Christopher Nolan has become a rare breed of filmmaker—one whose name alone can fill theaters. On July 17th, he'll unleash his next cinematic odyssey: an adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey. To prepare for what promises to be a monumental journey, we've curated a list of 10 classic epics that share DNA with Nolan's vision. These aren't just the greatest epics of the 20th century; they're the ones that feel most akin to the mythic scope and emotional depth of The Odyssey.
1. 'Princess Mononoke' (1997)
Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece is a hero's journey in the truest sense, much like Homer's epic. With breathtaking animation and a mature exploration of nature versus industry, this Studio Ghibli classic weaves a tale of a young prince caught between warring gods and humans. Its world-building and character arcs are as rich as any live-action epic, making it essential viewing for fans of mythic storytelling.
2. 'Forrest Gump' (1994)
Robert Zemeckis's Best Picture winner might seem an odd choice, but its structure—a personal journey through decades of American history—mirrors the episodic nature of The Odyssey. Forrest's accidental encounters with historical events and his relentless pursuit of love create a uniquely intimate epic. It's a reminder that epic doesn't always mean swords and sandals; sometimes it's a box of chocolates.
3. 'Once Upon a Time in the West' (1968)
Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Western is a mythic tale of vengeance and homecoming, directly inspired by the same archetypes that fuel The Odyssey. With Henry Fonda playing against type and Ennio Morricone's haunting score, this film is a masterclass in pacing and visual storytelling. Its sprawling landscapes and morally complex characters set a standard for cinematic epics.
4. 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' (1966)
Often hailed as the greatest Western ever made, Leone's film is a fast-paced epic about greed and survival during the Civil War. Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef deliver iconic performances, while Morricone's score remains unforgettable. Its episodic structure and larger-than-life characters echo the trials of Odysseus, proving that epic journeys come in many forms.
5. 'Apocalypse Now' (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam War epic is a descent into madness loosely based on Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. Its surreal, episodic narrative and psychological intensity mirror the odyssey of a soldier sent to assassinate a rogue colonel. The film's production was legendary for its chaos, but the result is a haunting exploration of the human condition that Nolan's Odyssey will surely echo.
6. 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962)
David Lean's desert epic is the gold standard for sweeping historical adventures. Peter O'Toole's portrayal of T.E. Lawrence is a study in hubris and transformation, set against vast landscapes that dwarf the characters. Its themes of identity and destiny are timeless, and its influence on Nolan's approach to scale and spectacle is undeniable.
7. 'Gladiator' (2000)
Ridley Scott's return to the sword-and-sandal genre redefined the epic for a new generation. Russell Crowe's Maximus is a hero driven by vengeance and a longing for home—the same forces that propel Odysseus. With stunning battle sequences and a powerful score, Gladiator proves that the classic epic is alive and well.
8. 'The Ten Commandments' (1956)
Cecil B. DeMille's biblical epic is a monument to old Hollywood excess. Its grand set pieces, from the parting of the Red Sea to the golden calf, are the stuff of legend. The film's moral journey and divine interventions resonate with the mythological elements of The Odyssey, making it a must-watch for anyone craving spectacle.
9. 'Ben-Hur' (1959)
William Wyler's chariot-racing epic is a triumph of storytelling and technical achievement. Charlton Heston's Judah Ben-Hur undergoes a transformation from prince to slave to hero, mirroring Odysseus's own trials. The film's themes of redemption and endurance are timeless, and its influence on modern epics is immeasurable.
10. 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001)
Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic is a modern classic that shares The Odyssey's structure of a quest against impossible odds. Its richly detailed world, complex characters, and emotional depth set a new bar for epic filmmaking. As Nolan prepares his own odyssey, this film reminds us that the journey is just as important as the destination.
These 10 films offer a masterclass in epic storytelling, from intimate character studies to sweeping historical dramas. Whether you're a Nolan fan or a newcomer to the genre, they'll prepare you for the cinematic event of the summer. For more on Nolan's IMAX legacy, check out how his 'Dark Knight' lens paved the way for 'The Odyssey'. And if you're looking for more unpredictable classics, explore the most unpredictable movies ever ranked.
