Gladiator (left), Braveheart (center), Hero (right)
Credit: DreamWorks / Paramount / Miramax
If you’re looking for something to watch before you go see Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey on the big screen (or on IMAX, if you’re lucky) I have a list of historical epics, fantasy films, martial arts movies and more for you to help you on your path.
While my weekly weekend streaming guide typically focuses on newer TV shows and movies on paid streaming services, each of these ten films is currently streaming on Pluto.tv, a completely free streaming service (with the caveat that you will have commercial breaks).
Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Braveheart (1995)
Braveheart
Credit: Paramount
What It’s About: Loosely based on the life of Scottish hero William Wallace, the film follows his rebellion against English rule after the murder of his wife. Wallace inspires Scotland to fight for freedom despite overwhelming odds. It won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Why You Should Watch: Braveheart is simply one of the best movies ever made. Very few historical epics come close to the scale and, well, heart of this film. I’ve seen it countless times. The score is gorgeous, as is the cinematography. The battle scenes are among the best and bloodiest ever filmed. Say what you will about Mel Gibson, but the man knows how to make a great historical epic. In fact, I’d be curious to see how his version of The Odyssey would play.
Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator
Credit: Dreamworks / Universal
What It’s About: After loyal Roman general Maximus is betrayed by the power-hungry Commodus, his family is murdered and he is sold into slavery. Rising through the ranks as a gladiator, Maximus fights his way back to Rome to seek vengeance and restore honor to the Empire. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
Why You Should Watch: I’ll be honest, I watched Gladiator under the long shadow of Braveheart, and I didn’t think it even came close, but Russell Crowe is charismatic and quotable, Joaquin Phoenix made a name for himself here, and the action is often superb.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Credit: Paramount
What It’s About: A charming thief assembles an unlikely band of adventurers to recover a magical relic and rescue his daughter. Their quest pits them against wizards, monsters, dragons, and a sinister conspiracy in a lighthearted fantasy adventure inspired by the tabletop RPG.
Why You Should Watch: I didn’t think this movie would be any good and then I saw it and fell in love. Hard. This is one of the best fantasy movies ever made. Hilarious, heartwarming, action-packed, just delightful from top to bottom. It’s joined my list of Best Fantasy Movies alongside films like Willow and The Lord of the Rings.
The Ten Commandments (1956)
The Ten Commandments
Credit: Paramount
What It’s About: This biblical epic follows Moses from his upbringing as an Egyptian prince through his discovery of his Hebrew heritage. He confronts Pharaoh, leads the Israelites out of Egypt, parts the Red Sea, and receives the Ten Commandments from God. Famous for its massive sets and groundbreaking visual effects.
Why You Should Watch: Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner in a visually stunning epic that remains one of the biggest, most impressive religious films ever made. They really don’t make bible movies like they used to.
Beowulf (2007)
What It’s About: A motion-capture adaptation of the classic Old English epic. Warrior Beowulf defeats the monster Grendel but faces an even greater challenge after encountering Grendel’s seductive mother, leading to tragic consequences decades later.
Why You Should Watch: Director Robert Zemeckis does his level best to creep you out with the weird visuals and uncanny valley faces. I remember not loving this film, but also being kind of impressed and disturbed by the animation. Angelina Jolie is also quite enrapturing in a scary way.
Hero (2002)
What It’s About: Set during China’s Warring States period, a nameless warrior claims to have defeated three legendary assassins threatening the King of Qin. As he recounts his tale, conflicting versions of the truth reveal a deeper story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the unification of China. Renowned for its stunning color symbolism and cinematography.
Why You Should Watch: Amazing martial arts and epic battles. And just stunning visuals throughout. If you’re worried that Nolan’s The Odyssey isn’t colorful enough, you’ll get all the color you can stomach from Hero.
The Name of the Rose (1986)
The Name of the Rose
Credit: 20th Century Fox
What It’s About: In a remote 14th-century monastery, Franciscan friar William of Baskerville and his novice Adso investigate a series of mysterious deaths. As they uncover hidden secrets within the monastery’s labyrinthine library, they become entangled in a deadly conspiracy involving forbidden knowledge, heresy, and religious power.
Why You Should Watch: First off, because newcomer Christian Slater and veteran Sean Connery are the leads years before they team back up in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (though they don’t have any scenes together in that movie). This is the more rumanitive of our picks today; one of just a couple literary adaptations in a sea of action and adventure. The wonderful F. Murray Abraham also stars.
Hercules vs the Hydra (1960)
Hercules vs the Hydra
Credit: Galatea Film
What It’s About: After Hercules’ wife is murdered by the King of Ecalia, the legendary hero sets out for revenge. His quest is complicated by court intrigue, romance with Queen Deianira, and supernatural threats, culminating in encounters with mythical creatures, including the Hydra. The film was designed as a showcase for real-life spouses Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, with Mansfield playing dual roles.
Why You Should Watch: This gets closer than almost any other film on this list to the swords-and-sandals kind of movie that predates The Odyssey’s legacy. Also Jayne Mansfield.
The Green Knight (2021)
The Green Knight
Credit: A24
What It’s About: Based on the medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the film follows King Arthur’s nephew Gawain as he journeys to fulfill a mysterious bargain with the supernatural Green Knight. A dreamlike exploration of courage, honor, temptation, and mortality.
Why You Should Watch: This is a weird movie but also kind of darkly beautiful other than the CGI fox which kind of took me out of the experience. Still, the dreamlike qualities of the film and the gorgeous cinematography make it well worth the watch. Dev Patel is fantastic in the lead role, and Alicia Vikander.
Troy: The Odyssey (2017)
Troy: The Odyssey
Credit: The Asylum
What It’s About: Not to be confused with Troy, starring Brad Pitt, this one is a low-budget fantasy adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. Following the Trojan War, Odysseus struggles to return home to Ithaca, encountering mythological creatures such as Cyclopes, Sirens, and gods who interfere with his perilous voyage. Produced by The Asylum, it offers a condensed retelling of the ancient epic.
Why You Should Watch: Alright, I admit I haven’t actually seen this one and by all accounts it’s quite bad but it’s quite literally the story of The Odyssey, however much it takes liberties with the source material, and it might be fun to compare the low-budget effort with Christopher Nolan’s $250 million effort, if nothing else.
All titles are currently available on demand on Pluto.tv but, as with all streaming services, availability is subject to change at any time.