Gladiator to Troy: 10 Epic period films to watch before Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Written By: Alice Topno | Updated: Jul 17, 2026, 3:42 PM

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Waiting for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey? Here are ten epic period films packed with ancient battles, legendary heroes, and adventures that deserve a spot on your watchlist before the much-awaited release.

10 Epic period films to watch before Christopher Nolans The Odyssey — 10 Epic period films to watch before Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has already become one of the year's biggest cinematic events. With Matt Damon stepping into the role of Odysseus and Nolan promising a grand retelling of Homer's timeless epic, excitement is at an all-time high. If you're in the mood for sweeping battles, powerful rulers, mythical adventures, and stories that transport you to another era, there's no shortage of Hollywood classics to revisit. From ancient Greece and Rome to medieval Scotland and biblical Egypt, these films capture the scale and emotion that make historical epics so unforgettable. Here are ten must-watch period films before you head to the cinema for The Odyssey.

Gladiator: Russell Crowe as Maximus showcased a warrior’s strength, dignity, and emotional depth. — Gladiator: Russell Crowe as Maximus showcased a warrior’s strength, dignity, and emotional depth.

Russell Crowe's Oscar-winning performance as Maximus remains one of the greatest in cinema history. Set in Ancient Rome, the film combines political intrigue, emotional storytelling and breathtaking gladiator battles that still hold up today.

Kingdom of Heaven: Knights and soldiers unite to protect Jerusalem against a powerful invading army — Kingdom of Heaven: Knights and soldiers unite to protect Jerusalem against a powerful invading army

Ridley Scott's historical drama follows a blacksmith who becomes a knight during the Crusades. The director's cut, in particular, is praised for its rich storytelling and spectacular medieval setting.

Braveheart: Thousands of warriors march into battle to reclaim Scotland’s freedom — Braveheart: Thousands of warriors march into battle to reclaim Scotland’s freedom

Mel Gibson stars as Scottish warrior William Wallace in this Academy Award-winning epic. Filled with emotional moments, stirring speeches and unforgettable battle scenes, it's one of the defining historical dramas of the 1990s.

Ben-Hur: A fallen prince returns to challenge Rome in a battle of courage and honour — Ben-Hur: A fallen prince returns to challenge Rome in a battle of courage and honour

Few classics match the grandeur of Ben-Hur. The legendary chariot race alone has earned its place in film history, while the story of betrayal, revenge and redemption remains just as compelling decades later.

The Last Samurai: Samurai warriors rise against imperial forces in a battle of honour and sacrifice — The Last Samurai: Samurai warriors rise against imperial forces in a battle of honour and sacrifice

Tom Cruise leads this visually stunning drama set during Japan's Meiji Restoration. Blending historical events with personal transformation, the film offers breathtaking cinematography and memorable action sequences.

The Northman: Warriors gather to reclaim their honor and take revenge for a lost kingdom — The Northman: Warriors gather to reclaim their honor and take revenge for a lost kingdom

Inspired by Norse legends, Robert Eggers' Viking revenge saga is dark, brutal, and visually mesmerising. The film explores destiny, honour and vengeance in a way that echoes many ancient myths.

Exodus: Gods and Kings: Thousands of Israelites gather to follow Moses on a historic journey from slavery to freedom — Exodus: Gods and Kings: Thousands of Israelites gather to follow Moses on a historic journey from slavery to freedom

Ridley Scott's retelling of the story of Moses features grand production design, large-scale action, and stunning recreations of Ancient Egypt. It's an ambitious biblical epic that delivers spectacle throughout.

Alexander: Thousands of soldiers gather to march with Alexander as he conquers the ancient world — Alexander: Thousands of soldiers gather to march with Alexander as he conquers the ancient world

Oliver Stone's historical drama follows the extraordinary rise of Alexander the Great, charting his military conquests across Asia and the Middle East. The film explores ambition, leadership, and legacy on an epic scale.

300: Three hundred Spartan warriors gather to make their final stand against a mighty Persian army — 300: Three hundred Spartan warriors gather to make their final stand against a mighty Persian army

Zack Snyder's stylised retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae follows King Leonidas and his 300 Spartan warriors as they stand against the Persian Empire. Its bold visuals and larger-than-life storytelling have made it a modern cult favourite.

Troy: Kings, warriors, and legends collide in the epic battle for the city of Troy — Troy: Kings, warriors, and legends collide in the epic battle for the city of Troy

Inspired by Homer's Iliad, Troy stars Brad Pitt as Achilles and brings the legendary Trojan War to life. Its large-scale battle sequences, and iconic heroes make it a good watch before The Odyssey.

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