134 Films Exploring Ancient Civilizations
130 titles
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Mary MagdaleneMovie · 2018 · 120m · DramaIn the 1st century, Mary Magdalene breaks free from an arranged marriage and discovers a new life with Jesus, a charismatic preacher leading a revolutionary movement. She finds both refuge and a sense of purpose within his community.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.3 - 102
Rome's Invisible CityMovie · 2015 · 59mUsing expert help and advanced 3-D scanning, Alexander Armstrong and Dr. Michael Scott investigate the lost underground wonders that fueled Rome's rise to power in the ancient world.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.8 - 103
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning ThiefMovie · 2010 · 118m · Adventure, Fantasy, FamilyPercy, a teenager with a history of accidents, learns he's a demigod – the son of Poseidon. He's drawn into a conflict when Zeus' lightning bolt is stolen. Percy must learn to control his newfound powers to stop a war among the gods that threatens to destroy the world.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.2 - 104
SatyriconMovie · 1969 · 129m · Drama, FantasyEncolpio's life falls apart when Gitone leaves him for someone else, leading him to consider suicide. But a devastating earthquake destroys his home, thrusting him into a chaotic and surreal Rome under Emperor Nero.
Lost in the city, Encolpio meets a cast of odd characters and experiences bizarre events. Rome feels unfamiliar and dreamlike, mirroring his emotional turmoil. Forced to confront his grief and longing in this upside-down world, he discovers an inner strength to face what lies ahead. The film explores love, loss, and personal growth against the backdrop of a turbulent historical Rome.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7 - 105
CleopatraMovie · 1963 · 251m · Drama, History, RomanceCleopatra, the clever Egyptian queen, uses both political maneuvering and charm to gain power. She first wins the favor of Julius Caesar, forming an important partnership with Rome. After Caesar's death, she cleverly aligns herself with the powerful and passionate Mark Antony. Together, they fight for control, but their plans are threatened by Caesar’s heir, leading to a difficult conflict that tests their bond and determines the future of Egypt and Rome.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 106
RisenMovie · 2016 · 107m · Action, Adventure, DramaRoman military tribune Clavius and his aide Lucius are sent to investigate the reports surrounding Jesus's fate after his crucifixion. Their mission: to uncover the truth and dispel rumors of a resurrected Messiah, thereby preventing unrest in Jerusalem.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3 - 107
Oedipus RexMovie · 1957 · 87mSir Tyrone Guthrie's acclaimed film adaptation of Sophocles' Oedipus follows the protagonist's unfolding realization of his horrific fate: he unknowingly murdered his father and married his mother. This refined rendition of the classic play features a notable detail – the actors wear masks, mirroring the theatrical tradition of ancient Greece.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 108
King Arthur: Legend of the SwordMovie · 2017 · 126m · Action, Drama, FantasyAfter his father's murder, young Arthur's uncle Vortigern takes the throne. Stripped of his inheritance and unaware of his origins, Arthur struggles to survive in the city's underbelly. However, when he draws Excalibur from the stone, his life changes dramatically, forcing him to confront a destiny he never knew he had.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 109
The Bible According to HollywoodMovie · 1994 · 104mFilmmaker Phillip Dye's documentary examines Hollywood's extensive history of biblical adaptations, featuring films like *The Ten Commandments*, *The Greatest Story Ever Told*, *Ben-Hur*, and *The Bible... In The Beginning*. Using iconic clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with stars such as Charlton Heston, Peter Ustinov, and Virginia Mayo, Dye's film celebrates the golden age of epic filmmaking.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.0 - 110
BBC HorizonMovie · 2004 · 176m · War, History, ActionAlexander, King of Macedonia, commands his army in a campaign against the vast Persian Empire. Following victory over the Persians, he leads his forces on a journey across the known world, pushing eastward into India further than any Westerner had previously traveled.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.0 - 111
PygmalionMovie · 1938 · 96m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceA linguistics professor, Henry Higgins, makes a bold bet with Colonel George Pickering: he can transform a Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a refined lady in six months of intensive training. With the agreement of Eliza's father, Alfred, she moves in with Higgins to begin her lessons in speech and manners.
The story examines social class, personal development, and self-discovery through the unusual bond between teacher and student. As Eliza adapts to a new life and undergoes a remarkable change, both she and Higgins unexpectedly change as well.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.0 - 112
Egypt's Golden EmpireMovie · 2001 · 50mIn 1570 B.C., Rome was just a marsh, and the Acropolis an empty rock, but Egypt was already a thousand years old. The ancient pyramid builders were long gone, yet Egypt was poised for its New Kingdom, an empire built on conquest and destined to be remembered for centuries. EGYPT'S GOLDEN EMPIRE brings this era to life through letters and historical records, revealing the passion and wealth of a time when Egypt dominated the world, its Pharaohs considered divine, and magnificent cities, temples, and tombs were constructed.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.7 - 113
300: Rise of an EmpireMovie · 2014 · 102m · Action, Drama, WarIn a bid to unite Greece, General Themistocles spearheads a pivotal military campaign that reshapes the war's trajectory. He confronts the overwhelming Persian army commanded by Xerxes, now a god, and Artemisia, the Persian navy's formidable commander seeking retribution.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.1 - 114
King Arthur: Excalibur RisingMovie · 2017 · 99m · ActionThis story reimagines the Arthurian legend, focusing on Owain, Arthur's secret son. He must come to terms with his heritage and ultimately decide whether he will embrace his destiny as the next king.IMDb 2.6TMDB 4.6 - 115
Pilgrim's ProgressMovie · 2008 · 105m · Adventure, FantasyJoin Christian and his friends as they embark on a challenging journey from the City of Destruction to Heaven. They encounter many difficulties, both from people and demonic forces. This compelling story is an allegory about the challenges and rewards of a Christian life, ultimately celebrating the glorious future for those who remain faithful to God.IMDb 6.1TMDB 7.9 - 116
Solomon & ShebaMovie · 1995 · 89mIn ancient Israel, King Solomon (Jimmy Smits) seeks to dominate the global frankincense trade. He dispatches an emissary to the kingdom of Sheba to declare his ambitions. Queen Nikaule (Halle Berry) of Sheba is angered by Solomon's avaricious proposal.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.7 - 117
SpartacusMovie · 1960 · 197m · History, War, DramaIn ancient Rome, Spartacus, a slave, dreams of freedom. Sold to a gladiator trainer, he's thrust into brutal training and arena combat. With each fight, his skills and courage grow, igniting a desire for rebellion against his masters. Leading escaped slaves through difficult terrain, they face many hardships, but their determination strengthens their cause. Heading south towards Italy, the hope of a new life abroad and reclaiming their homes becomes increasingly real. This historical drama tells the epic story of Spartacus, a slave who becomes a legendary leader fighting for his own freedom and the liberation of many others against Rome's power.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 118
Alfred the GreatMovie · 1969 · 122mIn 9th-century England, as Viking raids devastate the land, Alfred intends to become a priest. Witnessing the destruction of his homeland, however, he abandons his religious plans to lead the English Christians in defense against the invaders. Alfred achieves a decisive victory, becoming a celebrated hero. Yet, despite his spiritual desires, he now struggles with the conflict between his devotion to God and the violence he has embraced.IMDb 6.2TMDB 4.3 - 119
Esther and the KingMovie · 1960 · 109mFollowing the death of his wife, Persian King Ahasuerus decides to marry Esther, a beautiful Jewish woman. However, Haman, the king’s wicked advisor, is inciting prejudice and animosity towards the Jewish people.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.1 - 120
Greatest Heroes and Legends of The Bible: The Garden of EdenMovie · 2003 · 50mThe film recounts the biblical story of creation: God brings the world into existence, followed by all living creatures and then man. Adam is created alone, and later God provides him with a companion, Eve. They initially live in Paradise, but their idyllic existence is shattered when Eve is tempted by a serpent to eat forbidden fruit, and persuades Adam to do the same. As a result, God banishes them from the Garden, forcing them to face hardship and struggle for survival. Despite their pain, they maintain hope, reflecting humanity's own enduring desire for redemption and a return to Paradise.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.0 - 121
Constantine and the CrossMovie · 1961 · 128mConstantine accompanies his father in battles against barbarian tribes, but is summoned to Rome. During his journey, he encounters an ambush orchestrated by Maxentius, who aims to seize the imperial throne.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.1 - 122
The Bible: In the Beginning...Movie · 1966 · 175m · Adventure, History, DramaThis film adaptation explores the first 22 chapters of the Book of Genesis through connected stories. It depicts Adam and Eve’s life in the Garden of Eden, their fall from grace, and subsequent exile. The film then portrays Cain murdering his brother Abel. Next, it follows Noah building an ark to save animals from a great flood. Finally, it shows Abraham forming a covenant with God, beginning a relationship marked by both challenges and revelations. The adaptation highlights humanity’s capacity for both great good and great evil.IMDb 6.2TMDB 7.3 - 123Samson and DelilahMovie · 1922This is an early British adaptation of the story of Samson. It's the fifth installment in the "Tense Moments from Opera" series.IMDb 3.9TMDB 1.0
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Finding Babylon's Hanging GardenMovie · 2015The Hanging Gardens of Babylon have long been shrouded in myth, their location unknown. Now, thanks to the groundbreaking work of scientist Stephanie Dalley, we can finally pinpoint where these legendary gardens were located, how they appeared, and how they were constructed. Unlike the other Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, no archaeological evidence has ever confirmed their existence. This documentary follows Stephanie Dalley as she journeys to a perilous region of northern Iraq to gather proof for her theory: that the gardens were built by the Assyrian king Sanherib, not Nebuchadnezzar II, and a full 700 years earlier than previously believed.IMDb 7.3TMDB 9.0 - 125
HerculesMovie · 1958 · 99m · Fantasy, AdventureHercules, a demigod known for his strength, goes to the kingdom of Iolcus to train Prince Iphitus for King Pelias. Hercules is immediately drawn to King Pelias' daughter, Iole. But first, he must complete several difficult tasks, which lead him to team up with Jason, the rightful heir to Iolcus. Together, they sail on the Argo with the Argonauts, facing challenges as they seek love, fame, and their fate. The story explores heroism, loyalty, sacrifice, and the conflicts between personal desires and destiny.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.0 - 126
Exodus: Gods and KingsMovie · 2014 · 150m · Adventure, Drama, ActionMoses, a determined leader, rebels against Pharaoh Ramses. He leads 400,000 enslaved people on an epic journey to freedom from Egypt, facing a series of devastating plagues unleashed by the Pharaoh.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.9 - 127
Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the AgesMovie · 1916 · 197m · Drama, HistoryThis emotionally powerful film follows a young woman struggling to reunite with her husband and newborn child despite facing constant hardship. Prejudice keeps them apart, but also connects their story to historical examples of intolerance. The movie explores how their personal struggle reflects broader patterns of injustice throughout history. It’s a story about the strength of love and resilience in overcoming prejudice, reminding us of humanity's ongoing fight against division.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.1 - 128
Quo Vadis?Movie · 1913 · 120mIn the final years of Emperor Nero's oppressive rule, Marcus Vinicius, a member of Nero's staff, becomes captivated by a young Christian woman named Lygia and seeks to enslave her. Lygia's guardian, the strong and honorable Ursus, fights to protect her from Vinicius. In his pursuit of Lygia, Vinicius attends a secret prayer meeting in a catacomb led by the apostle Peter, prompting a moment of reflection—just as Nero orders the burning of Rome. Enrico Guazzoni’s ambitious and visually impressive film was a major influence on later epic cinema, notably Giovanni Pastrone's Cabiria (1914) and D.W. Griffith’s Intolerance (1916).IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.7 - 129
HerculesMovie · 2014 · 98m · Action, AdventureA new threat emerges, endangering the lives of ordinary people. Hercules assembles his brave team of warriors and they face a desperate fight against impossible challenges.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.8 - 130
Percy Jackson: Sea of MonstersMovie · 2013 · 106m · Adventure, Family, FantasyTo stop an ancient evil, Percy and his friends embark on a dangerous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece. Along the way, they face hordes of mythical creatures in their fight against darkness.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.0
