Movies about ancient Egypt typically tend to avoid the esoteric and instead indulge the viewer with images of mummies and other well-known cultural pins. What better way to showcase a culture than by writing stories that include popular characters and beliefs. But the truth is that this does a disservice to the nation being portrayed, we often miss out on rich and vibrant tales due to this tendency to play it safe.
This list makes up a pantheon of movies, that provide you with an opportunity to learn about a nation that you may not be familiar with. Set in a time period that has surely eluded you.
Movies About Ancient Egypt
1. Antony and Cleopatra
The death of Caesar leaves Cleopatra without allies and without her lover. The strong and independent Cleopatra decides to seduce Marc Antony in hopes that he will provide her with a necessary military ally. But this pushes Octavius to declare war after having felt scorned by Cleopatra. This drama/history film is led by Charlton Heston who plays the role of Marc Antony and Hildegard Neil, who plays Cleopatra.
2. The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb
Equal parts adventure, fantasy, and horror. This film centers around Danny Freeman, played by Casper Van Dien, as he races around the world to stop his arch-nemesis, Morgan Sinclair, from getting his hands on King Tut’s tomb. Morgan Sinclair is masterfully portrayed by Jonathan Hyde. A spell-binding adventure with many twists and turns.
3. The Awakening
A classic horror film that is sure to make you scream. An archaeologist is forced to kill his daughter in order to save the world after he finds out that she has been possessed by an ancient mummy queen. Legendary actor Charlton Heston plays the role of the main character Mathew Corbeck. The film’s antagonist is portrayed by Susannah York.
4. The Pyramid
A mystery mixed with horror, an archaeological team is hunted by a sinister monster as they attempt to unravel the secrets of a lost pyramid. You won’t be able to take your eyes away from protagonist Nora, who is played by the beautiful Ashley Hinshaw. James Buckley dons the role of FItzie.
5. Tale of The Mummy
An adventure fantasy that stars Jason Lee as Detective Riley and Louise Lombard as Sam Turkel. Centuries ago, a prince is buried and his tomb was cursed. Anyone that dares open the tomb, faces the wrath of said curse. Unfortunately, the misfortune falls on Riley and Sam Turkel.
6. Legions of the Nile
This adventure, drama, and romance centers around Roman Emperor Octavian as he rules over Rome and attempts to win Cleopatra from Marc Anthony. Octavian is played by the great Alfredo Mayo, Linda Cristal excites viewers with her physical portrayal of Cleopatra, and Georges Marchal dons the role of Marc Antony.
7. Gods of Egypt
Brenton Thwaites and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau play the roles of Bek and Horus respectively. The relentless god of darkness, Set, is confronted by an alliance between legendary hero Bek and his partner, the god Horus in a battle for the throne of Egypt.
8. The Mummy
The incredible Brendan Fraser stars in this action-adventure centered around an archaeological dig located around an ancient city. The workers at the dig site mess around and find out that they should have been more careful as an ancient mummy is awakened. Arnold Vosloo plays the film’s antagonist transforming into a menacing monster.
9. The Mummy Returns
Brendan Fraser once again reprises his role as the dashing Rick O’Connell and he is joined by the lovely Rachel Weisz who plays Rick’s love interest, Evelyn. John Hannah also makes his return as John Carnahan, the film’s comedic focal point. The mummified body of Imhotep reawakens and begins to wreak havoc in the city of London.
10. The Mummy-Tomb of The Dragon Emperor
An action fantasy film that was meant to round out the trilogy of movies about ancient Egypt and mummies. Brendan Fraser reprises his role as Rick O’Connell and this time he is joined by a much improved Evelyn Carnahan who is played by Maria Bello. Jet Li plays the role of an evil mummy emperor that is hellbent on world domination.
Conclusion
Ancient Egypt no longer need be a cinematic topic of mystery. The list above ensures that you see Egypt from all angles.