Myths, legends, and tales of gods and monsters have been timelessly treasured story tropes for centuries, and the realm of film is no different. True, there have been dozens and dozens of adaptations of traditional tales involving swords, sandals, and sorcery, but what about those that offer a different twist to a familiar formula?
There are plenty of adaptations that give classic myths a unique and original flavor, some even bringing them into the modern realm. But whether they go the route of reinvention or a simple reinterpretation, sometimes a new perspective can give life to an old story.
The Witch
A witch in a haunted forest is a common trope, but this isn’t Hansel and Gretel. This witch has demonic powers which she uses to torment a puritan family far from the safety of civilization. The Witch takes a familiar character and makes her a malevolent force of nature.
An unholy sorceress in league with Lucifer and able to conjure up all manner of black magic is certainly familiar to most, but this folk-horror film cranks up the creep factor sevenfold.
Krampus
Krampus might only have become popular to American audiences in recent years, but this film by Michael Dougherty gave the Christmas devil a dark fantasy edge that continues to be watched yearly. Instead of the standard horned entity with a switch and a sack from German folklore, Krampus makes him into the Anti-Claus.
With a tattered red robe and a sack full of mutant toys, this guy takes the jolly right out of anyone’s holiday. There are worse things than a lump of coal for Christmas.
Tall Tale
Imagine if the Avengers consisted of figures from American folklore. The result would be Disney’s Tall Tale. In this grossly underappreciated adventure, Pecos Bill teams up with the likes of John Henry, Paul Bunyan, and Calamity Jane to stop a greedy landgrabber.
Not all myths have to involve gods and armor, sometimes they just need a bit of a legendary element to make them mighty. Plus, it’s also a treat to see American mythology take center stage.
Thor
It’s often been said that the tales of superheroes are just modern mythology. If that’s the case, the mighty Thor is certainly the genre’s poster boy. Marvel’s reimagining of the Norse god of thunder is truly something to behold, and that’s before Chris Hemsworth picked up the hammer.
Joking aside, the MCU’s interpretation of Thor is one that certainly earns the mantle of immortality. A few creative liberties might be taken here and there, but maybe that’s a good thing.
The 13th Warrior
The 13th Warrior has a bit of a bad rap. It was a critical flop when it first premiered, but looking back on this Viking epic, one will see a retelling of Beowulf with a touch of reality in an otherwise fantastical setting.
Michael Crichton’s reimagining of Ahmad ibn Fadlan’s encounter with a clan of Norsemen pulls from both fact and fantasy in this underrated gem. It’s perfect for those looking for a different take on the famous story.
Excalibur
Excalibur is what happens when King Arthur meets Dungeons and Dragons. In this highly romanticized and stylized version of the Arthurian legend, the fantasy element is cranked up to 11, resulting in one of the most outrageous and beloved versions of the tale.
The elements of the original legend of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table are all there, but they take a backseat in favor of the fantasy flavor. It may be highly exaggerated, but that’s part of its over-the-top charm.
Pan’s Labyrinth
When it comes to mythic and monster movies, there are few better in the business than Guillermo del Toro. Next to The Shape of Water, the filmmaker’s magnum opus has to be Pan’s Labyrinth.
Not only does this dark fairytale pull from classic mythology, but also famous works of literature, such as Alice in Wonderland and works by the Brothers Grimm. The image of Ophelia and the Faun is one that positively drips with haunted and mystic beauty.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Disney is a champion at retelling fairytales, myths, and legends. It’s practically what the studio’s foundation is made from. But one that constantly gets overlooked is Atlantis: The Lost Empire. If ever there was a film that reimagined myths across cultures so well, it’s this steampunk epic.
A dash of Norse mythology, a touch of Egyptian, and just a pinch of Greek odyssey, and voila, Disney gave fans their take on the sunken city. One thing that’s for certain is that Disney’s interpretation is unarguably the most imaginative.
Hercules
And now for something a touch more familiar, but leagues and leagues more popular. When most people hear the name “Hercules,” they more than likely imagine Disney’s version of the daring demigod going from zero to hero. Honestly, how can one not?
It’s certainly a Disneyfied take on Greek mythology, but one that has stood the test of time. Granted, it’s not exactly the most faithful adaptation, but one that leaves everyone with a smile.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Ever wonder what would happen if Homer’s Odyssey took place in the deep south? O Brother, Where Art Thou? takes the myth of Odysseus and pulls him from the Grecian Islands into the jaws of rural, 1920’s Mississippi.
But don’t let the setting mislead you, there are still sirens, soothsayers, and even a cyclops, all with a southern-fried flavor and a side of Coen Brothers style. Pair this with the film’s excellent bluegrass soundtrack and it makes quite an epic recipe.
