Variety has spotlighted the sword-and-sandal genre with a new ranking of 20 standout films, stretching from "The Odyssey" to "Gladiator." The list revisits one of cinema’s most enduring styles, known for its ancient settings, larger-than-life heroes and sweeping historical or mythological conflicts.
A key takeaway from the roundup is the strong placement of Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of "The Odyssey." According to the description, the film lands pretty high among the genre’s best, suggesting it is being treated as a major modern revival for a category that has not seen many widely praised entries in recent decades.
The article frames sword-and-sandal movies as a once-dominant form of big-screen spectacle that has become less common over time. By putting Nolan’s take on Homer alongside established favorites such as "Gladiator," the ranking appears to connect classic epic storytelling with a newer, high-profile interpretation.
More broadly, the feature serves as a look at how sword-and-sandal films continue to resonate through myth, war, adventure and grand-scale filmmaking. With "The Odyssey" ranking prominently, the genre may be getting renewed attention at a moment when audiences and studios are again looking at large cinematic epics.
