Many films and television shows have been about Egyptian gods. Many films have been made about different Egyptian gods, and many more are being made. However, the following films are some of the most well-known movies based on ancient Egyptian mythology. A different director directs each one, and they each explore different aspects of ancient Egypt and use these myths to tell a story that is not covered in any other film. In addition, these films also deal with what it means to be human in relation to divine beings, as well as whether humans are special because they can distinguish good from evil while divine beings cannot.
Movies about Egyptian Gods
The top features ancient Egyptian gods in one form or another.
1. The Ten Commandments
One of the best-known films regarding ancient Egyptian gods, Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments, has remained a classic for generations. Starring Charlton Heston as Moses, the film tells the story of his upbringing by Pharaoh’s daughter, setting in motion his quest to unite the Hebrew people and lead them out of servitude.
2. The Mummy
One of the best-known Hollywood films about ancient Egyptian gods, The Mummy, was released in 1959 and is still considered a cult classic today. Set in the modern-day, the film follows Princess Ahmanet as she embarks upon an evil plan to resurrect her father, the evil god Set. It’s a little surprising that this film didn’t receive a PG rating, considering how much blood and guts its characters often spill.
3. The Mummy Returns
Released in 2001, The Mummy Returns follows the story of two archaeologists who stumble upon a pyramid full of mummies and resurrect. Once again, this film depicts ancient Egyptian gods in the modern-day, albeit in a dark light with plenty of gore.
4. The Prince of Egypt
Released in 1998 and directed by legendary animator Brenda Chapman, The Prince of Egypt is another big-screen adaptation of the story of Moses. Featuring top-notch animation and voice work from Val Kilmer as the voice of Moses and Ralph Fiennes as Ramses II, this film offers a unique perspective on the story of Moses.
5. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this third installment in The Mummy film series features numerous references to ancient Egyptian gods like Anubis and Sobek.
6. Stargate
Stargate is a 1994 film that follows Egyptian archaeologist Daniel Jackson as he discovers an ancient portal to another planet. Starring Kurt Russell and James Spader, the film also features Ra in one scene as he is called upon to assist some of the gate-traveling characters.
7. The Scorpion King
Though it’s not based on a comic book adaptation like other entries on this list, The Scorpion King still earns its spot for featuring numerous references to ancient Egyptian gods such as Ra, Horus, and Set.
8. The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb
This 1972 production featured the voices of well-known stars like Richard Harris, Roddy McDowall, and Bette Davis. Based on Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tut’s tomb, the film also features Ra and Osiris in its story.
9. King Tut
This 1998 film from Walt Disney Studios was an adaptation of one of the most popular books on ancient Egyptian gods, Howard Carter’s The Tomb of Tutankhamun. Starring Jeremy Irons as Carter and Clive Revill as Howard Carter, the film follows the story of their quest to find the lost tomb of Tutankhamun.
Conclusion
From films like The Ten Commandments and The Mummy to more recent movies like Stargate and Scorpion King, there’s no doubt that ancient Egyptian gods have played a part in many films over the years. And while they aren’t always depicted in a positive light, these films at least offer some insight into this subject matter.