Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of Homer’s ancient poem has officially claimed the title of the filmmaker’s most commercially successful release.
The Odyssey, which arrived in cinemas on July 17, has amassed $1.104billion (£819million) at the global box office in under a month, overtaking the 2012 Batman sequel The Dark Knight Rises and its $1.085billion (£805.7million) lifetime haul.
The 2008 film The Dark Knight, meanwhile, took $1.005billion (£745million) during its theatrical run.
The 56-year-old Oscar winner both wrote and directed the blockbuster, producing it alongside his wife, Emma Thomas, through their production company Syncopy in partnership with Universal Pictures.
Christopher Nolan has become one of the world’s most commercially successful filmmakers
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GETTYThe three-hour film follows Matt Damon in the role of Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, as he navigates a dangerous decade-long voyage home following the Trojan War.
Joining Mr Damon is an ensemble cast featuring Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o.
Critics have responded warmly, with the film earning what Universal described as the strongest reviews of Mr Nolan’s career.
Audiences have been equally enthusiastic, awarding it an A CinemaScore and a 97 per cent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite the academic’s criticism, The Odyssey has become one of 2026’s biggest box office successes | UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
The picture has also proved a career milestone for several of its leads, representing the highest-grossing release globally for Mr Damon, Ms Hathaway and Mr Pattinson alike.
Universal noted the film continues to attract new viewers as its theatrical run extends.
The Odyssey opened at the top of the worldwide chart and held that position for a second consecutive weekend in both domestic and international markets.
It currently stands as the highest-grossing R-rated release of 2026 on both fronts.
The Odyssey boasts one of the most star-studded casts of Christopher Nolan’s career
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GETTYThe film is one of three Universal titles to have crossed the billion-dollar threshold globally this year, joining The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the Michael Jackson biopic Michael.
Mr Nolan’s previous collaboration with Universal, the 2023 Second World War thriller Oppenheimer starring Cillian Murphy, ranks as the fourth biggest earner of his career worldwide.
Across all of his releases, including Tenet, Dunkirk and Interstellar, Mr Nolan’s films have now collectively generated more than $7billion (£5.198billion) at the global box office.
Jim Orr, president of domestic theatrical distribution at Universal Pictures, said: “Christopher Nolan has earned audiences’ trust by consistently delivering must-see theatrical events, and The Odyssey is him operating at the peak of his powers.
“Nolan’s epic film has been at the forefront of culture, with audiences seeking out premium formats and repeat viewings for this once-in-a-lifetime cinematic journey.”
Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, president of distribution at Universal Pictures International, described the film as “a global epic that has resonated with audiences everywhere with its massive scope and uncompromising vision”.
Christopher Nolan produced the epic alongside his wife and longtime collaborator Emma Thomas
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GETTYThe production carried a reported budget of $250million (£185million) before marketing expenditure, placing it among the costliest projects Nolan has undertaken.
Universal had previously partnered with the filmmaker on Oppenheimer following its considerable box office and awards season success.