The Best Movies Based Upon Myths & Legends
Hollywood loves a bit of inspiration. From real life kidnappings and murders, to novels and fables, the industry puts millions into them and takes millions out.
None more so than when it comes to myths and legends. There’s so much to be explored and down the years many have been given that LA makeover, drafting in the likes of Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner and Chris Hemsworth.
It’s made these legends bigger than ever. So, what are the best myths and legends to be given the Hollywood treatment?
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is huge worldwide and to this day is popular with kids and adults alike.
As well as movies it’s spawned all manner of products and forms of entertainment from video games to the opportunity to play bingo games inspired by the figure at Robin Hood Bingo.
Quite fitting, the latter offers players the chance to steal from the rich, but it’s perhaps the big screen which has had the biggest impact.
Kevin Costner’s Prince of Thieves movie is a cult classic, while Ridley Scott released his version of events with Russell Crowe in 2010, although that failed to blow the box office away.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
King Arthur and his round table has inspired many movies, the latest of which came from Guy Ritchie.
Starring Charlie Hunnam as Arthur and all-star cast of Jude Law, Eric Bana and Àstrid Berges-Frisbey, as well as a cameo from David Beckham, it’s perhaps the best move based upon the legend and adds a new element of grit.
Of course, throughout Britain and the entire world you’ll find many things inspired by Arthur however. From Disney’s The Sword in the Stone to theme parks and toys.
Thor
The most successful in recent years, perhaps of all-time is Thor. Based upon Norse deity, the Thor films, as part of the Marvel franchise, have become huge, raking in over a billion at the box office.
Starring Chris Hemsworth, the films are all action and have inspired a new generation into the Marvel Universe, as well as making plenty of cash in merch too!
Hercules
Many movies based on myth and legend are also developed into more family friendly films. Hercules is certainly that and among the best.
Based upon Greek mythology, the animated musical was released in 1997 and follows the traditional story of Hercules.
It started Danny DeVito, Rip Torn and a whole host of popular voice artists and was well received with an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Other Hercules movies have followed, including the 2014 movie starring Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane and John Hurt.
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