Antigone (1961): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1961, Antigone is a drama and history film directed by Yorgos Tzavellas, running about 93 minutes.

What it’s about. In Thebes in ancient Greece, King Oedipus kills his father and marries his mother Jocasta, having two sons - Eteocles and Polyneices - and two daughters - Ismene and Antigone. King Oedipus dies a beggar in the exile after gouging out his own eye, and Eteocle agrees to reign in Thebes in alternating years with Polynices. However, he refuses to resign after the first year and Polynieces raises an army and attacks Thebes, and they kill each other. The ruler of Thebes Creon decrees that Eleocles should have an honorable burial while the body of the traitor Polyneices should be left on the battlefield to be eaten by the jackals and vultures. However, Antigone, who was betrothed to Creon's surviving son Haemon, defies Creon's orders and buries her brother. When Creon is reported of the attitude of Antigone, he sentences her to be placed in a tomb alive. Antigone hangs herself in the tomb and Haemon tries to kill his father first and then he kills himself with his sword...

Who’s in it. Antigone stars Irene Papas as Antigone, Manos Katrakis as Creon, Maro Kodou as Ismene and Nikos Kazis as Haemon, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.6/10, Antigone has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Antigone page.

If you liked it. Fans of Antigone tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.