List of movies concerning the History and Literature of the ancient world
This list is designed to supplement a study of the ancient world (From Creation to the Fall of the Roman Empire / Attila the Hun).
To help find what you might be interested in here is a table of contents with topic and where that topic begins on this list (note that there is sometimes overlap):
Creation - 1
Biblical Patriarchs - 7
Ancient Egypt - 20
Ancient Americas - 33
Greek Mythology - 41
Greek/Roman History (B.C.) - 55
Life of Christ - 69
Early Church - 81
Declining Roman Empire- 92
Russian/Slavic Folklore - 104
Far East Folklore/History - 110
African Folklore/History - 130
I tried to find as many documentaries/dramas/docu-dramas as I could find of the ancient world for both history and culture (myths and legends), but some areas are simply very sparsely covered (like Africa).
My criteria for a movie/show to be included were that:
1) It had to fall within the historical time-frame given,
2) It had to receive at least a star rating of 6.0 from IMDb (with a couple of exceptions),
3) It had to be at least be theoretically possible to FIND the movie somewhere, such as on Netflix or Amazon.
Although not every movie (or even most) here will be from a Christian perspective, that will be a major theme. I tried to find multiple age ratings for each category, but wasn't always successful. I have not watched most of the movies listed here, so cannot guarantee their quality or appropriateness.
*Parental Discretion Advised when selecting from this list*
I would welcome any suggestions, including additional movies, comments on the movies I have here already, and any other feedback. Please see my other lists for other Historical periods or for simply a list of 'movies everyone should see'.
To help find what you might be interested in here is a table of contents with topic and where that topic begins on this list (note that there is sometimes overlap):
Creation - 1
Biblical Patriarchs - 7
Ancient Egypt - 20
Ancient Americas - 33
Greek Mythology - 41
Greek/Roman History (B.C.) - 55
Life of Christ - 69
Early Church - 81
Declining Roman Empire- 92
Russian/Slavic Folklore - 104
Far East Folklore/History - 110
African Folklore/History - 130
I tried to find as many documentaries/dramas/docu-dramas as I could find of the ancient world for both history and culture (myths and legends), but some areas are simply very sparsely covered (like Africa).
My criteria for a movie/show to be included were that:
1) It had to fall within the historical time-frame given,
2) It had to receive at least a star rating of 6.0 from IMDb (with a couple of exceptions),
3) It had to be at least be theoretically possible to FIND the movie somewhere, such as on Netflix or Amazon.
Although not every movie (or even most) here will be from a Christian perspective, that will be a major theme. I tried to find multiple age ratings for each category, but wasn't always successful. I have not watched most of the movies listed here, so cannot guarantee their quality or appropriateness.
*Parental Discretion Advised when selecting from this list*
I would welcome any suggestions, including additional movies, comments on the movies I have here already, and any other feedback. Please see my other lists for other Historical periods or for simply a list of 'movies everyone should see'.
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- StarsSigourney WeaverDavid AttenboroughNikolay DrozdovA documentary series on the wildlife found on Earth. Each episode covers a different habitat: deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles. Narrated by David Attenborough.I'm starting with this show because a study of 'In the Beginning' would, in my opinion, be best assisted by appreciating the amazing Creation God gave us. So the first few suggestions focus on the natural world. Note that most of these are not made from a Christian perspective, so there is some talk of Evolution, but I believe that won't be a huge problem for most families (you can talk about it with your children if it concerns you).
Note: There is a sequel to this series called 'Life'. - StarsDavid AttenboroughDavid Attenborough's comprehensive study of how a remarkable group of animals evolved - a group that includes ourselves.Probably any nature documentary will work, but this one is well done.
- StarsDavid AttenboroughDavid Attenborough's ground-breaking exploration of a group of organisms that are vast in number, yet often too small to be noticed: the invertebrates.The final nature documentary here is on the insect world - this has some stunning images!
You can also find documentaries on other natural phenomena such as astronomy or earth science or undersea life. - DirectorWayne P. AllenStarsLee StrobelTom KaneDon RansonWhen objectively considered, does contemporary scientific evidence point toward or away from a supernatural Creator? Strobel interviewed scientists and scholars from a wide range of disciplines for the answers. Based upon a New York Times best-seller, The Case For A Creator is a remarkable film about Lee Strobel's journey from spiritual skepticism to a profound faith in the God who has etched His indelible signature upon every galaxy and living cell. The Creator now revealed by 21st century science.This movie, along with the book, is an excellent introduction to apologetics and the Christian side of the Creation/Evolution debate. Note that this does not meet my usual ratings criteria, but considering the controversial nature of this topic, I felt it was appropriate to include despite the rating.
- StarsMartin LandauJacqueline BissetBilly CampbellBiblical tales from the books of Genesis and Exodus, including the stories of Abraham's devotion and Joseph's betrayal.
- DirectorErmanno OlmiStarsPaul ScofieldAnnabi AbdelialilOmero AntonuttiAn all-enveloping darkness. Suddenly, a child's voice, frightened, questioning, pierces the darkness... The first flickering rays of light begin to sculpt mysterious shapes out of the darkness ... Among them, a very old man. He reassures the child, exhorting him to see the wonders of the earth. And it is with this child's eyes that we will witness the creation of the world. Nature comes to life at the first light of dawn, recreating the seven days of the Creation. Adam appears, and is soon joined by Eve. Paradise could be theirs, but as time goes by, they grow restless, inquisitive... They approach the Tree of Knowledge - and discover pain, suffering and mortality. Their sons Cain and Abel play out a story that will continue to darken the Creation until the end of time. And angered by the corruption of Cain's progeny, by the lust and greed ruling the cities, God vows to wipe away his creatures and begin anew. With Noah and his family. The ark is built, the animals led into their pens, and the rain begins beating on the timbers, flooding the land, bringing fear and death. When the rains have devastated the world, the waters recede, the ark touches ground, and the dove sent out by Noah returns with an olive branch - the sign of new life and of a new pact with God.This movie is slow and 'artistic' and has relatively low ratings, but I'm still adding it on here as an option since there aren't a lot of options for this subject/time period.
I recommend 'Answers in Genesis' web site for other Biblical films on Creation. - DirectorJohn StevensonStarsAubrey PlazaMiles TellerJenny SlateAn aardvark named Gilbert lands the job of shepherding all the animals onto Noah's Ark.Upcoming Animated movie.
- StarsRichard HarrisBarbara HersheyMaximilian SchellAbram a tribal leader denies all the local deities and finds the true God. Through many trials and tribulations he strengthens his faith.
- StarsMarc Z. BrettlerWilliam G. DeverWadad KadiThis was part of a longer series, so if you like this, check out the other episodes.
- DirectorPeter HallStarsMatthew ModineLara Flynn BoyleSean BeanIn the foreign land of Canaan lives Isaac, son of Abraham, with his clever, strong-willed wife Rebekah and his twin sons Esau and Jacob. The first-born, Esau, is a strong and fearless hunter with a voracious appetite for sensual pleasures. Jacob is a shepherd, more tender and compassionate han Esau. Just as Esau is the pride of his father, so is Jacob the apple of his mother's eye. Rebekah is convinced that Jacob, though the second born son, is the chosen one and the rightful heir of Isaac and Abraham. And she tells him that when she was with child, God announced to her: "Two nations are within thy womb. Two manner of men shall be delivered to you. The one shall be stronger than the other and the elder shall serve the younger". One day Esau returns from a hunt to find Jacob preparing a lentil porridge. Famished, he asks Jacob for some food. Jacob agrees, but on one condition: that Esau sell him his birthright. Since Esau ascribes little value to its meaning, he readily agrees and they conclude the pact. Time has passed. Isaac has grown old and nearly blind. It is time to pass on his paternal blessing to the firstborn. He asks Esau to hunt and prepare some game for him, after which he will give him his blessing. Rebekah knows she must act now. Cornering Jacob, she pressures him into deceiving Isaac so that he obtains the blessing instead of Esau. Jacob resists, but when Rebekah vows to take the blame for this ploy, he finally consents. And thus does Jacob trick his father. When Esau returns from the hunt and appears before his father, he explodes in anger when he learns of the scheme. Having obtained only a lesser blessing from Isaac, he vows to kill Jacob as soon as his father passes away. Isaac, following Rebekah's suggestion, advises Jacob to flee to Harran, to the home of Laban - Rebekah's brother, and to ask him to marry one of his daughters. Laden with gold, silver, skins, spices and oils, Jacob sadly leaves his home and his loved ones. Soon, however, he realizes that he is being followed: a Canaanite, one of Esau's brothers-in-law, robs him of the treasure that was to be his dowry. One night, as he is asleep, Jacob has a vision of a stairway with angel-like figures on it. During this vision God promises him protection and prosperity. The next morning, Jacob swears to remain faithful and devoted to God. After an arduous journey, Jacob arrives in Harran. Haggard and drained of his strength, he immediately forgets his fatigue when he sees a pretty young girl at the fountain. The girl is Rachel, the youngest daughter of his uncle Laban. And Jacob falls head over heels in love with her. Though Laban greets his nephew heartily, he cannot conceal his disappointment that Jacob has arrived without any gifts. Laban's two sons, Morash and Be'or, are less delighted by Jacob's arrival. Jacob soon asks Laban to let him marry Rachel, and he even accepts Laban's rigorous conditions: that Jacob become his indentured servant for a full seven years. Jacob proves to be a singularly successful herdsman and contributes mightily to the welfare of Laban's people. Thus after seven years, Laban is unwilling to let him leave and devises a cunning scheme... When Jacob awakens on the morning following the consummation of his marriage with Rachel, he is horrified to discover that he has slept with Rachel's older sister Leah instead. Laban forced Leah to take her sister's place in the dark tent. As Jacob rages, Laban claims that according to the law of the land, a father must marry off his older daughter first. He is willing, however, to make Jacob another offer: for another seven years in his service, he can take Rachel as his wife in one week's time. And again, Laban and his people enjoy seven more years of rich harvests and expanding flocks, all thanks to Jacob's superior abilities. But while the unloved Leah bears Jacob many children, Rachel, his one and only love, remains barren for many years, until Joseph finally sees the light of day. After his second period of indenture is over, Jacob strikes another deal with Laban, whereby he is allowed to assemble his own herd. His prosperity soon sparks the envy of Laban's sons Morash and Be'or, who accuse Jacob of deceiving them and of stealing their property. Jacob decides it is time to move back to Canaan, and flees with his wives, children and servants. As soon as Laban hears about their escape, he rounds up his sons and his men and gives chase. He finally meets up with Jacob on Mount Gilead. But before he can reach Jacob, God appears to Laban and warns him not to harm Jacob or his people. Jacob's most grueling ordeal, however, still awaits him: his meeting with his brother Esau. Fearing that Esau still intends to kill him, Jacob sends messengers with gifts to his brother to announce his coming. The messengers return sooner than expected, reporting that Esau is already on his way to meet him - with 400 armed men. Jacob sets up camp on the banks of the river Jabbok. That night, while his people await Esau with fear and trembling, Jacob withdraws to collect himself on the other side of the river. There Jacob is attacked by a mysterious being whom he cannot identify. It is an angel. As the struggle intensifies and the angel realizes that he cannot subdue Jacob, he strikes him fiercely on the hip. But Jacob, who gradually realizes who his adversary is, continues to grapple with him and refuses to relinquish his hold until the angel has blessed him. Ultimately the angel yields and gives Jacob the blessing together with the new name of "Israel". He thus confirms Jacob's right to the blessing which he originally obtained by deceit. The following morning, as Esau's army approaches, Jacob gathers his people behind him and awaits his brother. As Esau arrives at the head of his troops, Jacob humbly throws himself at his brother's feet. Esau breaks the tension by coming towards Jacob with open arms and welcoming him home. Reconciling their past differences, Jacob and Esau embrace.
- CreatorJames L. ConwayCharles E. Sellier Jr.StarsBrad CrandallVictor JoryPeter Mark RichmanAnthology of famous events of the Old Testament.Another TV series, so try a few episodes as desired.
- DirectorSteve GreisenStarsRobert CornukeLarry WilliamsJohn Rhys-DaviesThis program tells the amazing story of two explorer's search for the real Mt. Sinai, They crawled into forbidden military installations, had to use night vision goggles to avoid being detected as they pursue their mission and discover over a dozen significant remnants still remaining at the site. The explorers embark on a journey that would change their lives forever... Finding remarkable evidence that confirms the Bible as historically accurate. Weaving together real life adventure historical research and exclusive never-before-released footage, this exciting adventure leaps off the screen to document a story you'll never forget.Most of the Moses stories are further down the list (starting with the transition to Ancient Egypt), but this documentary fits better here.
- DirectorRichard RichStarsVictoria LindleyPhil HubbardUrsula MeyerA famine has destroyed the farm of Elimelech of Bethlehem, driving him and his wife Naomi to the land of Moab. There, with the help of their two sons, they do well for a time, and the sons marry Gentile women of the region, Orpah, and the good and beautiful Ruth. But tragedy strikes the family once again. Within a short period of time, Elimelech and his two sons die. The three women are left widowed and alone. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. Knowing that Gentiles would not be welcome there, she tells Orpah and Ruth to return to their families. Orpah does so, but the faithful Ruth makes a vow to Naomi to never desert her. "Whither thy guest, I will go; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." Naomi thanks God for blessing her with a loving daughter-in-law, and asks Him to protect and bless Ruth. God listens to the prayers of Naomi. In Bethlehem, Ruth tells Naomi that she will find food for them. She goes to a field which is being harvested, and asks permission to gather the bits of grain left behind by the harvesters. The land belongs to Boaz, who welcomes her to take what she needs. The kindly Boaz instructs his men to protect Ruth from any persecution. She is to be treated well in her new home. Day after Day Ruth returns to Boaz's land, and we see the growing affection between Ruth and Boaz. Naomi tells Ruth that because Boaz is her near kinsman he is bound to marry the widowed Ruth, and urges Ruth to reveal her kinship. But Ruth wants Boaz to marry her out of love, not because of duty. On the last day of the harvest, Ruth and Boaz finally speak of their love and agree to marry. Once married, Ruth gives birth to a son, whom they name Obed. As a result of Ruth's faithfulness, God's bounty and blessing on the family are limitless. Obed is destined to be the grandfather of David, the great King who is to unite the people of Israel.Another series - this one animated.
- DirectorCecil B. DeMilleStarsHedy LamarrVictor MatureGeorge SandersWhen strongman Samson rejects the love of the beautiful Philistine woman Delilah, she seeks vengeance that brings horrible consequences they both regret.
- DirectorPhil VischerMike NawrockiStarsPhil VischerMike NawrockiTim HodgeWhen the singing Veggies encounter some car trouble, they are stranded at an old rundown seafood joint, where nothing is quite as it seems.Many of the VeggieTales video re-tell famous Bible stories.
- StarsMaurice RoëvesGina BellmanLina SastriThe tribes of Israel need to defeat the superior might of the Philistines: "Now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." (I Samuel, 8:5). And so the prophet Samuel gives the Hebrews their first king, Saul, a simple farmer, who with God's help becomes a brave and mighty warlord who leads the united tribes of Israel against their enemies. Saul, however, has incessant doubts about his mission. Not trustful enough of divine wisdom, he acts of his own accord and thus sins against the Lord. The influential prophet Samuel turns away from Saul in order to select a new king according to God's will: David. He is still a young boy, tending sheep in the fields, when, secretly Samuel oints him as the next king of the Israelites. When David - as courageous as he is intelligent - emerges victorious from his encounter with Goliath, the Philistines' most powerful warrior, he becomes a hero. His fame arouses the jealousy of King Saul, who senses that David is going to dispute his right to be king - and tries to kill him. David flees from Saul, and finds many supporters and loyal companions who believe that he is destined to be king. In exile, David waits for his time to come, since he does not want to take the place of Saul by violence. He is young and in the prime of his strength, while King Saul is a broken man. When Saul falls upon his sword after losing a battle, David's hour is at hand. The new King David conquers Jerusalem. The magnificent city is to become the royal residence for the glorious hero, who now plans to leave the business of war to others in future and to become a King of Peace. However, this temperamental man, with so many years of battle behind him and still in the bloom of youth, is not predestined for a quiet, orderly life at all. Very soon he plunges into an illicit love affair with Bathsheba, a married woman - an affair that threatens to become the king's undoing when it turns out that she is expecting his child. To conceal his adulterous fatherhood, the king sends Bathsheba's husband Uriah - one of his best and most loyal soldiers - to his death, and then marries her. The prophet and royal adviser Nathan announces to David that his act will result in divine punishment: the Lord will not countenance such an outrage. Violence and evil will continue in David's own family and bring disaster upon the heads of the numerous sons born to David from his wives and concubines. Then the child of David and Bathsheba dies. She gives him another son, Solomon, but very soon David suffers another sharp blow of fate: his grown-up son Absalom kills one of his brothers for the latter's rape of his sister. David is far too mild in response to this: not only does he fail to bring the incestuous seducer to justice, he also leaves the fratricide unpunished. The king does not realise that he is gradually losing control over his family, and that his hold on the people is also growing weaker. For David is obsessed with his plan of building the finest and largest temple in the world in Jerusalem. He demands immense sums from the populace for this project, even though God has commanded him to leave the completion of the building to his successors. David's ambitious son Absalom thus finds it very easy to drum up support for a conspiracy against his father. After a fierce battle, culminating in Absalom's death, David makes it back to Jerusalem.
- CreatorMichael GreenStarsIan McShaneChristopher EganSusanna ThompsonA modern day, alternate-reality drama about a hero who rises to become the King of his nation, based on the biblical story of King David.This is a bit of an odd duck to add in here. But it is based on a re-telling of Biblical events, even if it is set in the modern world, so I include it.
- DirectorHarry WinerStarsPatrick DempseyOliver ReedKlaus Maria BrandauerJeremiah tells the story of the prophet who abandons his family and the woman he loves in order to relay God's message in Jerusalem, starring Patrick Dempsey and Oliver Reed.
- DirectorMichael O. SajbelStarsTiffany DupontLuke GossJohn NobleIn Biblical times, a girl disguises her Jewish origins when the Persian king comes looking for a new bride among his subjects.Story of Esther
- DirectorLad AllenStarsJohn A. BloomFrank Moore CrossAllen R. KerkeslagerDuring the Exodus, one of the most famous miracles of the Old Testament took place. More than 3000 years have passed since Moses led two million Israelites across the Red Sea and out of the bondage of Egypt. Christians, Jews, and Muslims throughout the world still embrace the accounts of this remarkable event. It is an epic that so fascinated Hollywood director Cecil B. DeMille that he made THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, twice. Now THE EXODUS REVEALED follows the footsteps of the children of Israel in an unforgettable journey of discovery. A journey that reveals physical evidence for the Exodus including: the remains of 3800 year old Hebrew settlements in Egypt's Nile Delta; Egyptian records of the Israelites bondage under Pharaoh; the precise route they may have followed to freedom; their crossing site on the shore of the Red Sea; and the location of Mt. Sinai. THE EXODUS REVEALED brings to light the first significant archaeological "find" of the 21st century.There is also a movie called 'In Search of the Real Mt. Sinai' which is excellent, and may be viewed for free (I think) if you do an internet search for it.
- DirectorRob LaDucaRobert C. RamirezStarsBen AffleckMark HamillRichard HerdA prophet who has the ability to interpret dreams is sold into slavery in Egypt, where people learn of his gifts.This begins the section on Ancient Egypt, although also continues Biblical Patriarchs, since there is some overlap.
- StarsBen KingsleyPaul MercurioMartin LandauThe Biblical story of Joseph, who was sold to slavery by his brothers who were jealous of his prophetic abilities to analyze dreams and of his being their father's favorite.
- DirectorBrenda ChapmanSteve HicknerSimon WellsStarsVal KilmerRalph FiennesMichelle PfeifferEgyptian Prince Moses learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people.
- DirectorCecil B. DeMilleStarsCharlton HestonYul BrynnerAnne BaxterMoses, raised as a prince of Egypt in the Pharaoh's household, learns of his true heritage as a Hebrew and his divine mission as the deliverer of his people from slavery.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsChristian BaleJoel EdgertonBen KingsleyThe defiant leader Moses rises up against Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, setting six hundred thousand slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.
- DirectorJonathan StampStarsAbdalla MahmoudHisham AbdullahMohamed AwadBased on the latest archaeological discoveries and combining dramatic reconstruction, location shooting and state-of-the-art CGI computer effects, this film travels back in time to reveal how the mighty structure of the Great Pyramid was built.
- DirectorJoseph L. MankiewiczRouben MamoulianStarsElizabeth TaylorRichard BurtonRex HarrisonQueen Cleopatra VII of Egypt experiences both triumph and tragedy as she attempts to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome.
- DirectorBrando QuiliciJohn B. BredarStarsMichael AndersonAndreas BlahaRobert ConnollyUsing X-rays and CAT scans, scientists investigate the body of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun.Also try 'National Geographic: Egyptian Secrets of the Afterlife' or doing a search on Netflix or Amazon for the topics of: Pyramids, King Tut, or Egypt, if you want more documentaries on ancient Egypt.
- StarsBernard HillAlain AswaniJeremy SistoEach of the four separate episodes -rather independent chapters- presents some of the findings of Egyptology, largely in the form of realistically presented docudrama, a splendid spectacle by peplum-standards, yet unusually true and hence surprising for non-specialist viewers in various details. Remarkable is the revealed contrast between the image-building clichés presented by the official, mostly monumental sources, glorifying deified pharaohs' glorious reign and triumphs and 'celestial' deities, and the more mundane reality, deduced largely from other archaeological findings, showing more human vices, misery, crime...
- StarsChristopher FraylingMohamed Al-FayedZandra RhodesSeries following the quest of archaeologist Howard Carter for the treasures of Tutankhamen's tomb.
- StarsAndrew SachsNeji NejahElliot CowanDramatization of the great discoveries of ancient Egypt, from the exploration of tombs in the early 1800s, to the unraveling of the Rosetta Stone to translate the ancient language on the tombs, to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.Also known as 'Egypt: Rediscovering a lost world'
- DirectorKeith MeltonStarsChristopher LeeBob BrierAngelique CorthalsThe grail is not the gold, nor the books of ancient wisdom, but the 3,000 year old DNA of the mummies, which may lead to a cure for malaria.
- DirectorDana RossMark CannonStarsPeter WellerMichael CarrollThe story of the Maya and some of its accomplishments.It is incredibly difficult to find good documentaries or drama of ancient South America. The Mayans were recently popular because of the 'end of the world' hype from 2012, so you can find several documentaries dealing that that nonsense, but much less on the civilization itself.
- StarsValerie AndrushkoFernando AsteteStella NairNova examines the ruins of Machu Picchu and tries to unravel what happened there.Like the other great ancient civilizations of South America, the Incas do not have a lot of film devoted to them.
- DirectorMark CannonStarsMichael CarrollPeter WellerThe story of the Aztecs and some of its accomplishments.
- DirectorMark DindalStarsDavid SpadeJohn GoodmanEartha KittEmperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma, and must now regain his throne with the help of Pacha, the gentle llama herder.This doesn't exactly have a lot of seriousness, but it would be a fun supplement to a study of this time and place (and does actually have some hidden culture to absorb).
- StarsEvan AdamsCarmen MooreIan ReidRaven Tales is series of 26, half-hour, CGI (Computer-Generated Imaging) animated television programs, targeted at school-age children and their families to introduce native Aboriginal folklore in a humorous and entertaining way. They tell the stories of the adventures of Raven, the most powerful deity of Aboriginal mythology. Each episode focuses on a new Raven Tale (or one that is introduced by Raven) that has been adapted from the folklore of many Aboriginal nations. The pilot episode, How Raven Stole the Sun, was adapted from a popular Haida myth, but has elements of Salish and Kwakiutl, while others episodes have been adapted from Cree, Salish, Nisgaa, Comanche, Navaho and other Native American stories. The Raven Tales, like the Simpsons, finds a lot of its humor based on the interactions of its re-occurring ensemble cast. The three principal characters, Raven, Eagle and Frog, anchor the show and provide familiar faces and humorous antics that bookend each episode. Other characters include Old Man and his Daughter (from the pilot episode), Sea Wolf, Kolus and a small tribe of aboriginal men and women who are introduced as the tales progress.You can find these Native American short fables on YouTube as I don't believe there is a DVD release of them right now.
- DirectorAaron BlaiseRobert WalkerStarsJoaquin PhoenixJeremy SuarezRick MoranisWhen a young Inuit hunter needlessly kills a bear, he is magically changed into a bear himself as punishment with a talkative cub being his only guide to changing back.Like other Disney movies, this doesn't have a whole lot of facts laid out, but it does show some ancient Native American culture, so it seems appropriate to include.
- DirectorZacharias KunukStarsNatar UngalaaqSylvia IvaluPeter-Henry ArnatsiaqThe telling of an Inuit legend of an evil spirit causing strife in the community and one warrior's endurance and battle of its menace.
- DirectorJoachim RønningEspen SandbergStarsPål Sverre HagenAnders BaasmoGustaf SkarsgårdIn 1947, with five loyal friends in tow, explorer Thor Heyerdahl sails a fragile balsa wood raft along an ancient path some 4,300 miles across the Pacific.This movie doesn't exactly fit here, but it's still a very interesting idea. It is one man's attempt to prove the idea that the South Pacific people could have sailed the ocean to colonize their islands. This movie deals more with the modern attempt to replicate that idea than than on the history of the people he was attempting to emulate. Also, it should be noted that modern anthropologists don't think that people traveled in this way any more, but it's still an impressive feat.
- DirectorWolfgang PetersenStarsBrad PittEric BanaOrlando BloomAn adaptation of Homer's great epic, the film follows the assault on Troy by the united Greek forces and chronicles the fates of the men involved.This is the start of Greek/Roman Legends and Mythology.
- DirectorDesmond DavisStarsLaurence OlivierHarry HamlinClaire BloomPerseus must battle Medusa and the Kraken to save the Princess Andromeda.There's also a re-make, but I liked this one better.
- DirectorSean SmithGregory DoranStarsSasha BeharMichael WoodThe truth behind Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece
- DirectorDon ChaffeyStarsTodd ArmstrongNancy KovackGary RaymondThe legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece.
- StarsArmand AssanteGreta ScacchiIsabella RosselliniFollows Odysseus on his wanderings back to Ithaca following the Trojan War.
- DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerStarsTate DonovanSusan EganJames WoodsThe son of Zeus and Hera is stripped of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero in order to reclaim it.
- DirectorPier Paolo PasoliniStarsSilvana ManganoFranco CittiAlida ValliRescued from abandonment and raised by the King and Queen, Oedipus is still haunted by a prophecy--he'll murder his father and marry his mother.There are other versions of this (frankly disturbing) legend.
- DirectorBarbara Willis SweeteStarsJennifer LaneRussell BraunAnn MonoyiosDido and Aeneas is a dance adaptation of Henry Purcell's 1689 eponymous opera, based on Virgil's famous tale of Aeneas' affair with Dido, the Queen of Carthage on his way to founding Rome.This is an opera.
- DirectorAnthony AsquithLeslie HowardStarsLeslie HowardWendy HillerWilfrid LawsonA phonetics and diction expert makes a bet that he can teach a cockney flower girl to speak proper English and pass as a lady in high society.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsAudrey HepburnRex HarrisonStanley HollowayIn 1910s London, snobbish phonetics professor Henry Higgins agrees to a wager that he can make crude flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, presentable in high society.A more recent version of 'Pygmalion'.
- DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsGeorge ClooneyJohn TurturroTim Blake NelsonIn the deep south during the 1930s, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman pursues them.
- DirectorJean CocteauStarsJean MaraisFrançois PérierMaría CasaresA poet in love with Death follows his unhappy wife into the underworld.
- DirectorMichael CacoyannisStarsIrene PapasGiannis FertisAleka KatselliLiving in exile after the death of their father, the grown children of a murdered and usurped king converge to exact eye-for-an-eye revenge.
- DirectorMichael CacoyannisStarsIrene PapasKostas KazakosKostas KarrasTo appease offended gods before going to war, a commander must sacrifice his favorite daughter to them but does so under the pretext of marrying her off.
- DirectorJim LindsayStarsPeter WoodwardRafael FerrerMichael CardelleAlexander the Great conquered Greece, Turkey, most of Asia (present Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of others) and Egypt in Africa, before age 32. Even now, his innovations in battle continue to be studied.This begins the start of the Greek/Roman History.
- DirectorHelen FitzwilliamStarsRon DavidRobin Lane FoxPaul CartledgeThis documentary looks at the life and military conquests of Alexander the Great. It looks at Alexander's relationship with his father Philip II, the consolidation of Macedonia and Greece, the victories in Syria and Egypt, they battles against Darius the Great, the conquest of the Persian Empire and India, and the strengths and weaknesses of Alexander's reign and personality.This was created because of the movie 'Alexander', so will refer to that, but due to the low ratings of that movie, it is not included on this list.
- StarsLyall B. WatsonMichael SheenJames D'ArcyA docu-drama covering the rise and the fall of the Roman world, including the establishment of strong individual rule by Julius Caesar and the rebuilding of Rome under Nero.
- DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsKit HaringtonEmily BrowningKiefer SutherlandA slave-turned-gladiator finds himself in a race against time to save his true love, who has been betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts, he must fight to save his beloved as Pompeii crumbles around him.
- DirectorStanley KubrickAnthony MannStarsKirk DouglasLaurence OlivierJean SimmonsThe slave Spartacus survives brutal training as a gladiator and leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman Republic, as the ambitious Crassus seeks to gain power by crushing the uprising.
- CreatorSteven S. DeKnightStarsJohn HannahManu BennettPeter MensahIn the time before the arrival of Spartacus, the House of Batiatus faces many challenges from competitors, and within its own household.
- DirectorZack SnyderStarsGerard ButlerLena HeadeyDavid WenhamIn the ancient battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fight against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. They face insurmountable odds when they are betrayed by a Spartan reject.
- DirectorJoseph L. MankiewiczStarsLouis CalhernMarlon BrandoJames MasonThe growing ambition of Julius Caesar is a source of major concern to his close friend Brutus. Cassius persuades him to participate in his plot to assassinate Caesar but they have both sorely underestimated Mark Antony.
- StarsFreddie JonesAndré MorellCaroline BlakistonAfter years of civil war following the assassination of Julius Caesar, his adopted son Octavian manages to unite the various factions and assume control of the Roman Empire. Taking the name Augustus, he presides over an unparalleled period of growth and prosperity, but when he dies, the Empire is thrown into confusion by the corrupt and violent reigns of Tiberius and the insane Caligula.
- StarsSantiago CabreraVincent ReganEmily BluntEpic four-hour series about the rise of Octavius who succeeds Julius Caesar and tangles with Marc Anthony for control of the Roman empire and finally went on to become the emperor Augustus.
- DirectorRoberto RosselliniStarsJean SylvèreAnne CaprileGiuseppe MannajuoloA false accusation leads the philosopher Socrates to trial and condemnation in 4th century BC Athens.Any Biography of this Greek Philosopher would do. You can also look for Aristotle and Plato.
- DirectorRoger YoungStarsPeter O'TooleCharlotte RamplingVittoria BelvedereCaesar Augustus tells of how he became the emperor to his reluctant daughter, Julia following the death of her husband Agrippa.
- StarsDerek JacobiJohn HurtSiân PhillipsThe personal and governmental affairs of the Julio-Claudian dynasty at the beginning of the Roman Empire, as recalled by one of its rulers.
- CreatorBruno HellerWilliam J. MacDonaldJohn MiliusStarsKevin McKiddRay StevensonPolly WalkerA down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans set in the last days of the Roman Republic.
- DirectorCatherine HardwickeStarsKeisha Castle-HughesShohreh AghdashlooOscar IsaacA drama that focuses on the period in Mary and Joseph's life where they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.This begins the movies on the Life of Christ. As with other Biblical stories / time periods, there are several cartoon series out there with individual episodes depicting this topic, but I just picked several of the best films.
- DirectorStephen Vidano"We saw His star in the east and we have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2) The biblical report in the Gospel of Matthew tells a story of wise men reporting to Herod about a "King" born somewhere in Judea. They were queried about the exact time this star appeared. Can we actually unlock the mystery of the world's most famous star? If this was an actual event - can there possibly be historical and scientific evidence for the Star of Bethlehem, the star followed by Magi from the east? These questions have perplexed mankind for over two thousand years. Now, from producer Stephen McEveety (The Passion of the Christ) comes an amazing documentary on the mystical Star of Bethlehem. This presentation explores the exciting story in scripture and examines evidence for God's existence as seen in the heavens. Commentator Rick Larson walks you through Biblical, historical, and scientific clues revealing the incredible significance of this celestial event and the vastness of God's creativity. The old carol spoke about it: "O, star of wonder, star of might, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light." If there was a real star over the skies of Judea when Jesus of Nazareth was born, perhaps there are scientific answers to prove it. We should now be able to use our advanced computer technology to go back in time and see what happened - and discern exactly where certain stars were in the sky. Could this Star have actually existed and pointed to the birth of the Savior? Sit back, watch the heavens and see what was going on when Jesus was born...
- StarsAndrew BuchanPeter CapaldiAl WeaverExplores the troubled times of turn of the millennium Judea, bringing legend to vibrant life, but rooting the action in a world we can all recognise & understand.
- DirectorDerek W. HayesStanislav SokolovStarsRalph FiennesMichael BryantJulie ChristieThe story of Jesus Christ.Claymation 'animation'. Great for young children!
- DirectorNicholas RayStarsJeffrey HunterSiobhan McKennaHurd HatfieldThe temporary physical life of the Biblical Savior, Jesus Christ.
- DirectorRegardt van den BerghStarsRichard KileyBruce MarchianoGerrit SchoonhovenThe plot follows the birth, preaching, teaching and miracles of Jesus. He preached and lived a radical message of God's Love and was able to heal people of lifelong disabilities and illnesses and was able to command natural phenomena.
- DirectorHéctor OliveraStarsHugo SotoMiguel DedovichGustavo GarzónAn Argentinian medical student, finding himself drawn to the countryside, houses with a Scottish/Native family where he reads the illiterate family the Gospel of Mark to then be found in a debacle of religious proportions (as he was not a pious man himself, but becomes more of a religious figure in their eyes).
- DirectorPhilip SavilleStarsHenry Ian CusickDaniel KashChristopher PlummerThe story of Jesus' life as told by the apostle John, narrated by Christopher Plummer.
- DirectorJohn KrishPeter SykesStarsBrian DeaconRivka NeumanAlexander ScourbyFilmed on location in Israel at authentic biblical sites, this inspirational drama and commercial success retells the life of Christ.
- DirectorGeorge StevensJean NegulescoStarsMax von SydowDorothy McGuireCharlton HestonAn all-star, large scale epic movie that chronicles the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
- DirectorMel GibsonStarsJim CaviezelMonica BellucciMaia MorgensternDepicts the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, on the day of his crucifixion in Jerusalem.
- DirectorDan CurtisStarsDean JonesOne of Jesus disciples, John has been punished in exile to the island of Patmos. He is all alone and has time to reflect and tell us about his life, faith and troubles. This is a one man play developed by Dean Jones. He traveled performing it until he put it to video.Although John was in exile during the church age, his story mostly revolves around the life of Christ, so this movie bridges the gap between the two categories.
- DirectorRegardt van den BerghStarsDean JonesHenry O. ArnoldJennifer O'NeillA visual interpretation of the Book of Acts of the Apostle from the Bible.This movie begins the set that talks about the situation with the early Church.
- DirectorRobert DayStarsAnthony HopkinsRobert FoxworthEddie AlbertPeter the Fisherman and Paul of Tarsus assume leadership of the Church as they struggle against violent opposition to the teachings of Jesus Christ and their own personal conflicts.
- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsCharlton HestonJack HawkinsStephen BoydAfter a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.
- 1983– 2hTV-PG8.3 (168)TV EpisodeDirectorWilliam CranStarsWilliam CranJohn Dominic CrossanGil EdgeleyThe story of the rise of Christianity.This series has a second part and, while it starts here in the 'ancient world', it continues until well beyond it.
- StarsPeter O'ToolePeter StraussBarbara CarreraAfter the destruction of the Second Temple, nine hundred Jewish zealots hold out against a five thousand man Roman legion on the mountaintop fortress of Masada.I believe this deals more with the Jewish people than with the Christian church, but this still seems like a good place to add this.
- DirectorHenry KosterStarsRichard BurtonJean SimmonsVictor MatureIn the Roman province of Judea during the 1st century, Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio is ordered to crucify Jesus of Nazareth but is tormented by his guilty conscience afterwards.
- DirectorDelmer DavesStarsVictor MatureSusan HaywardMichael RennieIn first-century Rome, Christian slave Demetrius is sent to fight in the gladiatorial arena and Emperor Caligula seeks Jesus' robe for its alleged magical powers.
- DirectorDamiano DamianiStarsKeith CarradineHarvey KeitelPhyllis LoganA Roman Agent is sent to Palestine to investigate rumors of the resurrection of an executed criminal.
- DirectorRichard FleischerStarsAnthony QuinnSilvana ManganoArthur KennedyGovernor Pontius Pilate gave the populace a choice to spare either Barabbas, a criminal, or Jesus, condemned as a heretic, from crucifixion. The masses chose Barrabas, and he is haunted by the image of Jesus for the rest of his life.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyAnthony MannStarsRobert TaylorDeborah KerrLeo GennAfter fierce Roman commander Marcus Vinicius becomes infatuated with beautiful Christian hostage Lygia, he begins to question the tyrannical leadership of the despotic emperor Nero.
- DirectorCecil B. DeMilleStarsFredric MarchClaudette ColbertElissa LandiA Roman soldier becomes torn between his love for a Christian woman and his loyalty to Emperor Nero.
- CreatorRon KoslowStarsHeath LedgerLisa ZaneSebastian RochéIn 5th century Ireland, a young Celtic chieftain and his allies fight against Roman encroachment, the manipulative pro-Roman puppet ruler of Ireland, Queen Diana, and her immortal adviser who seeks the biblical Spear of Longinus.This film marks the beginning of the 'Declining Roman Empire'.
- DirectorPeter NicholsonStarsAlisdair SimpsonTim Pigott-SmithJim CarterA dramatized recreation of the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.
- DirectorTilman RemmeStarsRobert ShannonDerek LeaJamel ArouiVerus, a slave captured in the Balkans, sees a gladiatorial career in the arena as a preferable alternative to life in a rock quarry.
- StarsGiorgio CrociJukka JokilehtoDan MeisThere is also an episode of Modern Marvels depicting the Aqueducts which would be appropriate to see here too.
- StarsSimon CallowNiki VasilakisMatt WillsThis might have episodes that describe various cities of the ancient Roman Empire and beyond.
- DirectorNeil MarshallStarsMichael FassbenderDominic WestOlga KurylenkoA splinter group of Roman soldiers fight for their lives behind enemy lines after their legion is devastated in a guerrilla attack.
- DirectorKevin MacdonaldStarsChanning TatumJamie BellDonald SutherlandIn Roman-ruled Britain, a young Roman soldier endeavors to honor his father's memory by finding his lost legion's golden emblem.
- DirectorAnthony MannStarsSophia LorenStephen BoydAlec GuinnessThe death of Marcus Aurelius leads to a succession crisis, in which the deceased emperor's son, Commodus, demonstrates that he is unwilling to let anything undermine his claim to the Roman Empire.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsRussell CroweJoaquin PhoenixConnie NielsenA former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.