Top 10 Best Adaptations of Greek Mythology
#10: The “God of War” franchise (2005-)
This Kratos may not come from Greek mythology, but the world around him absolutely does. The original “God of War” trilogy throws players directly into conflicts with Ares, Athena, Poseidon, Zeus, and nearly every major figure in the Greek pantheon. The series famously takes enormous liberties with the myths, transforming ancient stories into operatic tales of revenge and trauma. Yet despite the spectacle, the “God of War” games demonstrate a deep familiarity with the source material and its themes of fate, hubris, prophecy, and divine cruelty. Plus, at a baseline level, they’re just really fun games!
#9: “Hercules” (1997)
Disney may play fast and loose with some of the details, but who can resist a classic adventure musical from the Mouse House? This 1997 animated feature transformed the classic hero into an inspiring role model for all ages. And, if you look deep enough, large swaths of his story are still there. You’ve got the gods of Olympus, the Hydra, Pegasus, the Fates, and perhaps most importantly, Hades himself. Purists may object to some of the changes, but the movie succeeds where many adaptations fail - it inspires audiences to learn more about the mythology it's based on. You can’t ask for a more magical trip to Olympus.
#8: “Mythos” (2017)
Stephen Fry
At the start of this collection, author Stephen Fry assures readers you don’t need any background knowledge to enjoy his work. “Mythos” stands wholly on its own as both a gateway to the dense stories of mythology, as well as a love letter to some of its greatest narratives. It’s quite the feat! This hailing from someone like Fry, who’s known in comedic and broadcast spaces, makes the classic fables much more palatable for a modern audience. The result feels less like reading a textbook and more like trading stories around a campfire. Not only does “Mythos” require no assigned reading to enjoy, but we can’t think of a better entry into the world of Gods and Monsters.
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#7: “Blood of Zeus” (2020-25)
Set during the aftermath of the Titan War, this bold animated series takes on Greek tragedy with divine results. “Blood of Zeus” incorporates familiar figures like Hera, Zeus, Hermes, and Seraphim while drawing heavily from their classic stories. The show's interpretation of Hera, in particular, captures her jealousy and devotion without reducing her to a one-note antagonist. Combined with large-scale battles and anime-inspired action, the series succeeds in feeling modern while remaining recognizably Greek. Our only complaint is that the planned five-season story got cut down to three. Netflix is going to the Underworld for that one!
#6: “The Song of Achilles” (2011)
Madeline Miller
Despite the name, this isn’t just Achillies’ story, and it’s all the better for it. Told primarily through the eyes of the hero’s lover, Patroclus, Madeline Miller reframes the Trojan War as a deeply personal love story. The novel largely embraces its roots, exploring the emotional consequences of choices readers already know are coming. Achilles remains proud, brilliant, and flawed exactly as mythology remembers him. The difference is that Miller allows audiences to understand him not as just as a heroic figure, but as a young man destined for heartbreak. Take it from us, though, and pack a few tissues for this one!
#5: “Kaos” (2024)
Whoever decided to cast Jeff Goldblum as Zeus deserves a one-way ticket to Olympus, STAT. He gives the performance of a lifetime in “Kaos,” which allows him to chew all sorts of scenery as the egotistical king desperate to hold onto his power. That becomes difficult when three unwitting humans become involved in a prophecy to take down the order of the gods. Yeah, it’s kind of, well, chaotic. But, beneath the contemporary coat of paint, “Kaos” paints a surprisingly accurate picture of the vain and messy life of godhood. It’s just a shame Netflix shafted it after one season… wait, is there an echo in here?
#4: “Hadestown”
Way down in Hadestown, there’s a jazzy opera still kicking around on Broadway. Written and composed by Anaïs Mitchell, this Tony-winning piece of theater tells the tragic story of Orpheus and Eurydice. It’s accompanied by brilliant melodies, powerful storytelling, and some of the greatest musical moments you’ll ever see on stage. The Tony for “best musical” feels like an understatement here. “Hadestown” is a true modern classic. It revitalizes the core myth by grounding it in timeless themes of hope and labor. Not to mention the devastating consequences of doubt creeping in at the wrong moment.
#3: “The Odyssey” (2026)
Long before superheroes dominated multiplexes, Homer wrote one of history's greatest stories. Christopher Nolan's adaptation brought that epic all the way to the big screen, introducing mainstream audiences to Cyclops’, Sirens, Gods, and more. This being Nolan, viewers were treated to unparalleled spectacle, emotional complexity, and a next-level approach to its famed source material. On principle alone, it’s a cinematic experience like nothing else. But, more importantly, Nolan’s take on “The Odyssey” treats Homer’s work as more than mere escapism. There’s a reason it’s a foundational text generations later, and Nolan is well aware of why.
#2: “Hades” (2020) & “Hades II” (2025)
Like a good myth, death is only the beginning for Zagreus. The Prince of the Underworld has only one goal: escape. But, that’s easier said than done when your dad is Hades, and the Underworld is crawling with all sorts of unfriendly faces. It’s a brilliant concept for a roguelike game, turning death into a gameplay mechanic that rewards skill and strategy. However, “Hades’” award-winning success doesn’t just come from its gameplay. Everything from its art design to its narrative to its soundtrack is steeped with deep reverence for its mythological roots. It’s a great game because of its Greek backdrop, not in spite of it.
#1: The “Percy Jackson” franchise
If you grew up in the 2000s, odds are you didn’t learn Greek mythology in a classroom. You probably picked it up from a certain snarky Seaweed Brain, also known as Percy Jackson. We could spend all day singing Rick Riordan’s praises. The way he effortlessly turns ancient Greek stories into exciting, digestible children’s literature is nothing short of breathtaking. While it’s friendly for all ages, “Percy Jackson” never felt like it was dumbing itself down. You’ll meet Medusa, Hades, Ares, and more across and Riordan does justice by them all. Multiple books, spinoffs, a movie, a TV Show, and a broadway musical later, the verdict is clear. Percy Jackson is godlike.
Which Greek myth is your absolute favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
