Buzz
While many films rooted in ancient myths are often labeled as revisionist, this perspective overlooks a fundamental aspect of folklore and mythology: these stories naturally evolve with each storyteller and audience, adapting to their cultural context.
Tales that lack this flexibility rarely endure as long as these timeless narratives, some of which have been passed down for centuries or even millennia. To see this in action, check out these 30 diverse, mythology-inspired films available for streaming today.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Inspired by: The myriad legends of the Holy Grail associated with the mythical British ruler, King Arthur.
A remarkably authentic adaptation of the King Arthur literary tradition, offering a precise depiction of medieval life.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Inspired by: The legendary English folk hero, whose tales have been told since at least the 1300s.
The Robin Hood legend has no single authoritative version, and while the character has evolved over centuries, many familiar elements originate from this adaptation. Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland radiate charm and enthusiasm in this vibrant, fast-paced, and visually stunning film, making it an absolute delight.
Where to stream: Tubi
The Green Knight (2021)
Inspired by: The 14th-century chivalric tale Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, along with other Arthurian legends.
While not historically accurate, David Lowery’s surreal interpretation of Arthurian lore masterfully captures the bizarre and otherworldly essence of Middle English literature like never before.
Where to stream: Max
Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Inspired by: The fusion of West African spiritual traditions, Haitian Voodou, and Roman Catholic rituals that define Louisiana Voodoo.
Kasi Lemmons’ Eve’s Bayou, which she wrote and directed, is a deeply layered Southern Gothic tale infused with elements of magical realism. Diahann Carroll portrays Elzora, a Voodoo practitioner reminiscent of Marie Laveau, a historical figure whose life straddles the boundary between documented history and myth.
Where to stream: Freevee, Mubi, Starz
The Virgin Spring (1960)
Inspired by: The 13th-century Scandinavian and Swedish ballad Töres döttrar i Wänge.
Ingmar Bergman’s gripping tale of vengeance, which loosely inspired Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left, draws from a medieval ballad recounting a local legend from Kärna, Sweden, tied to the founding of a nearby church. The film, centered on the tragic rape and murder of a young girl en route to church, stands as one of Bergman’s most provocative works, yet it subtly uncovers glimmers of hope amidst the darkness of its medieval setting.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel, Kanopy
Achoura (2018)
Inspired by: Tales of Jinn.
One of the rare horror films to emerge from Morocco, Achoura marks a bold and striking debut, despite some uneven CGI. Drawing parallels to It, the story follows four childhood friends who reunite after the sudden return of a friend who vanished two decades earlier, compelling them to confront long-buried memories from their past.
Where to stream: Shudder, Tubi, AMC+, Freevee
Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998)
Inspired by: Various folktales from Senegal.
Drawing from various West African folktales, Kirikou and the Sorceress follows the titular boy as he protects his village from a malevolent witch whose true nature is far more complex than it seems. These stories, like much folklore, were passed down through generations, in this case recorded by François Equilbecq, a colonial administrator in the early 1900s. Directed by a white French filmmaker, the film nonetheless treats its source material with reverence and a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage, leading to two successful sequels.
Where to stream: Prime Video
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
Inspired by: The 10th-century Japanese prose narrative The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
Adapted faithfully from a millennium-old story, The Tale of Princess Kaguya may not be as widely recognized as other Studio Ghibli masterpieces, but it stands among their finest works. The tale begins with a bamboo cutter discovering a tiny girl inside a bamboo shoot, whom he and his wife raise as their own. Kaguya’s extraordinary beauty and her father’s insistence on her royal treatment become as confining as her mother’s traditional subservience. As suitors vie for her hand, Kaguya’s mysterious origins gradually come to light.
Where to stream: Max
Song of the Sea (2014)
Inspired by: Celtic legends surrounding selkies, fairies, and Macha, a goddess closely tied to Ulster.
Tomm Moore’s visually stunning animated feature centers on 10-year-old Ben, who holds his sister Saoirse responsible for their mother’s disappearance after her birth. When he learns that Saoirse is a selkie—a mythical being part human, part seal—he joins her on a journey to rescue fairies from the clutches of the goddess Macha. This film is the second installment in Moore’s trilogy exploring Irish folklore, each a masterpiece in its own right.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Ritual (2017)
Inspired by: Norse legends and the jötunn.
After the tragic murder of a close friend during a failed liquor store robbery, what’s the logical next step? For these four friends, it’s a hiking trip through the Swedish wilderness. This gripping thriller combines the terror of getting lost in the woods with mythological horrors rooted in ancient lore. True to folk horror traditions, the group stumbles upon a cult that practices human sacrifice, forcing them to confront not only the cult but also a monstrous descendant of Loki.
Where to stream: Netflix
Troll Hunter (2010)
Inspired by: The Trolls from Nordic mythology and folklore.
André Øvredal’s Trollhunter masterfully blends horror, dark fantasy, and found-footage elements with a mockumentary twist. Drawing from ancient troll legends, the film incorporates classic tropes: trolls can detect Christian blood, consume both rocks and humans, and possess limited intelligence. Daylight turns them to stone, making UV flashlights a key defense. The climax features a battle with a Jotnar, a colossal mountain troll likely inspired by references in Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, alongside nods to Norwegian fairytales like "Three Billy Goats Gruff."
Where to stream: Prime Video, Peacock, Tubi, Freevee
Juju Stories (2021)
Inspired by: West African juju, a form of folk magic that combines physical charms with incantations.
A compelling Nigerian triple anthology that delves into the influence of juju in contemporary Lagos, blending ancient magic with modern settings and urban legends. The first story features a single woman creating a love potion from mortuary water and menstrual blood. The second revolves around a chilling urban myth where picking up street money transforms people into yams (a cautionary tale). The third and most gripping segment follows a university student who suspects her best friend, Joy, of being a witch. Nengi Adoki’s portrayal of Joy is a standout, delivering a mesmerizing and unpredictable performance.
Where to stream: Prime Video
The Lure (2015)
Inspired by: Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" and broader mermaid folklore.
Agnieszka Smoczyńska, a Polish director, reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Little Mermaid," emphasizing the darker, more horrifying aspects of the original tale. Set in 1980s Warsaw under neon lights, two mermaids enter the human world and perform at a nightclub, their enchanting songs making them stars. However, when one falls for a human, their bond is threatened. Featuring a synth-heavy soundtrack, bold musical sequences, and a few murders (mermaids need to eat, after all), this is a vibrant and wildly original take on the classic story.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel
Blood Quantum (2019)
Inspired by: Haitian zombie folklore combined with classic zombie movie elements.
Set during a 1981 zombie outbreak, the Red Crow Indian Reservation in Quebec becomes a safe haven as its Mi'kmaq inhabitants are immune to the infection, unlike the white population. This gory yet entertaining zombie film carries deeper themes, drawing parallels to a 1981 raid by Quebec Provincial Police on the Listuguj reserve, where locals resisted. Mi'kmaq filmmaker Jeff Barnaby cleverly transforms these real-life events into a gripping zombie narrative.
Where to stream: Shudder
Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Inspired by: The Greek myth of Jason, leader of the Argonauts, and their quest for the Golden Fleece.
Ray Harryhausen’s animated masterpiece vividly depicts the epic journey for the Golden Fleece, featuring gods, goddesses, kings, and mythical beasts as obstacles. Highlights include the iconic skeleton warriors and the thrilling clash with the colossal bronze giant Talos.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Orpheus (1950)
Inspired by: The Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Jean Cocteau’s timeless film reimagines the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice in modern-day Paris, becoming nearly as influential as the original myth. Its exploration of the artist’s journey and tragic love story, culminating in a Rolls-Royce’s mirror, has inspired countless poets, painters, and filmmakers.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel
His House (2020)
Inspired by: The apeths, or night witches, from South Sudanese Dinka mythology and religion.
A South Sudanese refugee couple faces challenges adapting to life in a serene English village, gradually understanding that their past continues to haunt them. The narrative weaves in aspects of Dinka diaspora spirituality and myths, especially focusing on a ravenous night witch that jeopardizes their future.
Where to watch: Netflix
Beowulf (2007)
Based on: Beowulf, an ancient English epic poem with origins in older Germanic legends.
Robert Zemeckis ventured into the realm of early Western literature and the eerie depths of the uncanny valley with his 3D animated fantasy. This adaptation stands out as the most notable film version of Beowulf, offering a blend of psychological depth and enhanced pre-Christian themes amidst its graphic scenes and brief digital nudity, thanks to the creative input of writers Neil Gaiman and Roger Avery (Pulp Fiction).
Available for: Digital rental
Iphigenia (1977)
Based on: The ancient Greek myth of Iphigenia, particularly Euripides' dramatic interpretation.
True to the essence of Greek tragedy, this story avoids clear-cut heroes and villains, instead presenting complex ethical dilemmas. The central figure, Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, becomes a tragic pawn when Artemis demands her sacrifice to ensure the success of the Trojan mission. Director Michael Cacoyannis infuses the tale with a raw, visceral realism.
Watch on: Vudu
Leviathan (2014)
Inspired by: The colossal sea monster from the Hebrew Bible, notably mentioned in the Book of Job, with roots in even older traditions.
In co-writer and director Andrey Zvyagintsev’s film, the massive whale carcass is more than just a backdrop; it draws thematic parallels to the biblical story of Job, a devout man tested by misfortune after Satan challenges his faith. While not overtly allegorical, the movie follows a mechanic battling a corrupt mayor intent on seizing his land. The film’s unflinching critique of corruption in Putin’s Russia sparked significant controversy upon its release.
Streaming on: Starz
The Golem (2018)
Inspired by: The mythical creature from Jewish folklore, documented as early as the first Talmudic writings.
This clever Israeli period thriller, set in 1673 Lithuania, stays true to golem legends while introducing fresh perspectives. Hanna (Hani Furstenberg) resides in a shtetl untouched by a nearby plague, making them targets of suspicion among neighboring gentiles. Shunned by her community, Hanna secretly studies kabbalah, gaining the knowledge to create a golem for the village’s protection. Unlike the traditional clay figure, this golem appears as a child.
Streaming on: Prime Video, Peacock, Tubi, Freevee
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Inspired by: Homer’s The Odyssey.
While not a literal adaptation of Homer’s epic, the Coen brothers’ film is steeped in its influence, with clear parallels throughout. The trio of escaped convicts—Ulysses Everett, Pete, and Delmar—face trials reminiscent of ancient myths, from seductive sirens to a cyclops-like figure, only to return to Everett’s wife Penny, now betrothed to another. Even the soundtrack’s surprise hit, “Man of Constant Sorrow,” subtly nods to the Greek origins of Odysseus’s name.
Streaming on: Hulu
My Fair Lady (1964)
Inspired by: The ancient Cypriot King and sculptor Pygmalion, famously depicted in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and his creation, the statue Galatea.
My Fair Lady transforms the Pygmalion myth (via George Bernard Shaw) into the tale of Professor Henry Higgins, who attempts to mold Eliza Doolittle, a working-class girl, into a polished lady. This modern twist on the myth highlights how classical stories have been reshaped over centuries, long before contemporary adaptations.
Available for: Digital rental
Kuroneko (1968)
Inspired by: The Onryō, vengeful spirits from Japanese folklore.
In Japanese folklore, spirits can become unmoored from their bodies due to violent or unjust deaths, leading to tales of vengeance. This concept is masterfully explored in the Japanese thriller Kuroneko, where a woman and her daughter-in-law, victims of a brutal samurai attack, return as vengeful spirits with the aid of a black cat. Their quest for revenge is complicated when the woman’s son, now a samurai, is sent to confront them.
Streaming on: The Criterion Channel
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Inspired by: The timeless tales of Perseus from Greek mythology.
Renowned animator Ray Harryhausen, throughout his illustrious career, tackled numerous mythological themes, yet his final endeavor stood out. This project, a clear-cut adaptation of Perseus's saga (portrayed by Harry Hamlin), showcases his mastery. Perseus, known for taming Pegasus, romancing Andromeda, and defeating Medusa (who, arguably, merited a different fate), is brought to life. While CGI eventually replaced Harryhausen's distinctive stop-motion techniques, it didn't always enhance the storytelling.
Where to stream: Vudu
Excalibur (1981)
Inspired by: Tales of the fabled British monarch King Arthur (originating around the 5th century CE), notably Thomas Mallory’s 15th-century work Le Morte d’Arthur.
The legend of King Arthur has proven remarkably adaptable over centuries, constantly reinventing itself. While we often picture Arthur and his knights in the medieval era, the legendary king was already ancient by the time of Thomas Mallory’s comprehensive retelling. Cinematically, however, Arthur’s journey has been rocky, with many uninspired adaptations. John Boorman’s Excalibur stands out as a shining example, boasting a stellar cast and blending style with depth in this fantasy epic.
Where to stream: Digital rental
La Llorona (2019)
Inspired by: The “Weeping Woman” from Mexican folklore, with roots tracing back to at least the 15th century.
Avoid mixing it up with the decent-but-unremarkable Conjuring-linked Curse of La Llorona released the same year; 2019 was clearly the year of Mexico’s weeping woman. This Guatemalan film takes a more innovative and visually striking approach to the legend, intertwining it with the harrowing genocide of the native Mayans in the early 1980s. After a (fictional) general involved in the atrocities is acquitted, his family hires a new indigenous servant (since other Mayans, understandably, refuse to work for them). Unsurprisingly, this servant harbors secrets far beyond her humble appearance.
Where to stream: Shudder, The Criterion Channel
Under the Shadow (2016)
Inspired by: Tales of Jinn, supernatural beings rooted in pre-Islamic Arabian traditions.
Set against a specific historical backdrop, Babak Anvari’s Under the Shadow uses the concept of Jinn to explore the chaos of war, political unrest, and the struggles of women in repressive regimes. The story, set in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War, follows a woman separated from her husband as she battles both supernatural threats and the constant danger of bombings. Unlike their often one-dimensional portrayal in Western media, Jinn are complex entities in folklore, neither wholly good nor evil, but always potentially dangerous.
Where to stream: Netflix
Black Orpheus (1959)
Inspired by: Ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, dating back to the 6th century BCE and beyond.
Marcel Camus’ Black Orpheus masterfully combines dreamlike fantasy with stark realism, relocating the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to a Rio de Janeiro favela during Carnaval. Breno Mello and Marpessa Dawn portray the doomed lovers, pursued by a shadowy figure who could be Death incarnate or a local assassin, alongside a scorned ex-fiancée. The myth’s elements are ingeniously reimagined, such as Rio’s Bureau of Missing Persons standing in for the underworld. While rooted in Greek mythology, the film’s vibrant setting and climactic Candomblé ritual highlight its Brazilian and African influences. Despite its French origins and a white director adapting a white playwright’s work, the film’s portrayal of Black Brazilians, though debated, remains a joyous and groundbreaking reinterpretation of an ancient story. Its impact on cinema and its role in popularizing Brazilian bossa nova globally are undeniable.
Where to stream: HBO, The Criterion Channel, Kanopy
