What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Iliad
Homer · Book · 2020
If you loved The Iliad, start with The Song of Achilles (Madeline Miller, 2012) — a book from the same story. Below: 2 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Iliad across media.
If The Iliad captivated you, it is because you are drawn to the brutal intersection of divine destiny and human tragedy.
Start with the source
Films on the same thread
The Odyssey
Film · 2026
Explores: Divine Intervention, Nostalgia for Home, Hubris.
Like The Iliad, this adaptation captures the perilous journey of a legendary hero caught between the whims of vengeful gods and the desperate, innate human longing for home.
Troy
Wolfgang Petersen · Film · 2004
Shares a thread with The Iliad: Fate vs. Free Will.
This cinematic retelling mirrors the grand scale of The Iliad by focusing on the same devastating Trojan War, exploring the heavy cost of honor and obsession for mankind.
Series on the same thread
I, Claudius
Martin Lisemore · Series · 1976
Explores: Power Struggles, Political Intrigue, Corruption.
While shifting the setting to Rome, this drama echoes the political intrigue and fatalistic power struggles that define the royal hierarchies and shifting allegiances found within The Iliad.
Blood of Zeus
Charley Parlapanides · Series · 2020
Shares a thread with The Iliad: Greek Mythology.
This series captures the mythic intensity of The Iliad, placing a mortal hero at the center of a celestial conflict where the intervention of gods dictates human survival.
Game of Thrones
David Benioff · Series · 2011
Explores: Power Struggles, Moral Ambiguity, War and Politics.
The sprawling scope of this high fantasy war mirrors the epic conflict of The Iliad, where noble houses engage in a struggle defined by moral ambiguity and fate.
The Wire
David Simon · Series · 2002
Explores: Systemic Corruption, Moral Ambiguity, Urban Decay.
Though set in modern Baltimore, the series reflects the systemic corruption and moral decay that underpin the endless, self-sustaining cycle of war depicted in the pages of The Iliad.
Podcasts on the same thread
Mahabharat
Fever FM - HT Smartcast · Podcast
Explores: Ancient History, Indian Epic, Moral Lessons.
This podcast explores the grandeur of an ancient epic, mirroring the way The Iliad serves as a foundational cultural touchstone through its focus on legendary conflict and history.
Mahabharatam
Podcast
Shares a thread with The Iliad: Epic Poetry.
This narrative mirrors the focus on ancient warfare and duty found in The Iliad, providing a deep examination of family conflict and the philosophical weight of tragic destiny.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Iliad a modern book?
No, The Iliad is not a modern book. It dates back to the ninth century B.C. While a 2020 edition is available, the original poem is an ancient work that explores the horror and heroism of the Trojan War through the perspectives of men and gods.
What is the main focus of The Iliad?
The Iliad focuses on the devastation and destruction of the Trojan War. It depicts men and gods wrestling with towering emotions as the narrative moves toward a wrenching and tragic conclusion. The poem vividly conveys the conflict and human struggle inherent in this historical legend.
Should I read The Song of Achilles after finishing The Iliad?
Yes, you can read The Song of Achilles after finishing The Iliad. Published in 2012, this book serves as an adaptation that builds upon the foundational source material of Homer's ancient poem, allowing readers to explore the characters and events of the Trojan War from a different perspective.
Does The Iliad cover the entire Trojan War?
The Iliad focuses specifically on the final stages of the Trojan War. It moves inexorably toward the tragic conclusion of the conflict, centering on the intense emotions and battles between men and gods during this period of devastation rather than the entire duration of the war.