Are you a fan of the epic historical war drama Troy and looking for more movies that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping action, sweeping cinematography, and larger-than-life characters? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
From ancient battles to medieval crusades, these 18 films transport you to distant eras full of clashing swords, legendary heroes, and riveting drama. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to journey through the annals of cinematic history with the best movies like Troy.
1. Gladiator (2000)
“Are you not entertained?!” If you loved the epic scope and pulse-pounding action of Troy, then Ridley Scott’s Gladiator is an absolute must-watch. Russell Crowe delivers a powerhouse performance as Maximus, a Roman general betrayed by the emperor’s corrupt son. Forced into slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of gladiatorial combat to seek his vengeance in the Colosseum.
With its breathtaking visuals, Hans Zimmer’s iconic score, and stellar supporting cast including Joaquin Phoenix and Oliver Reed, Gladiator is a cinematic triumph that more than earns its place in the epic film hall of fame. The movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.
2. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Ridley Scott takes us to the Crusades in the sprawling historical epic Kingdom of Heaven. Orlando Bloom stars as Balian, a French blacksmith who travels to Jerusalem and becomes embroiled in the political and religious conflict between the Christians and Muslims.
Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, David Thewlis and Brendan Gleeson round out the exceptional ensemble cast. While the theatrical cut received mixed reviews, the Director’s Cut is widely regarded as a vastly superior film that adds substantial character and plot development. If you’re a fan of medieval battle scenes and tales of religious intrigue, Kingdom of Heaven is well worth your time.
3. 300 (2006)
“This is Sparta!” Zack Snyder’s 300 tells the larger-than-life tale of King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and his 300 Spartan warriors as they make a defiant last stand against the massive invading Persian army of god-king Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro).
Based on Frank Miller’s stylized graphic novel, 300 is a visually stunning and action-packed thrill ride. While it plays fast and loose with historical accuracy, the film succeeds in delivering pure adrenaline-fueled entertainment. The highly quotable dialogue, iconic imagery, and unflinching battle sequences have made 300 a modern pop culture classic.
4. Alexander (2004)
Oliver Stone’s sweeping historical epic Alexander stars Colin Farrell as the legendary Macedonian king who conquered vast swaths of the known world. The film chronicles Alexander’s life from childhood to his invasion of Persia and India.
An impressive cast includes Angelina Jolie, Val Kilmer, Anthony Hopkins, Jared Leto and Rosario Dawson. While Alexander received mixed reviews upon release and was a box office disappointment, it’s an ambitious film that tackles one of history’s most enigmatic figures. The Director’s Cut and Ultimate Cut are notable improvements that address many of the theatrical version’s shortcomings.
5. Braveheart (1995)
Mel Gibson’s Braveheart tells the story of 13th century Scottish rebel William Wallace, who leads his countrymen in a rebellion against the tyrannical English. Gibson stars as Wallace in an Oscar-winning performance, painting an inspirational portrait of a man driven by love and an unquenchable thirst for freedom.
The film is remembered for its rousing battle speeches, brutal combat sequences, and sweeping cinematography of the Scottish Highlands. Braveheart struck a chord with audiences worldwide and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson. “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!”
6. King Arthur (2004)
Antoine Fuqua’s gritty and realistic take on the Arthurian legend stars Clive Owen as Arthur, a Roman cavalry officer, and Ioan Gruffudd as Lancelot. King Arthur strips away the medieval fantasy elements in favor of a more historically plausible narrative, focusing on the Roman withdrawal from Britain and the Saxon invasion.
While the film takes substantial liberties with history and myth, it delivers impressively staged battle sequences and explores the political and religious tensions of the era. Stellan Skarsgård, Stephen Dillane and Keira Knightley round out the capable cast in this unique spin on a well-worn tale.
7. Spartacus (1960)
Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus is a classic of the historical epic genre, starring Kirk Douglas as the titular Thracian gladiator who leads a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. The film features a legendary cast that includes Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, Charles Laughton, and Tony Curtis.
Spartacus was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. The film is renowned for its gripping performances, intelligent screenplay, and iconic scenes like the “I am Spartacus!” sequence. A true cinematic masterpiece that set the standard for the genre.
8. Troy (2004)
We can’t talk about movies like Troy without mentioning Troy itself! Wolfgang Petersen’s epic retelling of Homer’s Iliad features an all-star cast including Brad Pitt as Achilles, Eric Bana as Hector, Orlando Bloom as Paris, and Diane Kruger as Helen of Troy.
While the film takes liberties with the source material, it delivers the goods when it comes to spectacular battle scenes and larger-than-life characters. Pitt is magnetic as the arrogant but deadly Achilles, and Bana brings nobility and pathos to Hector. Troy is a grand, sweeping epic that does justice to one of the foundational tales of Western literature.
9. Centurion (2010)
Neil Marshall’s Centurion is a gritty and visceral take on the Roman occupation of Britain in the 2nd century AD. Michael Fassbender stars as Quintus Dias, a Roman centurion who leads a small group of soldiers on a mission behind enemy lines to rescue a captured general.
The film is a brutal and uncompromising look at the realities of ancient warfare, with intense, bloody battle sequences and a strong sense of camaraderie among the Roman soldiers. Fassbender is excellent as the hardened and resourceful Quintus, and Dominic West delivers a memorable turn as the Pictish king Gorlacon. Centurion is a must-watch for fans of historical action films.
10. Immortals (2011)
Tarsem Singh’s visually stunning Immortals is a stylized take on Greek mythology, loosely based on the tale of Theseus and the Minotaur. Henry Cavill stars as Theseus, a mortal chosen by Zeus to lead the fight against the ruthless King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke), who seeks to obtain the legendary Epirus Bow and unleash the Titans upon humanity.
Immortals is a feast for the eyes, with breathtaking visuals, elaborate costumes, and imaginative set designs. The action sequences are thrilling and creatively staged, showcasing Singh’s unique visual flair. While the plot may be thin, Immortals more than makes up for it with its sheer spectacle and style.
11. The Last Samurai (2003)
Edward Zwick’s The Last Samurai stars Tom Cruise as Nathan Algren, an American Civil War veteran who travels to Japan to train the Emperor’s troops in modern warfare. Algren is captured by the samurai rebels led by Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe) and begins to question his loyalties as he learns the way of the samurai.
The Last Samurai is a beautifully shot and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of honor, loyalty, and cultural identity. Cruise delivers one of his best performances as the conflicted Algren, and Watanabe is equally impressive as the noble and wise Katsumoto. The film features stunning cinematography, memorable battle scenes, and a moving score by Hans Zimmer.
12. Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
Ridley Scott’s biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings stars Christian Bale as Moses, the prophet who leads the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt. The film chronicles Moses’ journey from privileged Egyptian prince to rebel leader, culminating in the famous parting of the Red Sea.
While the film received mixed reviews and faced controversy over its casting and historical accuracy, it’s a visually impressive and action-packed retelling of the Exodus story. Bale delivers a strong performance as Moses, and the film’s depiction of the plagues and the Red Sea sequence are stunning technical achievements. Exodus: Gods and Kings may not be perfect, but it’s a worthy addition to the biblical epic genre.
13. The Eagle (2011)
Kevin Macdonald’s The Eagle is a gripping adventure film set in Roman-occupied Britain. Channing Tatum stars as Marcus Aquila, a young Roman officer who ventures beyond Hadrian’s Wall with his British slave Esca (Jamie Bell) to retrieve the lost eagle standard of his father’s legion and restore his family’s honor.
The Eagle is a well-crafted and entertaining historical adventure, with strong performances from Tatum and Bell. The film captures the harsh beauty of the Scottish Highlands and features thrilling action sequences that showcase the brutality of ancient warfare. It’s a solid choice for fans of historical fiction and adventure films.
14. Spartacus (TV Series, 2010-2013)
While not a movie, the Starz television series Spartacus is a must-watch for fans of historical epics and sword-and-sandal action. The series follows the story of the Thracian gladiator Spartacus (Andy Whitfield in season one, Liam McIntyre in subsequent seasons), who leads a slave uprising against the Roman Republic.
Spartacus is known for its graphic violence, explicit sexuality, and stylized visual aesthetic. The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, and Peter Mensah, and delivers thrilling action sequences and compelling character arcs. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy, Spartacus is a highly entertaining and addictive series that pushes the boundaries of television storytelling.
15. Pompeii (2014)
Paul W.S. Anderson’s Pompeii is a disaster film set in the days leading up to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Kit Harington stars as Milo, a Celtic gladiator who falls in love with Cassia (Emily Browning), the daughter of a wealthy merchant, amidst the impending destruction of Pompeii.
While the film received mixed reviews, it delivers impressive visual effects and thrilling action sequences. The depiction of the eruption and the destruction of Pompeii is a stunning technical achievement, and the gladiatorial scenes are well-staged and exciting. Pompeii may not be a deep or historically accurate film, but it’s an entertaining popcorn flick for fans of disaster movies and ancient spectacle.
16. The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)
Luc Besson’s The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc stars Milla Jovovich as the legendary French heroine who led the French army to victory against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. The film chronicles Joan’s journey from peasant girl to military leader and her ultimate trial and execution for heresy.
Besson’s film is a visually stunning and emotionally intense portrayal of Joan of Arc, with Jovovich delivering a powerful and committed performance. The battle scenes are impressively staged, and the film’s exploration of faith, destiny, and the horrors of war is thought-provoking and affecting. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy, The Messenger is a compelling and visually arresting film that does justice to Joan of Arc’s extraordinary story.
17. Hercules (2014)
Brett Ratner’s Hercules stars Dwayne Johnson as the legendary Greek demigod, reimagined as a mercenary leader who completes the legendary Twelve Labors and then faces a new challenge when he is hired by the King of Thrace to train his army.
Johnson brings his trademark charisma and physicality to the role of Hercules, and the film features impressive action sequences and epic battle scenes. While it takes liberties with Greek mythology, Hercules is an entertaining and action-packed adventure that showcases Johnson’s star power and the enduring appeal of the Hercules legend.
18. Clash of the Titans (2010)
Louis Leterrier’s remake of the 1981 classic Clash of the Titans stars Sam Worthington as Perseus, a demigod son of Zeus (Liam Neeson) who must embark on a perilous quest to save the city of Argos from the wrath of the gods and the monstrous Kraken.
While the film received mixed reviews, it delivers impressive visual effects and action sequences, bringing the creatures and monsters of Greek mythology to life. The talented cast, which also includes Ralph Fiennes as Hades and Mads Mikkelsen as Draco, adds gravitas to the proceedings. Clash of the Titans may not be a faithful retelling of the Perseus myth, but it’s an entertaining and visually spectacular adventure that captures the spirit of the original.
So there you have it, 18 of the best movies like Troy that will transport you to distant eras, mythical lands, and epic battlefields. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, sword-and-sandal action, or mythological adventures, these films offer something for everyone. So grab your sword, strap on your sandals, and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey through the ages!
