Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson is an accident-prone teenager who discovers he isn't ordinary, but a demigod and the son of Poseidon. After Zeus's master lightning bolt goes missing and Zeus blames Poseidon, Percy is accused and must travel across the country with his satyr friend Grover and fellow young warrior Annabeth to find the real thief and avoid a divine war. The trip forces Percy to learn how his new abilities work, battle modern versions of mythic monsters, and handle betrayals and revelations that reshape who he trusts. The film keeps most major twists under wraps while focusing on action, humor, and Percy's path from a confused kid to a bolder, more self-aware hero. It's paced for families and leans into comic-book spectacle.

Released in 2010 and directed by Chris Columbus, the film adapts Rick Riordan's bestselling novel with a screenplay by Craig Titley, and features Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, Jake Abel, and Pierce Brosnan in a family-friendly fantasy package.

The movie performed solidly at the box office, drawing sizable family audiences on release and helping secure a 2013 sequel, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, while remaining commercially viable worldwide despite mixed reactions from some fans and critics.

Critical response was mixed, audience average 6.2, with praise for the young cast's chemistry and action set pieces, and criticism aimed at pacing and deviations from the novel. The film treats themes of identity, loyalty, family, and the awkwardness of growing up under extraordinary expectations, and moments of lighthearted humor.

While the film divided some fans of the book, it nonetheless raised Rick Riordan's profile and brought Greek myth to a modern audience. It inspired toys and discussion about adapting beloved novels, and helped sustain a fandom that later backed further screen and stage retellings and fueled long-running fan conversation.