Nothing beats a cinematic journey into the past when it comes to movies. Isn’t it fascinating how a period piece can transport you back thousands of years, immersing you in the enchanted regions of yesteryear? So brace up as we go on an enthralling “Travel through time” with our list of the top must-watch Hollywood movies set in the ancient world.
Why Should We Watch Movies Set in the Ancient World?
That is an excellent question! Who wouldn’t want to experience the glitz and glam of ancient Egypt, the strength of the Roman empire, or the enigma of Mayan civilization? While the accuracy is inconsistent, these films construct a tapestry of rich, colourful storylines that can be educative as well as captivating. So, why not spend an evening spent travelling from the comfort of your own living room?
Top Must-Watch Hollywood Movies Set in the Ancient World
Let’s have a look at our collection of celluloid wonders set in the ancient world:
1. The Ten Commandments(1956):
The Ten Commandments is a religious drama film that was made by Paramount Pictures and directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The movie centres on Moses, a man who, while residing in the pharaoh’s court of Egypt, learns about his Hebrew background and God’s demands. In spite of plagues and supernatural intervention, Moses successfully leads his people out of Egypt and over the Red Sea. But the golden calf idol and a visit from God on Mount Sinai provide obstacles for him. The movie, which debuted on October 5, 1956, made more than $80 million worldwide and received the Best Visual Effects Academy Award at the 29th Academy Awards ceremony in 1957.
2. Ben-Hur (1959)
Charlton Heston plays the titular role in William Wyler’s American epic religious film Ben-Hur, which Sam Zimbalist also produced. The film is an adaptation of Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel and a remake of the 1925 silent picture. Karl Tunberg is given credit for writing the script, which also includes work by Maxwell Anderson, S. N. Behrman, Gore Vidal, and Christopher Fry. Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed by his boyhood friend Messala and forced to slavery, is the protagonist of the story. Ben-Hur, who overcame years of servitude, goes back to Judea in search of retribution and atonement. The movie, which cost $15.175 million to make, had 1959’s fastest growth in box office receipts. Eleven Oscars were won by it, including Best Picture at the 32nd Academy Awards ceremony in 1960.
3. Cleopatra (1963)
Elizabeth Taylor plays the title role in Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 American historical drama Cleopatra. The 1957 book by Carlo Maria Franzero as well as the histories of Plutarch, Suetonius, and Appian served as inspiration for the script. The youthful Egyptian queen Cleopatra, who resisted Rome’s imperial ambitions, is the subject of the movie. The movie, which had a $31.1 million production budget, was the most costly movie ever filmed and almost put the studio out of business. On June 12, 1963, it had its New York City debut. It went on to become the year’s highest-grossing movie, bringing in $57.7 million in the US and Canada.
4. Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator is a historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. The film follows Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed by Commodus, the ambitious son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. After being reduced to slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator and avenges the murders of his family and emperor. Produced by DreamWorks Pictures in North America and Universal Pictures internationally, the film grossed over $503 million worldwide and became the second highest-grossing film of 2000. Despite some criticism for its dark and brooding tone, Gladiator won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture at the 73rd Academy Awards ceremony in 2001.
5. The Last Samurai (2003)
The Last Samurai from 2003 is a fascinating movie! It narrates the story of an American military adviser who ironically falls in love with the Samurai culture- the same culture he was appointed to eradicate, after he gets captively taken in a battle. Not to mention, it boasts a stellar cast including famous Hollywood actors – Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, and William Atherton.
6. Troy (2004)
“Troy” is a epic historical war film directed by Wolfgang Petersen and written by David Benioff. Loosely based on Homer’s Iliad, the movie tells the story of the decade-long Trojan War, encapsulated into a few weeks. The central conflict is not just the dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon in the ninth year. The movie stars a cast featuring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Sean Bean, and Orlando Bloom.
300 (2006)
300 is a 2006 American epic historical action film partially inspired on Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s 1998 comic series of the same name. Zack Snyder co-wrote and directed the film, while Miller acted as executive producer and consultant. Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, and Dominic West star in it.
Apocalypto (2006)
Mel Gibson’s historical action-adventure movie Apocalypto features a cast that includes Native American and Indigenous Mexican actors. The story of Jaguar Paw, a late Mesoamerican hunter, and his tribesmen, who are taken by an invading force, is told in the movie, which is set in Yucatán in the year 1502. From November 2005 to July 2006, the movie was filmed in Mexico, and it has made over $120 million globally. While some criticised Gibson’s portrayal of Mayan civilisation and historical accuracy, they commended his directing, photography, and cast performances. At the 2007 ceremony, the movie received three Academy Award nominations.
The Allure of Antiquity
The charm of antiquity clings to us. The representation of life, culture, and historical events in these films, without a doubt, brings the ancient world to life. However, because these are mostly works of fiction, historical mistakes may exist. Nonetheless, these films can stimulate your attention and stir your curiosity about these bygone eras. So why not immerse yourself in these timeless stories and take an intriguing journey through time?
Have you tried time travel yet? Don’t let the sands of time pass you by; instead, schedule a movie night and let these cinematic classics transport you to antiquity.
Read more related : 17 Best Hollywood Movies of All Time
