Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is a 2010 fantasy-adventure film directed by Chris Columbus and based on Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel. The story follows Percy Jackson, a seemingly ordinary teenager living in New York City, who discovers he is a demigod—the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Percy’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is accused of stealing Zeus’s master lightning bolt, a powerful weapon that maintains balance among the gods.

The film begins with Percy struggling with dyslexia and ADHD, unaware that these traits are signs of his demigod heritage. During a school trip to a museum, he is attacked by a Fury disguised as a teacher, revealing his connection to the Greek gods. Percy is whisked away by his protector, Grover, a satyr, and his mother, Sally. They attempt to reach Camp Half-Blood, a sanctuary for demigod children, but are attacked by a Minotaur. Percy defeats the monster, but his mother is captured and taken to the Underworld.

At Camp Half-Blood, Percy learns about his lineage and the existence of a world where Greek mythology intersects with modern life. He meets Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, and trains alongside other demigods. The camp’s leader, Chiron, informs Percy that Zeus has accused him of stealing his lightning bolt, and if it is not returned by the summer solstice, a catastrophic war among the gods will erupt. Determined to clear his name and save his mother, Percy embarks on a dangerous quest with Annabeth and Grover.

Their journey takes them across the United States, where they face numerous mythological challenges. They encounter Medusa in an abandoned garden emporium, defeating her by using a reflective surface to avoid her gaze. In Nashville, they battle a hydra disguised as museum guards to obtain one of Persephone’s pearls, which are essential for entering and leaving the Underworld. In Las Vegas, they fall under the spell of enchanted lotus flowers at the Lotus Casino, losing track of time until Percy breaks free from the illusion and rescues his friends.

The trio eventually makes their way to Hollywood, the entrance to the Underworld. There, they confront Hades, who has imprisoned Percy’s mother. Percy bargains with Hades using the pearls and the lightning bolt, which he discovers hidden in his belongings. This revelation raises questions about who is truly behind the theft. After a tense escape from the Underworld, Percy realizes that Luke Castellan, the son of Hermes, is the true thief. Luke orchestrated the theft to provoke a war among the gods and overthrow the Olympian order.

The final confrontation between Percy and Luke takes place atop the Empire State Building, where Mount Olympus resides in the modern world. Using his powers as Poseidon’s son, Percy manipulates water to defeat Luke and successfully returns the lightning bolt to Zeus. The gods are appeased, and the impending war is averted.

The film concludes with Percy returning to Camp Half-Blood, where he embraces his identity as a demigod and continues his training. The story sets the stage for future adventures, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation. While the film deviates from its source material, it captures the adventurous spirit of the book and introduces Greek mythology to a new generation through its blend of action, humor, and modern storytelling.