15 of the Best Movies About Greece That’ll Inspire Your Next Visit
Few things are as satisfying as getting immersed in films that are set in dreamy, picturesque countries. For instance, if you want to experience Italy, Under the Tuscan Sun has got you covered. And if you’re craving a virtual tour of France, try Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. But now, we’re turning our attention to the best movies about Greece—another destination that’s sure to fuel your wanderlust.
While Greece hasn’t been featured in too many films, it boasts a myriad of scenic locations, from domed churches and historical monuments to breathtaking Greek islands. So, in honor of our dream getaway spot, we’re highlighting 15 of the best movies about Greece, from historical dramas to swoon-worthy romance flicks.
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1. Beckett (2021)
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 110 minutes
John David Washington is Beckett, an American tourist who tries to escape the political unrest in Athens, Greece. But while driving with his girlfriend, he gets into a fatal accident that quickly turns him into a target. Can he get to the embassy in time and exonerate himself?
2. Shirley Valentine (1989)
Rating: R
Run time: 108 minutes
This clever black-and-white comedy follows Shirley (Pauline Collins), a British housewife who jumps at the opportunity to travel to a Greek island with her friend. When her pal ditches her for a fling, Shirley turns the trip into a much-needed solo vacation—and even strikes up a romance with a charming tavern owner.
3. My Life in Ruins (2009)
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 95 minutes
My Big Fat Greek Wedding actress Nia Vardalos is Georgia, a Greek American academic who becomes a tour guide after losing her teaching job in Athens. She tries to educate her tourists about Greek history, but this plan backfires, leaving her with the most difficult group of visitors. Little does she know that this moment will change her life for the better.
4. Agora (2009)
Rating: R
Run time: 126 minutes
In this biographical drama, Rachel Weisz is Hypatia, a well-known Greek mathematician, philosopher and astronomer who specialized in Neoplatonism. Set in Roman Egypt, the film depicts the rising tension between pagans and Christians, as well as Hypatia’s efforts to preserve history and advance Greek mathematics and astronomy at the time.
5. Troy (2004)
Rating: R
Run time: 162 minutes
When a Trojan prince named Paris (Orlando Bloom) visits Sparta and falls for King Menelaus’s wife, Helen (Diane Kruger), he takes her back with him to Troy. But this sparks an intense battle between the two kingdoms. (Fun fact: The Oscar-nominated film was the eighth highest-grossing movie of 2004.)
6. Hercules (2014)
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 98 minutes
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivers a powerful performance as the famed son of Zeus in this action-adventure fantasy. Get a glimpse of ancient Greece as a troubled Hercules tries to help the King of Thrace by defeating a bloodthirsty warlord.
7. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 114 minutes
Looking for a fun musical that’ll have you up and dancing? Allow us to introduce Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Set five years after the events of the first film, Sophie honors her late mother by renovating Hotel Bella Donna and bonds with her mother's old friends on the Greek island of Kalokairi.
8. The Trip to Greece (2020)
Rating: NR
Run time: 110 minutes
Partners in crime Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon head to Greece, visiting a number of landmarks and restaurants as they follow the path of Odysseus from Troy to Ithaca. Aside from the scenery, expect some informative trivia and plenty of silly impersonations.
9. The Trojan Women (1971)
Rating: NR
Run time: 106 minutes
Set during the aftermath of the Trojan Wars, this movie centers around the women of Troy, including Queen Hecuba (Katharine Hepburn), as they deal with loss and the city’s devastating fate. It’s not exactly light viewing (and we’ll admit, there isn’t too much scenery), but it does a stellar job of bringing Euripides's original play to life.
10. The Big Blue (1988)
Rating: PG
Run time: 168 minutes
Often considered one of the best French films ever made, The Big Blue offers a dramatized depiction of the friendship between free divers Jacques Mayol (Jean-Marc Barr) and Enzo Maiorca (Jean Reno). Filming locations include the Greek islands, the French Antibes, Peru and Sicily, so prepare for the ultimate trip.
11. 300 (2006)
Rating: R
Run time: 117 minutes
It’s not historically accurate, but with its impressive CGI effects and gorgeous cinematography, it’s almost impossible to not be carried away by this epic. The plot follows King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) as he leads an army of 300 Spartans into battle against King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his 300,000+ soldiers.
12. Zorba the Greek (1964)
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 142 minutes
The Academy Award-winning film revolves around Basil (Alan Bates), a writer who meets and befriends a man named Zorba (Anthony Quinn) during his trip to Greece. Instantly drawn to Zorba’s enthusiasm and hunger for adventure, Basil starts to lighten up and explore the country, which changes his outlook on life.
13. The Two Faces of January (2014)
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 96 minutes
This bone-chilling thriller stars Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen as a married couple, who befriend a seemingly harmless tour guide (Oscar Isaac) during their trip to Europe. However, this friendship turns into their worst nightmare when a dangerous love triangle forms.
14. Before Midnight (2013)
Rating: R
Run time: 109 minutes
In this final installment of the Before trilogy, Jesse (Ethan Hawke), Céline (Julie Delpy) and their kids spend their summer vacation in Messenia, Greece. As expected, the sights are stunning—but you'll especially appreciate the film’s realistic portrayal of complicated relationships and how they can change.
15. Journey from Greece (2017)
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 97 minutes
A Greek woman named Djam heads to Istanbul to carry out a mission for her uncle, but her journey takes an unexpected turn when she meets Avril, a French woman who works with refugees. Together, they embark on a life-changing journey as they explore Europe.
