10 Best TV Shows Based On Mythology, Ranked

The world hasn’t had enough of the story of the Trojan War just yet. This ancient tale of lust and love hit the small screen in 2018. The myth here stems from the iconic Greek mythology penned in Homer’s ‘The Iliad.’

Who doesn’t love a forbidden romance, especially when it includes a runway bride? So, to all who are still too green to know this myth, here’s a synopsis: Paris (played by Louis Hunter) and Helen (portrayed by Bella Dayne) are the ultimate star-crossed lovers whose romance sets off a chain reaction that leads to the destruction of an entire city and many more. This show isn’t just about swordfights and epic speeches, though those are a big part of it. It also dives into themes of honor, destiny, and the messy, emotional aftermath of war. 

9. Olympus

This series premiered in 2015 and stars Hero (played by Tom York), who’s not just any guy—he’s prophesied to shake up Olympus like a mythical Taylor Swift. It has gods, monsters, and mortals mingling in a divine soap opera where Zeus (also played by Tom York, because why not?) rules the roost.

The scariest wife of mythology, Hera, keeps things interesting. It’s like ‘Keeping Up with the Olympians.’ just with a little less spray tan.

8. Atlantis

This is the fantastical world of ‘Atlantis,’ where Greek mythology gets a modern twist—think Mount Olympus meets a seaside rave. This mythical escapade has given us Jason, played by Jack Donnelly, as our guide to the underwater wonderland. He accidentally stumbles into a secret portal, and his life turns upside down! He’s in Atlantis, where Medusa’s got snakes for hair and Hercules is bench-pressing sea monsters.

Debuting in 2013, ‘Atlantis’ has reeled in viewers with its imaginative storytelling. This goes a step further than an entertaining history lesson on screen—it’s a live show in a mythical city where gods and mortals mingle like they’re at a celestial cocktail party.

7. Cursed

‘Cursed,’ on Netflix, is where the legends of King Arthur get a bold and empowering makeover. It’s a timeless tale, putting Nimue, played by the captivating Katherine Langford (Hannah Baker, remember now?), front and center. So Nimue, a young woman with mysterious powers, is entrusted with the legendary Sword of Power. This is no damsel in distress story. Nimue is on a quest to fulfill her destiny, and she’s not taking any dragons or knights, for that matter, lying down.

Premiering in 2020, ‘Cursed’ flipped the script on traditional Arthurian stories. In this retelling, Nimue isn’t just a supporting character—she’s the queen. Along the way, she crosses paths with the man himself, Arthur, played by Devon Terrell, and the enigmatic Merlin, portrayed by Gustaf Skarsgård.

6. Ragnarok

This Norwegian show is a fusion of Norse mythology and the 21st-century shenanigans. We get to witness the ‘Ragnarok’ taking place in the stunning landscapes of modern-day Norway. Adam Price has worked his magic, breathing new life into ancient prophecies and gods, with Magne, played by the charismatic David Stakston. So, Magne was just a hapless average teenager until he discovered that he was meant for greater things.

Our pretty boy is the reincarnation of the almighty Thor. As you might expect, he has to save his hometown from ancient forces that make Loki look like child’s play. From 2020 to 2023, ‘Ragnarok’ geeked out on Norse Mythology. But this show isn’t just about exploding battles and lightning bolts—it also takes a dive into themes of identity, fate, and the clash between old traditions and contemporary dilemmas.

5. American Gods

Welcome to ‘American Gods,’ where ancient deities roam modern-day America like it’s their personal playground. Premiering in 2017 and based on Neil Gaiman’s mind-bending novel, this series, created by Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, is a fun-packed ride through mythological mash-ups. Here we have Shadow Moon (played by the dashing Ricky Whittle), our ex-convict protagonist who gets caught up in a celestial showdown between old gods and new. You can guess its range by making an imaginary fusion of ‘Clash of the Titans’ and the clan of Kardashians, but with way cooler characters.

‘American Gods’ isn’t your classic, old book story. It’s a cultural buffet featuring Norse, Slavic, Egyptian, African, and many more gods. These ancient deities are struggling to stay relevant in a world that’s too busy swiping left and right, and you get to watch them struggle with popcorn. 

4. Percy Jackson And The Olympians

Another epic world where mythology meets modern-day kids. This is going to be the millionth adaptation retelling of ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’, but it’ll make you explode. This Disney+ series is a perfect balance of Greek and games, courtesy of Rick Riordan’s genius.

The tales of Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon and all-around demigod extraordinaire, are diving headfirst into a world of gods, monsters, and seriously epic quests. Here’s a rundown: Zeus is throwing lightning bolts like he’s auditioning for a circus show, and Medusa’s hair is giving Rapunzel a run for her money in the danger department. It doesn’t have that classic CGA vibe to it, but that is why it’s a new series and not the old movies with America’s favorite white boy. 

3. Vikings

Behold the rugged and riveting world of ‘Vikings.’ This show transports viewers to medieval Scandinavia, where Norse mythology comes alive through the legend of Ragnar Lothbrok. Smoldering Travis Fimmel in Viking gear is casting gold. Then we witness a landscape of icy fjords and towering longships, where Viking warriors seek glory, conquest, and the cultures of two shores clash. Inspired by the saga of the Norse lands, this series gives more space for digging than ‘Thor’ did. 

Ragnar is a farmer turned Viking legend, and there’s a dash of drama that draws from medieval politics. We get to witness his ascent from humble beginnings to becoming a feared and respected leader of the most fearsome warriors. And let’s not forget Katheryn Winnick’s Lagertha. She’s Ragnar’s shieldmaiden wife and a force to be reckoned with. This show is a mythical ride of six seasons that would exhilarate you to the core.

2. Outlander

The lush and magical world of ‘Outlander’ is more addictive than a freshly brewed pot of Scottish breakfast tea. Adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s fantasy novels, this show is a time-traveling adventure that offers history, mythology, wars, and romance.

There’s Claire Randall , a WWII nurse with more guts than a man of this time. She chances upon a mythical stone structure and suddenly finds herself hurtling through time, landing smack dab in 18th-century Scotland. The land of kilts, castles, and some seriously complicated history. And then there’s Jamie Fraser, hotter than the Highland summers. He is sweet, kind, and a perfect partner for Claire. The show covers Jacobite uprisings and the clans of the Highlands, all through Claire’s wide-eyed perspective.

Since its debut in 2014, ‘Outlander’ has bewitched audiences worldwide with its meticulous historical accuracy, deep character development, and storytelling that hits you right in the feels. Love, loyalty, survival—this show has it all, wrapped up in tartan and topped with a sprig of heather.

1. The Witcher

To watch this Henry Cavill classic, you’ve got to grab your silver sword and prepare for the journey. The twisted tale of ‘The Witcher,’ is straight out of Andrzej Sapkowski’s mystical universe. The series dropped in 2019 after making waves in the game world. Here, we get to follow Geralt of Rivia, the ultimate monster-slaying Witcher, played by everyone’s favorite Superman.

It’s a world overflowing with Slavic folklore; creatures like strigas, dopplers, and dragons lurk around every shadowy corner. Our hero, Geralt, with his supernatural gifts, roams through these morally ambiguous alleys and one day bumps into formidable sorceresses like Yennefer. There you got your heroine. 

‘The Witcher’ has spellbound audiences with its intricate world-building, its characters dripping with depth, and a plot that’s more twisted than a drowner’s lair. If you are missing ‘Game of Thrones’ and want something with a little more magic, get on Netflix.