Movies

Top 8 Mythology Miniseries You Must Watch

BBG News

Time-honored mythology has consistently served as a rich source of inspiration for authors, visual artists, and movie makers. The epic tale of “The Odyssey” alone has seen more than a dozen film adaptations during the past century. A journey of such grand proportions remains evergreen in storytelling. Mythical narratives skillfully blend historical events, fantastical elements, and various religious rituals to produce powerful sagas imbued with tradition, folklore, and diverse cultural practices.

The intricate human-deity dynamics found in mythology work seamlessly with the mini-series structure, as it provides ample space to delve deep into a story over several episodes without the commitment of an ongoing series. A mini-series is longer than a movie but more focused than a continuous series, making it a popular choice for grand tales reminiscent of Homer’s works. Additionally, one can usually complete a mini-series in under a day if they decide to marathon-watch, and there’s no better binge-worthy adventure than an epic saga from the past.

7
‘L’Odissea’ (1968)

Among numerous movies inspired by mythology, Homer’s “The Odyssey” is arguably the most renowned epic of all time. The most acclaimed adaptation of this classic is a miniseries called “L’Odissea“. Originating from Italy in 1968, this eight-part TV series captivated audiences in Italy, Germany, and France. Bekim Fehmiu, a well-known Albanian actor, portrayed Odysseus, while Franco Rossi was the director. A dubbed version of the show was broadcasted on CBS in the United States in 1978.

The Most Faithful Adaptation of a Beloved Classic

Though many American viewers might be more accustomed to the 1997 adaptation of “The Odyssey”, the 1968 miniseries has been highly praised by critics for over half a century now. Currently, it boasts an impressive 8.5/10 rating on IMDb. This production is often regarded as the adaptation that comes closest to mirroring Homer’s original work, despite the influence of 1960s Italian style. As Christian Fischel notes in “Ancient World in Film and Television”, it encompasses all viewpoints, most characters, locations, and events from the poem. Unfortunately, the English dubbing has been lost to time, but subtitles remain for those who wish to watch this timeless classic.

6
‘Merlin’ (1998)

Explore the mystical and enchanting world of King Arthur’s Britain through the eyes of Merlin, the legendary sorcerer. Fans who have finished all five seasons of the popular British series from 2008 may wish to step back in time to watch this 1998 miniseries. This captivating three-part adaptation features Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) as Merlin, with Miranda Richardson (Sleepy Hollow) portraying Queen Mab and Helena Bonham Carter (Alice in Wonderland) as Morgan le Fay. Notable appearances are also made by James Earl Jones (Star Wars) and a pre-Game of Thrones Lena Headey.

Awards and Accolades

The fantasy series, Merlin, earned 15 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, ultimately winning in the categories of visual effects, art direction, makeup, and costume design. It has a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDB and serves as an engaging introduction for those less familiar with the King Arthur/Camelot lore. As Ray Richmond from Variety puts it, “There’s much to appreciate in this Merlin, even for those not steeped in the King Arthur/Camelot tradition.” The show’s aesthetic is reminiscent of productions from the 1990s and may appear dated today, but it offers a nostalgic glimpse into the groundbreaking special effects that were at the pinnacle three decades ago.

5
‘Jason and the Argonauts’ (2000)

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Jason observes his father’s demise at the cruel hands of his uncle, Pelias. This tragic incident compels him to abandon his homeland, only to return after two decades with the aim of reclaiming the throne. This gripping tale was brought to life by Hallmark Entertainment and features several well-known actors. Jason London, known for his role in “Dazed and Confused,” steps into the shoes of our protagonist, while Dennis Hopper, iconic from “Easy Rider,” portrays Pelias. Angus Macfadyen, remembered for his performance in “Braveheart,” takes on the role of the deity, Zeus, and Olivia Williams, recognized from “Dune: Prophecy,” graces the screen as the deity, Hera.

A Mythological Soap Opera

Jason and the Argonauts isn’t revolutionary as a miniseries; it’s quite flamboyant in parts and some acting leaves room for improvement, but it remains an enjoyable choice for those seeking to pass a few hours amid gods, goddesses, and melodrama. It has a nostalgic charm for those who grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as it feels like a relic of its era. With a running time of just three hours, it’s an easy watch for a casual viewing experience.

4
‘The Mists of Avalon’ (2001)

In this retelling inspired by Marion Zimmer Bradley’s popular novel, “The Mists of Avalon” places emphasis on the character of Morgan le Fay (priestess Morgaine), a key figure in Arthurian tales. This narrative delves into ideas about faith and fate, primarily focusing on the influential women surrounding King Arthur. The TV miniseries boasts an impressive cast: Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife”) portrays Morgan le Fay, Samantha Mathis (“Billions”) plays Gwenwyfar, Michael Vartan (“Alias”) takes on Lancelot, and Anjelica Huston (“The Royal Tenenbaums”) brings her acting prowess to the role of Morgan le Fay’s aunt, Vivianne, or The Lady of the Lake.

Mixed Reviews With Praise for the Cast

Initially broadcast over eight episodes on TNT, The Mists of Avalon was quite a significant television spectacle back then. Critical reception was varied, leaning more towards the positive side than negative. It received nine Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won in the category for makeup in a miniseries or movie. However, IMDb rates it at 6.8 out of 10. Variety’s Steven Oxman criticized the script as “uninspired,” but he also acknowledged that it had a compelling concept and a strong ensemble cast.

3
‘Helen of Troy’ (2003)

In this Homer-inspired miniseries, the pivotal character of Helen from the Trojan War tale takes center stage. The course of history shifts when Helen, who was abducted and then wed to King Menelaus, develops feelings for Paris of Troy. The pair elope, yet war erupts as sorrow looms ominously in the distance. The two-part production features Sienna Guillory (“Love Actually”) playing Helen and Matthew Marsden (“Rambo”) portraying Paris. Notable appearances include Stellan Skarsgård (“Dune”) as Theseus and Rufus Sewell (“The Diplomat”) as Agamemnon.

Some viewers see Helen of Troy as a hidden gem that others find dull and uninteresting. The series was often lauded for its makeup and visual effects, but critics weren’t quite as enamored. Michael Speier from Variety called it “personality-free folklore,” saying it’s a stiff portrayal of mythology that relies too heavily on elaborate costumes, special effects, and accents. Overall, the miniseries seems to land in the ‘better than nothing’ category. If you can look past its shortcomings, the show could keep you entertained for an easygoing afternoon.

2
‘Maya and the Three’ (2021)

In the 21st century, an array of animated series inspired by mythology has emerged, among them is “Maya and The Three”, conceived by Jorge R. Gutierrez, a collaborator on the script for “The Book of Life“. This captivating show unfolds in pre-colonial Mesoamerica where a fearless princess named Maya embarks on a quest to assemble three brave warriors. This alliance is essential to fulfill a prophecy and prevent impending doom. The tale encompasses various aspects of Aztec, Caribbean, Mayan, and Incan folklore and customs. Zoe Saldaña lends her voice to Maya, while Diego Luna, Stephanie Beatriz, Queen Latifa, Rita Moreno, and others contribute their voices to characters throughout the story. The series comprises a total of nine episodes.

100% Rating on Rotten Tomatoes

At the moment, “Mayal and the Three” has received a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread positive reviews. Critics have praised it for its artistic visuals and captivating storytelling. As Cristina Escobar notes in RogerEbert.com, the series employs a rich color scheme that ranges from earthy tones to vibrant neons, creating a unique aesthetic for each frame. Caroline Framke of Variety also finds the show to be epic in scope and boasts an undeniable affection for its universe, making it difficult to resist.

1
‘Moon Knight’ (2022)

Fans of Oscar Isaac will be thrilled by this miniseries, which is rooted in Marvel comics and brought to life by Disney+ at the peak of comic book adaptations. The character played by Oscar Isaac, Steven Grant, struggles with a sleep disorder. As his real life and dreams become increasingly indistinguishable, Steven uncovers an astounding truth: his true identity isn’t Steven, it’s Marc Spector. He finds himself managing several personas within his mind, one of which is the vigilante Moon Knight, who occasionally takes control of Marc’s body.

Where Marvel Meets Mythology

Many comic book characters draw inspiration from mythological figures, and Moon Knight is one of them. His character originates from the Egyptian deity Khonshu, who is also known as the Moon God. The Marvel miniseries about him has received rave reviews. Experts in archaeology and anthropology have expressed their appreciation for the authenticity that went into creating this show. According to Claire Isabella Gilmour of The Conversation, “The series has been thoroughly resesearched and stays true to the original mythology.” On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently holds an impressive 86% rating.

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2025-04-19 22:33

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