Long before superheroes dominated the cinema, kings and legendary warriors ruled the screen. Hollywood is now returning to this dependable blockbuster recipe with record-breaking results.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has become the latest proof, grossing US$639.6 million worldwide in just two weeks, including US$140 million from IMAX screenings alone, making it one of the fastest-rising blockbusters of the year.
This success follows a long pattern of mythological triumphs. Ridley Scott’s Gladiator earned over US$465 million and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
More than two decades later, Gladiator II grossed over US$460 million, proving that the appetite for ancient spectacle remains undiminished.
Other major hits include Wolfgang Petersen’s Troy, which collected nearly US$500 million, and Zack Snyder’s 300, a US$456 million phenomenon.
The genre continues to draw massive crowds. Louis Leterrier’s Clash of the Titans reached US$493 million, followed by Wrath of the Titans at US$302 million.
Darren Aronofsky’s Noah earned US$360 million, while Exodus: Gods and Kings crossed the US$268 million mark.
While some films like Gods of Egypt and Alexander struggled, the overall rewards remain enormous.
Streaming platforms have also joined the fray, with Netflix finding success in Blood of Zeus and Ragnarok, while Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians became one of its strongest launches.
The enduring appeal lies in universal human emotions. The Odyssey is fundamentally about a man trying to reach his family. Gladiator explores grief and revenge, while Troy examines the devastating cost of war.
Beyond storytelling, studios benefit from the world’s largest free intellectual property library. Figures like Achilles, Hercules and Medusa are globally recognised and require no licensing fees.
As artificial intelligence makes digital imagery cheaper, filmmakers are now choosing physical authenticity. Nolan reportedly utilised practical sets and a giant physical Trojan Horse to make his ancient world feel real.
Looking ahead, live-action versions of Hercules and King Arthur are in development.
The future of event cinema may soon feature the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, The Iliad and Beowulf as tomorrow’s biggest spectacles.
