Zorba the Greek

Set on the picturesque Greek island of Crete, this movie follows the unlikely friendship between Basil (Alan Bates), an uptight English writer, and Zorba (Anthony Quinn), a boisterous and passionate Greek peasant. When Basil travels to Crete to re-open a lignite mine he inherited from his father, he meets Zorba, who persuades him to hire him as his foreman. Zorba's infectious energy and enthusiasm slowly begin to rub off on Basil, as they work together to revive the mine. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including a lonely French cabaret dancer (Lila Kedrova) and a young widow (Irene Papas) shunned by the village. As their friendship deepens, Basil learns to embrace life's joys and sorrows through Zorba's eyes, ultimately discovering a newfound sense of purpose and belonging. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, this classic film celebrities the power of human connection and the beauty of living life to the fullest.

You can stream Zorba the Greek on: Apple TV Fandango at Home

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as Zorba the Greek include Kes, The Leopard, The Best Man, War and Peace: Part 1, Run Swinger Run!, Midnight Cowboy.

Zorba the Greek was released in theaters on December 17, 1964.