List of movies concerning the History and Literature of the ancient world
This list is designed to supplement a study of the ancient world (From Creation to the Fall of the Roman Empire / Attila the Hun).
To help find what you might be interested in here is a table of contents with topic and where that topic begins on this list (note that there is sometimes overlap):
Creation - 1
Biblical Patriarchs - 7
Ancient Egypt - 20
Ancient Americas - 33
Greek Mythology - 41
Greek/Roman History (B.C.) - 55
Life of Christ - 69
Early Church - 81
Declining Roman Empire- 92
Russian/Slavic Folklore - 104
Far East Folklore/History - 110
African Folklore/History - 130
I tried to find as many documentaries/dramas/docu-dramas as I could find of the ancient world for both history and culture (myths and legends), but some areas are simply very sparsely covered (like Africa).
My criteria for a movie/show to be included were that:
1) It had to fall within the historical time-frame given,
2) It had to receive at least a star rating of 6.0 from IMDb (with a couple of exceptions),
3) It had to be at least be theoretically possible to FIND the movie somewhere, such as on Netflix or Amazon.
Although not every movie (or even most) here will be from a Christian perspective, that will be a major theme. I tried to find multiple age ratings for each category, but wasn't always successful. I have not watched most of the movies listed here, so cannot guarantee their quality or appropriateness.
*Parental Discretion Advised when selecting from this list*
I would welcome any suggestions, including additional movies, comments on the movies I have here already, and any other feedback. Please see my other lists for other Historical periods or for simply a list of 'movies everyone should see'.
To help find what you might be interested in here is a table of contents with topic and where that topic begins on this list (note that there is sometimes overlap):
Creation - 1
Biblical Patriarchs - 7
Ancient Egypt - 20
Ancient Americas - 33
Greek Mythology - 41
Greek/Roman History (B.C.) - 55
Life of Christ - 69
Early Church - 81
Declining Roman Empire- 92
Russian/Slavic Folklore - 104
Far East Folklore/History - 110
African Folklore/History - 130
I tried to find as many documentaries/dramas/docu-dramas as I could find of the ancient world for both history and culture (myths and legends), but some areas are simply very sparsely covered (like Africa).
My criteria for a movie/show to be included were that:
1) It had to fall within the historical time-frame given,
2) It had to receive at least a star rating of 6.0 from IMDb (with a couple of exceptions),
3) It had to be at least be theoretically possible to FIND the movie somewhere, such as on Netflix or Amazon.
Although not every movie (or even most) here will be from a Christian perspective, that will be a major theme. I tried to find multiple age ratings for each category, but wasn't always successful. I have not watched most of the movies listed here, so cannot guarantee their quality or appropriateness.
*Parental Discretion Advised when selecting from this list*
I would welcome any suggestions, including additional movies, comments on the movies I have here already, and any other feedback. Please see my other lists for other Historical periods or for simply a list of 'movies everyone should see'.
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- StarsSigourney WeaverDavid AttenboroughNikolay DrozdovA documentary series on the wildlife found on Earth. Each episode covers a different habitat: deserts, mountains, deep oceans, shallow seas, forests, caves, polar regions, fresh water, plains and jungles. Narrated by David Attenborough.I'm starting with this show because a study of 'In the Beginning' would, in my opinion, be best assisted by appreciating the amazing Creation God gave us. So the first few suggestions focus on the natural world. Note that most of these are not made from a Christian perspective, so there is some talk of Evolution, but I believe that won't be a huge problem for most families (you can talk about it with your children if it concerns you).
Note: There is a sequel to this series called 'Life'. - StarsDavid AttenboroughDavid Attenborough's comprehensive study of how a remarkable group of animals evolved - a group that includes ourselves.Probably any nature documentary will work, but this one is well done.
- StarsDavid AttenboroughDavid Attenborough's ground-breaking exploration of a group of organisms that are vast in number, yet often too small to be noticed: the invertebrates.The final nature documentary here is on the insect world - this has some stunning images!
You can also find documentaries on other natural phenomena such as astronomy or earth science or undersea life. - DirectorWayne P. AllenStarsLee StrobelTom KaneDon RansonWhen objectively considered, does contemporary scientific evidence point toward or away from a supernatural Creator? Strobel interviewed scientists and scholars from a wide range of disciplines for the answers. Based upon a New York Times best-seller, The Case For A Creator is a remarkable film about Lee Strobel's journey from spiritual skepticism to a profound faith in the God who has etched His indelible signature upon every galaxy and living cell. The Creator now revealed by 21st century science.This movie, along with the book, is an excellent introduction to apologetics and the Christian side of the Creation/Evolution debate. Note that this does not meet my usual ratings criteria, but considering the controversial nature of this topic, I felt it was appropriate to include despite the rating.
- StarsMartin LandauJacqueline BissetBilly CampbellBiblical tales from the books of Genesis and Exodus, including the stories of Abraham's devotion and Joseph's betrayal.
- DirectorErmanno OlmiStarsPaul ScofieldAnnabi AbdelialilOmero AntonuttiAn all-enveloping darkness. Suddenly, a child's voice, frightened, questioning, pierces the darkness... The first flickering rays of light begin to sculpt mysterious shapes out of the darkness ... Among them, a very old man. He reassures the child, exhorting him to see the wonders of the earth. And it is with this child's eyes that we will witness the creation of the world. Nature comes to life at the first light of dawn, recreating the seven days of the Creation. Adam appears, and is soon joined by Eve. Paradise could be theirs, but as time goes by, they grow restless, inquisitive... They approach the Tree of Knowledge - and discover pain, suffering and mortality. Their sons Cain and Abel play out a story that will continue to darken the Creation until the end of time. And angered by the corruption of Cain's progeny, by the lust and greed ruling the cities, God vows to wipe away his creatures and begin anew. With Noah and his family. The ark is built, the animals led into their pens, and the rain begins beating on the timbers, flooding the land, bringing fear and death. When the rains have devastated the world, the waters recede, the ark touches ground, and the dove sent out by Noah returns with an olive branch - the sign of new life and of a new pact with God.This movie is slow and 'artistic' and has relatively low ratings, but I'm still adding it on here as an option since there aren't a lot of options for this subject/time period.
I recommend 'Answers in Genesis' web site for other Biblical films on Creation. - DirectorJohn StevensonStarsMiles TellerAubrey PlazaJenny SlateAn aardvark named Gilbert lands the job of shepherding all the animals onto Noah's Ark.Upcoming Animated movie.
- StarsRichard HarrisBarbara HersheyMaximilian SchellAbram a tribal leader denies all the local deities and finds the true God. Through many trials and tribulations he strengthens his faith.
- StarsMarc Z. BrettlerWilliam G. DeverWadad KadiThis was part of a longer series, so if you like this, check out the other episodes.
- DirectorPeter HallStarsMatthew ModineLara Flynn BoyleSean BeanIn the foreign land of Canaan lives Isaac, son of Abraham, with his clever, strong-willed wife Rebekah and his twin sons Esau and Jacob. The first-born, Esau, is a strong and fearless hunter with a voracious appetite for sensual pleasures. Jacob is a shepherd, more tender and compassionate han Esau. Just as Esau is the pride of his father, so is Jacob the apple of his mother's eye. Rebekah is convinced that Jacob, though the second born son, is the chosen one and the rightful heir of Isaac and Abraham. And she tells him that when she was with child, God announced to her: "Two nations are within thy womb. Two manner of men shall be delivered to you. The one shall be stronger than the other and the elder shall serve the younger". One day Esau returns from a hunt to find Jacob preparing a lentil porridge. Famished, he asks Jacob for some food. Jacob agrees, but on one condition: that Esau sell him his birthright. Since Esau ascribes little value to its meaning, he readily agrees and they conclude the pact. Time has passed. Isaac has grown old and nearly blind. It is time to pass on his paternal blessing to the firstborn. He asks Esau to hunt and prepare some game for him, after which he will give him his blessing. Rebekah knows she must act now. Cornering Jacob, she pressures him into deceiving Isaac so that he obtains the blessing instead of Esau. Jacob resists, but when Rebekah vows to take the blame for this ploy, he finally consents. And thus does Jacob trick his father. When Esau returns from the hunt and appears before his father, he explodes in anger when he learns of the scheme. Having obtained only a lesser blessing from Isaac, he vows to kill Jacob as soon as his father passes away. Isaac, following Rebekah's suggestion, advises Jacob to flee to Harran, to the home of Laban - Rebekah's brother, and to ask him to marry one of his daughters. Laden with gold, silver, skins, spices and oils, Jacob sadly leaves his home and his loved ones. Soon, however, he realizes that he is being followed: a Canaanite, one of Esau's brothers-in-law, robs him of the treasure that was to be his dowry. One night, as he is asleep, Jacob has a vision of a stairway with angel-like figures on it. During this vision God promises him protection and prosperity. The next morning, Jacob swears to remain faithful and devoted to God. After an arduous journey, Jacob arrives in Harran. Haggard and drained of his strength, he immediately forgets his fatigue when he sees a pretty young girl at the fountain. The girl is Rachel, the youngest daughter of his uncle Laban. And Jacob falls head over heels in love with her. Though Laban greets his nephew heartily, he cannot conceal his disappointment that Jacob has arrived without any gifts. Laban's two sons, Morash and Be'or, are less delighted by Jacob's arrival. Jacob soon asks Laban to let him marry Rachel, and he even accepts Laban's rigorous conditions: that Jacob become his indentured servant for a full seven years. Jacob proves to be a singularly successful herdsman and contributes mightily to the welfare of Laban's people. Thus after seven years, Laban is unwilling to let him leave and devises a cunning scheme... When Jacob awakens on the morning following the consummation of his marriage with Rachel, he is horrified to discover that he has slept with Rachel's older sister Leah instead. Laban forced Leah to take her sister's place in the dark tent. As Jacob rages, Laban claims that according to the law of the land, a father must marry off his older daughter first. He is willing, however, to make Jacob another offer: for another seven years in his service, he can take Rachel as his wife in one week's time. And again, Laban and his people enjoy seven more years of rich harvests and expanding flocks, all thanks to Jacob's superior abilities. But while the unloved Leah bears Jacob many children, Rachel, his one and only love, remains barren for many years, until Joseph finally sees the light of day. After his second period of indenture is over, Jacob strikes another deal with Laban, whereby he is allowed to assemble his own herd. His prosperity soon sparks the envy of Laban's sons Morash and Be'or, who accuse Jacob of deceiving them and of stealing their property. Jacob decides it is time to move back to Canaan, and flees with his wives, children and servants. As soon as Laban hears about their escape, he rounds up his sons and his men and gives chase. He finally meets up with Jacob on Mount Gilead. But before he can reach Jacob, God appears to Laban and warns him not to harm Jacob or his people. Jacob's most grueling ordeal, however, still awaits him: his meeting with his brother Esau. Fearing that Esau still intends to kill him, Jacob sends messengers with gifts to his brother to announce his coming. The messengers return sooner than expected, reporting that Esau is already on his way to meet him - with 400 armed men. Jacob sets up camp on the banks of the river Jabbok. That night, while his people await Esau with fear and trembling, Jacob withdraws to collect himself on the other side of the river. There Jacob is attacked by a mysterious being whom he cannot identify. It is an angel. As the struggle intensifies and the angel realizes that he cannot subdue Jacob, he strikes him fiercely on the hip. But Jacob, who gradually realizes who his adversary is, continues to grapple with him and refuses to relinquish his hold until the angel has blessed him. Ultimately the angel yields and gives Jacob the blessing together with the new name of "Israel". He thus confirms Jacob's right to the blessing which he originally obtained by deceit. The following morning, as Esau's army approaches, Jacob gathers his people behind him and awaits his brother. As Esau arrives at the head of his troops, Jacob humbly throws himself at his brother's feet. Esau breaks the tension by coming towards Jacob with open arms and welcoming him home. Reconciling their past differences, Jacob and Esau embrace.
- CreatorJames L. ConwayCharles E. Sellier Jr.StarsBrad CrandallVictor JoryPeter Mark RichmanAnthology of famous events of the Old Testament.Another TV series, so try a few episodes as desired.
- DirectorSteve GreisenStarsRobert CornukeLarry WilliamsJohn Rhys-DaviesThis program tells the amazing story of two explorer's search for the real Mt. Sinai, They crawled into forbidden military installations, had to use night vision goggles to avoid being detected as they pursue their mission and discover over a dozen significant remnants still remaining at the site. The explorers embark on a journey that would change their lives forever... Finding remarkable evidence that confirms the Bible as historically accurate. Weaving together real life adventure historical research and exclusive never-before-released footage, this exciting adventure leaps off the screen to document a story you'll never forget.Most of the Moses stories are further down the list (starting with the transition to Ancient Egypt), but this documentary fits better here.
- DirectorRichard RichStarsVictoria LindleyPhil HubbardUrsula MeyerA famine has destroyed the farm of Elimelech of Bethlehem, driving him and his wife Naomi to the land of Moab. There, with the help of their two sons, they do well for a time, and the sons marry Gentile women of the region, Orpah, and the good and beautiful Ruth. But tragedy strikes the family once again. Within a short period of time, Elimelech and his two sons die. The three women are left widowed and alone. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. Knowing that Gentiles would not be welcome there, she tells Orpah and Ruth to return to their families. Orpah does so, but the faithful Ruth makes a vow to Naomi to never desert her. "Whither thy guest, I will go; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." Naomi thanks God for blessing her with a loving daughter-in-law, and asks Him to protect and bless Ruth. God listens to the prayers of Naomi. In Bethlehem, Ruth tells Naomi that she will find food for them. She goes to a field which is being harvested, and asks permission to gather the bits of grain left behind by the harvesters. The land belongs to Boaz, who welcomes her to take what she needs. The kindly Boaz instructs his men to protect Ruth from any persecution. She is to be treated well in her new home. Day after Day Ruth returns to Boaz's land, and we see the growing affection between Ruth and Boaz. Naomi tells Ruth that because Boaz is her near kinsman he is bound to marry the widowed Ruth, and urges Ruth to reveal her kinship. But Ruth wants Boaz to marry her out of love, not because of duty. On the last day of the harvest, Ruth and Boaz finally speak of their love and agree to marry. Once married, Ruth gives birth to a son, whom they name Obed. As a result of Ruth's faithfulness, God's bounty and blessing on the family are limitless. Obed is destined to be the grandfather of David, the great King who is to unite the people of Israel.Another series - this one animated.
- DirectorCecil B. DeMilleStarsHedy LamarrVictor MatureGeorge SandersWhen strongman Samson rejects the love of the beautiful Philistine woman Delilah, she seeks vengeance that brings horrible consequences they both regret.
- DirectorPhil VischerMike NawrockiStarsPhil VischerMike NawrockiTim HodgeWhen the singing Veggies encounter some car trouble, they are stranded at an old rundown seafood joint, where nothing is quite as it seems.Many of the VeggieTales video re-tell famous Bible stories.
- StarsMaurice RoëvesGina BellmanLina SastriThe tribes of Israel need to defeat the superior might of the Philistines: "Now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." (I Samuel, 8:5). And so the prophet Samuel gives the Hebrews their first king, Saul, a simple farmer, who with God's help becomes a brave and mighty warlord who leads the united tribes of Israel against their enemies. Saul, however, has incessant doubts about his mission. Not trustful enough of divine wisdom, he acts of his own accord and thus sins against the Lord. The influential prophet Samuel turns away from Saul in order to select a new king according to God's will: David. He is still a young boy, tending sheep in the fields, when, secretly Samuel oints him as the next king of the Israelites. When David - as courageous as he is intelligent - emerges victorious from his encounter with Goliath, the Philistines' most powerful warrior, he becomes a hero. His fame arouses the jealousy of King Saul, who senses that David is going to dispute his right to be king - and tries to kill him. David flees from Saul, and finds many supporters and loyal companions who believe that he is destined to be king. In exile, David waits for his time to come, since he does not want to take the place of Saul by violence. He is young and in the prime of his strength, while King Saul is a broken man. When Saul falls upon his sword after losing a battle, David's hour is at hand. The new King David conquers Jerusalem. The magnificent city is to become the royal residence for the glorious hero, who now plans to leave the business of war to others in future and to become a King of Peace. However, this temperamental man, with so many years of battle behind him and still in the bloom of youth, is not predestined for a quiet, orderly life at all. Very soon he plunges into an illicit love affair with Bathsheba, a married woman - an affair that threatens to become the king's undoing when it turns out that she is expecting his child. To conceal his adulterous fatherhood, the king sends Bathsheba's husband Uriah - one of his best and most loyal soldiers - to his death, and then marries her. The prophet and royal adviser Nathan announces to David that his act will result in divine punishment: the Lord will not countenance such an outrage. Violence and evil will continue in David's own family and bring disaster upon the heads of the numerous sons born to David from his wives and concubines. Then the child of David and Bathsheba dies. She gives him another son, Solomon, but very soon David suffers another sharp blow of fate: his grown-up son Absalom kills one of his brothers for the latter's rape of his sister. David is far too mild in response to this: not only does he fail to bring the incestuous seducer to justice, he also leaves the fratricide unpunished. The king does not realise that he is gradually losing control over his family, and that his hold on the people is also growing weaker. For David is obsessed with his plan of building the finest and largest temple in the world in Jerusalem. He demands immense sums from the populace for this project, even though God has commanded him to leave the completion of the building to his successors. David's ambitious son Absalom thus finds it very easy to drum up support for a conspiracy against his father. After a fierce battle, culminating in Absalom's death, David makes it back to Jerusalem.
- CreatorMichael GreenStarsIan McShaneChristopher EganSusanna ThompsonA modern day, alternate-reality drama about a hero who rises to become the King of his nation, based on the biblical story of King David.This is a bit of an odd duck to add in here. But it is based on a re-telling of Biblical events, even if it is set in the modern world, so I include it.
- DirectorHarry WinerStarsPatrick DempseyOliver ReedKlaus Maria BrandauerJeremiah tells the story of the prophet who abandons his family and the woman he loves in order to relay God's message in Jerusalem, starring Patrick Dempsey and Oliver Reed.
- DirectorMichael O. SajbelStarsTiffany DupontLuke GossJohn NobleIn Biblical times, a girl disguises her Jewish origins when the Persian king comes looking for a new bride among his subjects.Story of Esther
- DirectorLad AllenStarsJohn A. BloomFrank Moore CrossAllen R. KerkeslagerDuring the Exodus, one of the most famous miracles of the Old Testament took place. More than 3000 years have passed since Moses led two million Israelites across the Red Sea and out of the bondage of Egypt. Christians, Jews, and Muslims throughout the world still embrace the accounts of this remarkable event. It is an epic that so fascinated Hollywood director Cecil B. DeMille that he made THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, twice. Now THE EXODUS REVEALED follows the footsteps of the children of Israel in an unforgettable journey of discovery. A journey that reveals physical evidence for the Exodus including: the remains of 3800 year old Hebrew settlements in Egypt's Nile Delta; Egyptian records of the Israelites bondage under Pharaoh; the precise route they may have followed to freedom; their crossing site on the shore of the Red Sea; and the location of Mt. Sinai. THE EXODUS REVEALED brings to light the first significant archaeological "find" of the 21st century.There is also a movie called 'In Search of the Real Mt. Sinai' which is excellent, and may be viewed for free (I think) if you do an internet search for it.
- DirectorRob LaDucaRobert C. RamirezStarsBen AffleckMark HamillRichard HerdA prophet who has the ability to interpret dreams is sold into slavery in Egypt, where people learn of his gifts.This begins the section on Ancient Egypt, although also continues Biblical Patriarchs, since there is some overlap.
- StarsBen KingsleyPaul MercurioMartin LandauThe Biblical story of Joseph, who was sold to slavery by his brothers who were jealous of his prophetic abilities to analyze dreams and of his being their father's favorite.
- DirectorBrenda ChapmanSteve HicknerSimon WellsStarsVal KilmerRalph FiennesMichelle PfeifferEgyptian Prince Moses learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people.
- DirectorCecil B. DeMilleStarsCharlton HestonYul BrynnerAnne BaxterMoses, raised as a prince of Egypt in the Pharaoh's household, learns of his true heritage as a Hebrew and his divine mission as the deliverer of his people from slavery.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsChristian BaleJoel EdgertonBen KingsleyThe defiant leader Moses rises up against Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, setting six hundred thousand slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.