The Odyssey (2026) is set to be one of the biggest films of 2026, with Christopher Nolan’s epic retelling of the ancient story proving to be perfect box office fodder. It’s a deeply impressive film on a technical level, but what’s more impressive is how the film uses the well-trodden material to explore the ramifications of PTSD and the price that guilt can take on a soul. It’s a terrific film, but it’s also not the only ancient Greek story that you should be watching on the big screen.
Hadestown (2019) has come to theaters, albeit as a recorded version of the stage musical rather than a full feature-length film. However, both stories highlight the timeless appeal of Greek myth, with the exceptional men and women featured in the stories at the whims and lessons of the Pantheon. While they are decidedly very different cinematic experiences, both movies make for an ideal ancient Greek pairing.
‘Hadestown’ Recreates One Of Greek Myth’s Saddest Tales
Hadestown is a fantastic modern reimagining of the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice that—like Christopher Nolan’s version of The Odyssey—does a great job underscoring why the stories still resonate with audiences thousands of years after they were created. After being in various forms of production and format, Hadestown debuted on Broadway in 2019 and became a smash hit, earning several Tony Awards. The story is very faithful to the original myth, telling the tale of the gifted musician Orpheus and his bride, Eurydice—all while adding new layers to the dynamic between the pair as well as unpacking the fraught relationship between Hades and Persephone.
Bolstered by a blues-inspired soundtrack and aesthetic design, Hadestown is a terrific-looking musical that easily adapts to the big screen. Similar to other recordings of performances like Hamilton (2020) and SIX the Musical Live! (2025), the music and the performances retain their theatrical qualities while translating easily to the big screen. The effect is a film that retains the somber core of the inspiration while still retaining the spark of live theater, all brought to life through vivid performances.
‘Hadestown’ Is a Perfect Companion Piece For ‘The Odyssey’
Hadestown has a few things in common with The Odyssey, even though both of them are going for very different effects. Both movies adapt classic tales from the times of antiquity, exploring very modern themes of love, loss, and grief through the lens of Greek mythology. Both stories are deeply focused on the enduring power of love even against supernatural forces and cosmic certainties. Although the tale of Odysseus and Penelope is a happier one than that of Orpheus and Eurydice, both stories showcase the power of love in the face of the impossible.
Both tales bring a modern flair to the material, even if Hadestown takes more creative liberties with the setting and visual style. The catchy music and haunting performances of Hadestown make for a fitting contrast with the giant scope and tiny moments of The Odyssey, both of them operating firmly between the bombastic and the melodious. While they both feel very different in their execution, there’s a common core to both stories that underscores the bittersweet parts of life amidst some stunning supernatural touches.
Why Ancient Greek Myths Still Hit So Hard in Modern Times
Greek mythology is one of the more notable ancient styles of storytelling that retains a powerful impact on modern creatives. The tales of the Greek Pantheon continue to inspire people to this day, in large part to the way they are ultimately timeless morals wrapped up in the visual markers of Greek culture. Movies like Clash of the Titans (2010) and shows like Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023) largely utilize the Greek setting and the mythical monsters for their surface-level qualities while telling their own stories, but adaptations of the full myths find timeless morals in their bones. That’s why something like The Odyssey can just as easily feel authentic as an ancient Greek epic as it does in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000).
It’s why tales of Orpheus and Eurydice can be set in the modern day like Kaos (2024), in specific periods like Hadestown, or even during Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro in Black Orpheus (1959). These are tales that don’t just linger with people because of their massive supernatural elements but because of their undeniable humanity. The narratives are all about the lessons the characters learn, whether they be regular people or of divine origin. It’s what makes both The Odyssey and Hadestown so inherently timeless, even as they deeply reflect the creative spirit of modern artists. It doesn’t matter the period or the style—these myths still enrapture us because they speak to us on a deeper level.
