12 Best Movies About Greece: Watch These Before Going to Greece
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Get your greek yogurt and cup of tea ready, and cozy up for this list of movies about Greece!
If someone asked you to picture Greece, you’d probably think of ocean views, white buildings, and lots of laughter and dancing. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that Greek landscapes and culture have been the backdrop of many movies.
From the historical cities of Athens and Delphi to the idyllic islands of Crete and Santorini, the scenery in these Greece movies alone is sure to inspire you to hop a plane to the vibrant country.
Given that you’re either ready to travel vicariously through your television screen or plan your next trip to Greece, we’re rounded up 12 of the best movies about Greece for you!
12 Best Movies About Greece
From biographies and dramas to mysteries and rom-coms, there are plenty of worthwhile movies based in Greece. Whether you prefer a movie that really shows Greek culture or are simply in the mood for some scenic shots, there’s something for you.
Here are the top Greece movies to add to your watch list.
1. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Synopsis: This timeless musical using the music of ABBA features a bride-to-be on a quest to track down her real father in Greece — which turns out to be quite complicated
After getting engaged, Sophie discovers that there are three different men that could potentially be her real father!
She takes a risk and invites them all to the wedding, which is to take place on a scenic and colorful Greek island.
Mamma Mia! is both a feature film and musical, and although we prefer the live musical, this Greece movie does offer those beautiful island views! The outdoor scenes of this movie (as well as its sequels) are filmed on Skopelos Island with some scenes shot in Damouchari Beach in Pelion.
2. My Life in Ruins (2009)
Synopsis: An American tour guide in Greece gains a new perspective on life with the help of her tour group in this movie in Greece
After losing her teaching job in Athens, American Georgia becomes a tour guide.
Unsatisfied with her new role and her life, she wonders what her purpose is. Thanks to the help of an unexpected tour group — and perhaps some magic of the Oracle — everything turns out better than she imagined.
All in all, My Life in Ruins is your typical rom com with a lot of historical sites (you’ll feel like you’re on her tour) thrown in. Reportedly, this was one of the few times an American movie studio was allowed to film at the Acropolis. Filming locations also include Athens and Olympia.
3. Man of God (2021)
Synopsis: This Greece movie is based on the true story of the trials and tribulations of Saint Nektarios, one of the country’s most famous saints
Man of God is a biographical film about a priest named Saint Nektarios of Aegina, Greece. Nectarios got on the wrong side of the prideful orthodox clergy as he devoted himself to the common people. Man of God showcases his perseverance and dedication to doing good works.
It’s a moving film, sure to inspire anyone to find joy in doing what is right despite their circumstances.
Expect to see Greece portrayed as it would have been in the early 20th Century, and try to compare modern day Athens, Lavrio, and Aegina.
4. The Big Blue (1988)
Synopsis: Two childhood friends with a rivalry in diving meet again for an adventure
The Big Blue is based on the real life story of two friends, Enzo and Jacques, and is a classic when it comes to movies that take place in Greece.
Released in 1988, it shows the friendship that started while they were young men freediving (no scuba tanks) in the Mediterranean. After losing touch, they meet again in Sicily for the freediving world championship.
In brief, they are now rivals in more ways than one and are pushed into dangerous territory.
Enjoy the dazzling blue waters and coastal scenery as most of the film was shot on the Greek island of Amorgos. One last thing — this French film was re-cut for an American audience, so there are a few versions floating out there!
5. Opa! (2009)
Synopsis: A middle-aged romance set in the sunny and stunning Greek islands
Opa! is about an American archeologist who travels to Greece to the island of Patmos after his father’s death. As his father searched for years for a certain Biblical artifact, he decides to continue the search.
During his journey, he of course falls in love with the lovely owner of the village of Taverna. Unfortunately, he believes that the artifact is buried deep below the surface of her restaurant!
Watch this lighthearted movie in Greece for beautiful shots of Greece, Greek cuisine, and a nice depiction of Greek island life that will have you researching ferries to Patmos.
6. El Greco (2007)
Synopsis: A story based on artist Domenicos Theotokopoulos, aka El Greco
El Greco is a fictional biography based on the life of the Greek painter known as El Greco. Originally from Crete, El Greco is most widely known today for living and working in Toledo, Spain.
Painting during the Spanish Renaissance, El Greco was known for how he painted long, slender fingers. Seeing as he was from Greece, it’s not surprising that he also took influences from the Byzantine tradition.
This fictionalized story sets off to explain why he left Crete and how he faced his biggest fear: the Spanish Inquisition. In reality, El Greco was never questioned by the Inquisition, but he did paint for some of its high-ranking members!
Perhaps most importantly, Athens, Rhodes, and Crete stand out for their scenic views and historical ruins, both of which are portrayed in the movie.
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7. The Two Faces of January (2014)
Synopsis: A thriller set in Greece about a con artist, his wife, and their tour guide who flee Athens after the death of a private detective
The Two Faces of January is a fictional thriller based on a novel of the same name. The book’s author Patricia Highsmith has had several film adaptations of her work, notably The Talented Mr. Ripley.
After sightseeing at the Acropolis, Chester and Colette Macfarland meet a young tour guide named Rydal who is a con artist. When the couple takes an interest in him, he shows them around Greece. What he doesn’t realize is that Chester himself is quite the con. When a local private detective ends up dead, Rydal gets more than he bargained for.
Try to spot popular sites and landmarks as the movie goes on including the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of Knossos in Crete.
8. Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Synopsis: Adventurer Lara Croft goes on an epic journey in search of Pandora’s Box
Even if you aren’t a fan of the Tomb Raider series, Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life is worth watching for the scenes of Santorini.
In this action adventure film, Lara Croft discovers the mythical Pandora’s Box is real. To sum up, she sets off on an adventure to retrieve the artifact with former Marine Terry Sheridan before it falls into the wrong hands.
9. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Synopsis: Young adult movie based on four girlfriends who stay connected even know their lives take different directions
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants tells the story of four best friends who part ways for the first time in their lives.
Oddly, they find a pair of second-hand jeans that somehow fit all four of their bodies perfectly. So, they each wear the pants through some memorable moments before mailing them to the next friend.
You might be wondering — how is this a movie about Greece? While the girls are spread out in different locations, Lena goes to Santorini to visit her Greek grandparents.
Of course, when it’s Lena’s turn to wear the pants, she makes some memories of her own, namely meeting a young man named Kostos.
While the whole movie isn’t set in Greece, the parts of Lena’s summer depict the slow daily life of the island, the landscape, and the strong bonds of the Greek family.
10. Little England (2013)
Synopsis: A tragic drama of lost love in Andros, Greece
Set on the enchanting Greek island of Andros, Little England is a tearjerker, to say the least.
This Greek movie showcases the story of two sisters during the 1930’s and 40’s. One sister is secretly in love with a lieutenant. On the other hand, the other sister is desperate to find a way off the island and the fate that awaits her — becoming a wife to a sailor who is never there.
Their mother overrides their wishes and arranges them to be married, and drama ensues. If you’re up for some melodrama and gorgeous cinematography, this is your movie.
Also, since this movie is in Greek, you can brush up on your Greek by watching with subtitles!
11. Beckett (2021)
Synopsis: An action movie set in Greece centered around an American tourist who finds himself in the middle of a political conspiracy
When political unrest threatens Beckett and his girlfriend’s trip to Athens, they decide to get out of the city to enjoy the rest of their vacation.
Sadly, a tragic car accident derails Beckett’s plans. To make things worse, he mistakenly becomes the target of a manhunt and falls into the middle of a spiraling government conspiracy.
Filmed entirely in the country, this movie based in Greece follows Beckett as he runs across the country to clear his name at the American Embassy.
Watch for scenes in Athens, Trikala, Ioannina, Dilofo, and Delphi.
12. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001)
Synopsis: A romantic war drama about what happens when a fisherman leaves his fiance to fight in the Greek army
You’ve probably heard of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin as it was very popular on its U.S. debut in the early 2000s. In 1941, Italy and Germany united to conquer the weaker Greece.
Attempting to depict how the islanders of Cephalonia (also written Kefalonia) coped during the war, this movie is ultimately a love story. When Italian Captain Corelli comes to the island, he stays with Dr. Iannis and his daughter, Pelagia.
As he learns the customs and attitudes of the Greeks, he falls in love not only with Pelagia, but also with Greece, a country he later defends.
Not only do you get a glimpse into Greek culture and scenery in this movie, but you also learn a little more about how World War II affected the Greeks.
Ready to watch these movies based in Greece?
This list of the top movies about Greece goes to show that the country makes a wonderful backdrop.
We hope that you choose one of these great movies for your next cinema night at home using your Amazon Prime account!
For even more Greek inspiration, check out the best books set in Greece.
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