Over the last couple of years, the gaming community has seen a rise in the number of historical fiction-fantasy games. There's the Assassin's Creed franchise, the RPG game Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Total War games. One that has become increasingly popular again after its 2018 release on PS4 is the God of War franchise.
The PS4 installment accrued universal acclaim after developers revitalized the series by having Kratos face off against several Norse deities. A lot of players also loved watching the bond between Kratos and his son grow as it allowed them to see the characters develop emotionally — so much so, that fans would love to see God of War made into a film. Since this would take years, maybe viewers could satisfy themselves with these movies.
Excalibur (1981)
Slightly different from the game's mythology, Excalibur is an epic medieval fantasy film that focuses on Arthurian legends. Starring Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Liam Neeson, the narrative primarily focuses on Arthur's rise to power and the obstacles he faces at the hands of priestess Morgana Le Fay.
However, the film does divulge in other famous legends as the writers take extracts from 'The Holy Grail," "Lancelot and Guinevere," and "The Knights of the Round Table." Excalibur may not have CGI or high-definition cameras but it does have entertaining conflicts and intriguing characters.
Outlander (2008)
Although there is a television show with the same name, it is important to know that the film Outlander is a separate entity altogether. Starring Jim Caviezel, Sophia Myles, and John Hurt, Outlander is a sci-fi actioner that is loosely based on the epic Beowulf.
One might think this concept wouldn't work but it actually does. There are several solid choreographed fight scenes that involve swordplay and the CGI isn't so over-the-top that the monsters all look unrealistic. Fans of the game would thoroughly enjoy the film as the narrative is unpredictable and exciting.
Gods Of Egypt (2016)
Starring Gerard Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gods of Egypt is loosely based on the mythology. The audience sees the sibling rivalry between Set and Osiris culminate on-screen as Set usurps his brother to get the throne. As a result, Osiris' son, Horus, is sent on a quest to restore balance.
Although the film bombed at the box office and was panned by critics, some video gamers might want to check it out as there are a few showdowns between the deities that are similar to the battles in God of War.
Percy Jackson Films (2010-2013)
Although they weren't very popular with the fans of the books, the Percy Jackson films are another set of movies that incorporate Greek mythology. Taking a different route to the other films, the audience sees the son of Poseidon sent on numerous quests to protect his loved ones and prevent the Olympians' feud from culminating on earth.
While viewers shouldn't expect much bloodshed since the films are rated PG, people shouldn't count it out. Like the game, the movies see the Olympians in conflict with one another as well as the demigods. Since the franchise strays away from traditional myths and the books, one may enjoy not knowing what is to come.
The Mummy Franchise (1999-2008)
One of the more underrated franchises has to be Brendan Fraser's The Mummy. Slightly different from other Egyptian-inspired films, The Mummy takes some aspects of the mythology and applies it to the film's narrative.
While the gods and goddesses hardly feature, the viewers do see appearances from significant figures, such as the Scorpion King, Imhotep, Nefertiri, and Anck-Su-Namun. In the third film, the narrative diverts away from Egyptian mythology to include aspects of the Qin Dynasty. All three films are good for action and battle sequences.
Hercules (1997)
This may seem like an odd pick, but Disney's Hercules is quite similar to the PS4 game. While the Greek gods and goddesses do feature in the film, not all of them are his enemies. Instead, the plot explores some of his famous labors, including him taking on Hydra, the Nemean Lion, and the Erymanthian Boar.
Hercules is also seen taking part in Disney's very own "Clash Of The Titans" when he takes on five powerful deities. Although not everything in the movie is accurate, it is still full of action and worth of a watch.
Immortals (2011)
Immortals sees Greek mythology's legendary hero, Theseus, take center stage as he finds himself involved in the battle to save humankind as the war between the gods and the Titans threatens to destroy civilization.
One of the closest adaptations to Greek folklore, the film's narrative presents an interpretation of the Titanomachy and Theseus' battle with the Minotaur. It also delves more into the history of the gods and their relationships.
The Thor Trilogy (2011 - 2017)
One of the more obvious entries to the list has to be the Thor trilogy, which explores the lives of the Norse gods. With the films are predominantly set on Asgard, viewers get the chance to see a young Thor and Loki attempting to find their place in their world as the deities compete for their father's affections. However, that's where the similarities with God of War end.
Since the films are part of the MCU, the narratives don't follow the original Norse myths. Nevertheless, the Thor movies are still worth the watch as they are full of comedy and action.
Clash Of The Titans Films (1981; 2010-2012)
Like the PS4 game, all three films see Perseus take on several Olympic gods as their personal feuds with humankind threaten to destroy his home. In the 1981 and 2010 versions, the directors attempt to stick closely to the traditional tale.
However, the 2012 sequel, Wrath of the Titans sees other Greek legends incorporated into the narrative, including "Bellerophon and the Chimera," "Theseus and the Minotaur," and the "Titanomachy." All three films provide a lot of entertainment so one will never be bored.
Troy (2004)
Starring Brad Pitt and loosely based on Homer's The Iliad, Troy is a film that focuses on the decade-long Trojan War, started as a result of Paris and Helen's love affair. The Greeks attempt to retrieve her from the Trojans, with Achilles and Agamemnon leading the charge.
While a lot of the narrative is devoted to romance, some gamers shouldn't let this discourage them. There are numerous showdowns between the main characters — and a lot of violence.