeus in Love,” respectively. While a deep and thorough information of the supply materials is not wanted to get pleasure from any present about Greek mythology, it definitely helps, and 2016’s The Great Greek Myths is an effective way to get began (or revisit the historical past behind a few of the many myths and legends).

23 The StoryTeller: Greek Myths (1991)

Jim Henson’s Take On Greek Mythology

The 1991 miniseries The StoryTeller: Greek Myths is an effective way for youthful viewers to study a few of the fundamentals of Greek Mythology. While the present solely consisted of 4 episodes, the truth that they had been created by the thoughts behind The Muppets, Jim Henson, and star the legendary Michael Gambon because the titular StoryTeller already seals The StoryTeller: Greek Myths as an effective way to study.

This TV present about Greek Mythology takes viewers by a couple of traditional Greek legends, all totally dramatized with an ensemble forged, whereas Gambon’s storyteller (alongside his belief canine, voiced by Brian Henson) narrates the tales. The tales of Theseus, Perseus, and Medusa are simply a few of the myths lined throughout the 4 episodes. Looking again, it’s considerably shocking this miniseries wasn’t taken additional, because it was an extremely modern approach of using the creativeness that got here with Jim Henson’s puppets and utilizing them in an academic context.

22 Ulysses 31 (1981)

The Anime That Reframes Greek Myths Into The thirty first Century

There are a number of anime exhibits about Greek Mythology, however one of the timeless is the French-Japanese cartoon Ulysses 31, which aired between 1981 and 1982. The premise of Ulysses 31 was in some methods simple. The present merely took characters from Greek mythology and retold (loosely) their tales within the thirty first century. It’s removed from a traditionally correct present about Greek legends, nevertheless it by no means tries to be, and as an alternative makes use of Ancient Greece’s myths as a basis to construct a colourful anime space-opera journey.

The Odyssey is now a space-ship, for instance. Zeus stays the god of gods, and Poseidon’s servants have spacecraft formed like big tridents. Ulysses is a ship captain in Ulysses 31, and is tasked with discovering the interstellar kingdom of Hades in order that he can return to earth. While solely 26 episodes lengthy, Ulysses 31 serves as each an intriguing twist on Greek mythology and a nostalgic throwback to the distinctive anime period of the early Eighties.

21 The Mighty Hercules (1963)

The Saturday Morning Cartoon That Inspired Bruce Timm’s Superman Design

(*25*)

Anime is not the one subgenre of animation that drew from Greek Mythology. Saturday morning cartoons had been coming into their heyday within the Nineteen Sixties, and among the many dozens that kick-started the weekend for youngsters throughout the nation was 1963’s The Mighty Hercules. As the title reveals, The Mighty Hercules monopolized within the spike of recognition of the swords-and-sandal style of the late Fifties and Nineteen Sixties, utilizing Hercules as its central level to loosley adapt a mess of various Greek myths and legends (or characters from them, a minimum of).

The Mighty Hercules did not even attempt to keep true to the supply materials, however that is no shock, since its aim was to easily create partaking animated leisure for youthful viewers. Hercules would face a unique villain every week, coming down from Mount Olympus to thwart the likes of Medusa, the Cyclops, or The Minotaur. The format was profitable sufficient to hold The Mighty Hercules for 128 episodes, and the character design of Hercules himself was cited as inspiration for Bruce Timm when designing the look of Superman in Superman: The Animated Series.

20 Hercules: The Animated Series (1998)

The Tie-In To The Acclaimed Disney Movie

There’s not a lot argument that Disney’s Hercules film was a way more beloved adaptation of the story than 1995 present, and made him a extra charismatic character in addition to a Disney prince. However, the film did an enormous time leap and skipped Hercules’ progress from “zero to hero” by together with all of it in a single musical montage.

The 1998 cartoon sequence, Hercules: The Animated Series fixes that, though in doing so it makes a number of contradictions to the movie’s timeline. The tie-in animated sequence from Disney explores the unexplored interval the place Phil was coaching Hercules to turn out to be a hero and mercenary. That goes to indicate that montages aren’t all that, and it really takes loads of time earlier than one can obtain an Olympian physique. Notably, each Tate Donovan and James Woods returned to voice Hercules and Hades, respectively.

19 Young Hercules (1998)

An Attempt To Bring Greek Mythology To A Younger Audience

While it solely lasted for one season, Young Hercules featured an early position for a really younger Ryan Gosling. This Greek mythology present was a prequel to Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and aired on the Fox Kids Network between 1998 and 1999. Hercules attended Cheiron’s Academy to coach to turn out to be a warrior, all whereas his half-brother, Ares the God of War, plotted to destroy him.

Kevin Tod Smith reprised his position as Ares from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys for this spinoff sequence. The present is generally geared towards a youthful viewers and its Greek mythology was strained at greatest when it got here to a devoted adaptation. Several characters from Greek legend appeared within the present although, together with Jason, Iolaus, Theseus, Hephaestus, and, in fact, Zeus. While Young Hercules failed to depart a cultural mark, it was nominated for a PrimeTime Emmy in 1999 for Oustanding Sound Editing.

18 Helen Of Troy (2003)

The Small-Screen Retelling Of One Of History’s Most Notorious Conflicts

Released in 2003, the TV miniseries Helen of Troy adopted the lady who stood in the course of the savage struggle in Troy that stretched out over 10 years. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy is Zeus’s daughter and this story got here from Homer’s epic poem the Iliad. In the sequence, the goddess Aphrodite guarantees him the love of probably the most stunning girl on the planet.

When Helen of Troy’s father presents her to marry Menelaus, it begins a struggle between all who fell in need of her love. By the time Paris lastly arrives, Troy is left in ruins. Helen of Troy picked up a number of awards, together with a nomination for Best Miniseries on the Satellite Awards. This 2003 miniseries is one in every of a number of events that the siege of Troy has been tailored for screens, with it famously being the topic of the epic film Troy starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Sean Bean, and Orlando Bloom, which was launched the next 12 months.

17 The Odyssey (1968)

Horror Icon Mario Bava’s Take On The Classic Tale

There have been a number of variations of Homer’s Odyssey, and an Italian miniseries based mostly on the epic poem arrived in 1968 referred to as The Odyssey. One notable factor about this particular story of Greek mythology is that Italian horror icon Mario Bava was one of many administrators of the eight-hour sequence. Of all of the re-tellings of Homer’s epic, this one sticks closest to the story and is probably the most devoted to his story.

It was clear that Bava had his hand within the sequence, because it seemed prefer it was pulled out of Ancient Greece and the scene with the one-eyed Polyphemus was as horrific because it was brilliantly realized. The forged was additionally remarkably well-selected too. Of word is the inclusion of Demkin Fehmiu — a Yugoslavian actor who was the primary Eastern European to land a job in Hollywood — as Odysseus.

16 Valentine (2008 – 2009)

Greek Gods Attempt To Navigate The Modern World

Valentine was an uncommon Greek mythology present, because it aired on The CW as a romantic comedy-drama in 2008. Created by Kevin Murphy (Desperate Housewives), the Valentine household are gods dwelling among the many people on Earth. They have been hiding their true nature from people, however they realized that if they do not do a greater job in the case of matchmaking, they may find yourself turning into mortals.

What connects this with Greek mythology is that Grace (Jaime Murray) is the Greek god Aphrodite and different gods embody Eros, Hercules, Hephaestus, Circe, and Ares. The sequence solely lasted for one season and eight episodes. There are components of later exhibits like Small Gods in Valentine, because the Greek pantheon should additionally come to phrases with the truth that they are much much less highly effective than they was once.

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15 Krapopolis (2023- )

The Quirky Animated Show From Dan Harmon

Rick & Morty co-creator Dan Harmon took Greek mythology and used it to create an grownup animated sequence with Krapopolis. As a part of the grownup animation block with Family Guy, The Simpsons, and Bob’s Burgers, Krapopolis tells the story of Tyrannis, a demigod and king of Krapopolis who desires to create the world’s first metropolis. However, the humor comes from his household, which features a Mantitore, a cyclops, a sea creature, and the Goddess of Self-Destruction and Questionable Choice. Also showing are actual gods like Athena, Poseidon, Dionysus, and extra.

The forged of Krapopolis is a giant a part of the attraction. Richard Ayoade of The IT Crowd fame, What We Do In The Shadows star Matt Berry, and Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham all lend their voices to the present, and the outcomes are hilarious. While it is one of many least devoted Greek mythology exhibits in the case of precisely representing the traditional tales, it is positively among the many funniest and most watchable.

14 Troy: Fall Of A City (2018)

One Of The Most Original Retellings Of An Epic Ancient Greek Romance

Troy: Fall of a City was a British miniseries based mostly on the Trojan War and is one in every of a number of Greek mythology exhibits (and films) that is a re-telling of the love affair of Helen of Troy and Paris. While this story has been re-told usually, 2018’s Troy: Fall Of A City is a really totally different model as it isn’t based mostly on Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey however is as an alternative an authentic model of the traditional Greek myths.

This sequence provides in a number of scenes and moments solely hinted at within the authentic traditional epic poems. With that stated, this nonetheless focuses on the 10-year struggle between Troy and the Greeks after Paris and Helen depart Sparta for Troy. Troy: Fall Of A City was created by famous playwright David Farr, who aslo served because the screenwriter for 2016’s The Night Manager and the 2011 film Hanna.

13 Blood Of Zeus (2020)

The Gritty And Gory Story Of Zeus’s Illegitimate Son

One of the newest additions to the pantheon of Greek mythology exhibits was Netflix’s Blood of Zeus, which arrived in 2020, and painted the traditional world in a brand new mild by portraying it as a bloody animated present. It’s a brand new story of a Greek hero however follows a template just like the story of Theseus. Blood of Zeus follows the approaching of age of a person named Heron who, like most fabled Greek fantasy heroes, is an illegitimate love baby of a god, particularly Zeus.

It’s not simply Heron’s journey that Blood of Zeus provides focus, but in addition the brewing drama between Zeus and Hera, the latter of which was vengefully bitter relating to her husband’s affair. This units off an intertwined plot that ultimately culminates into an epic inter-family struggle in Olympus. Blood of Zeus was critically acclaimed with a uncommon 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

12 Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995)

Easy-Watch Adventures Starring The Ancient World’s Most Famouns Demigod

There have been loads of iterations of Hercules, from the Marvel Comics character to the animated Disney model. He’s a personality in Greek mythology who many younger boys aspire to be once they develop up, and earlier than Disney reintroduced the character to the world, there was Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. It’s a campy journey down reminiscence lane and whereas the present does not essentially bode nicely for the vital palate, it is nonetheless satisfying sufficient within the realm of Greek mythology exhibits.

While it is just a little tacky at factors, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys is finally a TV present a couple of hero whose principal energy is actually his energy — there’s little within the premise to recommend something however easy-viewing motion. Hercules is not precisely identified to be the brightest among the many demigods both, and that makes him all of the extra of a relatable character.

11 Class Of The Titans (2005)

Cronus Returns And Must Be Stopped By The Descendants Of Greek Heroes

Not to be confused with Ray Harryhausen’s epic or the remake, Class of the Titans is a cartoon from 2005 that is fairly just like the Percy Jackson books and films. It’s a recent adaptation of Greek mythology the place the supposed descendants of the gods are strolling amongst mere fashionable mortals. It’s a child’s present, and adults would possibly discover it a bit too sterile for his or her style, however in the case of introducing kids to the great world of Greek mythology exhibits (albeit with tons of sugarcoating), one cannot go incorrect with Class of the Titans.

In phrases of the plot, Class of the Titans sees the legendary titan Cronus breaking freed from his incarceration in Tartarus to wreak havoc upon the world of mortals as soon as extra. The seven central heroes of the present are drawn collectively by an historical prophecy that foretells they will be the one ones to cease him, as they’re all descended from Greek heroes of legend like Jason of the Argonauts, Artemis, Achilles, and Hercules.

10 Atlantis (2013)

A Deep Sea Submarine Pilot Discovers A World Of Ancient Legend

When it involves instructional Greek mythology exhibits, BBC proves it will not lag behind and community loyalists will likely be happy to know that it has its personal serving of semi-informative journey title referred to as Atlantis. The entire present takes place within the famed metropolis of Greek myths. A person named Jason in some way acquired transported a number of centuries again into the town in its prime after a deep-sea expedition went awry.

A phrase of warning is so as although: regardless of the title, the sequence does not actually have a lot to do with the legendary undersea metropolis Atlantis as viewers could also be conversant in. It simply makes use of a few of the acquainted and established names in historical past to spin its personal story that is related sufficient to Greek mythology, such because the king of the town being the ruthless Minos, and Hercules, who’s reimagined as an ageing former prize-fighter.

9 Xena: Warrior Princess (1995)

The Critically Acclaimed Hercules Spinoff

Sam Raimi could also be identified for his work with Spider-Man and horror films within the 2020s, however his profession obtained an early enhance a long time in the past with the hit Greek mythology present Xena: Warrior Princess. A traditional from the Nineteen Nineties that also enjoys an enthusiastic fanbase, Xena travels in the identical circles as Hercules. In reality, she began as a personality on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and was so widespread that she acquired her personal spinoff higher than the unique.

Like many Greek mythology exhibits, Xena was additionally based mostly in a world that mixes actual historic occasions, individuals, and locations with unbelievable components from historical myths, legends, and fables. The present ultimately surpassed Hercules: The Legendary Journeys in recognition and generated a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase together with a number of optimistic recognition from critics, and starring because the titular warrior princess was positively a profession spotlight for actress Lucy Lawless.

8 Cupid (2009)

The Greek God Of Love Must Play Matchmaker In Modern New York

A contemporary comedic romance that depends on an outdated legend, Cupid is a revival of a sequence that aired in 1998. Some fundamental modifications had been made, like altering the setting from Chicago to New York, the previous having extra of a romantic fame. The fundamental premise is that the primary character simply may be the human incarnation of the traditional god, Cupid, and he has a quest to unite 100 {couples} earlier than returning to Olympus.

Although the present’s title makes use of the Roman identify of the god, the primary character’s alias, Ed Ross, is a derivation of the Greek identify Eros, and the names are sometimes used interchangeably. Bobby Cannavale, who gained a Primetime Emmy Award for his visitor position in Will & Grace, performs Ed Ross, and whereas the present did not final past its preliminary season, it is nonetheless price a look ahead to followers of Greeky mythology looking for exhibits that put a contemporary twist on one in every of its most intriguing deities.

7 Clash Of The Gods (2009)

The History Channel’s Informative Take On Greek Myths And Legends

The History Channel has its personal providing for many who may be much less inclined to learn up on Greek mythology books for specific causes. With 2009’s Clash of the Gods, the channel made it a mission to make a compelling Greek mythology present that mixes drama and pressure with being informative, protecting every thing from when Zeus and his siblings fought the Titans by to the Odyssey and the Trojan War. Topics lined embody Medusa’s creation and even the Minotaur.

All the tales are instructed in a stylized VFX just like the one popularized by movies like 300. Each episode focuses on a personality or occasion from the Greek mythology, with the primary being centered on the story of Zeus, adopted up by his son Hercules after which his brother Hades. It may be too 3D or animated for some viewers, however anybody seeking to enrich their information of Greek mythology must have an interest.

6 Olympus (2015)

The Live-Action Precursor To Blood Of Zeus

Olympus is fairly related in theme and story to Netflix’s Blood of Zeus, although it existed 5 years earlier and on the SyFy channel. It’s one of many Greek mythology exhibits that tackles the story of one other courageous younger man who could or is probably not the son of one of many Olympian mainstays. Throughout the younger man’s journey to search out out the reality about his previous, he ultimately turns into a worthy challenger to the Olympians themselves. He should then lead humankind on a quest to turn out to be immortal just like the gods themselves.

While Olympus is a SyFy present and maybe lacks the price range of, say, a Netflix historic drama, it nonetheless delivers the intrigue and setting mainstays followers of Greek mythology TV exhibits will love. Olympus focuses on a personality merely often called Hero, performed by Tom York of Poldark fame. Several identified names from the traditional world seem, akin to Medea, Minos, Pandora and Xerxes.