The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›300 (film)
Entertainment • Film

300 (film)

300 is a 2006 epic historical fantasy action film directed by Zack Snyder and based on Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s graphic novel.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

300 is a 2006 epic historical fantasy action film directed by Zack Snyder and based on Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s graphic novel. It presents a highly stylized, fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, focusing on King Leonidas and 300 Spartans facing the Persian army led by Xerxes.

Plot

The film follows King Leonidas as he leads 300 Spartans to resist the Persian invasion at Thermopylae. Queen Gorgo’s efforts in Sparta and the narrator Dilios’s account frame the battle and its aftermath.

Historical basis

300 is inspired by the Battle of Thermopylae, but it is not a strict historical account. The film and its source material use a stylized and fictionalized version of the events.

Production and release

Zack Snyder directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay. It was released in 2006 and became notable for its distinctive visual style and graphic-novel adaptation approach.

Legacy

The film was followed by 300: Rise of an Empire in 2014, which is a separate sequel set around related events in the Greco-Persian Wars.

Key facts

  • Directed by Zack Snyder and based on Frank Miller and Lynn Varley's 1998 comic series.
  • Fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, starring Gerard Butler as King Leonidas.
  • Narrated by Dilios, played by David Wenham.
  • Sequel 300: Rise of an Empire released in 2014.
🍁
Canadian context

300 has been widely distributed and discussed in Canadian film and pop-culture coverage as part of the broader international release of major Hollywood films.

Frequently asked questions

Who directed 300?
300 was directed by Zack Snyder.
Is 300 based on a true story?
It is based on the Battle of Thermopylae, but the film is a fictionalized and highly stylized retelling rather than a strict true-story account.
How many 300 movies are there?
There are two films in the series: 300 (2006) and 300: Rise of an Empire (2014).
Where to watch 300?
Streaming availability changes by country and over time. The current legal viewing options are not specified in the provided sources.
300 cast and characters
Gerard Butler plays King Leonidas, Lena Headey plays Queen Gorgo, David Wenham plays Dilios, Dominic West plays Theron, and Rodrigo Santoro plays Xerxes.
What is the plot of 300?
The film follows Leonidas and 300 Spartans as they fight the Persian army at Thermopylae, while Sparta and Queen Gorgo try to rally support at home.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_(film)
    Supports: Director, basis on Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s graphic novel, fictionalized Battle of Thermopylae plot, main cast, runtime, release year.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/300-film-by-Snyder
    Supports: Film identification, stylistic historical epic description, starring Gerard Butler as Leonidas.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/300
    Supports: Plot synopsis and cast identification.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300:_Rise_of_an_Empire
    Supports: Existence of sequel film and its 2014 release.